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Open a Zero Balance Account Online Effortlessly – The Ideal Salary Account


A zero-balance account is a type of bank account where you do not need to maintain a minimum balance for operating it. With IDFC FIRST Bank, you can open a zero-balance salary account and enjoy full access to funds as long as your monthly salary is being credited. It allows you to manage your finances more effectively without the constraint of maintaining a certain balance. This account is particularly beneficial for employees, offering the flexibility to use their entire salary without the concern of incurring penalties for low balances.Read More

IDFC FIRST Bank’s Zero balance account is an excellent choice due to its attractive features and benefits, including seamless online account opening, digital banking services that you avail free of charge, a range of exclusive offers on top brands, and superior customer support. Read Less

Find out about our minimal and transparent fees & charges

Key Features of a Zero Balance Account

Top Benefits of Opening a Zero Balance Account

Financial flexibility with Zero Balance Account

With no minimum balance requirement, you can use your entire salary without the risk of penalties, giving you complete control over your finances.

Quick & easy account opening online

The zero balance account opening process is streamlined and can be done online, ensuring that you can set up your account quickly and efficiently.

Higher cash withdrawal limits

With IDFC FIRST Bank Zero balance accounts, you enjoy daily ATM withdrawal limits of ₹2 lakhs to access your funds anytime anywhere.

Exclusive offers for account holders

IDFC FIRST Bank offers a variety of exclusive deals on grocery, entertainment, and travel expenses as well as discounts to zero balance salary account holders.

Loyalty rewards on transactions

Get rewarded for every debit card transaction. Earn 10X accelerated reward points on incremental monthly spends above ₹20K, and 2000 points worth ₹500 on your first debit card transaction

Extra benefits with Zero Balance Account

As a salary account holder, you enjoy complimentary memberships on digital platforms such as: 

o Times Prime membership for 1 year on your first salary credit above ₹25K

o Swiggy One Flagship membership every quarter on spends of ₹5000 (UPI/DC) & salary credits for 3 consecutive months to your IDFC FIRST Bank Salary Account

o Amazon Prime membership, renewed every quarter based on 3 months of regular salary credits & Standing Instructions (MF SIP/ EMI/ CC Payments) of minimum ₹5,000

Why a Zero Balance Account is Beneficial for Employers

Eligibility & Documents Required to Open a Zero Balance Salary Account

Eligibility Criteria to Open a Zero Balance Salary Account

Eligibility for Platinum Plus Account

  • A net monthly salary credit of minimum ₹50,000 per month
  • You should be an Indian citizen residing in India or a foreign national residing in India, fulfilling the GOI criteria
  • Have valid proofs of identity and employment

Eligibility for Classic Plus Account

  • A net monthly salary credit of minimum ₹25,000 per month
  • You should be an Indian citizen residing in India or a foreign national residing in India, while fulfilling the GOI criteria

Have valid proofs of identity and employment

Documents Required to Open a Zero Balance Account

Documents for Online Account Opening

  • To open a zero-balance salary account online, you need your PAN and Aadhaar Card Number

Documents for Offline Account Opening

  • Proof of identity: A valid government-issued ID such as an Aadhaar card, passport, or PAN card
  • Proof of address: Utility bills, rental agreements, or any other document recognised by the bank as valid proof of residence.
  • Employment proof: Recent salary slips or an employment letter from your organisation.
  • Passport-sized photograph: A recent passport-sized photo for account documentation.

Savings Account Eligibility


Disclaimer: This account will remain a ZERO balance account till the time salary is getting credited. If the salary is not getting credited you are required to maintain the average monthly balance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zero Balance Accounts

What is a zero-balance account?

A zero-balance account at IDFC FIRST Bank is a salary account that does not require maintaining a minimum balance, provided your salary is regularly credited. This offers flexibility to utilise your entire salary without incurring any penalties for not maintaining a certain balance. IDFC FIRST Bank offers all essential banking services like fund transfers, bill payments, debit card access, and more—without any penalty charges for non-maintenance of balance. It’s ideal for simplified banking.

How is a zero-balance account different from a regular account?

Unlike regular savings accounts that mandate a minimum balance, IDFC FIRST Bank's zero-balance salary account allows you to operate the account freely without such requirements, as long as salary credits continue. You still get benefits like interest earnings, online banking, debit card, and fund transfers access—making it more convenient for everyone, especially new users.

What are the advantages of a zero-balance account over other accounts?

The primary advantage is that a zero-balance account eliminates penalties for non-maintenance of balance. With IDFC FIRST Bank, you also enjoy interest on savings, easy digital access, and essential banking features without fees. To summarise:

• No minimum balance requirement with regular salary credits.

• Competitive interest rates up to 7.00% p.a., credited monthly.

• Zero-fee banking on commonly used services.

• Complimentary memberships like Times Prime, Swiggy One, and Amazon Prime based on eligibility.

How to use a zero-balance account?

Once opened with IDFC FIRST Bank, you can use your zero-balance account just like any savings account—receive salary, transfer funds, pay bills, use the debit card, and manage transactions via mobile or internet banking. There’s no pressure to maintain a minimum balance, giving you complete financial flexibility. Ensure regular salary credits to maintain zero balance benefits.

How to choose the best bank to open a zero-balance account?

Look for banks offering high interest rates, low or zero fees, strong digital banking features, and wide ATM access. IDFC FIRST Bank stands out by offering competitive interest, seamless mobile banking, and a customer-first approach—making it a reliable choice for managing money with zero balance constraints.

What are the interest rates offered on opening a zero-balance account?

With IDFC FIRST Bank, zero-balance accounts earn interest at attractive rates—up to 7.00% per annum depending on the balance slab. This is significantly higher than many traditional banks, making it a rewarding way to save, even if you don’t maintain a fixed balance in your account.

How does the monthly interest credit for a zero-balance account work?

IDFC FIRST Bank calculates interest on your daily closing balance and credits it monthly to your zero-balance account. This helps your savings grow faster compared to quarterly interest credits. Monthly compounding ensures that your interest earnings start earning interest sooner, maximising the value of your savings over time.

What is the frequency of interest pay-outs?

Interest on your zero-balance account with IDFC FIRST Bank is credited every month. Unlike most banks that credit interest quarterly, monthly payouts give you quicker access to your earned interest and help your balance grow steadily, offering better compounding benefits and greater visibility into your financial growth.

Who is eligible to open a zero-balance account?

Salaried individuals earning a net monthly salary of ₹25,000 or more can open a Classic Plus Zero Balance Account with IDFC FIRST Bank. For the Platinum Plus Account, a salary of ₹50,000 or more is required, and the employer must have a corporate salary relationship with the Bank.

Are there any charges for not maintaining a minimum balance in a zero-balance account?

As long as regular salary credits continue, IDFC FIRST Bank’s zero-balance account remains free from minimum balance charges. However, if salary credits stop for 3 consecutive months, standard minimum balance rules may apply, and non-maintenance charges could be levied, as per the Bank’s updated terms and conditions.

Is there a limit on the number of transactions in a zero-balance account?

No, there is no fixed limit on the number of transactions in an IDFC FIRST Bank zero-balance account. Customers can freely perform digital and in-branch transactions. However, unusually high or suspicious activity may be monitored in accordance with RBI guidelines and the Bank’s internal risk and compliance policies.

Are there any restrictions on the number of withdrawals from a zero-balance account?

No, IDFC FIRST Bank offers unlimited free ATM withdrawals across all ATMs within India on most zero balance and salary account variants like the Classic and Platinum. There are no monthly caps or hidden charges, making withdrawals seamless and accessible whenever you need cash.

Can I access internet and mobile banking with a zero-balance account?

Yes, IDFC FIRST Bank provides full access to internet and mobile banking services with its zero-balance account. You can check balances, transfer funds, pay bills, recharge mobile numbers, and more, all through a secure digital interface that ensures convenience and control from anywhere, anytime.

What documents are required to open a zero-balance account online?

To open a zero-balance account online, you typically need a PAN card, Aadhaar card, and a mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card for OTP verification. You will require a video KYC for verification. These documents ensure quick, secure, and paperless digital onboarding for your zero-balance account.

Can I get a debit card with a zero-balance account?

Yes, a physical debit card is issued with most IDFC FIRST Bank zero-balance accounts. It enables you to withdraw cash at ATMs, shop online and offline, and perform other transactions. The card type and associated charges may vary depending on the specific account variant chosen.

Can I get a virtual debit card with my zero-balance account?

Yes, IDFC FIRST Bank provides a virtual debit card upon opening a zero-balance account. You can use it instantly for online shopping, bill payments, and subscriptions. It offers the convenience of cardless transactions and is accessible via the mobile banking app until the physical card arrives.

How do I deposit money into my zero-balance account?

You can deposit money into your zero-balance account via UPI, IMPS, NEFT, or direct cash deposit at any IDFC FIRST Bank branch. Funds can also be transferred through linked accounts or salary credits. The process is convenient, instant, and can be done digitally or in-person.

What are the additional benefits offered with IDFC FIRST Bank's zero-balance account?

Benefits include free fund transfers, no hidden charges, access to internet and mobile banking, a debit card, and high interest rates on your balance. You also get an array of lifestyle and travel benefits like trip cancellation cover, airport lounge access, etc. Additionally, you may receive rewards, discounts, or offers on debit card usage, plus access to customer support, ATM withdrawals, and monthly interest credits.

Will I get a debit card on opening a zero-balance account?

Yes, a debit card—physical and/or virtual—is typically issued when you open a zero-balance account with IDFC FIRST Bank. It allows you to make cash withdrawals, payments, and online purchases. The type of card and applicable charges depend on the specific account variant you choose.

How to open a zero-balance account without a PAN card?

If you don’t have a PAN card, you may open a Small Account under simplified KYC norms by providing other valid documents such as Aadhaar. However, these accounts come with restrictions on deposits, withdrawals, and total balance. For full-featured accounts, PAN submission is mandatory.

What happens to my zero-balance account if my employment status changes?

If your employment status changes and salary credits stop, your IDFC FIRST Bank zero-balance account may be reclassified. You may then need to maintain the standard average monthly balance for a regular savings account. Failure to maintain the required balance could result in non-maintenance charges as per Bank policy.

How can I open an IDFC FIRST Bank zero-balance account online?

To open an IDFC FIRST Bank zero-balance account online, visit the bank’s official website or mobile app. Fill in your personal details, verify your Aadhaar and PAN cards, and complete a video KYC process. Once verified, your account will be activated instantly, and you’ll receive your virtual debit card.

Who is eligible to open a zero-balance account online with IDFC FIRST Bank?

Salaried individuals with a monthly salary of ₹25,000 or more are eligible to apply for zero-balance accounts online. Those earning ₹50,000+ monthly salaries from corporates that have IDFC FIRST Bank relationships may qualify for enhanced account types. Applicants will need their Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and a mobile number linked to their Aadhaar cards for verification.

Can I convert my existing salary account to a zero-balance account?

Yes, if you have a salary account with IDFC FIRST Bank and meet the salary credit criteria, it will continue as a zero-balance account. If it’s not categorised as a salary account, you can request conversion by submitting relevant employment proof or initiating a corporate salary account transfer.

How can I transfer my salary account from another bank to IDFC FIRST Bank?

You can transfer your salary account by requesting your employer to route your salary to your IDFC FIRST Bank account. Alternatively, if your company has a corporate tie-up, fill out the salary account opening form provided by the HR department or submit your details online for activation.

What should I do if I lose my debit card linked to my zero-balance account?

If your debit card is lost or stolen, immediately block it via the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app, net banking, or by calling customer care. Request a new card through the same channels. For safety, monitor your account and report any suspicious transactions to the Bank without delay.

How to instantly open a zero-balance account?

To open a zero-balance account instantly, visit IDFC FIRST Bank’s official website or mobile app. Enter your Aadhaar and PAN details, complete OTP verification, and complete the quick video KYC process. Once completed, your account is activated immediately, and you can begin using it digitally.

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How to choose the best Zero Balance Salary Account

When choosing a zero-balance salary account, evaluate key factors such as interest rates, digital banking services, and customer service efficacy to make an informed decision. IDFC FIRST Bank Salary Accounts offers zero fee banking on all banking services and monthly interest credits to help maximise your earnings. When choosing a salary account, it is important to look beyond just the convenience of a no minimum balance requirement. A holistic perspective to choosing a salary account is key to achieving great financial health in the long term.

Team FinFIRST10 Sep 2024 • 3 mins read

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