PM Jan Dhan Yojana 2026: Free Zero-Balance Account with ₹2 Lakh Insurance
PMJDY completed 12 years in August 2026 with 59+ crore accounts. If you or a family member still has no bank account, here is what the scheme gives and how to open one free.
Checked on 25 September 2026 against the PMJDY scheme page of the Department of Financial Services and the PIB 12-year note of August 2026.
Answer 5–7 simple questions and get your eligibility score in 2 minutes.
Check eligibility now →At a glance
- Account cost
- Free, zero minimum balance
- Accident cover
- ₹2 lakh with RuPay card
- Overdraft
- Up to ₹10,000
- Accounts opened
- 59.09 crore (Aug 2026)
What is it?
Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana is the national mission for financial inclusion. Any adult without a bank account can open a Basic Savings Bank Deposit account at any bank branch or Business Correspondent (Bank Mitra) outlet. There is no minimum balance, no opening fee, and the account earns interest like a normal savings account. As of 19 August 2026, 59.09 crore accounts existed, of which 32.92 crore belong to women.
Benefits
The account comes with a free RuPay debit card carrying accident insurance of ₹2 lakh (for accounts opened after 28 August 2018), an overdraft facility up to ₹10,000 for eligible account holders, and direct receipt of government benefits — PM-KISAN, scholarships, pensions, MGNREGA wages — without middlemen. It also makes you eligible for PMJJBY, PMSBY, Atal Pension and Mudra loans.
Eligibility criteria
- ✓Any Indian citizen above 10 years (minors with guardians) without an existing account
- ✓No income or employment condition
- ✓One basic account per person under the scheme benefits
- ✓Aadhaar or other officially valid KYC document
Documents required
- ✓Aadhaar card (fastest e-KYC route)
- ✓Or any officially valid document: voter ID, driving licence, passport, NREGA card
- ✓Passport-size photograph
- ✓Mobile number (for SMS alerts and OTP)
How to apply — step by step
- Visit any bank branch or Bank Mitra (CSP) outlet near you
- Ask for a PMJDY / Basic Savings Bank Deposit account form — it is free
- Submit Aadhaar for e-KYC and give a photograph and mobile number
- Receive the account number and RuPay debit card (instant or by post)
- Activate the RuPay card with one transaction to keep the ₹2 lakh accident cover valid
- Link the account for DBT if you receive any government benefit
Important dates
There is no last date — PMJDY is a continuing national mission. Open the account whenever you need it; scheme benefits like DBT start flowing once the account is seeded.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✓Paying a middleman to open an account that banks must open free
- ✓Never using the RuPay card — the accident insurance needs the card to be kept active
- ✓Opening multiple Jan Dhan accounts; benefits attach to one account per person
- ✓Ignoring SMS alerts, which are the first warning of unauthorised withdrawals
Frequently asked questions
Is there any fee to open a Jan Dhan account?
No. The account is free with zero minimum balance. If anyone charges you, complain to the bank or call the national helpline 1800 11 0001.
What is the ₹2 lakh insurance?
RuPay debit cards issued with PMJDY accounts opened after 28 August 2018 carry personal accident insurance of ₹2 lakh, subject to card-usage conditions.
Can I get a loan or overdraft on this account?
Eligible account holders can get an overdraft up to ₹10,000, and the account makes you eligible to apply for Mudra loans.
I already have a normal savings account. Should I open Jan Dhan too?
No. PMJDY is meant for people without any account. One person should hold one basic account for scheme benefits.
Answer 5–7 simple questions and get your eligibility score in 2 minutes.
Check eligibility now →