What is HDFC Bank NRO Account?
An HDFC Bank NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) Account is a savings or fixed deposit account designed for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to manage their income earned in India. This account allows NRIs to deposit income from sources like rent, dividends, pensions, or any other earnings in India. Funds can be held in Indian Rupees, but repatriation is restricted to a certain limit, as per RBI guidelines.
The HDFC Bank NRO Account also helps NRIs pay bills or taxes in India. It offers features like easy account access, competitive interest rates, and tax deduction at source (TDS) on interest earned.
Types of HDFC Bank NRO Accounts
HDFC Bank offers various types of Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) accounts designed to cater to the banking needs of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs):
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NRO Savings Account
An NRO Savings Account is primarily for managing income earned in India, such as rent or dividends, while allowing NRIs to maintain funds in Indian Rupees.
Key Features and Benefits:
- The currency is maintained in Indian Rupees (INR).
- Ideal for funds generated from Indian sources.
- Interest income is subject to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) at 30%.
- Allows repatriation of interest and principal up to USD 1 million per financial year after tax payment.
- Easy fund transfers from foreign accounts.
- Joint account options with other NRIs or Indian residents.
- Access to banking services like online banking and fund transfers within India.
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NRO Fixed Deposit Account
This account allows NRIs to deposit their earnings in fixed deposits while benefiting from competitive interest rates.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Fixed deposits maintained in INR.
- Offers higher interest rates compared to savings accounts.
- Various tenure options available for deposits.
- Secure investment avenue with guaranteed returns.
- Interest is paid monthly, quarterly, or annually as per the account holder's choice.
- TDS applies on interest income, ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
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NRO Current Account
Designed for NRIs who need a transactional account for business or personal expenses in India.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Operated in Indian Rupees (INR).
- Unlimited transactions allowed, suitable for frequent business dealings.
- Can be held jointly with other NRIs or Indian residents.
- Convenient for managing day-to-day expenses in India.
- Access to cheque books and debit cards for easy withdrawals and payments.
- Online banking features for seamless fund management.
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NRO Recurring Deposit Account
This account allows NRIs to save a fixed amount regularly, accumulating funds over time while earning interest.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Fixed monthly deposits in INR.
- Competitive rates similar to fixed deposit accounts.
- Flexible tenures ranging from 6 months to 10 years.
- Encourages disciplined saving habits.
- Interest earned is subject to TDS.
- Provides a structured way to save for future needs or investments.
HDFC Bank NRO Savings Account Interest Rates
HDFC Bank offers the following interest rates for NRO Savings Accounts:
Account Balance |
Interest Rate (per annum) |
Up to ₹1 lakh |
3.00% |
Above ₹1 lakh |
3.50% |
*Interest rates updated as of December 2024.
HDFC Bank NRO Term Deposit Account Interest Rates
HDFC Bank offers the following interest rates for Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) Term Deposit Accounts:
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For Deposits Less Than ₹3 Crore:
Tenure |
Interest Rate (per annum) |
7 - 14 days |
3.00% |
15 - 29 days |
3.00% |
30 - 45 days |
3.50% |
46 - 60 days |
4.50% |
61 - 89 days |
4.50% |
90 days to ≤ 6 months |
4.50% |
6 months 1 day to ≤ 9 months |
5.75% |
9 months 1 day to < 1 year |
6.00% |
1 year to < 15 months |
6.60% |
15 months to < 18 months |
7.10% |
18 months to < 21 months |
7.25% |
21 months to 2 years |
7.00% |
2 years 1 day to < 2 years 11 months |
7.00% |
2 years 11 months to 35 months |
7.35% |
2 years 11 months 1 day to ≤ 3 years |
7.00% |
3 years 1 day to < 4 years 7 months |
7.00% |
4 years 7 months to 55 months |
7.40% |
4 years 7 months 1 day to ≤ 5 years |
7.00% |
5 years 1 day to 10 years |
7.00% |
*Interest rates updated as of December 2024.
NOTE: The senior citizen rates apply only to resident Indians; Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligible for these rates.
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For Deposits Between ₹3 Crore and Less Than ₹5 Crore:
Tenure |
Interest Rate (per annum) |
7 - 14 days |
4.75% |
15 - 29 days |
4.75% |
30 - 45 days |
5.50% |
46 - 60 days |
5.75% |
61 - 89 days |
6.00% |
90 days to ≤ 6 months |
6.50% |
6 months 1 day to ≤ 9 months |
6.85% |
9 months 1 day to < 1 year |
6.75% |
1 year to < 15 months |
7.40% |
15 months to < 18 months |
7.05% |
18 months to < 21 months |
7.25% |
21 months to 2 years |
7.05% |
2 years 1 day to 3 years |
7.00% |
3 years 1 day to 5 years |
7.00% |
5 years 1 day to 10 years |
7.00% |
*Interest rates updated as of December 2024.
NOTE: Senior citizen interest rates apply only to resident Indians.
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for HDFC Bank NRO Account
To open an NRO account with HDFC Bank, you must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- Non-Resident Status: Only Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) can apply.
- Individual or Joint Account: Can be opened individually or jointly with another NRI or a resident Indian (subject to RBI guidelines).
- Purpose: Suitable for managing income earned in India, such as rent, dividends, or pensions.
Documents Required to Open HDFC Bank NRO Account
To complete the account opening process, the following documents are necessary:
- Proof of NRI Status: Valid passport with visa/OCI/PIO card.
- Address Proof: Indian and overseas address proofs (e.g., utility bill, bank statement).
- PAN Card: Copy of Permanent Account Number (PAN) or Form 60.
- Photographs: Recent passport-size photographs.
- Account Opening Form: Duly filled and signed application form.
- Additional Documents: Any other documents as required by the bank, depending on your specific case.
Benefits of Opening HDFC Bank NRO Account
The key benefits of opening HDFC Bank NRO Account are as follows:
- Manage Indian Income: The HDFC Bank NRO Account helps Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) manage income earned in India, such as rent, dividends, and pensions.
- Repatriation Benefits: NRIs can repatriate up to USD 1 million per financial year, allowing easy transfer of funds abroad after paying applicable taxes.
- Taxation: Interest earned on the NRO account is subject to TDS at a rate of 30%, but NRIs may benefit from lower tax rates under Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAA).
- Joint Account Options: NRIs can open the NRO account jointly with either an Indian resident or another NRI, making it flexible for shared financial management.
- Access to Banking Services: HDFC Bank provides online banking facilities, enabling easy fund transfers, bill payments, and access to account statements from anywhere in the world.
- Debit Card Facility: Customers receive a domestic debit card for convenient transactions and cash withdrawals in India.
- Initial Deposit Requirement: A minimum initial deposit of INR 10,000 is required to open the account, with the same amount needed to maintain an average monthly balance.
- Foreign Currency Deposits: NRIs can deposit foreign currency or traveler’s cheques when visiting India, enhancing flexibility in managing funds.
Conclusion
The HDFC Bank NRO Account remains a reliable option for NRIs to manage their Indian income effortlessly. With attractive interest rates, easy repatriation limits, and secure banking services, it ensures convenience and compliance with RBI regulations. Ideal for those looking to handle Indian earnings while staying globally connected.