Thursday 12 July 2018

Bank accounts and its types

With technology constantly improving, banks are offering custom-made services to the customer based on their needs and budget. These are in the form of different accounts, bonds, debentures, investment schemes, etc. Such products vary as per the user’s age, income and gender. Not just that, there are services offered to non-resident Indian (NRI) as well.

Let us learn in detail about the different bank account offered in India:

1) Senior Citizen Savings Bank Account: As the name suggests, it caters to customers who are over 60 years old. You can make pre-mature withdrawals here. However, a minimum penalty is levied. Regular interest is paid on the account. The account mainly focuses on fulfilling the needs of senior investors such as guaranteed returns, capital safety, etc.

2) Women Savings Account: Women are increasingly having a say in the businesses nowadays. Some run their show in the form of boutiques/business such as travel, beauty, etc. Such bank account is offered by private banks and provides several benefits such as internet banking, online bill payment, insurance cover, child account, etc. Besides, they also offer shopping and entertainment benefits.

3) Basic savings account: Everyone owns such an account today. An average quarterly balance needs to be maintained in such accounts. If a minimum balance is not found in these accounts, a penalty is charged by the banks. They come with features such as passbook, net banking, chequebook, debit cards, etc.

4) Student savings account: It handles all the financial transactions of the students. This account is particularly useful for those who are away from their family and need to manage their expenses. Only a few banks offer this service. No minimum balance needs to be maintained.

5) Current account: Another very commonly used bank account, especially useful for those who run businesses. Such account can be opened in public/private banks. Such accounts are ideal to carry day to day businesses.

6) Salary account: They are nothing but a type of savings account. Bank offers more benefits to those owning a salary account because it is the most used investment tool today. Every month a fixed amount of income is transferred to the account.

7) NRE savings account: Such kind of bank account caters to NRIs. In these accounts, rupee denominations can be maintained. The account can be run individually or jointly, provided all the account holders are from India.

8) NRO savings account: This also allows rupee denomination and are generally in the form of current, savings, recurring or fixed deposit. It can be in the name of the individual or joint account. It can be managed jointly by people residing outside India as well. You have the liberty to transfer money from an NRO account to any other account.

The banking industry is incorporating all technologies and methods into their scheme of the affair to make financial transactions smoother for users. With the trend of smartphones and online banking in the rise, you can also get an online bank account opened in a jiffy. All you have to do is get your bank customer ID and password in place for the same.

7 best investment options in India in 2018

Everyone needs some sort of a financial shield at every stage of life. Precisely why banks have various kinds of investment plans in place. It is considered to be the best and only way to secure money for an extended period. As per people’s perspective, to acquire more wealth, you need to work for longer time. Ask this question to yourself, is that hard-earned cash going to be of any use if you do not enjoy it? Investment is a way that enables you to celebrate your hard work at a later stage.

For this very purpose, banks are offering some of the best investment options in India for the year 2018:

1) Public Provident Fund (PPF): It is one of the safest investment tools in India. You can secure your money for over 15 years through a PPF account. There is also the benefit of increasing the security period. You can create the account via banks or post office. You also earn compound interest from this account. However, you can withdraw the money from PPF only in the 6th year. If you wish to remove money before, you will have to take a loan on the balance of PPF account.

2) Mutual fund: The business-minded individuals opt for mutual funds. It is one of the investment plans that give better returns compared to any other investment option in the market. In fact, investing in the stock market with the help of mutual funds is a market trend.

3) Investing in gold: India loves gold by not just wearing them but also investing in them. If you go for a loan against gold, it involves less paperwork, and the rate of interest is low. That means EMI is also lower, which also leaves less holes in your pocket. You can also look for other investment policies concerning gold such as gold deposit scheme, gold mutual fund, etc.

4) The company fixed deposits: It is one of the best investment options in India currently as this scheme does not fall under Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is not like bank FDs. Remember, do not withdraw money before maturity under this scheme. Companies who wish to invest for long-term and are ready to bear some risk can opt for corporate fixed deposits.

5) Initial Public Offering (IPO): It is a long-term investment plan with low risk. It is especially useful if offered by reputed organisations. Such investments happen only once in every company.

6) Investment in bonds: If you feel investing in mutual funds and direct equity is risky, you can opt for bonds. Many bonds provide a high rate of return on investments. These bonds come under government regulation.

Apart from the schemes mentioned above, banks offer small investment plans as well such as bank fixed deposits, equity shares, stocks, etc. You can choose the one that is suitable to your budget and future needs.

What are professional loans? Its eligibility criteria and benefits

At one point or the other, we all wish to pursue our skills and do away with working under an authoritative figure. Professionals such as doctors, journalists, accountants, engineers, architects, management consultants, etc. practice their trade eventually. Just like personal loans are available for all kinds of needs and requirements, professional loans assist you setting up your own business by funding you for equipment, construction, business premises, renovating premises, working capital, etc.
Government banks generally offer these loans. Certain private banks also provide loans for professionals.

Eligibility criteria for professional loans:

1) Applicants should be between the age range of 18 to 65 years
2) People who are practising trades in different professions can avail the loan
3) Group of people who are practising one profession, provided everyone is licensed
4) Copy of professional certificate
5) Professionals can include people who have completed diploma/degree
6) Individuals, joint borrowers, partnership companies and firms can apply for the loan

Documents required to obtain loans for professionals:

1) Membership certificate copies issued by professional authorities
2) Firm registration certificate
3) Papers or documents that act as proof for repayment capacity
4) Latest utility bill statement showing your name and address

Some of the features of acquiring professional loans are:

1) Half loan amount should be provided as security with one guarantor, preferably your spouse
2) Immovable properties or equipment can be given as a collateral/security
3) Some other acceptable collaterals include land and buildings, bank deposits, etc. as per bank policies
4) Personal guarantee of partners/friends/family/title holders of collaterals/securities etc. is required
5) The repayment tenure of the loan is generally 5 years
6) There is no penalty for delaying repayment of professional loans
7) Business expenses such as travel, airfare, seminar, etc. are managed by the loan
8) The loan does not finance self-assembled electronic goods
9) The loan is approved and disbursed quickly
10) Loans for professionals come with attractive interest rate and include simple application procedure

Interest rates offered on professional loans:

1) Interest rates fall anywhere between 10 to 18 per cent. It is subject to vary from bank to bank
2) Marginal interest rate is usually around 15 to 25 per cent of the loan amount
3) The maximum loan amount that you can deposit is INR 10 to 30 lakh
4) The processing fee is charged within 0.20 to 1 per cent of the amount

Some banks might ask how you will be using professional loans. Some banks might even process the loan in instalments. Each instalment will be processed if the bank finds the business is running satisfactorily.

5 benefits of converting credit card purchases to EMI

Credit cards are your best ally at the time of emergencies. It saves you the worry of paying cash immediately and helps you to fulfil your needs instantly. Simply put, a credit card is where you borrow money from the bank to make payment for small or big purchases. You then go on to repay the amount to the lender within a stipulated period.

If you do not pay it on time, you will incur a penalty of late fees, your credit score will drop, and the interest rate piles on the original debt. To avoid going through all the hassle, banks and financial organisations have simplified the transactions through Equated Monthly Instalments (EMI) services on credit cards.

What is a credit card EMI calculator?

Some financial institutes provide you an option of converting payments via credit card into EMIs. Credit cards are used for large transactions many times. In such circumstances, banks offer you a choice of converting your extensive dealings into easy EMIs. Based on the amount, the user can choose to pay off the debt over a period of time.

How does converting credit card purchases into EMIs work?

This service works exactly like a loan. For making complete use of credit card EMI option, your amount should be more than the minimum money specified by the bank. You will have to include details such as amount payable and interest rate added to your actual credit card bill in the credit card EMI calculator. This will help you gauge how much of money will shell out from your pocket every month.
Banks nowadays have the calculator available on their website. The tool can limit your spending’s drastically.

What are the benefits of converting the credit card purchases into EMIs?

1) The moment you convert your credit card purchases into EMIs, you are no longer burdened to pay the entire amount on one go. By calculating the EMI, you can manage your finances better.
2) It also improves credit history as there are fewer chances the customer will goof up with impending dues.
3) As we know, all EMIs have a specific interest rate attached to it. The same gets low when your purchases are converted into EMIs. Certain banks may not apply any interest on your purchase EMI.
4) Customers can choose a tenure of their choice. Usually, the tenure period ranges anywhere from 3 months to 6 months to 9 months or a year.
5) The credit card purchases into EMI service involves minimum or no paperwork at all. You can make huge payment without worrying about the documentation process.

Points to remember before opting for credit card EMI option:

1) Not all banks provide the facility of credit card EMI calculator
2) The bank charges a fixed fee when you opt for this service. The cost depends on aspects such as the type of card, purchase amount, etc.
3) You might be charged a penalty if you pay the amount before tenure. You can get this waived by showing your loyalty to the bank offering them your credit card along with your credit profile.
4) Do not leave any outstanding dues of your credit card debt. It can mount your interest rate by 25-40 per cent at the end of the year.

What products are available under the scheme of credit card EMI calculator?

1) Electronic devices
2) Travel expenses
3) Apparels
4) Lifestyle expenses
5) Insurance expenses

Several banks are offering this service at present such as HDFC, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, Citibank, Kotak Mahindra and so on.

All you need to know about Demat Account

We all have a bank account, be it current or savings. Maybe you hold multiple bank account. If you are an entrepreneur or a business person, you might be quite interested in stock market. So, where do you invest them? Ever heard of a Demat account? It is quite similar to a bank account. Just like how a bank account safely secures your money, a Demat account holds your securities in the form of bonds, debentures and shares. If you wish to buy shares from the stock market, you first need to have a Demat account in place.

What is a Demat account?

It is an electronic account where all your securities are held, like an alternative to all your physical certificates. If you want to sell and buy stocks, you should have a Demat Account with a Depository Participant (DP). Now, who are depository participants? They are organisations who provide electronic services for a Demat account. They also facilitate transactions.

At present two organisations are registered under Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL).

What are the benefits of having a Demat account?

1) The transaction cost is less as you do not have to pay stamp duty
2) Convenient and fast settlement of electronic settlements
3) Reduced paperwork concerning transferring of securities
4) Risks such as theft and fake certificates are eliminated
5) Can sell any number of shares
6) Can invest through your Demat account online

Note: The DPs do not charge a fee for opening a Demat account. Some provide refundable charges while some have fixed fees.

Prior to opening a Demat account, you need to fulfil the KYC norms. The following documents will be required from your end for completing KYC:

1) ID proof – Passport, PAN card, Voter ID and Aadhaar card
2) Residence proof – Ration card, bank statement, utility bills, driving license
3) Your bank account number
How to open a Demat account?
1) Choose your depository participant
2) Fill the Demat Account application
3) Submit the related documents
4) The DP will conduct verification process personally
5) You will be given an account number/ID by the DP
6) You can also open Demat account online through the DP’s portal

Remember, you can open multiple Demat accounts on the same name with different/same DP.

There are two types of Demat accounts:

1) Basic Services Demat Account (BSDA): These accounts are designed for small investors. The investors do not hold values/securities beyond a few lakh. Thus, the maintenance charge of this account is lower annually. This service was introduced in 2012.

2) Regular Demat Account: Compared to BSDA, these accounts can incorporate higher values/securities. The charges are also higher to that of BSDA. However, it offers many services and is convenient to use.

Along with opening Demat account online, ensure you open a trading account as well to conduct buying and selling of shares. If you do not have any of these, go to your bank manager and open one now.

5 smart ways to repay education loans

When it comes to building a bright and prosperous future, nothing can replace quality education. However, there is a rise in the cost of education in India and abroad. That has propelled parents to opt for education loan. These loans are given to meritorious students so that nothing hampers their educational progress and they receive the best of education from institutes in India and abroad.
At the moment, almost every bank and NBFC offer the educational loans. It covers a wide range of curriculum from graduate, postgraduate, professional and doctoral degrees. An education loan in India covers not just the fees but also other aspects such as tuition fees, examination fees, associated expenses such as uniform, lab equipment, travelling expenses and laptop.

Some of the basic facts that people should be aware with regards to an education loan for Indian student are:

1) An education loan can be obtained by anyone who wants to study graduation, post-graduation, professional or degree courses
2) The loan cannot be given to the student alone, one of the parents should be a co-signor
3) Female students are offered lower interest rate or discount on education loan
4) The annual family income and the course pursued by the student are the primary determinants for education loan
5) Education loans worth INR 4 lakh do not require a guarantor
6) Education loan amount that is above INR 7.5 lakh does not need a collateral/security 
7) The amount cap for students studying in India is INR 10-15 lakh and INR 20 lakh for students studying abroad
8) The education loan repayment tenure is between 5 to 7 years

How can you smartly repay an education loan in India? 

Generally, you begin repaying education loans after they are disbursed. Some of the easy and smart ways to repay the education loan are:

1) Interest amount repayment: You can start paying interest amount while studying. The interest rate is simple and does not burden you. Gradually, the bank will apply 1 per cent interest subsidy.

2) Tenure extension: Although the loan tenure is between 5 to 7 years, you can get it extended if you are facing a financial crunch. Consequently, your tenure will increase to 10-15 years and the EMI reduces. However, you will have to assure the bank that you will receive a secured job and will be capable of paying the loan off after the completion of your course. 

3) Moratorium period extension: An education loan for Indian student goes easy as you can extend the moratorium period (waiting period) to additional six months from 1 year. You will have to convince the bank that you do not have a proper job in place presently. This will better your credit history.

4) Top-up loan: If you wish to study further, you can go for a top-up loan. This will delay your repayment. However, be prepared to pay a hefty interest amount later.

5) Help from employer: While hiring you in the organisation, some company’s pay off a lump sum amount of your student loan. They, nevertheless, come with their disadvantages such as lower salary and other employment terms.

An education loan in India requires you to keep your bank informed about any financial constraints you face. If you do not do so, your credit score will take a backseat.

What is savings account? How to open one?

One of the most common types of bank account that all of us use on a day to day basis is a savings account. It involves basic kind of transactions such as depositing money, safeguarding money and withdrawing funds. Savings account generally pay interest to your deposits, which is lower. However, there are some savings accounts that pay a higher interest rate that allows you to grow your money quickly.

Why do you require savings account?

It is wise to have a savings account because where else will you save your hard-earned money? It is also unsafe to keep hard cash on loose. There is also a psychological benefit of having a savings account. By owning one, you can save the money for achieving your future goals. Today, banks assist you in having one by enabling customers to get an online saving account opened. This way you not just save time and effort but also secure the money sitting home.
Some other benefits of having an online saving account opened are:

1) Safety: Cash kept at home can get easily stolen or damaged by unforeseen circumstances. Savings account holds your money safely and allows you to withdraw cash once you are ready to spend. However, there are restrictions on outgoing transfers. Nevertheless, you can make unlimited withdrawals at an ATM or bank branch.

2) Steady growth: Savings account generally pay interest on your amount. There is a tendency the bank may make small additions to your account to keep up with the economic standard or compete with other banks.

How to go about getting an online saving account opened?

1) Almost every bank offers the same kind of savings account with some variations here and there. So, your first step is selecting a reputed bank by doing comparative analysis.

2) Once you have done your study, keep the following information of yours ready and add those in the application form:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Residence address
- Transfer information for initial deposit
- Tax identification number
- PAN card

3) Choose the kind of account you wish to open: individual or joint. If you choose a joint one, you will have to add your family member/spouse’s details as well. Research about joint account before opening one.

4) Once you get an online saving account opened, you also have the choice of mentioning a family member who can access the account, in the event of your death.

5) You will then have to make an initial transfer either through wire mode or cheque deposit.

6) You can then create a login id and password for your account. Try to opt for a long password that has a mix of letters, special characters and numbers.
Before opening a saving account online, ensure the bank has easy access to mobile and website. This way you can electronically access your account on the go.