I’ve been managing most of my finances online lately, and now I’m planning to open a zero balance savings account with SBI to make things more convenient. Can someone guide me on how to open an SBI zero balance account through online banking or the YONO app? Do I need full KYC documents like Aadhaar and PAN, or is there a simpler option for digital account opening?
SBI doesn’t exactly advertise a “zero balance” savings account across all account types, but they do offer a basic savings bank deposit account (BSBDA) under their Basic Banking scheme, which doesn’t require maintaining a minimum balance. You’ll find the details under SBI’s Basic Savings Bank Account (BSBDA) offering.
To start, their official site gives you a good overview of their savings account products: https://www.sbi.co.in/web/personal-banking/accounts/savings-bank
How to Open an SBI Zero Balance (BSBDA) Account Via Online/Digital Channels
1. Check SBI’s website or the YONO / Internet Banking portal
Log into your SBI Internet Banking or open the YONO SBI app and see if there is an option for “Open Basic Account / Basic Savings Account / BSBDA” under the Accounts / Services section.
2. Choose the “Basic Savings / BSBDA” variant
When you fill out the application, make sure you select the Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account option — this is the zero-balance variant.
3. Fill in your personal details and upload KYC documents
You’ll be asked for typical things like name, address, mobile, Aadhaar, PAN, passport-sized photo, etc.
4. Complete eKYC or Video KYC / verification
SBI might ask you to verify identity either via Aadhaar OTP or through a video call.
If digital verification fails, you may need to visit a branch for final proof submission.
5. Account activation & receive credentials
Once verification is complete, your account will be activated. You’ll be given your account number, login credentials, and a debit card (if eligible) via mail or digitally.
Tips & Things to Watch Out For
• Make sure your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar so you can receive OTPs during eKYC.
• If the purely online opening isn’t possible in your area, SBI may ask for a branch visit for final KYC.
• Even in zero balance accounts, there may be limits on the number of transactions or maximum balance allowed, which is common under financial inclusion rules.
• Always verify that the option you’re selecting is indeed “Basic / BSBDA / zero balance variant”, not a regular savings account with minimum balance requirements.