Top 7 Best Zero Balance Bank Accounts in India (2025)

For many Indians, students, working pros, freelancers, even full-time homemakers and seniors, opening a zero balance savings account can be highly beneficial. Such savings accounts give the convenience of not needing a balance while still providing most of the conveniences of regular savings accounts.

These include debit cards, UPI, and net banking. All types of Indian banks, both old and new, are ensuring that opening such accounts will be easy and full of benefits by 2025.

In this blog, we will explore in detail the facts and expert analysis along with a comparison of the top 7 zero balance accounts in India, providing you with simplified information in an easy to understand manner so you can make the best decision.

What Is a Zero Balance Savings Account?

A zero-balance savings account allows you to open and run an account without maintaining a minimum balance. It is perfect for casual earners or people on a stringent budget since there are no penalties for maintaining a balance at zero.

Features usually include:

• ATM & Debit cards (sometimes with rewards)
• UPI/Net banking/mobile banking
• Few or no charges for regular services
• Interest on savings, sometimes higher than regular accounts
• Most banks restrict the number of free transactions per month (usually 4-5)

Let’s look at the best examples available in India.

Top 7 Zero Balance Savings Accounts in India (2025)

Below, we discuss each account in detail—including eligibility, charges, rewards, and more.

1. Kotak Mahindra Bank 811 Digital Zero Balance Savings Account

Why is Kotak 811 #1?
In India, Kotak 811 was the first to introduce a digital zero-balance savings account. Even now, in 2025, it is still on top for ease of opening accounts, convenience of online banking, and great benefits.

Key Features:

• Zero balance required (no penalties ever)
• Instant online account opening; video KYC possible from anywhere
• Up to 4.00% interest p.a. on savings
• ActivMoney: Surplus over a threshold is converted to a higher-interest term deposit automatically
• Free virtual debit card (physical card optional at a small cost)
• Unlimited online fund transfers
• Cheque book available on request
• Excellent banking app and NetBanking
• Up to 4 variants: Lite, Limited KYC, Full KYC, 811 Edge (Edge converts into regular account after KYC)

“I deposited ₹100 every day after swiftly opening the account with my PAN and Aadhaar. My savings increased to ₹18,000 over six months.” – Divyansh, Kotak 811 userloansjagat+1

Charges & Limits:

• Zero average monthly balance required
• Some chequebook/physical debit card charges may apply
• Full KYC needed for unlimited account usage
• Digital onboarding; Aadhaar and PAN essentialyoutubebankbazaar+1

Who should choose Kotak 811?
You want a modern, high-tech digital bank, need convenient online access, and value a straightforward app.

2. AU Small Finance Bank Zero Balance Account

Why is AU #2?
With Digital onboarding combined with best-in-market interest rates, AU Small Finance Bank is redefining customer expectations from traditional banks.

Key Features:

• No minimum balance required—keep your account at zero without penalty
• Interest up to 7.25% p.a. (one of the highest in India)
• Unlimited transactions at AU ATMs; 5 monthly free withdrawals at other ATMs
• Free virtual and physical debit card
• Quick online application; debit card sent to your address
• Ideal for students, gig workers, and anyone seeking higher returns
• UPI, Mobile banking, Internet banking
• Transaction limit: Up to ₹1 lakh per day/transaction for UPI; special limits for new users and IPO/Capital Market transactions
• No maintenance fees on the account itself

“There is no requirement for initial deposits. The account requires no specific deposit or balance to keep your account active.” – Financial columnist, ClearTaxcleartax

Charges & Limits:

• Other charges may apply for optional services like chequebooks
• Unlimited free AU ATM withdrawals; non-AU ATM free limit: 5/month; further Rs. 50/withdrawal
• Interest credited quarterlycleartax

Who is AU Small Finance Bank for?
If you want to maximize your interest earnings and don’t mind using a young but trusted finance bank, AU is unbeatable.

3. IndusInd Bank Indus Delite Zero Balance Savings Account

Why is IndusInd #3?
IndusInd’s Indus Delite gives this modern zero balance account extra perks, including cashback, reward entertainment, and simplified banking through digital platforms.

Key Features:

• No minimum balance (initial funding ₹10,000 may be required, but no penalties after that)
• Earn up to 7.00% interest p.a.
• 100% digital, paperless onboarding—open within minutes
• Rewards & cashback on Amazon, Swiggy, Bigbasket, fuel, OTT, and dining
• Buy-1-get-1 on BookMyShow movie tickets (max 4/year)
• Free debit card, lost-card protection insurance
• Choose your own account number (e.g., mobile number)
• Free fund transfers: NEFT/IMPS/RTGS/UPI with no charges
• Unlimited free withdrawals at IndusInd ATMs
• Wide digital suite: IndusMobile app, IndusNet online banking

“Account is ideal for dealing with finances without anxiety of low balance charges. Plus, special rewards—like cashback—sweeten the deal.”loansjagat+1

Charges & Limits:

• Zero penalties after initial funding
• All digital banking features free, but certain physical services may have fees

Who is Indus Delite for?
City professionals, digital shoppers, and deal-seekers who want cashback and rewards with their banking.

4. HDFC Bank BSBDA & Zero Balance Accounts

Why is HDFC?
The biggest private sector bank in India offers trustworthiness, a massive network of branches and ATMs, and no stress regarding maintaining a minimum balance.

Key Features:

• No minimum balance for BSBDA and Salary accounts
• Free debit card with ATM withdrawals, free online banking/mobile banking access
• Easy onboarding via Aadhaar, PAN, and simple video KYC
• Net banking, mobile banking, passbook, and SMS alerts
• Interest rate: 3.00% p.a.
• Accessible nationwide, including rural and semi-urban locations

“I switched from a regular account and now manage my salary and expenses without the stress of penalties.” – HDFC Zero Balance account holderloansjagat+1

Charges & Limits:

• No account closure charges
• Unlimited digital transactions; ATM withdrawals limited (higher with some account variants)
• Salary account: for those working at partnered companies, includes loan/card offers

Who is HDFC good for?
If you want a major bank’s presence, nationwide branch/ATM access, and easy digital banking.

5. SBI Zero Balance Accounts (BSBDA / Jan Dhan)

Why is SBI always a go-to?
Thanks to its sleek operations and government backing, SBI serves as the banking backbone for students and pensioners in India—and even the lower middle class.

Key Features:

• No minimum balance required for BSBDA & Jan Dhan accounts
• Free RuPay debit card (can be used for shopping, ATM withdrawals)
• Four free withdrawals/month (SBI & other ATMs included)
• Interest rate: 2.70% p.a.
• Full access via YONO app, internet banking, and nationwide branches
• No account closure fees; easy migration from a regular account upon request
• Documents: Aadhaar, PAN, and address proof
• Options: BSBDA, Jan Dhan (for financial inclusion), minors’ zero balance up to ₹10 lakh

“There is no daily withdrawal limit; however, only 4 times cash withdrawals are permitted per month.” – LeverageEdu, 2025leverageedu+2

Charges & Limits:

• Full KYC required for unlimited operations
• Beyond free withdrawals, applicable charges
• No penalty for ‘zero balance’ ever

Who is SBI for?
If you need a branch in every city or rural area, want rock-solid trust and government support.

6. Axis Bank Basic/Amaze Zero Balance Account

Why choose Axis?
Offering digital-first services along with appealing reward systems makes Axis one of India’s leading private sector banks.

Key Features:

• Zero minimum balance requirement (Amaze & Basic Savings)
• Amaze: Digital rewards, 250+ banking services, virtual debit card, Amazon/Swiggy/Uber offers
• Basic Savings: Free RuPay debit card, nationwide ATM access, online/mobile banking
• Interest: 3.00% – 4.00% p.a.
• 3 months Amazon Prime, up to 10 free movie tickets, EDGE reward points on spendingaxisbank+2
• High withdrawal & shopping limits (up to ₹1 lakh on debit card)

Charges & Limits:

• Amaze: ₹200/month fee (or pay annually), but high value in rewards
• No penalty for keeping zero balance
• Customer must not already hold an Axis account (for Basic Savings)

Who is Axis for?
Urban professionals, online shoppers, and people looking for digital rewards with their banking.

7. RBL/Utkarsh Small Finance Zero Balance Accounts

Why RBL & Utkarsh make the top 7?
Both banks provide greater interest rates compared to most larger banks, have simple online accessibility, and customer-friendly frameworks.

RBL Bank (Go Zero Balance Account):

• No minimum balance requirement
• Interest up to 6.75% p.a.
• High tiered interest: from 4.25% to 7.5% depending on balance
• Free RuPay debit card, unlimited ATM withdrawals, insurance benefits
• Digital onboarding and quick KYC
• Free chequebooks (two/year); cash w/d ₹50,000 limit at ATMstablemoney+1

Utkarsh Small Finance Bank (BSBDA/Salary Account):

• No minimum balance (personal or corporate/salary account)
• Interest up to 7.25% p.a.
• Tiered interest rates (4.25% for up to 1 lakh, 6.5% between 1–25 lakh, 7% above 25 lakh)
• Free RuPay debit card, free NEFT/RTGS/IMPS
• Digital banking & unlimited free withdrawals at their ATMs
• Free passbook and access to pension/social schemeswishfin

Who are these for?
If you want higher yields and are comfortable with smaller but well-run banks, RBL/Utkarsh are smart picks.

Fast Facts & FAQs About Zero Balance Accounts

What is the usual documentation?
Usually, Aadhaar, PAN, and a mobile number. Some banks ask for an initial small deposit.

Are there any real drawbacks?

• Loan/credit eligibility: Some banks may offer fewer credit facilities for zero-balance accounts.
• Free transaction limits: Exceeding free ATM/transaction limits incurs charges.
• Account type restrictions: Usually, only one zero balance account per individual per bank.

Are debit cards really free?
Most banks offer basic debit cards free. Upgrades or physical cards may attract charges.

Can I get chequebooks?
Usually available but may require a request, and some banks charge nominal fees.

Expert Perspective: Which Should You Pick?

• Urban digital users: Kotak 811, Axis Amaze, IndusInd Delite
• Max interest seekers: AU Small Finance, Utkarsh Small Finance, RBL
• Students/youths: SBI, HDFC
• Branch-access priority: SBI, HDFC, Axis

Tip: Always look beyond interest rate—consider ATM access, digital app quality, rewards, and customer service.

Comparative Table: Top 7 Zero Balance Accounts (2025)

Conclusion

In 2025, India surely will be customer-centric; the days of worrying about “minimum balances” draining away hard-earned funds are over. Zero balance bank accounts have democratized banking, especially for newcomers and people with irregular income streams.

Kotak 811 stays number one with digital natives, AU Small Finance Bank remains the undefeated champion in interest rates, and choices from IndusInd, HDFC, SBI, Axis, RBL, and Utkarsh make sure that no one is left behind, irrespective of age, income or technical know-how.