What this scheme offers
PMJDY provides a basic savings bank account with no minimum balance requirement, a free RuPay debit card, and accidental insurance cover of up to ₹2 lakh on eligible accounts. Account holders also gain access to overdraft facilities (subject to account history), remittance services, pension access, and direct benefit transfer of government subsidies straight into the account. The scheme once held a Guinness World Record for the most bank accounts opened in a single week.
Who is eligible
- Any Indian citizen aged 10 years or above (accounts for minors above 10 can be opened in their own name).
- Must not already hold an existing bank account to access the scheme's specific benefits.
- Individuals without standard identity documents can still open an account after a bank-conducted background check and "low risk" categorisation.
- Particularly aimed at rural households, women, senior citizens and economically disadvantaged individuals; one account per household is prioritised, preferably in a woman's name.
Documents required
- Aadhaar card (preferred, though not mandatory)
- Any one identity proof: Voter ID, driving licence, PAN, passport, or NREGA job card
- Address proof, if Aadhaar is not provided
- Passport-size photograph
How to apply
- Visit any bank branch or a nearby Bank Mitra (Business Correspondent) outlet.
- Ask for the "financial inclusion account opening form," available in English and Hindi, or download it from the PMJDY portal.
- Fill in your personal details and submit it with your identity and address documents.
- Complete in-person or video KYC as required by the bank.
- Once verified, your zero-balance account and RuPay card are issued.