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Best Current Accounts in 2024
- Axis Bank: Cashback, entertainment, and grab deal benefits.
- IndusInd Bank: Free fund transfer benefit via NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS.
- HDFC Bank: Pre-approved loans on current account deposits.
- Kotak Mahindra Bank: Convert current account balance to term deposits.
- SBI: Surplus funds in the current account are transferred to the term deposit account.
- ICICI Bank: Concession on ROI and processing fees on loan benefits.
- Karur Vysya Bank: Avail easy personal loan.
- Yes Bank: Nil annual charges for first year on current account debit cards.
- Bank of Baroda: 100% waiver in processing charges on car loans.
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Axis Bank
5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Key Perks
Cashback, entertainment and grab deal benefits.
Customer Service Score
90%
Key Perks
Cashback, entertainment and grab deal benefits.
Customer Service Score
90%
Why We Picked It
Axis Bank has taken the top spot for the best current account for its wide range of variation and offering to suit business needs. The bank provides 14 varieties of current accounts to suit the banking needs of firms as per their business size, scale, type, national and international operations.
All current accounts come with access to digital services, including online fund transfer via NEFT and RTGS, internet and mobile banking round the clock.
Axis Bank also offers an overdraft facility to its current account holders so that businesses can address their immediate financial needs. Moreover, the bank does not charge a single fee on cash withdrawal irrespective of the number of transactions made within or outside the city.
The bank offers 15% cashback on Amazon and Flipkart with digital current account as well as 5% cashback via Grab Deals capped at INR 1,000 per month for every spend. The bank’s Club 50, Channel One, and Privilege current accounts do not charge a monthly service fee.
Among a wide range of current accounts offered by Axis Bank, its New Economy Group Current Account is popular for its nil monthly balance requirement and other features and benefits.
Fund Transfer Charges (per transaction)
NEFT (Branch) | RTGS (Branch) | IMPS Transfer |
---|---|---|
Up to INR 10,000 = INR 2.50 INR 10,001 to INR 1 lakh = INR 5 INR 1 lakh to INR 2 lakh: INR 15 Above INR 2 Lakh: INR 25 | INR 2 lakh to INR 5 lakh: INR 25 INR 5 Lakh and above: INR 50 | Up to INR 1,000: INR 2.50 INR 1,000 to 1 lakh: INR 5 1 lakh to 5 lakh – INR 10 |
Depending on the account type, the account holder has to maintain the minimum balance requirement (MAB), to avoid charges.
Current Accounts | Monthly Average Balance |
---|---|
Liberty Digital Current Account for Sole Proprietorship | NA |
Digi Current Account | INR 15,000 |
Curent Account – Global Economy Business | Nil |
Current Account – Classic | INR 1 lakh |
Current Account – Normal | INR 15,000 |
Current Account – Advantage | INR 25,000 |
Current Account – Select | INR 50,000 |
Current Account – New Economy Group | Nil |
Current Account – Privilege | INR 5 lakh |
Current Account – Arthiyas | INR 5,000 |
Current Account – Trusts | Nil |
Current Account – Jewelers | INR 25,000 |
Current Account – Channel One | INR 10 lakh |
Current Account – Club 50 | INR 50 lakh – QAB |
Pros & Cons
- Free cheque book issuance
- Open in branch or online
- Insurance coverage
- Cashbacks
- Free monthly service fee only available on Club 50, Channel One, and Privilege current accounts.
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IndusInd Bank
4.9
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Key Perks
Free fund transfer via NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS
Customer Service Score
85%
Key Perks
Free fund transfer via NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS
Customer Service Score
85%
Why We Picked It
IndusInd Bank offers two types of current accounts best suited for small-and medium-sized businesses, with average monthly balance requirement of INR 10,000 and INR 50,000, respectively.
IndusInd Bank’s current accounts come with access to net banking, mobile banking, debit card and bill pay, with ease of transactions including cash deposit and withdrawal, cheque clearing and fund transfer.
The bank offers free of charge service for balance inquiry at other ATMs, generating email statements, cash withdrawal at non IndusInd Bank ATMs, as well as transferring funds via NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS.
However, the freebies will cease to exist upon non-maintenance of AMB and instead attract a fine of INR 1,000 to INR 1,500 per month.
IndusInd Bank’s Indus Max Account current account is popular for its free NEFT, RTGS and IMPS fund transfer and other features and benefits.
Current Accounts | Average Monthly Balance |
---|---|
Indus Max | INR 10,000 |
Indus Premier | INR 50,000 |
Pros & Cons
- Free fund transfer via NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS via branch and online.
- Current account best suited for small-and medium-sized businesses.
- Current accounts may not suit the business needs of large corporations.
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HDFC Bank
4.9
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Key Perks
Pre-approved loans on deposit.
Customer Service Score
70%
Key Perks
Pre-approved loans on deposit.
Customer Service Score
70%
Why We Picked It
Although HDFC Bank does not offer cashback like Axis Bank, it offers current accounts and benefits to suit all types of banking needs of businesses. The bank offers 14 varieties of current accounts, be it for a large or small corporation, a charitable trust, a housing society, a hospital or a professional, etc.
All current accounts come with access to digital services like net banking, mobile banking, debit card and bill pay, with ease of transactions including cash deposit and withdrawal, cheque clearing and fund transfer.
Among a wide range of current accounts offered by HDFC Bank, its Max Advantage Current Account is popular unlimited free NEFT, RTGS and IMPS fund transfer and other features and benefits.
Depending on the current types, such as Max Advantage, charges on NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS fund transfer are waived. For other current accounts, fund transfer attracts charges as follows:
NEFT (Branch) | RTGS (Branch) | IMPS Transfer |
---|---|---|
Up to INR 1 lakh: INR 2 Above INR 1 lakh: INR 10 | Above INR 2 lakh: INR 15 | Up to INR 1,000 : INR 3.5 Above INR 1,000 to INR 1 lakh: INR 5 Above INR 1 lakh to INR 2 lakh: INR 15 |
Depending on the account type, the account holder has to maintain the minimum balance requirement, or face hefty charges.
Current Accounts | Quarterly Average Balance |
---|---|
Max Advantage Current Account | INR 5 lakh for metro/urban, and INR 2.5 lakh for semi urban and rural account holders |
Ascent Current Account | INR 50,000 for metro/urban, and INR 25,000 for semi urban and rural account holders |
Activ Current Account | INR 10,000 |
Plus Current Account | INR 1 lakh |
Premium Current Account | INR 25,000 |
Regular Current Account | INR 10,000 |
Smart Up For Start-ups | INR 25,000 onwards |
Saksham Current Account | INR 10,000 (Average half-yearly balance) |
Business Solutions for E-Commerce | INR 25,000 |
Current Account For Professionals | INR 10,000 |
Agri Current Account | INR 10,000 (Average half-yearly balance) |
Institutional Current Account | Nil |
Pros & Cons
- Open in a branch or online.
- Pre-approved credit lines.
- RFC accounts can be opened in USD, EUR, GBP currencies.
- Annual fee waived on business debit card.
- Insurance coverage not available.
- Need to talk to customer service to find out the monthly service fee on current accounts.
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Kotak Mahindra Bank
On Kotak's secure website
Key Perks
Convert current account balance to term deposits.
Customer Service Score
75%
Why We Picked It
Kotak Mahindra Bank offers a variety of freebies to new current account holders. For the first 12 months, the bank has waived the non-maintenance charges on most accounts as well as free NEFT and RTGS fund transfer both via branch and online.
Moreover, the current accounts with idle balance maintaining the minimum quarterly average balance (QAB) can be converted to term deposits and receive attractive returns. Also, account holders get an unsecured overdraft facility up to INR 15 lakh for immediate business requirements.
The bank’s current accounts too come with access to digital services, such as net banking, mobile banking, debit card and bill pay, with ease of transactions including cash deposit and withdrawal, cheque clearing and fund transfer.
Global trade current account for importers and exporters come with a complimentary Kotak multi currency world travel card (KWTC).
Among a wide range of current accounts in the offing, Startup Premium Current Account of Kotak Mahindra Bank is popular for its non-maintenance fee waiver for the first 12 months, free NEFT and RTGS fund transfer among other benefits.
Current Accounts | Quarterly Average Balance |
---|---|
Startup Premium Current Account | INR 1 lakh |
Startup Regular Current Account | INR 50,000 |
Neo Current Account | INR 10,000 |
Edge Current Account | INR 25,000 |
Pro Current Account | INR 50,000 |
Elite Current Account | INR 1 lakh |
Merchant One Current Account | INR 50,000 |
Ace Current Account | INR 2.5 lakh |
Merchant One Premium Current Account | INR 1 lakh |
Astra 15 Current Account | INR 15 lakh |
Astra 05 Current Account | INR 5 lakh |
Pros & Cons
- Waiver of non-maintenance charges for the first 12 months.
- Free NEFT and RTGS at branches and net banking.
- Convert current account balance to term deposits.
- Unsecured overdraft facility up to INR 15 lakh
- Video KYC unavailable.
- Need to call customer care to find out service charges, if any.
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State Bank of India
4.8
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Key Perks
Surplus funds in the current account are transferred to the term deposit account.
Customer Service Score
65%
Key Perks
Surplus funds in the current account are transferred to the term deposit account.
Customer Service Score
65%
Why We Picked It
SBI offers current accounts with a wide range of variations and offerings to suit business needs, with minimum average balance (MAB) requirement of as low as INR 5,000 up to 5 lakh. All current accounts come with access to digital services, such as online NEFT and RTGS transactions, internet and mobile banking round the clock.
Whenever there are surplus funds in the current account, the balance gets transferred to the term deposit account on a weekly basis by means of an auto sweep facility. The tenure of deposits will be decided by the depositor at the time of opening the account. The bank offers free NEFT or RTGS fund transfer through internet and mobile banking.
SBI mandates business current account holders to maintain the required monthly average balance (MAB). Failure to do so will attract charges starting INR 500 up to INR 8,000 depending on the current accounts. The MAB is nil for the first year on the startup current account.
SBI’s Regular Current Account is popular for its minimum average balance requirement of INR 5,000 and other features and benefits.
Current Account | Monthly Average Balance (MAB) |
---|---|
Shubharamb | INR 20,000 |
Regular Current Account | INR 5,000 |
Gold Current Account | INR 1 lakh |
Diamond Current Account | INR 5 lakh |
Platinum Current Account | INR 10 lakh |
Surbhi Current Account | INR 10,000 |
Master Current Account | INR 1 lakh |
Smart Current Account | INR 25,000 |
Arthia Current Account | INR 10,000 |
Power Jyoti | INR 50,000 |
Power Jyoti Pul Pre-Uploaded Current Account | INR 50,000 |
Pros & Cons
- NEFT/RTGS free for gold, diamond and platinum current accounts.
- Free cheque leaves
- Cash withdrawal at non-home branch up to 1 lakh per day.
- Overdraft facility not available on Surbhi current account.
- ATM withdrawals are not allowed on Master and Smart current accounts.
- Levies penalty up on closing of current account.
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ICICI Bank
4.7
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Key Perks
Concession on ROI and processing fees on loans.
Customer Service Score
70%
Key Perks
Concession on ROI and processing fees on loans.
Customer Service Score
70%
Why We Picked It
ICICI Bank offers current accounts for firms, companies, traders and entrepreneurs who need to access their accounts frequently and carry out multiple transactions.
All current accounts come with access to digital services, such as net banking, mobile banking, debit card and bill pay, with ease of transactions including cash deposit and withdrawal, cheque clearing and fund transfer.
ICICI Bank also offers an overdraft facility to its current account holders so that businesses can address their immediate needs.
ICICI Bank’s Classic 2.0 current account is popular among local businesses for its minimum MAB requirement and other features and benefits.
Depending on the current account types, charges on NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS fund transfer are as follows:
NEFT (Branch) | RTGS (Branch) | IMPS Transfer |
---|---|---|
Up to INR 10,000: INR 2.25 INR 10,001 to INR 1 lakh: INR 4.75 INR 1 lakh to INR 2 lakh: INR 14.75 Above INR 2 lakh: INR 24.75 | INR 2 lakh to INR 5 lakh: INR 20 Up to INR 5 lakh: INR 45 | Up to INR 10,000: INR 3.50 INR 10,001 to INR 1 lakh: INR 5 INR 1 lakh to 2 lakh: INR 15 |
ICICI Bank mandates business current account holders to maintain at least 75% of required QAB. Failure to do so will attract charges as well as all the cash transaction free limits for the particular quarter will become zero.
Current Accounts | QAB (Metro and Urban) | QAB (Semi Urban and Rural) | |
---|---|---|---|
Classic 2.0 | INR 25,000 | INR 25,000 | |
SBA 2.0 Silver | INR 50,000 | INR 25,000 | |
SBA 2.0 Gold | INR 1 lakh | INR 50,000 | |
SBA 2.0 Platinum | INR 5 lakh | INR 2.5 lakh | |
M2O | INR 3 lakh (All location) | ||
E-Mandi | Nil | ||
Chartered Accountant 2.0 | Nil | ||
GEM | Nil |
Pros & Cons
- Non maintenance charges on QAB waived on SBA 2.0 Ivy current account.
- Overdraft facility of up to INR 5 crore on E-Mandi current account.
- Concession on ROI and processing fees on loans for SBA 2.0 Gold and Platinum current accounts.
- Need to contact customer care of the bank to find out service charges.
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Karur Vysya Bank
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Key Perks
Avail easy personal loan.
Customer Service Score
75%
Key Perks
Avail easy personal loan.
Customer Service Score
75%
Why We Picked It
Karur Vysya Bank offers current accounts to businesses, education institutions and cooperative societies with minimum balance requirement starting nil up to INR 3,000. All current accounts come with access to digital services, NEFT and RTGS fund transfer facilities, internet and mobile banking services.
KVP offers personal loans against current account deposits which may be utilized to meet medical, educational and personal expenses. Also, the account allows 20% margin for new vehicles and 30% margin on older ones.
A penalty of INR 200 will be levied for non-maintenance of minimum balance on regular and cooperative societies current accounts, while corporate account and education current accounts do not attract any such charges.
Karur Vysya Bank’s KVB Smart Trade & Exim Current Account is popular for its curated features especially for businesses involved in trade, logistics, import, export, clearing and forwarding agents.
Current Accounts | Minimum Balance |
---|---|
Multi-City Current Account | NA |
Regular Current Account | INR 3,000 |
KVB Smart Trade & Exim Current Account | Basic: INR 25,000 Silver: INR 50,000 Gold: INR 1 lakh Platinum: INR 5 lakh |
Pros & Cons
- Avail easy personal loan
- Free accidental insurance coverage up to INR 1 Lakh.
- Concession on processing of loans.
- Live agent chat facility
- Limited ways to open a current account online.
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Yes Bank
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Key Perks
Nil annual charges for first year on debit cards.
Customer Service Score
60%
Key Perks
Nil annual charges for first year on debit cards.
Customer Service Score
60%
Why We Picked It
Yes Bank offers a variety of current accounts based on business banking needs. Moreover, the deposit with idle balance maintaining the minimum quarterly/monthly average balance (QAB) can be converted to term deposits and receive attractive returns.
The bank’s current accounts too come with access to digital services, such as net banking, mobile banking, debit card and bill pay, with ease of transactions including cash deposit and withdrawal, cheque clearing and fund transfer.
Yes Bank offers business debit cards with nil annual charges for the first year. However, the value added benefits will cease to exist upon non-maintenance of AMB and instead attract a fine.
Yes Bank’s Exclusive Business current account is popular as it comes with no annual charges, free NEFT and RTGS fund transfer and other benefits to suit businesses’ banking needs.
Current Accounts | Monthly Average Balance |
---|---|
Edge Business | INR 5 lakh to 25 lakh |
Prime Business | INR 10 lakh to 1 crore |
Exclusive Business | INR 15 lakh to 2 crore |
Trade Biz | INR 1 lakh |
Xtra Gain Edge | INR 25,000 (Average Quarterly Balance) |
Xtra Gain Prime | INR 1 lakh (Average Quarterly Balance) |
Pros & Cons
- Nil annual charges for first year on debit cards.
- Idle balance can be converted to term deposits.
- Free IMPS fund transfer.
- Limited ways to open a current account online.
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Bank of Baroda
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Key Perks
100% waiver in processing charges on car loans.
Customer Service Score
70%
Key Perks
100% waiver in processing charges on car loans.
Customer Service Score
70%
Why We Picked It
Bank of Baroda offers a variety of current accounts based on the needs of business and professionals. The bank’s current accounts come with access to digital services, such as net banking, mobile banking, missed call facility, debit card, SMS alert facility, payment gateway, cash management as well as ease of transactions including cash deposit, withdrawal, cheque clearing, fund transfer, and accept online payments.
The bank offers 100% waiver in processing charges on car loans availed in the name of partners and directors of the business. The bank mandates current account holders to maintain the minimum balance to avoid charges.
Bank of Baroda’s Baroda Scale-Up Current Account is popular for its wide range of value added services, including insurance coverage as well as 100% waiver in processing charges on car loans availed in the name of partners and directors of the company.
Current Accounts | Average Monthly Balance |
---|---|
Baroda Advantage Current Account | NA |
Baroda Premium Curren Account | Min. INR 75,000 |
Baroda Premium Current Account Privilege | INR 2.5 lakh |
Baroda Small Business Current Account | NA |
Baroda Start-up Current Account | NA |
Baroda Scale-up Current Account | NA |
Baroda Current Account For Other Banks | INR 5,000 (minimum balance) |
Baroda Government Bodies Current Account | Nil |
Baroda Current Account for LIC/Other Insurance Companies | INR 2 lakh |
Pros & Cons
- 100% waiver of processing fees on car loans.
- Dedicated relationship manager.
- Video KYC unavailable.
- Need to call customer care to find out service charges, if any.
Forbes Advisor Ratings
Policy Name | Company – Logo | Forbes Advisor India Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Key Perks | Customer Service Score | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Axis Bank | 5.0 | Cashback, entertainment and grab deal benefits. | 90% | View More | ||||
IndusInd Bank | 4.9 | Free fund transfer via NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS | 85% | View More | ||||
HDFC Bank | 4.9 | Pre-approved loans on deposit. | 70% | View More | ||||
Kotak Mahindra Bank | 4.8 | Convert current account balance to term deposits. | 75% | View More | ||||
State Bank of India | 4.8 | Surplus funds in the current account are transferred to the term deposit account. | 65% | View More | ||||
ICICI Bank | 4.7 | Concession on ROI and processing fees on loans. | 70% | View More | ||||
Karur Vysya Bank | 4.5 | Avail easy personal loan. | 75% | View More | ||||
Yes Bank | 4.5 | Nil annual charges for first year on debit cards. | 60% | View More | ||||
Bank of Baroda | 4.5 | 100% waiver in processing charges on car loans. | 70% | View More |
Methodology
With such a wide range of current accounts in the offing, Forbes Advisor India looked at key benefits provided to businesses to suit their banking needs. For example, key perks like cashbacks, loan facility, or concession on processing fees, welcome bonuses, requirement of minimum monthly and quarterly average balance, as well as best for app-use, customer care support, overdraft facility were given a much priority.
Features and Benefits of Current Account
Current accounts cater solely to businesses and entrepreneurs to suit their transactions and daily business needs. Key features of a current account includes:
Balance Limit
Current account does not have an upper deposit limit, however, the minimum monthly or quarterly average balance has to be maintained to avoid charges.
Rate of Interest
Current accounts do not have interest rates like savings accounts.
Overdraft Facility
Most current accounts come with an overdraft facility so that businesses can address their immediate transaction needs.
Digital Banking
All current accounts come with access to digital services, such as online NEFT and RTGS transactions, internet and mobile banking round the clock.
IMPS/RTGS/NEFT Fund Transfer
Depending upon banks and the type of current account in the offing, account holders may avail of free fund transfer via IMPS, RTGS, or NEFT.
Debit Cards
Banks provide debit cards to businesses as per their banking needs. Most banks ask account holders to fill up the debit card application form, along with an indemnity letter to apply for one. An annual fee depending on banks is levied on an annual basis.
Charges
There are, however, various charges included in current accounts. Individuals are advised to find out each charge separately with the bank. Common charges in current account include:
- Non-maintenance of minimum monthly or quarterly average balance.
- Debit card charges per annum
- Cheque return charges
- Mobile alert charges (Most banks offer this service for free of cost).
- Demand draft issuance charges
- Cheque leaves issuance charges (per bank’s policy).
- Cash deposit/withdrawal at base and non base location charges
- NACH/ECS return charges
Note: Charges vary according to banks’ policy.
How to Open a Current Account
While some banks, like Axis Bank, allow business owners to instantly open a current account online via video KYC, the process may take a while for other banks. Verification of documents is core to opening a current account.
KYC documents for individuals and sole proprietors:
- Address proof
- Pan card
- Passport size photograph
Document for public and private companies
- Pan card of the company
- Certification of memorandum of association, articles of association, and incorporation
- Certificate of commencement
- Address proof
- ID proof
- Passport size photographs
- List of directors and their DIN (director identification number)
- Copy of foreign account tax compliance act (FATCA) declaration
- Income tax return filing
- TAN allotment letter
- Registration license
- Utility bills such as electricity, water, and landline telephone bills.
Additionally, requirements of submission of documents are subject to change as per business operations.
Difference Between Current Account and Savings Account
Here are the key differences between a current account and savings account, as follows:
Current Account | Savings Account |
---|---|
For daily transaction needs | Comes with limited transactions |
No-interest bearing deposit | Earn interest rate on savings |
Overdraft facility | No overdraft facility |
High minimum balance requirement | Low minimum balance requirement |
Best suited for business purpose | Suited for individuals |
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Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
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