What is the SBI NRE Account?
The State Bank of India Non-Resident External (NRE) Account is a secure and convenient banking option for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs). It allows individuals to deposit their overseas earnings in Indian Rupees. These accounts can be opened as Savings, Current, Term Deposits, Special Term Deposits, or Recurring Deposits and are fully repatriable, making them ideal for managing finances in India.
Features of SBI NRE Account
Below are the features of SBI NRE account:
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SMS Alerts: Stay updated on account transactions.
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Multi-City Cheque Book (MCC): Convenient cheque issuance for multiple locations.
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International or Domestic Debit Card: Easy access to funds globally or locally.
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Internet Banking: Manage your account anytime, anywhere.
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NRI Family Card: A supplementary card for family members in India.
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Account Types: Savings, Current, Term Deposit, Special Term Deposit, Recurring Deposit.
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Fund Sources: Fresh remittances, transfers from NRE/NRO/FCNR accounts.
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Flexibility: Open individually, jointly with NRIs/PIOs/OCIs, or with close resident relatives on a "former or survivor" basis.
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Loan Facility: Avail of Rupee loans against deposits.
Benefits of SBI NRE Account
Below are the benefits of SBI NRE account:
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Tax-free interest income under Indian Income Tax laws.
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Free and smooth repatriation of funds to overseas accounts.
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Access funds in India for local payments in Indian Rupees.
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Flexible deposit tenors ranging from 1 to 10 years.
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Seamless banking experience with advanced digital banking services.
Eligibility Criteria for State Bank of India NRE Account
Below is the eligibility criteria for SBI NRE account:
Eligibility Conditions For Opening Of Resident Indian Or NRI Accounts |
Account Type |
Domestic / Resident Accounts |
Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) Accounts |
Non-Resident External (NRE) Accounts |
Foreign Currency Non-resident (Bank) {FCNR (B)} Accounts |
Residential Status |
NRI |
❌ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
PIO |
❌ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
OCI |
Permitted in certain cases |
✔️ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
Foreign Nationals on employment in India |
✔️ |
❌ |
❌ |
❌ |
Foreign Students studying in India |
❌ |
✔️ |
❌ |
❌ |
Foreign Tourists with short visit to India |
❌ |
✔️ |
❌ |
❌ |
Premature Withdrawals Under SBI NRE Account
Premature Withdrawals
Premature withdrawal of funds under an SBI Non-Resident External (NRE) account is subject to specific terms and conditions. These withdrawals may attract penalties, and the interest payable depends on the deposit amount and duration.
Below Rs.1 Crore - No Interest for Withdrawals Before One Year
If the deposit is withdrawn within one year, no interest is payable.
Effective 01st April 2017, Penalty for Premature Withdrawals for Retail Term Deposits up to Rs.5.00 Lacs Will Be 0.50% (All Tenors)
The interest payable will be 0.50% or 1% below the rate applicable at the time of deposit for the period it has remained with the bank, or 0.50% or 1% below the contracted rate, whichever is lower.
Rs.1 Crore & Above - No Interest on Withdrawals Before One Year
Deposits of Rs.1 Crore or more do not earn any interest if withdrawn before completing one year.
Funds Transfer From NRE to Overseas Account
Transferring funds from your Non-Resident External (NRE) account to an overseas account is a straightforward process. The funds in your NRE Savings Bank account or deposits are fully repatriable, meaning they can be transferred seamlessly to any international account. Here’s how you can initiate the transfer:
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Through Internet Banking
Using Internet Banking is a convenient and secure method for transferring funds. You can initiate a transfer from your NRE Savings Bank account, NRE fixed deposit account, or FCNR (B) account to any overseas account, whether it is in your name or a third party.
Steps to Add a Beneficiary for Remittance
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Log in to your Internet Banking (INB) account.
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Navigate to the ‘Profile’ tab.
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Enter your profile password.
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Select ‘Manage Beneficiary’ and choose ‘Outward Remittance Beneficiary for NRE / FCNR (B) Account.’
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Enter the beneficiary’s details and submit the request by entering the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Steps to Place a Remittance Request
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Log in to your INB account.
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Click on the ‘Payments / Transfers’ tab.
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Select ‘International Funds Transfer’ from the left-hand menu.
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Choose ‘NRI - Outward / Inward Transfer / Remittances.’
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Enter the required details for the transfer and proceed.
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Through Branch
For those who prefer offline methods, you can submit a request via your home branch.
Note: Requests received via email cannot be processed due to security concerns.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure a smooth and secure transfer of funds from your NRE account to an overseas account.
Joint Account of Non-Residents with Residents in SBI NRE Account
NRI/PIO/OCI Customers Can Open Joint NRE Accounts
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), or Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) can open and maintain an NRE account in State Bank of India (SBI) with a resident relative as a joint holder. The account must be maintained on a "Former or Survivor" basis, with the NRI/PIO/OCI being the primary account holder.
Eligible Resident Joint Holders in SBI NRE Accounts
NRE accounts can be jointly held with resident relatives under the following relationships:
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Members of a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF).
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Spouses (husband and wife).
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Relatives as prescribed under specific family definitions, including:
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Father (including step-father).
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Mother (including step-mother).
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Son (including step-son).
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Son's wife.
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Daughter.
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Daughter's husband.
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Brother (including step-brother).
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Sister (including step-sister).
Conclusion
SBI’s NRE Account combines convenience, flexibility, and financial security, making it an ideal choice for NRIs seeking efficient management of their international earnings in India. With a wide range of benefits, it ensures hassle-free banking no matter where you are in the world.