Know About
Current Account
Current accounts, also known as checking accounts, are transactional deposit accounts offered by banks that allow individuals and businesses to deposit and withdraw funds as needed. Here's a detailed explanation of current accounts:
Purpose: Current accounts are primarily used for day-to-day financial transactions such as paying bills, making purchases, and withdrawing cash. They provide a convenient and secure way to manage money and facilitate transactions.
Accessibility: Current accounts offer easy access to funds through various channels, including checks, debit cards, online banking, ATMs, and mobile banking. Account holders can make unlimited withdrawals and deposits without restrictions on the number of transactions.
Overdraft Facility: Many current accounts come with an overdraft facility that allows account holders to withdraw more money than they have available in their account, up to a predetermined limit. Overdrafts may incur fees or interest charges depending on the bank's policies.
Direct Deposits: Current accounts support direct deposit of salaries, wages, benefits, and other payments, providing convenience and efficiency for account holders.
Bill Payments: Account holders can use current accounts to pay bills, make electronic transfers, and set up automatic payments for recurring expenses such as utilities, rent, and loan payments.
Interest: Unlike savings accounts, current accounts typically do not pay interest on the deposited funds. However, some banks may offer interest-bearing current accounts with certain balance requirements and restrictions.
Account Fees: Current accounts may have monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, ATM fees, and other charges depending on the bank and the type of account. Some banks waive fees for customers who maintain a minimum balance or meet other criteria.
Fixed Deposit Accounts
Fixed deposit accounts, also known as time deposit accounts, are savings accounts offered by banks and financial institutions that allow individuals to deposit funds for a fixed period at a fixed interest rate. Here's a detailed explanation of fixed deposit accounts:
Purpose: Fixed deposit accounts are designed for individuals who want to earn higher interest rates on their savings by locking in their funds for a specific period, ranging from a few months to several years.
Interest Rates: Fixed deposit accounts offer higher interest rates compared to regular savings accounts, making them an attractive option for individuals seeking to maximize their returns on idle funds.
Term Lengths: Fixed deposit accounts have predetermined term lengths, which can vary from as short as one month to several years. The interest rate and maturity date are fixed at the time of deposit, providing predictability and stability for savers.
Minimum Deposit Requirements: Fixed deposit accounts may require a minimum deposit amount to open the account and earn the advertised interest rate. The minimum deposit requirement varies depending on the bank and the term length.
Penalties for Early Withdrawal: Withdrawals from fixed deposit accounts before the maturity date may incur penalties or forfeit a portion of the interest earned. These penalties discourage account holders from accessing their funds prematurely.
Interest Payments: Interest on fixed deposit accounts can be paid out periodically (e.g., monthly, quarterly, annually) or compounded and paid out at maturity, depending on the account terms and the account holder's preferences.
Renewal Options: At maturity, account holders have the option to renew the fixed deposit for another term or withdraw the funds. Some banks offer automatic renewal options to simplify the process for account holders.
Safety: Fixed deposit accounts are generally considered low-risk investments because they are backed by the issuing bank and insured by government deposit insurance schemes, providing protection for depositors' funds up to a certain limit.