SBI PPF Account & it’s Benefits

Details of SBI PPF Account

Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a Government of India scheme, and it is a long-term investment scheme that also offers lucrative interest rate and optimal returns. The investments can be as low as ₹500 and a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh in a fiscal year. Moreover, one can avail loan facility between 3^rd and 6^th fiscal year. The scheme also offers partial withdrawal facility from the 7^th fiscal year.

SBI PPF Scheme Features and Benefits  

The money invested in this scheme is safe and secured. Moreover, the scheme offers Tax Exemption Benefits on the deposited amount. Some of the key features of SBI PPF Account are listed below:

• SBI PPF Account Eligibility Criteria- SBI PPF Account can be opened in one’s own name and also on behalf of minor at any bank branch or post office. However, it is not permitted to open a PPF account in the name of a Hindu Undivided Family.

• Investment Limits- The minimum amount that one can deposit is ₹500 and a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh per annum. The investment can be made in a lump sum or in 12 installments in one year.

• Duration of SBI PPF Scheme- The duration of the scheme is 15 years. Once the scheme is matured it can be further extended in a span of 5 years each.

• SBI PPF Interest Rate- PPF interest rate is decided by the Central Government on a quarterly basis. Currently, it is 8.0% per annum. SBI PPF Interest rate is calculated on the minimum balance in SBI PPF Account from the 5^th day and the month-end and is paid every year on 31st March.

• Tax Exemption- Tax benefits under Sec 88 of the Income Tax Act. Interest earned is also tax-free. The amount due to the credit is also Wealth Tax-free.

• Loans and Withdrawals- SBI PPF permits loans and withdrawals as per the age of the account and the deposited amount till date (as on the specified dates).

• Nomination- SBI PPF account also comes with nomination facility in the name of one or more than one person. The subscriber can also decide the shares of nominees.

• Transfer of Account- SBI PPF account is transferrable to other Branches/ Post Offices/ Banks/ and vice versa with no cost attached.

• Premature Payment- It is allowed on completion of five fiscal years of the account if:
  The amount is required to treat serious ailments or critical illness of the Account holder/spouse/ parents/dependent children, on submission of supporting documents from a medical expert.
  The amount is required for the higher education of the minor account holder on submission of supporting documents, bills, and admission proof from a recognized institute in India or overseas.

Things to Know Before Opening an SBI PPF Account

Generally, a PPF account can be opened in a bank branch or a designated post office. But for an SBI account holder, opening a PPF account is quite convenient and time-saving. SBI customers can open a PPF account online at any time of the day.

SBI has also launched a digital service through which customers can open a Public Provident Fund (PPF) account instantaneously online in a paperless manner. SBI customers can open a PPF account anytime, anywhere as per their convenience through the internet and mobile banking/Mobile App.

Things to Know Before Opening an SBI PPF Account Online

Mentioned below are some prerequisites to open SBI PPF account online:

• The subscriber should hold an SBI Savings Bank account

• The subscriber should have Mobile banking/ Net-banking enabled for the SBI account

• The ‘Aadhaar’ number has to be linked with the account

• The authorized mobile number that is linked to your Aadhaar should be active. It will be required to sign and e-authorize using the OTP (one-time-password). This will enable an instant opening of the PPF account.

How to Open SBI PPF Account Online?

The steps to open SBI PPF A/c online are listed below:

• The subscriber needs to have an SBI Internet banking username and password

• Once logged in, go to the 'Request & Enquiries' option and click on the 'New PPF account’

• Applicant’s name, address and other details will be shown on the screen.  If the SBI PPF account is to be opened in the name of a minor, then select the option to open SBI PPF for a minor. In that case, the name of the minor, date of birth, his/her relationship with the applicant has to be mentioned.

• Now enter the specific branch code/IFSC code before proceeding further.

• Now enter the nomination details. Joint holding is not permissible in a PPF Account, only nomination can be done. For minors, nominees are not allowed; only a guardian can be named.

• Click 'Submit', the following information will be displayed on the next page:
  Upon submission of the application form, a reference number will get generated, which will be valid for 30 days from the submission date. It will be deleted afterward.
  Therefore, within 30 days, visit the nearest bank branch with the KYC documents, a print out of the SBI PPF Online Application, and a photograph.

Documents Required for SBI PPF Account

The following documents are required to open a PPF account in SBI:

• SBI PPF opening form

• PAN card photocopy

• Applicant’s ID proof

• Nomination Form

• Passport size photograph

• Applicant’s residential proof

Related Read: National Pension Scheme (NPS)

SBI PPF Account - FAQS