PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana lets anyone without a bank account open a zero-balance savings account, with a free RuPay debit card, free accident insurance of up to ₹2 lakh and an overdraft of up to ₹10,000. It is the starting point for receiving government benefits directly in your account.
What is PM Jan Dhan Yojana?
PMJDY is India's national mission for financial inclusion, launched in August 2014. It gives every unbanked adult a basic savings bank account, along with access to credit, insurance, pension and remittances. As of 19 August 2026, more than 59 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened, about 33 crore of them by women.
Benefits
- Zero balance: no minimum balance is needed.
- Interest on your savings, at the bank's normal savings rate.
- Free RuPay debit card, accepted at all ATMs and most shops.
- Accident insurance with the RuPay card: ₹2 lakh for accounts opened after 28 August 2018 (₹1 lakh for older accounts). You pay no premium.
- Overdraft up to ₹10,000 for one account holder per household, after 6 months of satisfactory use of the account.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): government subsidies and payments can come straight into the account.
- Easy access to Atal Pension Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima, PM Suraksha Bima and Mudra loans.
Use our free Atal Pension and Sukanya Samriddhi calculators.
Who can open a Jan Dhan account?
- Any Indian citizen who does not already have a bank account. There is no upper age limit.
- One basic savings account per unbanked person. Joint accounts are allowed.
Documents needed
- Aadhaar card
- A government ID if needed (voter ID, PAN card or ration card)
- Address proof (for example passport, driving licence, or an electricity, telephone or water bill)
- Passport-size photograph
- Filled and signed PMJDY account opening form
How to open an account
- Visit any bank branch, or a Business Correspondent (Bank Mitra) outlet in your village or area.
- Ask for the PMJDY account opening form and fill it in.
- Submit it with your KYC documents.
- After verification, your account is opened. Collect your passbook and RuPay card.
How to claim the accident insurance
The RuPay card accident cover applies if the cardholder has used the card (for example at an ATM, shop or online) at least once in the 90 days before the accident. The nominee should contact the bank branch where the account is held to start the claim.
Keep your account active
If you don't use your account for a long time, it may become inactive. Make at least one transaction now and then, and complete re-KYC when your bank asks for it.
Toll-free: 1800 11 0001 · 1800 180 1111
Frequently asked questions
Is a Jan Dhan account really zero balance?
Yes. There is no minimum balance requirement in a PMJDY account.
How much accident insurance does a Jan Dhan account give?
₹2 lakh for accounts opened after 28 August 2018, and ₹1 lakh for older accounts, through the RuPay debit card. No premium is charged.
How do I get the ₹10,000 overdraft?
It is available to one account holder per household after 6 months of satisfactory operation of the account, subject to the bank's eligibility checks.
Can I open a Jan Dhan account if I already have a bank account?
PMJDY is meant for people who do not have any bank account. If you already have one, you can still use other schemes through your existing account.
Can a minor open a Jan Dhan account?
Banks allow accounts for minors above 10 years under their normal rules, and a guardian can open one for younger children. Ask your bank branch.