What is a YES Bank FCNR Account?
A YES Bank FCNR Account is a fixed deposit for Non-Resident Indians to deposit money in 8 foreign currencies like USD, GBP, EUR, JPY, AUD, CAD, SGD and HKD. Interest earned in this account is tax-free in India and is protected from currency fluctuations. NRIs can easily transfer funds to their home country. The Principal & interest are fully & freely repatriable.
YES Bank FCNR interest rates come with competitive rates and flexible tenures ranging from 1 to 5 years. This account helps earn good returns while keeping their foreign earnings safe.
Features of YES Bank FCNR Account
The key features of the YES Bank FCNR account are listed below:
- Currency Options: YES Bank offers FCNR accounts in eight currencies- US Dollar (USD), British Pound (GBP), Euro (EUR), Australian Dollar (AUD), and Canadian Dollar (CAD).
- Interest Rates: Interest rates vary by currency and term length, with shorter terms generally offering higher rates.
- Tenure: FCNR accounts can be opened for a period ranging from 1 to 5 years.
- Tax Benefits: The interest earned on FCNR accounts is non-taxable in India, making it a tax-efficient investment for NRIs .
- Withdrawal Penalties: If funds are withdrawn before maturity, penalties apply:
- For tenures less than 12 months, all interest is forfeited.
- For tenures of 12 months or more, a penalty of 0.05% on the interest amount is charged.
- Joint Accounts: NRIs can open FCNR accounts jointly with another NRI, enhancing flexibility for managing funds.
- Funding Methods: Money can be transferred from abroad to fund the FCNR account, with specific provisions for using existing funds in India.
- Repatriability: Both principal and interest can be freely repatriated to the home country.
- Currency Exchange: No exchange rate risk for the NRI account holder.

Steps to Open YES Bank FCNR Account
Follow these simple steps to open a YES Bank FCNR account in India:
Step 1- Contact YES Bank: New NRIs should request a callback through the YES Bank website or visit a designated branch for help.
Step 2- Prepare Required Documents: Collect the necessary documents, such as:
- Passport
- Proof of NRI status
- Overseas address proof
- PAN card (if applicable)
Step 3- Choose Currency and Tenure: Choose from eight foreign currencies (USD, GBP, EUR, JPY, AUD, CAD, SGD, HKD) and select a tenure between 1 to 5 years.
Step 4- Submit KYC: Complete your Know Your Customer (KYC) process.
Step 5- Open Account:
- Online: Existing customers can log into Yes Bank Net Banking to open an FCNR account.
- In-Person: New customers can visit NRI service branches during their visit to India.
Step 6- Fund the Account: Transfer funds using international remittance services or existing funds in India.
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for YES Bank FCNR Account
The following conditions apply to open a YES Bank FCNR account in India:
- Nationality: Available to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs).
- OCIs / PIOs: Foreign citizens (except from Pakistan or Bangladesh) who:
- Once held an Indian passport.
- Have a parent or grandparent who was an Indian citizen.
- Are married to an Indian citizen or an OCI.
- Students: Indians studying in foreign universities.
- Seafarers: Indian crew members working on international ships or oil rigs.
- Government Staff: Officials or diplomats posted at Indian embassies/missions abroad.
- Joint Accounts: Can be opened with other NRIs or OCIs.
- Resident Relatives: You can add a resident Indian relative as a joint holder, but only on a "Former or Survivor" basis
- Source of Funds: The money must come from overseas earnings
Documents Required to Apply for YES Bank FCNR Account
The NRI/ PIO must provide the following documentation to open a YES Bank FCNR account in India:
- Valid Passport (for ID)
- Visa/Permit (Proof of overseas status)
- Address Proof (Recent utility bill or statement)
- Photographs (Passport-sized photos)
- PAN Card (For tax purposes)
- Income Proof (if required)
- Bank Statement (Overseas bank statement, if required)
Benefits of Opening YES Bank FCNR Account
The key benefits of having YES Bank FCNR account are as follows:
- Attractive Interest Rates: Yes Bank offers attractive interest rates on FCNR accounts, with rates going up to 4.90% for USD deposits over certain tenures.
- Tax Benefits: Interest earned on FCNR accounts is exempt from Indian income tax, making it a tax-efficient choice for NRIs.
- Repatriation Benefits: Both the principal and interest can be fully repatriated, meaning funds can easily be transferred back to the country of residence.
- Flexible Tenure: FCNR accounts can be opened for periods ranging from 1 to 5 years, suiting different investment goals.
- No Currency Risk: Holding deposits in foreign currencies helps NRIs avoid the risk of fluctuations in the Indian rupee, offering stability against exchange rate changes.
- Easy Account Management: Existing customers can open FCNR accounts online through Yes Bank’s digital platforms. New customers can get help via customer service or visit a branch.
- Premature Withdrawal Options: Premature withdrawals are allowed but come with penalties. No interest is paid if withdrawn before one year. After one year, a small penalty applies.
Conclusion
YES Bank Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) account offers Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) a secure way to invest foreign earnings in India. With options to deposit in multiple currencies, flexible tenures from 1 to 5 years, and competitive interest rates, it provides a convenient and profitable investment avenue. Notably, both the principal and interest are fully repatriable and exempt from Indian income tax, enhancing its appeal to NRIs seeking efficient financial solutions.