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Banking Awareness is considered to be the high scoring section in any competitive exam. It includes two main portions, current affairs GK and static GK. In this article, we will discuss some really important Banking Awareness topics that are covered in almost all competitive exams. Also, you can download the PDF of lists of different Banking Awareness topics.
In Banking Section, the questions are asked from following topics: History of Banking, banking terms, Marketing of Banking Products, Functions of Banks, Banks and their taglines, schemes, committees related to banking, headquarters of bank, some Banking news related, apps launched by banks, new schemes etc.
In a series of sharing useful study material for upcoming banking exams. Here, we are providing Banking Awareness notes for all banking Exams (IBPS, SBI & Other Banking Exams).
Banking Awareness Study Notes on Time deposits and demand deposits
Definition of demand deposit?
Demand deposits can be on a checking or a savings account, and withdrawals can be made either from an ATM or from the bank’s cashier. Unlike term deposits, which require a predetermined period to pass by before allowing the depositor to make a withdrawal, demand deposits allow withdraws up to a certain daily limit.
Usually, demand deposits make interest payments on a monthly, bi-annual or annual basis, and are mostly preferred by the banks as they incur the lower costs due to their low-interest rate. In some cases, i.e. capital controls, depositors can withdraw money from their demand deposits up to the specified withdrawal limit imposed by the government. In other cases, demand deposits may allow for an overdraft, and the account is converted into a liquidity account.
Types of demand deposits
There are two types of demand deposits. They are current account and savings account. They are discussed below:
Current account: A current account is always a demand deposit. A current account functions in a manner where the bank is obliged to pay the money on the depositor’s demand. The current account bears no interest. The current account facilitates the easy operation of the account to an individual or a firm. Current accounts are normally used to hold short-term funds that are used to pay for transactions involving goods and services and to obtain easy access to cash when needed.
Savings account: This is the second type of demand deposit. Unlike the current account, a savings account receives interest which is usually at a fixed rate set by the bank in which the account exists. These accounts are used to hold funds that a customer can avail in
times of need, in the short term. Savings account does not have the facility of giving funds using cheques. The funds can be withdrawn by a customer at a bank branch or an ATM. Many banks offer the facility of transferring funds between savings and current accounts
What Is a Time Deposit?
A time deposit is an interest-bearing bank account that has a pre-set date of maturity. A certificate of deposit (CD) is the best-known example. The money must remain in the account for the fixed term in order to earn the stated interest rate.
Time deposits generally pay a slightly higher rate of interest than a regular savings account. The longer the time to maturity, the higher the interest payment will be.
Another name for this type of investment is term deposit.
Types of Term Deposit
- Cumulative and Non-Cumulative deposits: In a cumulative term deposit, the interest income is reinvested in the parked deposit. Upon maturity, the investor receives returns which is inclusive of the interest. It is an ideal option for investors who do not require monetary additions to their income in regular intervals.A non-cumulative deposit includes regular interest payouts at fixed intervals. An investor selects the pay-out frequency i.e. fortnightly, monthly, quarterly or yearly, while opting for a term deposit plan. This is preferred by those who would benefit from regular cash inflow apart from their income.
- Company Fixed Deposit schemes: The term deposits that are parked by the investors in financial companies for a predetermined time period fall within Company Fixed Deposit schemes. The investors gain an interest income based on a rate of interest dictated by the company. The deposits are unsecured and will be subject to the financial position in the economy. They are directed by the Companies Act under Section 58A. Most of the deposits of this nature come in with a lock-in period of 3-6 months. Companies like Mahindra Finance, Shriram Transport Finance Company and PNB Housing Finance offer schemes of this nature.
- Sweep-in facility term deposit: A term deposit with a sweep-in characteristic offers a higher interest rate than a regular savings account, but promises the liquidity that come with a savings account. This feature allows you to convert any amount in your savings account, above a fixed limit, into a term deposit. In case your savings account experiences deficit in balance, funds will be withdrawn from the term deposit. Also, the deposit is broken down in units of Re.1, hence, preventing loss of interest. Banks like Kotak Mahindra and HDFC offer deposits with ‘sweep-in’ facility.
- Short-term and Long-term deposits: The tenor for short-term deposits ranges from 1 to 12 months. This plan is opted by investors who wish to receive returns soon after investment. The interest rate attached to short-term deposits is usually lower than longer tenors. The usual interest rate offered for 7 to 30 days ranges between 4%-5%, and 7%-7.25% for tenors from 3 months-1 year for a deposit of less than Rs.1 crore. It is recommended that an investor opt for a plan with a rollover option in case of such an investment.Long-term deposits are locked in with a maturity that ranges between 1 to 10 years. The interest rate ranges from 7.5%-8.25%. This is chosen by investors who wish to increase their savings across a long period of time.
- Senior Citizen term deposits: A majority of the banks and other financial institutions offer a higher rate of interests for the term deposits for senior citizens i.e. persons above 60 years of age. The usual difference in the rate is by 0.5%. They are further entitled to benefits such as nomination and premature closing of the account. A few banks also ensure a sweep-in and overdraft facility for them, thereby enabling liquidity of funds. The senior citizens could also avail tax-saving term deposits at select banks.
- Special deposit schemes for children: ‘Sukanya Samriddhi Account’ was launched by the government which stated that any girl child above the age of 10 could open a term deposit account. The deposits in the account will be made by the natural or the legal guardian. The minimum limit for the account is Rs.1,000 and at least, an amount of Rs.1,000 must be parked every financial year. Banks such as Punjab National Bank has launched ‘Balika Shiksha Scheme’ which enables a girl child who has passed 8th grade to open a term deposit account. The Allahabad Bank introduced ‘Sishu Mangal’ for children within the age bracket of 1-15 years.
- Post Office Time Deposit: An account of Post Office Time Deposit can be opened either under one individual’s account or as a joint account. This account comes with a nomination facility. Also, one can transfer their account from one post office to another, or own multiple accounts within the same post office. An account holder is not eligible to prematurely withdraw the deposit before 1 year and any withdrawal within 3 years gains a tax deduction of 2% of the total deposit value. On the other hand, any premature withdrawal after three years is subject to a 1% deduction. The minimum limit for the deposit is Rs.200 and the current interest rates are 7.1%(1 year), 7.2%(2 years), 7.4%(3 years) and 7.9%(5 years) respectively. Any deposit for a tenor longer than 5 years is eligible for the tax benefits prescribed under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- Tax-saver term deposits: Tax-saver deposits are eligible for a tax deduction under Section 80C of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961. The lock-in period for such deposits is 5 years and any interest above Rs.10,000 is taxable. The usual interest rates range between 5.5%-7.75%. Investors can save on tax for deposits up to Rs.1.5 lakh. A TDS certificate is provided to the account holders by many banks on a quarterly basis.
