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What is NRI account nomination: 5 Important facts to know

Key Takeaways

Adding a nominee to your NRI bank account is important for easier fund management in case of the death of the account holder.
A nominee is a custodian of the account balance, which distinguishes them from a legal heir.
You must know what the NRI bank account rules are to nominate the right individuals.
You can complete the nomination online or offline in a few simple steps when opening the NRI account or later on.

04 Aug 2025 by Team FinFIRST

Open an Account

Thanks to digital advancements, opening a Non-Indian Resident (NRI) bank account has become as simple as ABC. But do you know about the importance of nominations in bank accounts?

Let us understand why a nominee is important, what NRI account nomination is, and why it is essential.

Retirement planning for NRIs: Tips for building a secure future

The future of NRI Banking

What is a nomination in an NRI bank account?

Nomination is the process of naming an individual to receive the balance of your NRI account after your passing. A nomination makes fund transfers easy in the event of the account holder's absence.

However, a nominee is not the same as a legal heir. While the nominee is the custodian of the funds, the legal heir is the beneficiary or end user.

Why is nomination important?

Nomination in an NRI bank account is important for the following reasons:

The NRI bank account balance is transferred to the right person without legal hassles
Your dependents can get easy and instant fund access if they are your nominees
A nomination prevents the account balance from being transferred to unclaimed funds

For a better understanding, here’s what will happen with and without a nominee:

Without a nominee	With a nominee
Your legal heirs get a succession certificate from the court to claim the account balance	Your nominee can claim the account balance for quick and instant transfers
The process is lengthy, time-consuming, and cumbersome	The bank transfers the funds to the nominee’s account automatically

5 Things you should know about NRI nomination

Nominations, though simple, have some important aspects you should be aware of. Facts such as who can be nominated, how to nominate, and updating nominee details can facilitate easier financial management. Let’s look at the five important aspects of NRI bank account nomination:

1. Who can be a nominee for my NRI bank account?

You can nominate your spouse, child(ren), parents, or any relatives. The nominated individuals can be Indian residents, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), or minors.

In case of a minor, you should also appoint a guardian. The guardian will receive the account balance on behalf of the minor in your absence until they become of age, usually 18 years.

2. How many nominees can I add to my NRI bank account?

IDFC FIRST Bank allows you to nominate one individual for your NRI account.

3. How to add a nominee to my NRI bank account?

You can add a nominee online or offline. You can complete online nomination through your net banking account, or when opening the account digitally. For offline nominations, you will have to visit the bank’s branch.

Banks like IDFC FIRST Bank simplify this process by involving a relationship manager through just a few steps online.

4. Can I add or change a nominee after opening my NRI bank account?

Adding or changing a nominee to your NRI bank account is not binding. You have complete flexibility in managing who gets access to your money.

5. Can I have a nominee for my joint NRI accounts?

If you have a joint NRI account, the account holders can jointly nominate an individual.

Mistakes to avoid in nomination

When adding or updating a nominee, it's important to avoid common mistakes. Here's what to watch out for—and the right steps to take:

Common mistakes	How to avoid them?
Not informing the nominee	Always inform the individual that you have nominated them to be your bank account representative
Not updating nominee details	If the current nominee is not available any more or if you want to change the nominee for any reason, you should update the details at your earliest convenience
Not mentioning allocation ratios in the case of multiple nominees	Always specify the percentage of the account balance to be transferred to each nominee

Make financial planning easy with a nomination

By now, you have a clear understanding of what NRI account nomination is, how it works, and the benefits it offers. The next step is simple—add or update a nominee in your NRI account today. This small action can make a significant difference, ensuring the smooth management of your account in your absence while providing your loved ones with peace of mind.

If you're looking for a hassle-free way to nominate someone, consider IDFC FIRST Bank NRI Banking Services. With user-friendly features designed for global access, you can add or update a nominee in just a few easy steps—anytime, anywhere. It’s quick, convenient, and secure banking made effortless.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.

The features, benefits and offers mentioned in the article are applicable as on the day of publication of this blog and is subject to change without notice. The contents herein are also subject to other product specific terms and conditions and any third party terms and conditions, as applicable. Please refer our website www.idfcfirstbank.com for latest updates.

FinFIRST Blogs

What is NRI account nomination: 5 Important facts to know

Key Takeaways

READ MORE

Retirement planning for NRIs: Tips for building a secure future

The future of NRI Banking

What is a nomination in an NRI bank account?

Why is nomination important?

5 Things you should know about NRI nomination

1. Who can be a nominee for my NRI bank account?

2. How many nominees can I add to my NRI bank account?

3. How to add a nominee to my NRI bank account?

4. Can I add or change a nominee after opening my NRI bank account?

5. Can I have a nominee for my joint NRI accounts?

Mistakes to avoid in nomination

Make financial planning easy with a nomination

Disclaimer

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Contents

FinFIRST Blogs

What is NRI account nomination: 5 Important facts to know

Key Takeaways

READ MORE

Retirement planning for NRIs: Tips for building a secure future

The future of NRI Banking

What is a nomination in an NRI bank account?

Why is nomination important?

5 Things you should know about NRI nomination

1. Who can be a nominee for my NRI bank account?

3. How to add a nominee to my NRI bank account?

4. Can I add or change a nominee after opening my NRI bank account?

5. Can I have a nominee for my joint NRI accounts?

Mistakes to avoid in nomination

Make financial planning easy with a nomination

Disclaimer

Comprehensive Guide to Financial Planning for NRIs

Gift City Tax Benefits for NRI

Related Products

Related Articles

Download IDFC FIRST Bank App

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Contents