Effortless Banking, With You in Mind 

Manage your money with ease using SBI California’s personal checking accounts. Enjoy secure online banking, debit card access, and easy remittances to India. Open an account today and simplify your banking needs! 

CHECKING ACCOUNTS

Designed for Your Life

Whether you’re a student looking for a no-fee option, a professional managing daily expenses, or someone seeking high-yield interest on your balance, we have the right account for you. Enjoy the convenience of online and mobile banking, easy access to funds, and tailored benefits that make everyday banking simple and rewarding. 

FINDING THE RIGHT ACCOUNT

Choose the Perfect Checking Account to Fit Your Needs

Each account is designed to meet unique needs and provide maximum convenience. Here’s a quick overview of our checking account options:

Active Account

A full-service account to manage your daily finances with ease.

Learn More

Remittance Registration

Send money to India with zero transfer fees on Mobile App and Online Remittances.

Learn More

High-Yield Interest Checking

Earn interest on your balance while enjoying the flexibility of a checking account.

Learn More

Student Checking

Designed for students aged 18-25, with no minimum balance and no monthly fees.

Learn More

Easy Checking

A straightforward account with all the essential features.

Learn More

Senior Checking

Tailored for seniors with added benefits tailored to your lifestyle.

Learn More

KEY FEATURES & BENEFITS

Checking Account Features & Benefits

Choose SBI California and enjoy modern banking tools designed around your needs.

Online Banking & Bill Pay
Online Banking & Bill Pay

Pay bills, transfer funds, and manage your account anywhere, anytime.

Debit Card Access
Debit Card Access

Use your debit card to make purchases or withdraw cash (excludes Remittance Registration Accounts).

Mobile Banking
Mobile Banking

Check balances, deposit checks, and track transactions on the go with our secure app.

Zero Transfer Fees on Remittances
Zero Transfer Fees on Remittances

Send money to loved ones with zero transfer fees on amounts sent via the SBIC Mobile App or Online Remittance Service, up to the daily limits.

Person-to-Person (P2P) Payments
Person-to-Person (P2P) Payments

Send money directly to friends and family with ease.

Check Writing
Check Writing

Flexible payment options with check writing (excludes Remittance Registration Accounts).

eStatements
eStatements

Secure, paperless access to your monthly statements.

OPEN AN ACCOUNT NOW

How to Open a Checking Account with SBI California

Opening a checking account with SBI California is quick, simple, and tailored to your busy lifestyle. Follow these easy steps:

Choose Your Account
Choose Your Account

Explore our range of Personal Checking Accounts, including options for students, seniors, and frequent remittance users. Compare the benefits and choose the best option for you.

Gather Your Documents
Gather Your Documents
  • A valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.).
  • Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement).
  • Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
Apply Online or In-Branch
Apply Online or In-Branch
  • In-Person: Visit your nearest branch for assistance with the application.
  • Online: Start your application on our website.
Fund Your Account
Fund Your Account

Make an initial deposit to activate your account. Minimum deposit requirements vary by account type.

Start Banking
Start Banking

Once your account is active, you can:

  • Activate your debit card (excludes Remittance Registration Accounts).
  • Set up online and mobile banking.
  • Start enjoying features like bill pay and remittances.

Ready to get started?

Our Testimonials

What Our Customers Are Saying

Real stories from satisfied customers who trust SBI California for their banking needs:

"A very pleasant experience. The staff have been highly courteous and knowledgeable providing prompt service opening my bank accounts!! Highly recommend SBIC banking services."

Tuhin G., Sunnyvale
Testimonial Image
Our Testimonials

What Our Customers Are Saying

Real stories from satisfied customers who trust SBI California for their remittance needs:

"Excellent, very helpful, very friendly. Helped me to open a new account. Very pleasant experience.

Sinclair Gas & Carwash, Cerritos
Our Testimonials

What Our Customers Are Saying

Real stories from satisfied customers who trust SBI California for their remittance needs:

"SBIC helped me open an account in under 20 minutes. Great staff!" 

Hari T., San Jose
Our Testimonials

What Our Customers Are Saying

Real stories from satisfied customers who trust SBI California for their banking needs:

"A very pleasant experience. The staff have been highly courteous and knowledgeable providing prompt service opening my bank accounts!! Highly recommend SBIC banking services."

Tuhin G., Sunnyvale
Testimonial Image
Our Testimonials

What Our Customers Are Saying

Real stories from satisfied customers who trust SBI California for their remittance needs:

"Excellent, very helpful, very friendly. Helped me to open a new account. Very pleasant experience.

Sinclair Gas & Carwash, Cerritos
Our Testimonials

What Our Customers Are Saying

Real stories from satisfied customers who trust SBI California for their remittance needs:

"SBIC helped me open an account in under 20 minutes. Great staff!" 

Hari T., San Jose
EXPLORE

Our Products

SBI California offers a range of banking products to fit your financial needs. From personal checking accounts to remittances, we make managing your finances easy and efficient.

Business Checking Accounts

Learn more

Personal Savings & Money Market Accounts

Learn More

Personal Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

Learn more

FAQs

About Checking Accounts

SBI California offers a variety of checking accounts to meet your unique financial needs. These include:

•    Active Account: A full-service checking account ideal for managing everyday transactions.

•    Student Checking: Designed for young adults (18-25) with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.

•    Senior Checking: A checking account with added benefits for seniors.

•    Remittance Registration Account: Perfect for those who frequently send money to India, with zero transfer fees on amounts sent via the SBIC Mobile App or Online Remittance Service, up to the daily limits.

•    Easy Checking: A simple, no-hassle account for individuals who prefer minimal requirements.

•    High Yield Interest Checking: Earn interest on your balance while managing your everyday transactions.

To open a personal checking account with SBI California, you'll need the following documents: 

  • A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license, or state ID).
  • Proof of address (such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement).
  • Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
    You may also need to provide a signature or other verification if required by the specific account type.

Yes, Opening an account online with State Bank of India (California) is quick, easy and secure.

Yes, each checking account type may have a minimum deposit requirement to open the account. The minimum deposit varies based on the account type: 

  • Active Account:$100 minimum deposit.
  • Student Checking:$25 minimum deposit.
  • Senior Checking:$100 minimum deposit.
  • Remittance Registration Account:$10 minimum deposit.
  • Easy Checking:$250 minimum deposit.
  • High Yield Interest Checking: $100 minimum deposit. 

Fees/charges may apply. Please see details listed in the Personal Accounts Schedule of Fees and Charges.

Some accounts have no monthly maintenance fees, while others may charge a fee that can be waived under certain conditions. For example: 

  • Student Checking: No monthly fees.
  • Senior Checking:No monthly fee with certain requirements (e.g., maintaining a minimum balance or combined daily balance).
  • Easy Checking:$10/monthly fee unless specific conditions are met (e.g., keeping a minimum balance or combined daily balance).
  • High Yield Interest Checking:$15/monthly fee, waived if direct deposit requirement is met, or enrollment in SBIC Mobile Banking App.
    For more details, please refer to the account terms or contact customer service.

Yes, paper statements are available for a fee. However, using eStatements allows quick and easy access to your monthly statements without the added cost or environmental impact.

Yes, you can transfer funds to your SBI California checking account from another bank using wire transfers, ACH transfers, or external transfers initiated via online banking.

Yes! With the Remittance Registration Account, you can remit money to India with no transfer fees using SBIC Mobile App or Online Remittance Service, and enjoy competitive exchange rates. Other accounts may include remittance service, but fees, charges, limits, and restriction may apply. 

Yes, you can use your SBI California debit card at thousands of ATMs worldwide. Depending on the ATM network and location, you may incur additional fees for using out-of-network ATMs. Check the fee schedule for details on withdrawal charges and international fees.

If your debit card is lost or stolen, contact our customer service team immediately at 1-877-707-1995 to report it and have it deactivated. We’ll issue a replacement card, and you’ll receive it within 7-10 business days. You can also send a secure message via online banking or by visiting your nearest branch.

The processing time for international wire transfers depends on the method used. Online transfers through the Remittance Registration Account typically take 1-2 business days, though it may take longer for certain countries. For other types of transfers, the process may vary.

Yes, SBI California’s mobile banking app is secure and uses advanced encryption technology to protect your personal and financial information. We employ multiple layers of security, including two-factor authentication, to ensure your transactions are safe.

Our checking accounts come with several convenient features to make managing your finances easier: 

  • Online Banking & Bill Pay: Manage your account, pay bills, and transfer money 24/7 from your computer or mobile device.
  • Mobile Banking: Access your account, view balances, make mobile check deposits, and more with our secure app.
  • Debit Card Access: Access your funds instantly for purchases or ATM withdrawals (not available for Remittance Registration Accounts).
  • eStatements: Go paperless with secure online access to your statements.
  • Zero Transfer Fees on Remittances: Send money to India with zero transfer fees on amounts sent via the SBIC Mobile App or Online Remittance Service, up to the daily limits. 
  • P2P Payments: Send money to just about anyone with an email or phone number through our People Pay service.
  • Check Writing: Write checks to pay for goods and services (not available for Remittance Registration Accounts).

If your account balance falls below the required minimum, you may incur a monthly maintenance fee for some account types. The fee can be avoided by maintaining the required minimum balance or by meeting other conditions, such as direct deposit. For details, see the Terms and Conditions of Your Account and Personal Banking Schedule of Fees and Charges, call toll-free 1.877.707.1995, or visit a location near you.

The High Yield Interest Checking account offers competitive interest rates that vary depending on your balance. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the account details page or contact customer service.

To close your checking account, follow these steps: 

  1. Ensure all pending transactions, including checks and automatic payments, have cleared.
  2. Withdraw any remaining balance from your account.
  3. Contact customer service to request account closure. You may also visit a branch to close your account in person.
  1. If applicable, you may need to return your debit card and checks.

To set up direct deposit: 

  1. Provide your employer with your SBI California account details, including the account number and routing number.
  2. You can find these details in your online banking portal or on your checkbook.
  3. Once the direct deposit is established, your funds will automatically be deposited into your account on payday. Terms and restrictions may apply.

If you notice an unauthorized transaction, contact SBI California’s customer service team immediately. We’ll work with you to investigate the issue, freeze your account if necessary, and resolve the matter. Ensure you regularly monitor your account to catch fraudulent activity early.

*Fees, charges, limits, and restrictions may apply. For details, see the Terms and Conditions of Your Account and Personal Banking Schedule of Fees and Charges, call toll-free 1.877.707.1995, or visit a location near you.