Many people open bank accounts to keep their money safe and earn good interest. Once we deposit our money, we feel secure.
However, no one can predict when a bank might go bankrupt, which can put your savings at risk. If you want to ensure your money stays safe, this information is important for you.
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RBI Declares the Three Safest Banks
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has identified State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as the safest banks in the country.
These banks are classified as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) because they play a crucial role in India’s financial system.
With this announcement, the RBI has confirmed that these three banks hold a highly significant position in the banking sector.
Why These Banks Are Considered Safe
These banks were again classified as D-SIBs in 2024 due to their large size and importance to the Indian economy. D-SIBs are so vital that if any one of them fails, it could severely damage the entire financial system.
This is why the government and regulators take extra measures to ensure their stability and prevent them from failing.
Extra Capital Requirements
According to RBI rules, banks that fall into higher risk categories must maintain additional common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital. This extra capital helps them absorb financial shocks or losses.
Here is the additional CET1 capital each bank must maintain:
SBI: Bucket 4 → 0.80% extra CET1
HDFC Bank: Bucket 2 → 0.40% extra CET1
ICICI Bank: Bucket 1 → 0.20% extra CET1
Understanding D-SIBs
The RBI introduced the concept of Domestic Systemically Important Banks in 2014 to strengthen financial stability. The first identification took place in 2015.
These banks are closely monitored because any disturbance in them can affect the entire economy. In case of trouble, the government is the first to step in to support them.
How Safe Is Your Money?
If a bank collapses or shuts down, the maximum amount you can get back from your deposits is ₹5 lakh, even if your account balance is higher. If your balance is less than ₹5 lakh, you will receive the full amount.
Bank deposit insurance is provided by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), a subsidiary of the RBI. Before February 4, 2020, the insurance limit was only ₹1 lakh. It was increased to ₹5 lakh in 2020.