Teaching children the value of saving money at an early age is one of the best gifts we can give them. To support this, the State Bank of India (SBI) offers special savings accounts designed especially for minors. These accounts not only help children learn banking basics but also allow them to manage small transactions safely.
In this guide, we explain all details about Pehla Kadam, Pehli Udaan, and Basic Savings Bank Deposit Small Account (BSBD Small Account) in a simple and customer-friendly way.
1. SBI Pehla Kadam & Pehli Udaan – Smart Saving Accounts for Minors
SBI offers two dedicated savings accounts for children:
- Pehla Kadam – For minors of any age (opened jointly with a parent/guardian)
- Pehli Udaan – For minors above 10 years who can sign uniformly (opened in the minor’s own name)
These accounts help children understand modern banking through safe and controlled access to banking services.
2. Key Features of Pehla Kadam & Pehli Udaan
✓ No Monthly Average Balance (MAB) Requirement
There is no need to maintain a minimum balance, making it convenient and stress-free for parents.
✓ Maximum Account Balance – ₹10 lakh
✓ Cheque Book Facility
- Pehla Kadam:
- Cheque book available where the minor’s registered mobile number is provided
- 10-leaf personalized cheque book issued in the guardian’s name
- Cheque book available where the minor’s registered mobile number is provided
- Pehli Udaan:
- Cheque book issued if the minor can sign consistently
- 10-leaf personalized cheque book issued in the minor’s name
- Cheque book issued if the minor can sign consistently
✓ Photo ATM-cum-Debit Card
- Pehla Kadam:
- Card issued in the name of both minor and guardian
- Child’s photo embossed
- Withdrawal / POS limit: ₹5,000/day
- Card issued in the name of both minor and guardian
- Pehli Udaan:
- Photo embossed card issued in the minor’s name
- Same ₹5,000/day limit
- Photo embossed card issued in the minor’s name
✓ Mobile Banking Access
Both accounts offer limited mobile banking to ensure safe usage.
- Pehla Kadam:
Viewing rights + small transactions like top-up, bill payment
Daily limit: ₹2,000 - Pehli Udaan:
Viewing + bill payment + top-up + IMPS
Daily limit: ₹2,000
✓ Auto Sweep Facility
- Auto sweep starts at ₹20,000
- Sweep in multiples of ₹1,000
- Minimum sweep amount: ₹10,000
3. Eligibility Criteria
Pehla Kadam
- Minor of any age
- Account opened jointly with parent/guardian
Pehli Udaan
- Minor above 10 years
- Must be able to sign uniformly
- Account opened in minor’s own name
4. Mode of Operation
Pehla Kadam:
- Joint operation with parent/guardian
- Parent/guardian can also operate singly
Pehli Udaan:
- Operated solely by the minor
5. KYC Requirements for Minor Accounts
Both accounts need:
- Minor’s Date of Birth proof
- KYC documents of parent/guardian
6. Additional Benefits of Minor Accounts
- Interest calculated on daily balance
- No charges for inter-core transfer
- Free specially designed branded passbook
- Account can be transferred to any SBI branch without changing account number
- Nomination facility available and recommended
7. Basic Savings Bank Deposit Small Account (BSBD Small Account)
This account is designed for adults (18+) who do not have valid KYC documents. It helps financially weaker sections start saving with minimum documentation.
Features of BSBD Small Account
✓ Available at all regular SBI branches
(Not available in specialized branches like PBB, SPB, MCG, CAG)
✓ No minimum balance required
✓ Maximum balance: ₹50,000
✓ Free Basic RuPay ATM-cum-Debit card
✓ Withdrawals allowed from branch or ATM
8. Eligibility for BSBD Small Account
- Any adult (18+)
- Can be opened singly, jointly, or with E or S / F or S / Anyone or Survivor options
9. KYC Requirements (Liberalised)
Since customers may not have official KYC documents, the bank accepts:
- Self-attested photograph
- Signature or thumb impression in presence of bank officer
10. Most Important Terms & Conditions
- Balance cannot exceed ₹50,000 at any time
- Total withdrawals + transfers per month ≤ ₹10,000
- Total yearly credits cannot exceed ₹1,00,000
- Max 4 withdrawals per month (including ATM, online transfers, branch withdrawal)
- Foreign remittances not allowed
- Account valid for 12 months, extendable for another 12 months if proof of applying for KYC is given
- If KYC not submitted within 24 months → only closure allowed
- Account can be converted to regular savings account anytime after full KYC
11. Charges for BSBD Small Account
- Free Basic RuPay ATM card
- No annual maintenance charges
- NEFT/RTGS credit free
- Free government cheque deposits
- No account closure charges
Final Thoughts
SBI’s Pehla Kadam and Pehli Udaan accounts are excellent options for parents who want their children to learn financial discipline in a safe environment. These accounts blend modern banking features with controlled access, helping children understand saving, spending, and money management.
For adults without valid KYC documents, the BSBD Small Account provides an easy first step into the banking system with minimal charges and simple rules.
If you want to build strong financial habits early, these SBI accounts are perfect choices.
Also read-Nomination Facility in Banks: A Complete Guide for Customers