Everything NRIs Need To Know About FCNR Account

For non-resident Indians (NRIs) looking to invest their foreign earnings in India, an FCNR (Foreign Currency Non-Resident) account is a popular option. This type of account allows NRIs to park their foreign currency deposits in India and earn higher interest rates compared to their home country. In this blog post, we will explore what FCNR accounts are, how they work, and the benefits they offer for NRIs. Also, check if it is a good NRI investment.

Read – FCNR Deposit with Forward Cover

What is the FCNR account for NRI?

FCNR stands for Foreign Currency Non-Resident account. It can be opened by NRIs and PIOs. It is similar to a Fixed Deposit (Term Deposit accounts )  but it is a Fixed Deposit wherein money can be deposited in foreign currency and interest can be earned on the same.

The FCNR Deposit Account scheme was introduced with effect from May 15, 1993, superseding FCNR (A) where exchange rate dangers were borne by RBI impacting its balance sheet. FCNR account for NRI can be opened with all the Indian banks or its division to invest in India by depositing currencies that are designated, on which you can earn interest. These balances can thus be maintained by Non-resident People of Indian Nationality or Indian origin.

What are the key features of the FCNR Deposit Account?

The key features of FCNR account –

• It is a fixed deposit (Term deposit accounts) that can be opened by non-resident Indians.
• Usually, the tenure of an FCNR ranges from 1 year to 5 years.
•  Can be opened as a joint with another NRI
• The FCNR Deposit interest rate is determined by the bank based on the ceiling determined by RBI.
• The NRI can avail of the nomination facility for this account. The nominee can be an NRI or a resident Indian.
• The FCNR can be continued till its maturity date if the status of the account holder changes from NRI to Resident Indian.

Must Read – Can NRI open joint account with resident indian

Why should I have a dollar deposit in India?

• An FCNR deposit is a useful account to invest money in as a regular interest rate is paid.
• There is no currency fluctuation risk as the amount invested and the amount paid back in terms of principal and interest is in the same designated foreign currency.
• Interest earned on FCNR deposits in India is exempt from income tax.
• If you are a Non- Residents Indian, you can invest your earnings which might be in foreign currency in an FCNR without any exchange rate fees, and also get back your investment along with interest without any exchange rate fees.

Which currencies are allowed in the FCNR account?

The account can be opened by depositing money in foreign currency. Major currencies such as the Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Japanese Yen, Euro, UK Pound, and US Dollar are allowed. The currency depends on the banks with which the account is being opened.

Any repatriation restrictions on Foreign Currency Non-Resident accounts?

The amount in the FCNR is freely repatriable. The amount can also be transferred to the nominee’s account without any charges or taxes in case of the death of the primary NRI account holder.

Best FCNR rates in India 2023

Below are the FCNR rates for NRIs offered by some of the top banks in India – 2023 (For comparison, I have also shared 2021 rates)

Read – What Is RFC Account?

What are the tax implications of income earned

• Interest income earned is tax-free in India.
• The amount that is transferred to the Resident Foreign Currency account or the Resident Rupee account after maturity is not taxable as well.

Are there any drawbacks

• It cannot be opened as a joint account with a resident Indian.
• Premature withdrawal is subject to penalty. It depends on the bank where the account is.
• The interest rate is usually lower than that of NRE/NRO deposit accounts.

Eligibility criteria for opening an FCNR account

To open an FCNR account, you must be a non-resident Indian (NRI) or a person of Indian origin (PIO) residing abroad. You must also be at least 18 years old, have a valid passport, and meet the bank’s Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Additionally, some banks may require a minimum deposit amount to open an FCNR account.

How do I open an account?

You can contact the bank and you require documentation such as Passport, Visa, KYC, FACTA declaration, identity proof and address proof for current residence, income documents may be required.

Loan Against FCNR Deposit

Usually, the FCNR holder can get a loan against this account subject to certain conditions. The loan can be taken for personal or business use.

It’s possible to use your own deposits and get funds from both Indian and overseas currencies.

Where do you avail of loans from the FCNR deposit account?

Ideally, it is possible to avail of a loan from your FCNR deposit anywhere on the planet. You’ll need to check on those banks’ policies prior to applying.

NRE Vs FCNR Account

NRIs can open bank accounts in Indian banks. These can be Non-Resident Ordinary Rupee (NRO) accounts, Non-Resident Rupee (NRE) accounts, and Foreign Currency Non-Repatriable account accounts.

Check – Status for NRE FD after return to India

An NRI can have fixed deposits in an FCNR or in an NRE account. Let us look at the key similarities and differences between the two –

Key Features FCNR account Vs NRE Fixed Deposit

An NRE FD is a fixed deposit account wherein the NRI makes deposits from overseas in an account in an Indian bank. The amount will be converted into Indian rupees.

This account is a fixed deposit account wherein the NRI invests in a foreign currency. Not all currencies are accepted Some of the common ones accepted are the Australian Dollar, British Pound, Canadian Dollar, Euro, Japanese Yen, and US Dollar, etc.

Interest

In the case of an NRE FD, principal and interest are credited to the NRE savings account. The amount can be freely repatriated.

At the time of maturity, principal and interest can be freely repatriated.

Must Check- NRE vs NRO Accounts – Difference Between NRE and NRO Accounts

Taxability FCNR & NRE FD

Interest earned on both NRE FD and FCNR is tax-free in India.

Currency risk

If the rupee depreciates further at the time of maturity and repatriation, you will lose value and money in an NRE FD.

There is not much of currency risk as you invest and withdraw in the same foreign currency

Joint Accounts

NRE FD and FCNR accounts can be opened with NRI as joint holders or an NRI and a resident Indian.

On Return to India

FCNR and NRE deposits can be closed immediately or can be allowed to run up to maturity.

They can be converted to Resident Foreign Currency Accounts after maturity till the individual has an RNOR status.

Many features are similar to both accounts. They primarily differ in currency and interest rates.

Is FCNR a Good Investment?

In the long term, you will see that Foreign Currency deposits & NRE FD returns will be more or less the same because the interest differential will take care of the Indian Rupee depreciation. You can consider Foreign Currency Non-Resident account for diversification… it can also be considered after periods of significant appreciation of the Indian Rupee in the short term.

In conclusion, FCNR accounts provide NRIs with a safe and secure investment option for their foreign currency deposits. With attractive interest rates, the convenience of online banking, and the ability to easily transfer funds between accounts, FCNR accounts are a valuable tool for NRIs looking to invest in India.

As always, it is important to carefully consider your investment goals and seek the advice of a financial advisor before making any decisions. With the right planning and strategy, an FCNR account can be a smart investment choice for NRIs looking to grow their wealth.

If you have any queries related to the FCNR  account for NRI – please add them in the comment section.