Which Indian Bank Makes NRI Account Opening Easier?

I chose Axis because I already had an existing relationship with them in India. Their NRI account-opening form covers NRE and NRO savings/current accounts and specifically includes NRI and PIO/OCI applicant categories.

That said, I wouldn't say one bank is universally the easiest. Your country of residence, existing relationship with the bank, KYC documents and whether you're opening a fresh account or converting a resident account can all affect the experience.

If you're already a customer with one of these banks, I'd start there.

I considered SBI because of its huge branch network. SBI has dedicated NRE, NRO and FCNR options for NRIs.

However, if your priority is doing everything remotely, I would compare the exact onboarding procedure rather than assuming that the largest bank will automatically be the easiest.

I’d also check which bank has a branch near your Indian property or family. You may eventually need branch assistance for certain requests even if account opening is done remotely.

I went with HDFC mainly because I wanted to complete as much of the process as possible remotely. Their current website says NRI savings accounts can be initiated online, including when the customer is overseas. They also provide a specific NRI KYC document list.

The important thing is to have your passport, PAN/Form 60, NRI-status proof and overseas address documents ready. Depending on the situation, document certification may also be required.

For me, the documentation was more important than choosing the bank with the shortest advertised process.