Small Finance Banks (SFBs) are licensed financial institutions that offer financial services to underserved and unbanked areas. The list of Small Finance Banks in India includes AU Small Finance Bank, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, Capital Small Finance Bank, etc.
They are licensed by the Reserve Bank of India and cater to the needs of small businesses and farmers, including education loans for students. They also focus on enhancing financial literacy and offer personalized customer services. In this blog, let’s explore the list of Small Finance Banks in India and the services offered.
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What are Small Finance Banks?
Small Finance Banks (SFBs) are banks that provide financial services to underserved and unbanked areas in India. They operate under a license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). They offer a range of financial services, including-
- Loans to small businesses, farmers, and unorganized sectors.
- Savings accounts to help people save money.
- Teaching financial literacy for students and skills for businesses to build capacity.
- They focus on providing personalized customer service.
Some well-known ones in the list of Small Finance Banks in India are Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, Jana Small Finance Bank, Equitas Small Finance Bank, and AU Small Finance Bank.
Small Finance Banks are important as promote financial inclusion by offering affordable banking services to everyone. They improve the economy by giving access to banking services to those who are often left out under RBI’s priority sector lending for Small Finance Bank.
Also Read: Learn about the General Credit Card (GCC) Scheme introduced by the Reserve Bank of India. Explore features, benefits, eligibility, & more.
List of Small Finance Banks in India
Small Finance Banks have played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s grassroots economy, bridging the gap between formal banking and marginalized communities. Check out the list of Small Finance Banks in India listed with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
| SNo | Small Finance Bank | Address | City & State |
| 1 | Au Small Finance Bank Limited | AU NEEV, 19-A, Dhuleshwar Garden, Ajmer Road | Jaipur, Rajasthan |
| 2 | Capital Small Finance Bank Limited | “MIDAS Corporate Park”, 3rd Floor, 37, G.T. Road | Jalandhar, Punjab |
| 3 | Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited | 4th Floor, Spencer Plaza, Phase II, No. 769, Mount Road, Anna Salai | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| 4 | ESAF Small Finance Bank Limited | Hepzibah Complex, Mannuthy P.O | Thrissur, Kerala |
| 5 | Suryoday Small Finance Bank Limited | 1101, Sharda Terraces, Plot 65, Sector 11, CBD Belapur | Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| 6 | Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited | Grape Garden, No. 27, 3rd ‘A’ Cross, 18th Main, Koramangala, 6th Block | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| 7 | Utkarsh Small Finance Bank Limited | S-24/1-2, First Floor, Mahavir Nagar, Orderly Bazar, Near Mahavir Mandir | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| 8 | North East Small Finance Bank Limited | 1st & 3rd Floor, Fortune Central, Basistha Road, Basisthapur Bylane No. 3, Beltola | Guwahati, Assam |
| 9 | Jana Small Finance Bank Limited | Vaishnavi, No. 29, Union Street, Off Infantry Road | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| 10 | Shivalik Small Finance Bank Limited | 501, Salcon Aurum, Jasola District Centre | New Delhi |
| 11 | Unity Small Finance Bank Limited | 40, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar | New Delhi |
Please Note: Fincare Small Finance Bank has now been merged with AU Small Finance Bank, effective from April 1, 2024.
Services Offered by Small Finance Banks in India
Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in India focus on offering a wide range of financial services to underserved and unbanked communities. Their offerings include savings and current accounts, fixed and recurring deposits, loans for small businesses, farmers, and individuals, and microfinance services.
SFBs also offer financial literacy programs, empowering individuals with knowledge and tools to manage their finances effectively. Some banks provide innovative services like digital banking and affordable insurance products tailored to their customer base.
Check out the services offered by the complete list of Small Finance Banks in India-
AU Small Finance Bank
AU Small Finance Bank started in 1996 as a vehicle financing company called AU Financiers. In 2017, it transitioned into a full-fledged Small Finance Bank, offering a variety of banking and financial services, including AU Small Finance education loans and minor accounts for students.
Services Offered
- Wide range of retail loans.
- Savings accounts with attractive interest rates.
- Comprehensive digital banking solutions.
Also Read: Explore the features and benefits of AU Small Finance minor account for students.
Capital Small Finance Bank
Established in 2000 as Capital Local Area Bank, it became India’s first Small Finance Bank in 2016, focusing on personalized banking services in Punjab.
Services Offered:
- Personalized customer service.
- Competitive fixed deposit rates.
- Loan products for farmers and small businesses.
Equitas Small Finance Bank
Founded in 2007 as a microfinance institution, Equitas transformed into an SFB in 2016, aiming to promote financial inclusion across India.
Services Offered:
- Microloans and affordable housing loans.
- High-interest savings accounts.
- Robust digital banking services.
ESAF Small Finance Bank
Starting as a non-profit ESAF Society in 1992, it transitioned into an SFB in 2017 to serve marginalized communities with tailored banking solutions.
Services Offered:
- Microfinance services.
- Loans for women entrepreneurs.
- Savings accounts with competitive interest rates.
Suryoday Small Finance Bank
Suryoday began as a microfinance institution in 2008 and became an SFB in 2017, focusing on underserved and low-income groups.
Services Offered:
- Group loans for women.
- Affordable housing finance.
- Fixed deposits with high returns.
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank
Ujjivan started in 2005 as a microfinance provider and expanded into a full-fledged Small Finance Bank in 2017, focusing on urban and rural customers.
Services Offered:
- Microloans for individuals and businesses.
- Affordable business loans.
- Savings products for urban and rural customers.
Utkarsh Small Finance Bank
Utkarsh was established in 2009 with the mission of empowering underserved communities and transitioned into an SFB in 2017.
Services Offered:
- Microfinance and business loans.
- Savings accounts with rural banking services.
- Doorstep banking for remote areas.
North East Small Finance Bank
Founded in 2017, it is the first SFB in Northeast India, addressing the financial needs of people in remote and underserved areas.
Services Offered:
- Microloans for rural households.
- Savings accounts with flexible options.
- Financial literacy programs for the community.
Jana Small Finance Bank
Jana Small Finance Bank was established in 2009 as a microfinance institution and became an SFB in 2018, serving urban and semi-urban regions.
Services Offered:
- High-yield fixed deposits.
- Digital banking solutions.
- Microloans for small entrepreneurs.
Shivalik Small Finance Bank
Initially set up in 1998 as a cooperative bank, Shivalik transitioned into an SFB in 2021, becoming India’s first cooperative bank to do so.
Services Offered:
- Competitive deposit products.
- Digital banking services.
- Loans for small businesses.
Unity Small Finance Bank
Unity Small Finance Bank was founded in 2021 as a new-age SFB, formed through the merger of two cooperative banks. It focuses on modern and innovative banking solutions.
Services Offered:
- Digital savings accounts.
- Personal loans.
- Fixed deposits with high returns.
This was all about the list of AU Small Finance Banks in India. Though they provide similar services as commercial banks, they serve underprivileged communities helping them to build financial security.
FAQs
As per the latest RBI listing, there are 11 Small Finance Banks in India.
Some of the top Small Finance Banks include-
– AU Small Finance Bank
– Ujjivan Small Finance Bank
– Equitas Small Finance Bank
– Suryoday Small Finance Bank
– ESAF Small Finance Bank
The “best” small finance bank can vary based on individual needs, but Ujjivan Small Finance Bank is often highlighted for its customer service and product offerings.
The first Small Finance Bank in India was AU Small Finance Bank, which received its license from the Reserve Bank of India in 2017.
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank and Equitas Small Finance Bank are known for offering competitive interest rates on fixed deposits.
Small Finance Banks in India are regulated and controlled by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which sets guidelines for their operations.
While safety can depend on various factors, AU Small Finance Bank and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank are considered relatively safe due to their robust financial performance and regulatory compliance.
Small Finance Banks primarily focus on providing financial services to underserved sectors and small businesses, while commercial banks cater to a broader customer base, including large corporations. SFBs have a higher priority on financial inclusion.
Earlier there were 12 Small Finance Banks in India. However, at present the exact number is 11. Fincare Small Finance Bank is now merged with AU Small Finance Bank, effective from April 1, 2024.
Yes, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank is considered safe as it is regulated by the RBI and has a good track record of financial stability and customer service.
To learn more about education loans, the best bank accounts for students, forex, banking experience for global students, or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your experience with studying abroad.
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