What is Current Account? - Meaning, Definition & Features
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To manage finances effectively, banks offer various account types, the most common being Current Accounts and Savings Accounts. While a Savings Account is familiar to many, the current account meaning might be unclear. If you've encountered "Current Account" at an ATM and wondered about its purpose, here’s an explanation of the current bank account meaning and how it differs from others.

What is a Current Account?

A Current Account is a non-interest-bearing bank account primarily used by businesses. It allows for high transaction limits on cash deposits and withdrawals, both within and outside the city. Individuals, sole proprietorships, partnership firms, private and public limited companies, HUFs, societies, and trusts can open a Current Account.

Types of Current Account

Explore the various types of current accounts to choose the one that best suits your business needs.

  • Regular Current Account: The most basic type, with mandatory minimum balance requirements and standard benefits like e-banking and RTGS/NEFT transactions. No interest on the account balance.
  • Start-up Current Account: Designed for new businesses with lenient minimum balance requirements for a certain period, along with additional services to help start-ups grow.
  • Global-Trade Current Account: Ideal for businesses involved in international trade, offering facilities for hassle-free financial transactions across the globe.
  • RERA Current Account: Mandatory for real estate companies, ensuring withdrawals are permitted only after project certification.
  • Merchant Current Account: Offers a suite of benefits such as free cash deposits and withdrawals, NEFT/RTGS services, and an overdraft facility.
  • ActivMoney Current Account: Ensures financial efficiency by sweeping surplus funds into Fixed Deposits, offering potential returns and flexibility with no penalties for premature withdrawals.

How Does a Current Account Work?

Business owners explore the Current Bank Account and open one to handle many regular financial transactions, including deposits and withdrawals. The account holders can access funds in a Current Account whenever needed without any restrictions. However, banks provide no interest rate to compensate for these accounts' extra liquidity.

Features and Benefits of Current Account

If you refer to what is a Current Account, it is a kind of deposit account held with the bank to manage and conduct big-ticket business transactions. So, in case you own a company, a Current Account is the correct account type to opt for. There are various Current Account benefits that make this account distinctly unique:

  • No daily limit for transactions and withdrawals.
  • Current Accounts are primarily designed for businesses, allowing them to conduct a large number of transactions daily.
  • Businesses can authorise multiple individuals to operate the account, enhancing operational flexibility.
  • Having a Current Account with a bank enhances a business's credibility, which is crucial for transactions with suppliers and clients.
  • Alerts via SMS and email.
  • Better forex rate and trade services.
  • Dedicated relationship manager.
  • Businesses can deposit and withdraw large sums of cash, effectively managing their cash flow.
  • Overdraft facility – to meet your business requirements.

List of Documents Required for Current Account

Identity Proof:*

  • Passport
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Voter ID Card
  • PAN Card
  • Driving License
 

Address Proof:*

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Voter ID Card
  • Recent Utility Bills (electricity, water, gas. etc.)
  • Bank Statement or Passbook with address
  • Rental Agreement (if the business is operating from a rented property)
 

Business Proof:*

  • GST Registration Certificate
  • Certificate of Incorporation (for companies)
  • Partnership Deed (for partnership firms)
  • Shop and Establishment Act Certificate
  • Professional Tax/Sales Tax/Service Tax registration
  • Trade License
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association (for companies)
  • Board Resolution (for companies)
  • Business PAN Card
  • Business Registration Certificate
 

Along with this, always ensure that you keep your documents updated before opening a Current Account. It will help you avoid any unnecessary hassle post or during the account opening process.

*These are only an indicative list; the actual documents required may differ on a case-to-case basis.


Read Also: 
Difference between Current Account and Savings Account

Conclusion

Understanding the Current Account definition is crucial to getting the most out of your financial transactions. It provides high liquidity in cash deposits and withdrawals, though at a price of no interest rate. Managing finances regularly helps sustain business operations and plan the finances efficiently. After understanding the benefits of a Current Account, open one at Kotak Mahindra Bank and avail of powerful banking solutions that empower you to grow your business.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw money from my current account?

Yes, you can withdraw money from your current account. Current accounts are designed for frequent transactions, providing flexibility for substantial withdrawals without limits. Ensure you maintain the required minimum balance to avoid penalties. Withdrawals can be made through ATMs, cheque books, or online banking services.

Can I open my current account without GST?

Yes, you can open a Kotak Neo Current Account without providing GST details. GST information is not mandatory for account opening, but it is beneficial for businesses to have it for various transactions and tax purposes.

Is a current account taxable?

A current account itself is not taxable. However, transactions and interest earned may be subject to taxes, such as TDS on cash withdrawals exceeding specified limits if income tax returns are not filed. Additionally, GST applies to certain banking services and foreign currency conversions.

What is the limit of a current account?

The cash withdrawal and deposit limits for current accounts vary by account type:

Cash Withdrawal Limits (Daily)

  • Neo Current Account: Up to Rs 10,000
  • Startup Premium Current Account: Up to Rs 1 Lakh
  • Startup Regular Current Account: Up to Rs 50,000
  • Pro Current Account: Up to Rs 50,000
  • Astra 05 Current Account: Up to Rs 5 Lakh
  • Astra 15 Current Account: Up to Rs 7.5 Lakh
  • Merchant One Current Account: Up to Rs 50,000
  • Merchant One Premium Current Account: Up to Rs 1 Lakh
  • Edge Current Account: Up to Rs 25,000
  • Ace Current Account: Up to Rs 2.5 Lakh
  • Elite Current Account: Up to Rs 1 Lakh

Cash Deposit Limits (Monthly)

  • Neo Current Account: Up to Rs 2 Lakh
  • Startup Premium Current Account: 5 times previous month's average credit balance or Rs 10 Lakh
  • Startup Regular Current Account: 5 times previous month's average credit balance or Rs 5 Lakh
  • Pro Current Account: Up to Rs 6 Lakh
  • Astra 05 Current Account: 10 times previous month's average credit balance or Rs 60 Lakh
  • Astra 15 Current Account: 12 times previous month's average credit balance or Rs 120 Lakh
  • Merchant One Current Account: Up to Rs 6 Lakh
  • Merchant One Premium Current Account: Up to Rs 10 Lakh
  • Edge Current Account: Up to Rs 4 Lakh
  • Ace Current Account: 10 times previous month's average credit balance or Rs 25 Lakh
  • Elite Current Account: Up to Rs 10 Lakh

Can I have two current accounts?

Yes, having multiple Current Accounts can be beneficial for business owners, offering enhanced budgeting, flexibility, and backup during emergencies. Each account can be used for different purposes, such as operational costs or specific expenses, allowing better financial management and access to varied banking features and services.

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Disclaimer: This Article is for information purposes only. The views expressed in this Article do not necessarily constitute the views of Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (“Bank”) or its employees. The Bank makes no warranty of any kind with respect to the completeness or accuracy of the material and articles contained in this Article. The information contained in this Article is sourced from empaneled external experts for the benefit of the customers and it does not constitute legal advice from the Bank. The Bank, its directors, employees and the contributors shall not be responsible or liable for any damage or loss resulting from or arising due to reliance on or use of any information contained herein. Tax laws are subject to amendment from time to time. The above information is for general understanding and reference. This is not legal advice or tax advice, and users are advised to consult their tax advisors before making any decision or taking any action.