This Article was fact checked and last updated for accuracy on October 13, 2025 by Mani Karthik
Two weeks before my final move from San Jose to Bengaluru in 2017, I sat in a Starbucks with a spreadsheet.
The title: “NRI Banking Battle Plan.”
I had eight tabs. Interest rate comparisons. Minimum balance requirements. Branch proximity to my mom’s house in Kerala. Digital banking features.
My wife looked over my shoulder. “You’re overthinking this.”
She was right. But also wrong.
Choosing the right NRI bank isn’t just about interest rates. It shapes how smoothly your money moves between countries. How easily your parents access cash back home. How much hassle you face during tax season.
I opened accounts with both HDFC and SBI that year. Still maintain both today in 2025.
Here’s everything I learned from eight years of actual use.
The Stakes: Why Your NRI Bank Choice Matters
Your NRI account is more than a savings account.
It’s your financial bridge between two countries. Your tax compliance tool. Your investment gateway into India.
Pick the wrong bank and you’ll spend hours on international calls. Pay unnecessary charges. Miss out on better interest rates.
Pick the right one and money management becomes almost invisible.
I learned this when my HDFC app went down during a property payment deadline in 2019. My SBI backup account saved the deal.
That redundancy cost me nothing. Would have cost me ₹50,000 in earnest money otherwise.
Having the right bank setup eliminates stress when you most need reliability.
Quick Overview: HDFC vs SBI for NRIs
HDFC Bank is India’s largest private bank by market capitalization. Founded in 1994. Known for digital innovation and customer service.
Their NRI services target tech savvy overseas Indians. Especially US based professionals.
SBI is India’s largest bank overall. Government owned. Operates since 1955 (in modern form). Has branches in 30+ countries.
Their NRI services emphasize trust and physical presence. Strong in Middle East and UK markets.
Both offer the full NRI account suite. NRE accounts. NRO accounts. FCNR deposits. RFC accounts for returning Indians.
Both are regulated by RBI. Both offer decent interest rates. Both have mobile apps.
But they differ fundamentally in approach and execution.
If you’re choosing where to bank as a returning NRI, these differences matter more than the marketing brochures suggest.
Interest Rates: The Numbers Game
Here’s the current rate comparison as of October 2025:
| Account Type | HDFC Bank | SBI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| NRE Savings Account | 2.50% p.a. | 2.50% p.a. | Tie |
| NRE Fixed Deposit (1 year) | 6.30% to 6.85% | 6.30% to 6.85% | Tie |
| NRE FD (2 to 3 years) | Up to 7.40% | Up to 7.00% | HDFC |
| NRO Savings Account | 2.50% p.a. | 2.50% p.a. | Tie |
| NRO Fixed Deposit | Up to 7.40% | Up to 7.00% | HDFC |
| FCNR (USD) 1 year | 5.50% | 4.70% to 5.10% | HDFC |
| FCNR (GBP) 1 year | 5.05% | 4.60% to 5.00% | HDFC |
The savings account rates are identical. No advantage either way.
Fixed deposits tell a more interesting story.
HDFC edges ahead on longer tenure FDs. That 0.40% difference on ₹10 lakh over 2 years is ₹8,000 extra interest.
Not life changing. But enough to cover a month’s groceries.
FCNR deposits show HDFC’s strength in foreign currency accounts. Better rates across USD, GBP, EUR.
If you’re maintaining NRE FDs as part of your investment strategy, HDFC’s rates offer marginal but consistent advantages.
Better rates don’t always mean better banking, but they help compound your savings steadily.
I keep my NRE savings with SBI for historical reasons. My mother banks there. Easy for her to deposit cash if needed.
But my NRE FDs are with HDFC. That extra 0.40% matters when you’re parking $50,000 for two years.
Minimum Balance Requirements: The Hidden Cost
This is where things get interesting.
| Location Type | HDFC NRE Account | SBI NRE Account | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro/Urban | ₹10,000 | ₹1,00,000 | HDFC lower by ₹90,000 |
| Semi-Urban | ₹5,000 | ₹50,000 | HDFC lower by ₹45,000 |
| Rural | ₹2,500 | ₹25,000 | HDFC lower by ₹22,500 |
SBI’s minimum balance requirements are brutal for NRI accounts.
One lakh rupees just sitting there in a metro branch. Earning 2.50% when it could earn 6.85% in an FD.
That’s ₹4,350 annual opportunity cost on a ₹1 lakh difference.
HDFC’s ₹10,000 requirement is manageable. Most NRIs maintain more than that anyway for operational cash flow.
Here’s the catch. SBI waived minimum balance requirements for resident savings accounts in 2025. But NRI accounts still have the old rules.
I complained about this to my SBI branch manager in 2024. He shrugged. “RBI guidelines for NRI accounts are different.”
Translation: we can charge NRIs more because they have limited options.
If you’re managing accounts after returning to India, these balance requirements affect your cash allocation strategy significantly.
HDFC wins this category decisively.
Digital Banking: The App Experience
I use both mobile apps weekly. Sometimes daily when coordinating transfers.
HDFC’s app is superior in almost every metric.
Clean interface. Intuitive navigation. Rarely crashes. Biometric login works consistently.
Features I use regularly:
- Instant fund transfers between NRE and NRO accounts
- FD booking and management
- Bill payments (utility bills at my mom’s house)
- International wire transfer tracking
- Tax certificate downloads
The app handles 90% of my banking needs. Haven’t visited a HDFC branch in 18 months.
SBI’s app has improved dramatically since 2017. But still feels clunky compared to HDFC.
Things that frustrate me:
- Session timeouts happen too frequently
- Navigation requires too many taps for common actions
- Biometric login fails randomly, forces password entry
- International transfer tracking is buried deep in menus
The gap has narrowed. Five years ago SBI’s app was nearly unusable. Today it’s just mediocre.
HDFC’s NetBanking is also cleaner. Better organized. Faster loading.
SBI’s NetBanking works fine once you learn where things are. But the learning curve is steeper.
Modern digital banking should be invisible. HDFC gets closer to that ideal than SBI.
For tech comfortable NRIs used to US banking apps, HDFC feels familiar. SBI feels like using software from 2010.
Branch Network: Physical Presence Matters
This is SBI’s massive advantage.
SBI has 22,000+ branches across India. HDFC has 8,000+ branches.
In tier 1 and tier 2 cities, both have good coverage. You’ll find branches easily.
The difference shows in smaller towns and rural areas.
My mother lives in Thiruvananthapuram. Both banks have multiple branches there. No problem.
But my cousin lives in a small town in Uttarakhand. One SBI branch. No HDFC branch within 40 kilometers.
For NRIs whose families live outside major metros, SBI’s reach matters.
SBI also has strong international presence. Branches in US, UK, Canada, Singapore, Middle East.
I’ve visited their Fremont branch in California. Their London branch. Helps for documentation and queries.
HDFC has international presence too. But not as extensive.
If your parents need to deposit cash regularly, branch proximity matters more than app quality.
My mother deposits rental income every month. She walks to the SBI branch 10 minutes from her house.
Nearest HDFC is 25 minutes. She wouldn’t make that trip regularly. At 68, convenience trumps everything.
Customer Service: When Things Go Wrong
Both banks have 24/7 customer service for NRI accounts. Both have dedicated NRI helplines.
My experience with both:
HDFC’s phone support is faster. Shorter wait times. Better English fluency among representatives.
Called them in 2023 when a wire transfer got stuck. Issue resolved in one call. 20 minutes total.
SBI’s phone support has longer hold times. Sometimes 30 to 40 minutes during peak hours.
Called them in 2024 about an NRE to NRO transfer gone wrong. Took three calls over two days to resolve.
Email response times:
- HDFC: Usually within 24 hours
- SBI: Can take 48 to 72 hours
Branch service varies wildly for both banks.
My HDFC branch in Koramangala has excellent staff. Knowledgeable. Efficient. Rarely need appointments.
Friend’s HDFC branch in Pune is terrible. Long queues. Indifferent staff. Sends him to SBI for complex transactions.
Same story with SBI. Quality depends heavily on the specific branch.
Generally speaking, private banks train staff better for customer interaction. SBI has government bank culture.
Your mileage may vary based on location.
If you’re dealing with tax filing and documentation needs, responsive customer service becomes critical during tax season.
Good customer service saves hours of frustration when you’re managing banking across time zones.
Account Opening Process: Which Is Easier?
I opened both accounts in 2017. Process has digitized since then.
HDFC’s current process:
- Apply online
- Upload documents (passport, visa, address proof)
- Video KYC verification
- Account active within 5 to 7 days
Smooth. Mostly digital. Minimal branch visits required.
SBI’s current process:
- Apply online or at branch
- Document submission (can be digital or physical)
- Verification process
- Account active within 7 to 10 days
Less streamlined than HDFC. More likely to require physical documentation.
Both banks require similar documents:
- Valid passport
- Visa or work permit (showing NRI status)
- Overseas address proof
- Indian address proof (can be relative’s address)
- PAN card
- Two passport photos
Neither process is complicated. But HDFC’s digital approach feels more 2025. SBI’s feels more 2015.
If you’re opening NRI accounts from abroad, HDFC’s video KYC saves international shipping costs and delays.
Fee Structure: Hidden Charges Matter
Both banks charge fees for various NRI services. Here’s what matters:
| Service | HDFC Bank | SBI | Better Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| NRE/NRO Account Maintenance | Free | Free | Tie |
| Inward Remittance (SWIFT) | Free | Free | Tie |
| Outward Remittance (up to $25k) | ₹750 to ₹1,000 + cable charges | ₹500 to ₹1,000 + cable charges | SBI slightly |
| Demand Draft Issuance | ₹50 to ₹250 | ₹25 to ₹100 | SBI |
| NEFT/RTGS | Free | Free | Tie |
| Cheque Book | Free (25 leaves) | Free (25 leaves) | Tie |
| Statement Charges | Free (online) | Free (online) | Tie |
Both banks keep basic services free for NRI accounts. Smart move given the competition.
Outward remittances show minor differences. SBI charges slightly less. But we’re talking ₹250 to ₹500 difference per transaction.
What matters more: exchange rates offered for forex transactions.
Banks make money on the spread between buying and selling rates. This hidden margin can exceed visible fees.
For a $10,000 transfer, a 0.5% worse exchange rate costs ₹4,200. Far more than any service fee.
Both banks have similar spreads. Neither offers mid market rates. That’s why many NRIs use services like Wise or Remitly for transfers.
Watch the exchange rate, not just the declared fees.
I transfer funds using specialized services, then deposit into my NRI accounts. Saves thousands annually.
Investment Options: Beyond Banking
Both banks offer investment products for NRIs.
HDFC provides:
- NRI mutual fund investments (through HDFC Asset Management)
- NRI trading accounts for stock markets
- Insurance products
- Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS) for direct equity
SBI provides:
- Mutual fund investments (through SBI MF)
- NRI trading accounts
- Insurance products
- PIS for direct equity
- Sovereign Gold Bonds
- Government securities
Similar offerings. Both integrate with their respective brokerage arms.
I use neither for investments. Prefer dedicated platforms like Groww or Zerodha for better pricing and features.
But having the option integrated with banking is convenient for some NRIs.
If you’re setting up SIPs and mutual funds as an NRI, both banks can handle it. Choose based on your asset management company preference.
Loan Products: Borrowing Back Home
Both banks offer home loans, personal loans, and loans against deposits to NRIs.
Home Loan Interest Rates (approximately):
- HDFC: 7.50% to 9.50% p.a.
- SBI: 7.50% to 9.50% p.a.
Similar rates. Terms vary based on credit profile and loan amount.
Loan against NRE/NRO FD:
- Both offer up to 90% of FD value
- Interest rate typically 1% to 2% above FD rate
I took a loan against my NRE FD from SBI in 2020. Needed ₹8 lakhs for emergency home repairs. Got it within 48 hours.
Rate was FD rate plus 1%. Much better than personal loan rates.
Both banks make this process simple for existing NRI FD holders.
If you’re considering NRI home loans, shop around beyond just these two. Rates and processing vary significantly.
Tax Compliance: TDS and Certificates
Both banks handle tax compliance for NRI accounts.
NRE accounts: No TDS on interest. Fully tax free.
NRO accounts: 30% TDS on interest income (plus surcharge and cess).
Both banks:
- Auto deduct TDS quarterly on NRO interest
- Provide Form 16A for tax filing
- Issue TDS certificates downloadable online
HDFC’s system emails Form 16A automatically. SBI requires manual download from NetBanking.
Small difference. But during tax season, automatic delivery helps.
Both support Form 15CA/15CB for repatriation documentation.
The real question: how smoothly does your CA get documents from the bank?
My chartered accountant prefers HDFC. Says their certificate format is cleaner. Easier to process.
Anecdotal. Your CA may have different preferences.
Understanding NRI tax rules and TDS requirements matters more than which bank you choose.
Both banks handle tax compliance adequately. Neither is perfect. Neither is terrible.
Security: Protecting Your Money
Both banks are safe. Both regulated by RBI. Both have deposit insurance up to ₹5 lakhs per depositor per bank.
HDFC’s Capital Adequacy Ratio: 18.5% (well above RBI minimum of 11.5%)
SBI’s Capital Adequacy Ratio: 14.0% (also above minimum)
HDFC scores better on Non Performing Assets:
- HDFC GNPA: 1.36%
- SBI GNPA: 2.13%
Lower NPAs mean better asset quality. More stability.
But SBI has government backing. “Too big to fail” applies fully.
For pure financial safety, both are rock solid. Your deposits aren’t going anywhere.
Cyber security:
- Both offer two factor authentication
- Both have fraud monitoring
- Both provide transaction alerts
- Both support biometric login on apps
I’ve never had security issues with either bank. No fraudulent transactions. No account breaches.
Enable all security features. Monitor transactions regularly. Both banks provide tools for this.
If you’re keeping money abroad while living in India, understanding deposit insurance and repatriation rules matters more than minor security differences.
Special Features: What Sets Them Apart
HDFC’s unique advantages:
- Global Transfers: Easy transfers to HDFC partner banks abroad
- WhatsApp Banking: Basic queries and transactions via WhatsApp
- SmartHub Vyapar: Business banking integration for NRI entrepreneurs
- Better credit card options for NRIs
SBI’s unique advantages:
- Gift City Banking: Offshore banking in India’s IFSC
- Larger ATM network: 58,000+ ATMs vs HDFC’s 21,000+
- International presence: More branches in more countries
- Government schemes: Better access to government bonds and schemes
Both matter depending on your needs.
I use HDFC’s WhatsApp banking for quick balance checks. Convenient when traveling.
My mother uses SBI’s ATM network. Finds machines everywhere. Matters to her generation.
Neither feature is a dealbreaker. But they add up.
The Returning NRI Angle: After You Move Back
This is where I have deep experience.
When you return to India permanently, you need to convert NRI accounts to resident accounts.
HDFC’s process:
- Submit return proof (cancelled visa, entry stamp, PIO card)
- Fill conversion form
- Convert NRE to resident savings, NRO stays as is
- Get RFC status (Resident Foreign Currency) for continued forex access
- Usually processed within 7 to 10 days
SBI’s process:
- Similar documentation requirements
- Conversion form submission at branch
- Usually takes 10 to 15 days
- RFC account setup requires more paperwork
HDFC handled my conversion smoother. All documentation submitted online. Minimal branch visits.
SBI required three branch visits. More paperwork. Longer processing.
Small sample size. But consistent with both banks’ digital capabilities.
RFC accounts are crucial for returning NRIs. Let you maintain foreign currency. Important for RNOR status tax benefits.
Both banks offer RFC accounts. HDFC’s interest rates on RFC deposits are typically better.
Plan your account conversion before you return. Don’t wait until you’re back.
I started the process one month before landing in India. Had resident accounts ready by week two in Bangalore.
Real World Performance: My 8 Year Experience
Theory matters. But actual use over years tells the real story.
HDFC has been my primary NRI bank since 2017. Higher transaction volume. Main operating account.
Positives:
- App almost never fails when I need it
- Wire transfers process reliably
- Customer service resolves issues quickly
- Digital experience keeps improving
Negatives:
- Premium positioning sometimes means slower response to small accounts
- Some services require relationship manager access
- Interest rate changes happen without notification
- Credit card offerings for NRIs are limited
SBI serves as my backup and family convenience account.
Positives:
- My mother can handle transactions easily
- Large ATM network useful when visiting family
- Conservative banking approach feels safer to older generation
- Government backing provides extra confidence
Negatives:
- App frustrations accumulate over time
- Branch service quality varies wildly
- High minimum balance feels punitive
- Digital improvements lag private banks by 18 to 24 months
Neither bank is perfect. Both have frustrated me at times.
HDFC froze a large FD renewal in 2022 due to documentation issue. Took two weeks to resolve.
SBI’s NetBanking went down during tax season 2023. Missed a deadline. Had to file extension.
Backup plans matter. That’s why I maintain both.
Who Should Choose HDFC?
HDFC makes sense if you:
- Prioritize digital banking over branch access
- Maintain accounts in metro or tier 1 cities
- Value responsive customer service
- Want better interest rates on longer FDs
- Prefer modern app interfaces
- Are comfortable with video KYC and online processes
- Keep lower balance amounts (under ₹1 lakh)
Tech professionals in US, Canada, UK fit this profile well.
My Bay Area friends all bank with HDFC. Matches their expectations from US banking.
If you’re planning your finances after returning to India, HDFC’s digital strength makes the transition smoother.
Who Should Choose SBI?
SBI makes sense if you:
- Have family in smaller towns or rural areas
- Value physical branch access and face to face service
- Prefer government backed institutions
- Need extensive international branch network
- Already have relationships with SBI from before NRI status
- Want access to government schemes and bonds
- Travel frequently within India and need ATM access everywhere
Middle East based NRIs often prefer SBI. Strong presence there. Familiar to older generation.
My parents’ generation trusts SBI more. Government ownership matters to them.
The Best Strategy: Use Both
Here’s what I actually recommend.
Open accounts with both banks.
Use HDFC as your primary operating account. Daily transactions. App based banking. Wire transfers.
Use SBI as your backup and family account. Emergency access. Physical banking needs. Family deposits.
Keep minimum required balance in SBI (₹1 lakh). Yes, it’s high. But provides insurance against HDFC issues.
Keep operating cash in HDFC (₹10k to ₹50k depending on needs). Lower requirement lets you optimize.
Split your FDs between both. Diversification reduces risk. Also lets you compare service quality.
Total cost: Just the minimum balances. Everything else is free.
Total benefit: Full redundancy. Best features of both. Peace of mind.
I’ve maintained this dual strategy since 2017. Saved me multiple times when one bank had issues.
During the HDFC Yes Bank merger concerns in 2020, I moved some funds to SBI. Temporary. But gave me options.
Banking redundancy costs almost nothing but provides enormous security.
Special Considerations for US Based NRIs
If you’re based in the US, additional factors matter.
FATCA compliance:
- Both banks comply with FATCA reporting requirements
- Your accounts get reported to IRS automatically
- No difference in compliance burden
Wire transfer speed:
- HDFC tends to process incoming wires faster (24 to 48 hours)
- SBI sometimes takes 72 hours to 5 days
- Matters for time sensitive transfers
Remittance limits:
- Both follow RBI LRS (Liberalized Remittance Scheme) rules
- $250,000 per financial year outward limit
- No practical difference
US India Tax Treaty benefits:
- Both provide documentation for tax treaty claims
- Both support Form 10F for treaty benefits
- Neither makes this particularly easy
If you’re transferring money from USA to India regularly, the bank matters less than your transfer method.
I use Wise or Remitly for transfers. Then deposit into whichever bank account makes sense.
The Verdict: Which Bank Wins?
There’s no universal winner. Depends on your specific situation.
HDFC wins for:
- Digital banking quality
- Customer service responsiveness
- Lower minimum balance requirements
- Modern app experience
- Slightly better FD rates
SBI wins for:
- Branch network coverage
- ATM accessibility
- International presence
- Government backing and trust
- Family convenience in smaller towns
For most tech savvy NRIs in tier 1 cities, HDFC is the better primary choice.
For NRIs with family in smaller towns or preferring traditional banking, SBI makes more sense.
For anyone serious about managing money across borders, maintain both.
The annual cost of dual banking is minimal. The benefits compound over years.
I’ve saved my own skin multiple times with this redundancy. Worth every rupee of minimum balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t choose based only on interest rates. The 0.40% FD difference matters less than service quality.
Don’t ignore minimum balance requirements. That locked up money has opportunity cost.
Don’t rely on just one bank. Redundancy matters when you’re managing finances across continents.
Don’t forget about RFC status planning. Set this up before you return permanently.
Don’t skip reading the fine print on repatriation limits. Rules matter for large transfers.
Don’t assume branch staff know NRI rules well. Even in “NRI specialized branches,” knowledge varies.
Don’t delay account opening until you need it urgently. Open accounts when you have time to compare.
I made the interest rate mistake initially. Chased 0.50% higher rates at a smaller bank. Their service was terrible. Moved everything back to HDFC and SBI within six months.
Action Steps for New NRIs
Start by determining your primary banking location. Where does your family live? Where will you eventually return?
Research branch locations near your family. Visit bank websites. Check coverage.
Compare minimum balance requirements against your likely cash holdings.
Test digital banking before committing large amounts. Open account with minimum. Use app for a month.
Check compatibility with your money transfer services. Some work better with certain banks.
Set up both accounts if possible. Diversification beats optimization when dealing with international finances.
Enable all digital features. NetBanking. Mobile banking. Transaction alerts. Security settings.
Add your family members as nominees. Critical for emergency access.
Download and store account opening documents. You’ll need them for tax filing.
Link PAN card properly. Required for repatriation and tax compliance.
If you’re dealing with RNOR vs NRI vs Resident status transitions, your banking setup affects tax treatment significantly.
My Personal Setup in 2025
For transparency, here’s exactly how I manage both banks today:
HDFC Account:
- NRE Savings: ₹50,000 balance (operating cash)
- NRE FD: ₹15 lakhs (split across 1 and 2 year terms)
- NRO Savings: ₹25,000 (for Indian source income like rental)
- Usage: 80% of my transactions go through HDFC
SBI Account:
- NRE Savings: ₹1.2 lakhs (maintaining minimum + buffer)
- NRE FD: ₹8 lakhs (split across terms)
- NRO Savings: ₹75,000 (my mother deposits rental income here)
- Usage: 20% of transactions, mostly family related
Total across both: Around ₹25 lakhs. Comfortable emergency fund plus FD investments.
This split works for my situation. Technology professional. Family in Kerala. Regular US India movement.
Your ideal split will differ. But the principle of diversification remains.
Future Outlook: What’s Changing
Banking is evolving rapidly in India.
Digital payment systems are exploding. UPI transactions crossed 14 billion per month in 2025.
NRI access to UPI remains limited. Both HDFC and SBI offer international number UPI. But with restrictions.
Open banking and account aggregation are coming. Will make moving between banks easier.
Government is pushing digital adoption. Should narrow the HDFC SBI technology gap over time.
Fintech competition is intensifying. Neo banks targeting NRIs specifically.
Both traditional banks are responding. Improving apps. Reducing fees. Adding features.
The next 5 years will see major changes in how NRIs bank.
My advice: Stay flexible. Don’t get too locked into any one bank’s ecosystem.
The best investment options evolve as India’s financial sector modernizes.
Final Thoughts
Eight years of using both HDFC and SBI has taught me this:
Banking is infrastructure. Not religion.
Use whatever works for your specific needs. Don’t overthink it beyond that.
HDFC gives me better digital experience. SBI gives me family convenience and backup security.
Together they cover 100% of my NRI banking needs.
Could I manage with just one? Probably. Would I want to? Absolutely not.
The peace of mind from redundancy is worth maintaining both accounts.
If you’re still confused about which to choose, that’s a sign you should choose both.
Come join our Back to India Facebook group and learn from others who’ve made the same decision.
We have members using every combination of banks. Every situation is unique.
Banking is personal. What works for me might not work for you.
But having options always beats limiting yourself to one solution.
Good luck with your NRI banking setup. May your wire transfers always clear on time and your customer service calls get answered quickly.
That’s the real dream, isn’t it?
Data Sources
Information for this comparison was compiled from:
- HDFC Bank NRI Services: https://www.hdfcbank.com/nri-banking
- HDFC Bank Interest Rates: https://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/resources/rates
- SBI NRI Services: https://sbi.bank.in/web/interest-rates/interest-rates/sbi-nri-services-interest-rates
- PolicyBazaar HDFC NRE FD Rates: https://www.policybazaar.com/fd-interest-rates/hdfc-nre-fd-rates/
- PolicyBazaar SBI NRE FD Rates: https://www.policybazaar.com/fd-interest-rates/sbi-nre-fd-rates/
- Top 10 NRE Accounts India: https://www.goinri.com/blog/best-nre-bank-accounts
- HDFC vs SBI Safety Comparison: https://sdcbank.in/hdfc-vs-sbi-which-bank-is-safest-for-your-money-in
- Personal banking experience (2017-2025)
Interest rates and features verified as of October 2025. Always check current rates before opening accounts.