Introduction
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a fixed-income saving scheme introduced by the Government of India in 1968. Designed to encourage savings while ensuring capital safety and tax benefits, PPF is a long-term investment plan ideal for conservative investors. While one can open a PPF account through post offices, several authorized banks across India also offer the facility for both offline and online PPF account opening. Here is a list of banks offering PPF Account.
What is the Public Provident Fund (PPF)?
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed savings scheme that offers assured returns and tax exemptions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. The interest earned is compounded annually and is also tax-free. PPF has a lock-in period of 15 years and can be extended in blocks of five years thereafter. The scheme allows partial withdrawals and loan facilities against the account under certain conditions.
Eligibility Criteria to Open a PPF Account
Before initiating the opening of a PPF account, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria:
- Must be a resident Indian citizen.
- Only individuals can open a PPF account; HUFs, NRIs, and companies are not eligible.
- One individual can open only one PPF account, except on behalf of a minor.
- The minimum deposit is Rs. 500 per year, and the maximum is Rs. 1.5 lakh.
You may also want to know Post Office Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
List of Banks Offering PPF Account
The List of Banks Offering PPF Account banks are authorized by the Ministry of Finance to open and manage PPF accounts:
1. State Bank of India (SBI)
- Offers both online and offline account opening.
- Easy tracking through the YONO SBI app.
2. Punjab National Bank (PNB)
- Allows PPF account opening via net banking.
- In-branch services are also available.
3. Bank of Baroda (BOB)
- Online application available for existing customers.
- Passbook issued physically.
4. Union Bank of India
- Offers both online and offline modes.
- Online statements are available.
5. Canara Bank
- Allows PPF account management through net banking.
- E-statements and automated transactions enabled.
6. Central Bank of India
- Offers offline account opening.
- Passbook issued for transaction updates.
7. Indian Bank
- Facility available through their mobile app.
- Easy deposits and tracking.
8. Indian Overseas Bank
- Currently offers only offline account opening.
- Must visit the nearest branch with documents.
9. Bank of India (BOI)
- PPF account opening through internet banking.
- Statement viewable through BOI’s app.
10. UCO Bank
- PPF account opening via branch only.
- Yearly interest is credited automatically.
11. IDBI Bank
- Online opening allowed for IDBI customers.
- Competitive interest rates as per RBI guidelines.
12. ICICI Bank
- Highly popular for seamless online PPF account opening.
- Integration with mobile banking and fund transfers.
13. HDFC Bank
- Quick and paperless process for existing users.
- Option to set standing instructions.
14. Axis Bank
- Allows online application for customers.
- Monthly contribution setup available.
15. Bank of Maharashtra
- Offers both online and offline PPF account facilities.
- Application form available on the website.
You may also want to know the Kotak Mahindra Bank Atal Pension Yojana
Opening of a PPF Account
PPF accounts can be opened via two modes:
Offline Account Opening
- Visit the nearest authorized bank branch.
- Fill the PPF account opening form.
- Submit KYC documents: Aadhaar, PAN, passport-size photo.
- Deposit initial amount (minimum Rs. 500).
Online Account Opening
- Log in to net banking or mobile banking of the respective bank.
- Navigate to the PPF account section.
- Fill in the form digitally.
- Authenticate using OTP or internet banking credentials.
- Deposit the amount via net banking.
Documents Required to Open a PPF Account
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport
- Address Proof: Utility bill, Aadhaar card, Driving License
- Passport-sized photographs
- Duly filled PPF application form
How to Invest in a PPF Scheme
Deposits can be made:
- In lump sum or a maximum of 12 installments per financial year.
- Minimum investment: Rs. 500/year
- Maximum investment: Rs. 1.5 lakh/year
- Investment can be made via:
- Online transfer
- Cash
- Cheque or demand draft at the branch
Things to Remember About Opening a PPF Account
- Ensure the PAN card is linked to avoid TDS issues.
- You cannot open more than one account in your name.
- Nomination facility is available.
- Joint accounts are not allowed.
- The interest rate is revised quarterly by the Ministry of Finance.
- Early withdrawal is allowed only after 5 years under specific circumstances.
PPF Interest and Tax Benefits
- Interest Rate: ~7.1% per annum (subject to quarterly revision)
- Tax Benefit: EEE status (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt)
- Contributions up to Rs. 1.5 lakh deductible under Section 80C
- Interest earned and maturity amount are tax-free
Conclusion
Opening a PPF account is a wise move for anyone aiming for long-term wealth accumulation with minimal risk. With the flexibility of both online and offline account opening, leading public and private sector banks offer accessible ways to invest in this government-backed scheme. PPF accounts provide guaranteed returns, tax exemptions, and financial discipline through systematic saving. Whether you’re a young earner starting your investment journey or a seasoned investor looking for stable returns, a PPF account can form a solid foundation for your portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a PPF account online in any bank?
Only banks that provide digital services for PPF allow online account opening. Check with your bank’s internet banking portal.
What is the minimum amount required to open a PPF account?
You need a minimum of Rs. 500 to open and maintain a PPF account in a financial year.
How many PPF accounts can one person hold?
Only one PPF account is allowed per person, except if one is opened on behalf of a minor.
Can NRIs invest in PPF?
No, NRIs are not eligible to open or maintain a PPF account.
Is the PPF account transferable?
Yes, a PPF account can be transferred from one authorized bank or post office to another.
Can I withdraw money from my PPF account before maturity?
Yes, partial withdrawals are allowed after the completion of 5 financial years.
Are PPF returns guaranteed?
Yes, PPF is backed by the Government of India and offers assured returns.
What is the maturity period of a PPF account?
The standard maturity period is 15 years, which can be extended in blocks of 5 years.
Open Free Demat Account
Related Terms
- Atal Pension Yojana
- Axis Bank APY
- Axis Bank NPS
- Axis Bank PPF Account
- Axis Bank SSY
- Balika Samriddhi Yojana (BSY)
- Bank of Baroda SCSS
- Bank of Baroda SSY
- Bank of India APY
- Bank of India NPS
- Bank of India PPF Account
- Bank of Maharashtra APY
- Bank of Maharashtra NPS
- Bank of Maharashtra PPF Account
- Bank of Maharashtra SCSS
- Bank of Maharashtra SSY
- Banking Mergers in India
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
- Bhamashah Yojana
- BOB NPS
- BOB PPF Account
- Canara Bank APY
- Canara Bank NPS
- Canara Bank PPF Account
- Canara Bank SCSS
- Canara Bank SSY
- Central Bank of India NPS
- CLCSS
- CLSS
- Dhanalakshmi Scheme
- Difference Between EPF and EPS
- Difference Between EPF and PPF
- Digital Seva Portal
- Direct Benefit Transfer
- EDLI
- ELSS vs PPF
- Employee Pension Scheme (EPS)
- Employee PF Number
- Employee Provident Fund (EPF)
- EPF Balance
- EPF Claim Status
- EPF Form 10C
- EPF Form 10D
- EPF Form 11
- EPF Form 2
- EPF Form 31
- EPF Form 5
- EPF Interest Rate
- EPF or PF Withdrawal Rules
- EPF Passbook Download
- EPF Payment
- EPF Withdrawal Online
- Exempted PF Trust
- FATCA Declaration for NPS
- Federal NPS
- Form 15G
- General Provident Fund
- Gold Savings Scheme
- GPF Interest Rate
- GPF Rules
- Gratuity
- HDFC Bank APY
- HDFC NPS
- HDFC PPF Account
- ICICI Bank APY
- ICICI Bank SCSS
- ICICI Bank SSY
- ICICI NPS
- ICICI PPF Account
- IDBI Bank PPF Account
- IDBI Bank SCSS
- IDBI NPS
- Indian Bank APY
- Indian Bank NPS
- Indian Bank PPF Account
- Indian Bank SCSS
- Indian Bank SSY
- Indian Overseas Bank APY
- Indian Overseas Bank NPS
- Indian Overseas Bank SSY
- IOB SCSS
- IRDP
- Jeevan Pramaan Patra
- Kanya Sumangala Yojana
- Kisan Vikas Patra
- Kotak Mahindra Bank APY
- KVP Interest Rate
- LIC vs PPF
- List of Banks Offering SSY
- Loan Against PF
- Loan Against PPF Account
- Mahila Samman Savings Certificate
- Merge Two PF Accounts
- National Pension Scheme (NPS)
- National Pension Scheme for NRI
- National Savings Certificate (NSC)
- NPS Customer Care Number
- NPS Interest Rate
- NPS Lite Aggregators List
- NPS Returns
- NPS Tier I
- NPS Tier II
- NPS vs APY
- NPS vs PPF
- NPS Withdrawal
- NREGA
- NSC Interest Rate
- NSS
- PF Contribution Breakup
- PF Form 19
- PF Transfer Form
- PF Withdrawal Form
- PFRDA
- PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana
- PMAY – Urban
- PMAY List 2025
- PMAYG
- PMAYG List
- PMGKY
- PMJAY
- PMJDY
- PMKSY
- PMMVY
- PMSBY
- PMSYM
- PMVVY
- PNB PPF Account
- PNB SCSS
- PNB SSYS
- POMIS
- Post Office Atal Pension Yojana
- Post Office Monthly Income Scheme
- Post Office NPS
- Post Office PPF Account
- Post Office Saving Schemes
- Post Office SSY
- Post Office Tax Saving Scheme
- Post Office Time Deposit
- PPF Account for Minors
- PPF Balance
- PPF Interest Rate 2025
- PPF Limit
- PPF Returns
- PPF Withdrawal
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
- Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana (PMRY)
- PRAN Card
- Public Provident Fund (PPF)
- Punjab National Bank NPS
- RBL Bank NPS
- Saksham Yuva Yojana
- Samajwadi Pension Yojana
- Saving Schemes
- SBI Atal Pension Yojana
- SBI NPS
- SBI PPF Account
- SBI SCSS
- SBI SSY
- SCSS Interest Rate
- SCSS Rules
- Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
- South Indian Bank NPS
- SSY Interest Rate 2025
- SSY vs PPF
- Sukanya Samriddhi vs Fixed Deposit
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
- Swavalamban Pension Yojana
- Types of Pension Plans for Retirement
- UAN Helpdesk
- UAN Member Portal
- UAN Registration
- UCO Bank Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
- UCO Bank NPS
- UCO Bank SCSS
- UCO Bank SSY
- Unclaimed EPF Account
- Union Bank of India NPS
- Union Bank of India PPF Account
- Union Bank of India SCSS
- Universal Account Number (UAN)
- Update Mobile Number in EPF Account
- Voluntary Provident Fund
- VPF Interest Rate
- VPF Rules
- VPF vs PPF
- Yes Bank NPS
- Yes Bank PPF Account
Explore our feature-rich web trading platform
Get the link to download the App
