8 NRE Account Benefits that You should Know

Open an NRE Savings Account

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Key Takeaways:

Even though NRIs live abroad, they have strong family and financial ties back in India. An NRE account helps NRIs easily manage their financial commitments in India, be it family expenses, investments or utility bills. You can deposit foreign currency earnings in your NRE account and withdraw in rupees to manage Indian expenses. The good thing is you can fully repatriate the amount you hold in an NRE account. Let us look at more NRE account benefits in this article.

Benefits of NRE account

Here are eight benefits of an NRE account:

• Exempt from Taxes: The interest earned on the principal amount in an NRE savings account is tax free.
• Free and easy transferability: If you wish, you can transfer both the principal amount and the interest from an NRE account to an account in a foreign bank without any restrictions. You can also transfer funds quickly from an NRE account to another NRE account or an NRO account.
• Useful for Investments: You can use funds in this account to make investments in India. Whether it is equity or debt mutual funds, you can get started seamlessly.

Open an NRE Savings Account

• Joint Account Holding: If both the account holders are NRIs, you can opt for joint account holding. You can also mandate a resident family member to operate the account on your behalf. However, please note that you can have a joint resident Indian account holder only on a ‘former’ or ‘survivor’ basis. This joint holder resident must be related, e.g., a parent.
• Easy Withdrawal: With the help of an international debit card, you can withdraw money 24*7 from these accounts. You can also avail internet and mobile banking services that allow you to manage your money online.
• Competitive Interest Rates: NRE accounts offer attractive interest rates. A DBS Treasures NRE account offers higher interest rates on NRE savings accounts.
• Currency Conversion Benefits: NRE accounts offer a significant currency conversion benefit. You can easily convert foreign currency to Indian Rupees (INR) without worrying about exchange rate fluctuations or high conversion fees. Plus, any interest earned is tax-free in India. This makes managing your finances simpler, while maximizing the value of your funds by eliminating unnecessary costs and providing tax-efficient growth for your wealth.
• Loans: NRE account holders enjoy a key advantage when it comes to loans—easier access to funds in India. Whether for a home loan or personal loan, NRE account holders can secure loans with favorable terms, including lower interest rates.

What happens to your NRE account if you become a resident Indian again?

In case of a short visit, the NRE account can continue as it is. However, if you plan to become a resident Indian again, you will need to re-designate the NRE account to a resident account or a Resident Foreign Currency (RFC) account.

Final Note:

NRE accounts bring a lot of benefits to NRIs, helping them manage their India financial affairs more efficiently and seamlessly.

Frequently Asked Question

1. Which is better NRE or NRO?

   It depends on your needs. An NRE account is ideal for non-resident Indians (NRIs) who want to transfer foreign income to India, as it offers tax-free interest and easy repatriation of funds. An NRO account, on the other hand, is better for managing income earned in India (e.g., rent, dividends), and the interest earned is subject to tax in India.

2. Is a NRE account tax-free?

   Yes, the interest earned on an NRE account is tax-free in India. This makes it an attractive option for NRIs looking to maximize their returns without worrying about Indian taxes.

3. Can I transfer money from NRE to a normal savings account?

   Yes, you can transfer funds from an NRE account to a regular savings account in India, provided the savings account is in your name. However, be aware that the funds in a regular savings account may not be tax-free, as they could be subject to taxes on interest income.

Would you like to avail preferential rates on remittances to India? With DBS Treasures, you can have access to better rates and faster international money transfers. Know more!

*This article is for information purpose only and is not a tax advice by DBS Bank. Sound professional advice should be taken before making any investment decisions. Bank will not be responsible for any tax loss/other loss suffered by a person actng on the above.

Open an NRE Savings Account