In shortPMJDY is India's zero-balance bank account scheme, launched in 2014. It comes with a free RuPay card, Rs 2 lakh accident insurance, an overdraft of up to Rs 10,000 and direct benefit transfers. Any resident without a bank account can open one at a bank branch or Bank Mitra.
Key facts
- Nodal ministry
- Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance
- Level
- Central
- Launched
- 2014
- Last date
- Ongoing / No fixed deadline
- Helpline
- 1800-11-0001, 1800-180-1111
What is PMJDY?
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is India’s national mission for financial inclusion. It was launched on 28 August 2014 so that every household could have a bank account along with access to credit, insurance and pension. In August 2026, as the scheme completed 12 years, reports put the number of accounts at about 59 crore with deposits of over Rs 3 lakh crore.
Benefits of a Jan Dhan account
- No minimum balance requirement, and interest on deposits.
- A free RuPay debit card with accident insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh for accounts opened after 28 August 2018.
- An overdraft facility of up to Rs 10,000 for eligible account holders.
- Direct Benefit Transfer of subsidies, pensions and scheme payments into the account.
- Eligibility for micro insurance and pension schemes such as PMJJBY, PMSBY and Atal Pension Yojana, and for MUDRA loans.
Who can open an account
Any Indian resident without an existing bank account can open a PMJDY account at any bank branch or Business Correspondent outlet. Accounts for children aged 10 and above can be opened as well. If you already have a basic savings account, your bank can convert it to a PMJDY account.
How to open one
- Visit the nearest bank branch or Bank Mitra outlet.
- Fill the account opening form and submit Aadhaar or another officially valid document.
- Name a nominee and complete biometric or photo verification.
- Collect your passbook and RuPay card.
Good to know
To keep the account active, use it for regular transactions, and complete re-KYC when your bank asks. Overdraft terms and eligibility differ slightly by bank, so ask your branch. Toll-free helplines are 1800-11-0001 and 1800-180-1111.
What you get
Zero-balance savings account, free RuPay debit card with Rs 2 lakh accident insurance cover, overdraft of up to Rs 10,000 for eligible holders, and easy access to DBT, insurance and pension schemes.
Who is eligible
Any Indian resident who does not already have a bank account. There is no minimum balance requirement.
Documents you need
Aadhaar or another officially valid document. People without documents can open a small account with a self-attested photograph and signature, valid for a limited period.
How to apply
Visit any bank branch or Business Correspondent outlet with your KYC documents and fill the PMJDY account opening form; the RuPay card is issued with the account.
Frequently asked questions
Is a minimum balance needed in a Jan Dhan account?
No. PMJDY accounts require no minimum balance.
What is the accident cover with the Jan Dhan RuPay card?
Rs 2 lakh accident insurance for accounts opened after 28 August 2018, subject to card usage conditions set by the bank.
How much overdraft can I get?
Eligible account holders can get an overdraft of up to Rs 10,000. Bank rules on eligibility apply.
Can I open an account without Aadhaar?
Yes. You can use another officially valid document, and those with no documents can open a small account with a self-attested photo and signature.
How many Jan Dhan accounts are there?
Reports in August 2026, marking 12 years of the scheme, put the total at about 59 crore accounts.
Who do I call for help?
The national toll-free numbers are 1800-11-0001 and 1800-180-1111.
Before you apply: confirm every date, fee and eligibility rule on the official website linked on this page. Public and Policy is an independent portal, not a government body, and details change without notice.
