Difference between Savings Account Vs Current Account Explained

Current accounts or savings accounts are two different types of bank accounts, but people often confuse them to be the same. Banks provide these two primary options for different banking transactions.

While both offer the ability to store money, both accounts serve different purposes and address different financial needs.

In this article, you will learn all the major differences between a current account and a savings account to determine which one is better among them.

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What Is a Savings Account?

It is a deposit account held at a financial institution or bank that helps you to earn interest. It is a safe and reliable option to store your cash for short-term needs. Although the interest rates are usually modest, it ensures the easy accessibility of funds.

You can open a savings account individually or jointly to achieve your short-term or long-term financial goals. A savings account provides liquidity and requires a minimum balance to be maintained with the facility to issue cheques. However, there is a restriction on the number of transactions allowed for account holders.

What Is a Current Account?

A current account is specifically created to help businesses handle their day-to-day financial transactions, such as issuing cheques, making deposits, transferring funds, withdrawing money etc. This type of account is accessible to various entities, including public and private companies, sole proprietors, associations, and trusts.

It provides unlimited transactions but does not generate any interest earnings. Moreover, a current account offers flexibility in terms of withdrawing funds beyond the available account balance. However, there is a substantial minimum balance requirement to enjoy all the features and benefits of the account.

What Are the Key Differences Between a Current Account and a Savings Account?

The following table highlights the comparison of savings accounts vs current accounts.

Features	Current Account	Savings Account
Purpose	Used for day-to-day transactions in business	Used to build emergency funds
Interest	No interest earned	Earn interest on a fixed rate
Minimum Balance Requirement	May or may not be required	Usually required
Number of Transactions	Unlimited monthly transactions	Restricted monthly transactions
Withdrawals	No or minimal restrictions on withdrawals	A limited number of withdrawals is allowed per month
Overdraft Facility	Available	Not Available
Ideal for	Preferred by business owners and enterprises	Preferred by individuals

What Are the Benefits of Current Account and Savings Account?

Here are all the features and benefits of savings account and current account listed to understand their differences in a better manner:

Benefits of Current Account

The following are the benefits of opening a current account:

Separates Personal and Business Finances: With a current account, you can easily distinguish between your personal and business finances, allowing for better management and analysis of your business's financial situation.

Gives Unlimited Transaction Facility: You can enjoy the freedom to conduct unlimited transactions according to your business needs without incurring extra charges for cash withdrawals or transfers to other accounts.

Provide Overdraft Facilities: Current accounts provide the flexibility of overdrafts, allowing you to cover temporary shortfalls in funds and meet financial obligations without hassle.

Enables Multi-City Banking: You can operate and manage your current account seamlessly from different cities using online banking services. This enables you to consolidate transactions and streamline financial operations.

Boosts Credit Ratings: By managing your current inflows and outflows efficiently you will be able to prove your creditworthiness and improve your credit score.

Provide Additional Services: The current account provides various additional features like 24/7 phone banking, internet banking, doorstep banking, and mobile alert services, without paying an extra fee for the same.

Benefits of Savings Account

The following are the benefits you can enjoy by opening a savings account:

Gives Easy Access to Money: A savings account provides convenient access to your funds anytime, anywhere through various channels like ATMs, online banking, and bank tellers. You can withdraw cash, make transfers, and manage your account 24/7.

Provides Interest on Deposits: Your savings account earns interest on the money you deposit, helping your funds grow over time. While interest rates may vary, it offers better earning potential compared to keeping your money at home.

Ensures the Safety of Funds: Your money is safe and more secure in a savings account than at home. Banks and credit unions insure your deposits and protect them from natural disasters, theft, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Provides Easy Account Opening Facility: Opening a savings account is a simple and easy method. You need only a minimum initial deposit. Moreover, many banks offer fee waivers, attractive interest rates, and additional services as an incentive for opening an account.

Enables Automatic Deposits and Payments: You can set up automatic deposits and payments, streamlining bill payments, loan EMIs, and other recurring expenses. It ensures timely payments, saves time, and helps you avoid late fees.

Links It with Current Account: You can link your savings account to your current account allowing for seamless fund transfers to cover emergencies or temporary shortfalls, without incurring additional charges or fees.

Which One Is Better - Savings Account or Current Account?

Among savings and current accounts, which one is better depends on your specific requirements. Both accounts offer various conveniences like online banking facilities, debit card access, etc. Though the minimum balance required may vary, there is no maximum limit for deposits in either account.

A savings account is ideal if you want to save for a specific goal or build an emergency fund. It offers liquidity and earns interest over time, allowing your money to grow. On the other hand, if you require frequent access to your funds for daily transactions and need features like overdraft facilities, a current account would be a better choice. However, remember you will earn no interest rates for a current account.

Since now you know the differences between a current account and a savings account, analyse your financial requirements and choose the right one suitable for you. Moreover, if you are still unsure, you can consult with your bank or financial advisor for guidance.

FAQs About Savings Account Vs Current Account

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What is the interest rate earned on savings and current accounts?

The interest rate on savings accounts usually ranges between 4.00% to 6.00%. On the other hand, current accounts usually do not offer any interest on the account balance due to their flexible nature as provided by the bank.

Can you convert a savings account into a current account or vice versa?

According to the Reserve Bank of India, it is not possible to convert a savings account into a current account or vice versa. It is because the facilities, features, and benefits of both accounts differ.

Is there any tax imposed on savings and current accounts?

The interest that you earn on your savings is taxable under Section 80TTA of the Income Tax Act. However, there is no tax imposed on the current account since it is a zero-interest account.