14 Best Zero-Balance Secondary Savings Accounts You Can Open Online
If you already have a primary savings account with a major bank such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI, Axis Bank, or another financial institution, you may not need another traditional savings account with a high minimum balance requirement.
A secondary savings account can be useful for separating different types of money — like freelance income, rental income, side-business receipts, household expenses, subscriptions, UPI payments, or a dedicated savings goal.
The good news is that a number of banks offer zero-balance or no-minimum-balance savings accounts. These include digital accounts that can be opened online.
However, there is an important distinction: "zero balance" does not always mean "no charges at all." Some have fees for debit cards, plans, initial funding, or charges for transactions.
Here are 14 options worth considering in 2026.
1. Kotak 811 Super Account
Kotak 811 is one of the more popular choices among digital savings accounts for those looking for a secondary account.
There is no average monthly balance requirement for the Kotak 811 Super account in the current Kotak scheme. The account also enables digital fund transfers such as NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS via mobile or net banking.
The 811 ecosystem is especially helpful if you want a distinct account for daily digital transactions but wish to maintain your primary banking relationship with someone else.
Kotak 811 Super Account gives 5% cashback on eligible spends using your debit card up to ₹500/month (₹6,000/year), which is good savings for you.
Best suited for: People looking for a digital-first secondary account with zero balance requirements.
Watch out for: The 811 Super programme has an annual programme fee, so "zero balance" should not be confused with "zero cost."
2. Kotak 811 Classic Account
Another secondary banking option is the full-KYC version of the 811 account, called the Kotak 811 Classic Account.
Kotak’s latest schedule shows the Classic account requiring zero average monthly balance and no maintenance charge.
For someone who wants a separate account for UPI, online payments, or additional income, the Classic version can be more practical than a limited-KYC product, as it offers a fuller banking setup.
Best suited for: Users who want a full-KYC digital secondary account without maintaining a monthly balance.
3. AU Digital Savings Account
AU Small Finance Bank’s AU Digital Savings Account is another recognized zero-balance digital option.
AU currently offers a Digital Savings Account with zero minimum monthly balance, monthly interest payouts, and online account opening. The bank said savings accounts could also be opened digitally using PAN/Aadhaar and video banking.
AU advertizes a savings rate of up to 6.75% p.a. But the rate that applies to you will depend on the account you have and the balance slab you fall into. This can also change over time.
Best suited for: Someone who wants a digital secondary account and values savings interest along with online banking.
4. IDFC FIRST Bank Zero-Balance Savings Account
IDFC FIRST Bank offers a Zero Balance Savings Account in the Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA) category.
The account requires no minimum balance and includes basic banking services, a RuPay Classic Debit Card, and monthly interest credits. IDFC FIRST Bank currently advertizes interest rates of up to 6.50% per annum for this account category.
There is one important note for those looking for a completely online secondary account: IDFC FIRST Bank states that this specific zero-balance BSBDA variant requires a branch visit, despite the fact that the bank offers other savings accounts via online onboarding.
Best suited for: People who specifically want a BSBDA-style zero-balance account and don't mind visiting a branch.
More Zero-Balance Accounts Worth Considering
5. SBI Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account
The SBI BSBD Account has no minimum balance requirements and offers basic banking services. Eligible customers will receive a basic RuPay debit card with no annual maintenance fees, as well as access to YONO.
This account can be opened using the YONO app from Playstore.
One important restriction is that you cannot have another BSBDA with the same or a different bank.
6. IndusInd Indus Delite Zero-Balance Savings Account
The Indus Delite Savings Account requires no minimum balance or maintenance fee and can be opened digitally with Aadhaar and PAN.
However, it currently requires ₹10,000 in initial funding, and debit card charges may apply.
7. Axis AMAZE Zero-Balance Savings Account
The Axis AMAZE account has no average balance requirement but requires ₹10,000 for initial funding. The plan costs ₹200 per month for a minimum of six months, or ₹2,200 annually.
8. Canara Aspire Zero-Balance Savings Account
Canara Aspire targets residents aged 17 to 28 and has no minimum balance requirement under certain conditions. It includes both a RuPay Platinum Millennial Card and digital banking.
9. Jio Payments Bank Zero-Balance Savings Account
Jio Payments Bank provides a zero-balance, fully digital savings account via the JioFinance ecosystem. It currently advertizes interest rates of up to 4% per annum.
The account can be opened online via the JioFinance or MyJio apps, and Aadhaar and PAN are required.
10. Airtel Payments Bank Zero-Balance Savings Account
Airtel Payments Bank presents its savings account as a "Safe Second Account" with no minimum balance and digital onboarding.
It can be useful for separating regular UPI, shopping, and recharge transactions from your main account. However, its current fee structure includes an account maintenance fee and other transaction-specific fees.
11. DBS Bank Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account
DBS provides a BSBDA with no minimum balance requirement, as well as basic banking services such as deposits and withdrawals through multiple channels.
12. RBL Bank Basic Savings Account
RBL Bank's Basic Savings Account is a zero-balance option that includes a RuPay debit card, checkbook facilities, and mobile, internet, and phone banking.
13. Slice Savings Account
Slice provides a fully digital zero-balance savings account with no minimum balance requirement, no fees for NEFT, RTGS, or IMPS transactions, and daily interest payments. Its advertized rate is currently 5.25% per annum, linked to the RBI repo rate.
There is no annual debit card maintenance fee, but a physical card is optional and incurs an issuance fee.
14. Fi Money Savings Account
Fi Money has partnered with Federal Bank to provide a digital savings experience. It describes the account as a zero-balance online savings account with digital sign-up and an app-driven approach to spending, saving, and investing.
Quick Comparison: Which Account Should You Consider?
| Account | Zero/No Minimum Balance | Online/Digital Option | Particularly Useful For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kotak 811 Super | Yes | Yes | Secondary digital banking |
| Kotak 811 Classic | Yes | Yes | Full-KYC secondary account |
| AU Digital Savings | Yes | Yes | Digital banking + savings |
| IDFC FIRST Zero Balance | Yes | Branch required for BSBDA | Basic banking |
| SBI BSBD | Yes | Digital access available | Basic banking |
| Indus Delite | Yes | Yes | Feature-rich secondary account |
| Axis AMAZE | Yes | Yes | Users wanting bundled benefits |
| Canara Aspire | Yes | Digital banking available | Young customers |
| Jio Payments Bank | Yes | Yes | UPI and digital payments |
| Airtel Payments Bank | Yes | Yes | Daily transactions |
| DBS BSBDA | Yes | Digital banking available | Basic banking |
| RBL Basic | Yes | Digital banking available | Conventional zero-balance banking |
| Slice Savings | Yes | Yes | Digital-first users |
| Fi Money | Yes | Yes | App-based money management |
Note: The meaning of "zero balance" refers to the absence of a minimum balance requirement. It does not necessarily imply that every service is free. Initial funding, debit card fees, plan fees, ATM fees, and other service charges may still apply.
Normal Savings Account vs BSBDA: What's the Difference?
One of the most important distinctions to make before opening a second account is between a regular savings account and a Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA).
Regular Savings Account
A regular savings account may come with:
- A minimum or average monthly balance requirement
- More debit-card choices
- Premium banking features
- Higher transaction limits depending on the account
- Lifestyle benefits and rewards
- Optional add-on services
The exact conditions depend on the bank and account variant.
BSBDA
A BSBDA is intended to provide basic banking services without requiring customers to keep a minimum balance.
For example, SBI's BSBD account has no minimum balance requirement, as does IDFC FIRST Bank's BSBDA.
However, BSBDA accounts are subject to specific regulatory and product rules. One particularly important rule is that a customer cannot open another BSBDA account with another bank while already having one
As a result, if you already have a regular savings account and want a second account for extra income, a digital zero-balance savings product may be a better option than opening another BSBDA.
The "Hidden Charges" You Should Check Before Opening a Zero-Balance Account
1. Initial funding
Some accounts have no minimum balance but still require an initial deposit. For example, Indus Delite and Axis AMAZE currently list ₹10,000 as initial funding.
2. Debit-card charges
Check for issuance, annual maintenance, replacement, and international transaction fees.
3. Plan or subscription fees
Some accounts have recurring programme or plan charges. Kotak 811 Super and Axis AMAZE are examples.
4. ATM charges
Free ATM transactions usually come with limits. Additional transactions may attract fees.
5. Cash transaction charges
If you frequently deposit or withdraw cash, check the applicable charges.
6. SMS and service charges
Small fees can add up. Airtel Payments Bank, for example, lists charges for SMS alerts beyond its free allowance.
7. Account closure charges
Check whether closing the account soon after opening it involves a fee.
Should You Keep Your Secondary Account Completely Empty?
Not necessarily.
This is one of the most common misconceptions about zero-balance accounts.
A zero-balance account does not require you to maintain a minimum balance. It does not indicate that the account is intended to remain unused forever.
A practical approach is to:
- Complete the required initial funding.
- Make a few genuine transactions.
- Link the account to the services you actually intend to use.
- Keep only the amount you need for the account's purpose.
- Monitor the account periodically.
The goal is not to keep a large amount of money in every account you own. The goal is to make each account serve a clear purpose.
Who Is Most Suitable for a Secondary Zero-Balance Account?
A second zero-balance account can be useful for:
Freelancers and gig workers
Keep freelance payments separate from household expenses.
People with side income
Track income from consulting, online work, rent, commissions, or other sources more easily.
Online sellers and small businesses
Separate business receipts and payments from personal spending. If your activity requires a current account, however, a personal savings account may not be suitable.
People who want a UPI spending account
Use a separate account for everyday UPI payments while keeping your primary account for salary, savings, and investments.
Students and young professionals
Useful when income is irregular and maintaining a minimum balance is inconvenient.
People who want financial separation
Use different accounts for salary, household spending, side income, or specific savings goals.
