What is current account

Banks offers several kinds of accounts to customers depending on their needs. Two of the most popular are savings account and current account.

What is Current Account?

So what is current account? Current account is for those who have a very high volume of transactions – whether debit or credit. Hence it is meant for conducting a business, and generally opened for businessmen, traders and service providers. Sometimes current accounts are also called demand deposit accounts. No interest is paid on these accounts, sometimes even a fee is charged for banking services.

To understand the current account meaning, let’s look at its various features.

Features of Current Account

• High liquidity

Current accounts are meant to ensure a high level of liquidity. Money flows constantly in and out of an account. Customers use it not as an investment, but as a tool to facilitate daily business transactions. They issue cheques to those with whom they have business dealing, and, in turn, receive cheques from them.

• Interest rates

One feature of a current account is that deposits made in it does not earn interest. This is because, as we have pointed out earlier, the current account definition is that it’s a tool for conducting business, not an investment avenue. On the other hand, a savings account earns some interest for customers – albeit small. However, there are some banks that offer a sweep-in facility. That is, if the balance reaches a certain level, it is automatically transferred to a savings account or a fixed deposit , where it can earn some interest.

• Overdraft

When you are finding out what is current account in bank, you need to understand the concept of an overdraft. Business transactions are quite fluid and rapid, and sometimes there could be a gap in the inflows and outflows. Banks in that case provide an overdraft facility so that any cheques issued are not dishonoured.

Advantages of Current Account

• Enables businesspersons to keep the flow of money smooth and get and make payments on time.
• Overdraft facilities are available to tide over any temporary cash flow issues.
• Internet and mobile banking enable smooth and error-free transactions.
• Very handy for large volume of transactions.

All Indian banks offer current account facilities. You can open one in any bank by completing formalities like submitting PAN card, Certificate of Incorporation, address proof of the company, ID and address proof of partners and directors etc.

Difference Between Savings Account and Current Account

Now that we explained what is meant by current account, let’s compare it with a savings account. How different are the two accounts?

• Interest rates: Savings banks offer interest to encourage customers to save. Current account is focused on money flows, so no interest is offered. In fact, charges may be levied.
• Target customers: The target customers of a current account are businessmen, traders and service providers. Savings accounts are meant for individuals, especially for salaried persons with a monthly income.
• Minimum balance: Both savings accounts and current accounts require a minimum balance to be maintained. However, this is higher in the case of current accounts.
• Overdraft: While a current account offers overdraft facility, no such facility is available in a savings account.
• Number of transactions: The number of transactions allowed in a current account is quite large. It’s much smaller in the case of .