Steps to Choosing a Bank Offering the Highest Interest Rate for a Senior Citizen Saving Scheme

In India, all major banks are RBI (Reserve Bank of India) regulated, which means they have to set the interest rate on deposits and loans in line with RBI’s base rate. Even with minute differences in the rate of interest, banks and financial institutions claim themselves as the best bank with the highest interest rates.

The rate difference of a few basis points might not have much impact or attraction from salaried professionals, but HNIs (High Networth Individuals) and NRI investors might find them attractive enough to prefer the banking institution for higher interest returns. Similarly, retired professionals and senior citizens with a corpus of retirement funds can make immense interest returns by selecting the right deposit scheme with the right banking partner.

What is SCSS & its benefits?

An SCSS or a Senior Citizen Savings Scheme is a savings account scheme initiated and sponsored by the government of India for any individuals above the age of 60 years. As per the guidelines, a senior citizen can open a savings account with any banking institution or post office branch with a maturity period of 5 years.

Since it is supported and backed by the government of India, there is no risk involved in the security of the funds blocked in the account. Any individual after completing their employment with the organisation can open an SCSS account within one month of receiving the retirement funds. According to the Indian government, the senior citizen saving scheme interest rate is offered by all institutions at 8% per annum.

As there is no age limit applicable for the joint holder, a retiree can easily open the SCSS account jointly with their partner and spouse. Although a retired person can open more than one account under the SCSS scheme, the maximum total deposit in one or more accounts for the senior citizen must not exceed Rs. 30 lakhs. Moreover, the investment funds and interest earned in the SCSS account are allowed for deductions in tax.

The interest earnings are high and a guarantee from the government for the safety of those deposits. In case of emergencies, the account holder can even request for pre-closure of the account which might levy a 1% to 1.5% charge of withdrawal before maturity.

Steps for selecting the high-interest rate offering bank for SCSS

Here are the steps to follow in selecting the senior citizen saving scheme bank with the highest interest rate.

Selecting a bank or post office

SCSS is a government-backed scheme to provide high-interest earnings for retired Indians. All commercial banks and post offices can accept and approve an SCSS savings account. According to their convenience, retirees can select whichever institution they would like to proceed with since there is not much difference in benefits provided by them all.

Interest Disbursement

The rate of interest on deposits in the SCSS account is dictated by the Ministry of Finance. The senior citizen saving scheme interest rate remains the same for almost all institutions providing the service. However, the interest amount credited is either quarterly or semi-annually as per the bank policy. Applicants can choose banks as per their interest disbursement preference.

Digital Banking or Nearest Branch available

All major institutions offer digital services for customers to help them manage their accounts from the comfort of their homes. To open and manage the SCSS account, a retiree can visit the nearest bank or post office branch or apply online. Since the regulations and funds of SCSS accounts are managed by the Government of India, a bank with the highest interest rate might not make much difference in applying for this scheme.

Also Read: Important Steps not to Ignore While Opening a New Savings Account

Documents required

A senior citizen attained an age above 55 years and is retired can also apply for an SCSS account with either one of the documents below:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Senior Citizen Card
• Voter’s ID
• Pan Card
• Aadhar Card
• Driving License
• School Leaving Certificate (DOB)

Conclusion

The Senior Citizen Savings Scheme is a promising product by the government of India. It has created the safest investment approach for retired individuals in the country without a single bit of risk involved. This scheme is adapted specifically for senior citizens of India and does not apply to HUF (Hindu Undivided Family) or an NRI (Non-Resident Indian). Apart from this savings scheme, a retiree can also invest with little risk in the financial market through a lump sum SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) in mutual funds.