Managing foreign currency assets is crucial for residents who have returned to their home country. This is where the
question 'What is an RFC Account?' comes into play. An RFC Account is a solution for those looking to maintain their
foreign currency earnings efficiently. The RFC Account helps you manage money from around the world, making your
savings grow bigger and better. It is like a superhero for your global earnings.
What is a Resident Foreign Currency Account?
The RFC Account is a special bank account for people who come back
home but earn money from other countries. It helps them save foreign money in their home country. It makes it
simpler for them to handle their finances and use the money they earn abroad.
The primary advantage of an RFC Account is its ability to maintain currency value and facilitate easy access and
utilisation of foreign funds. This service contrasts with the Non-Resident Foreign Currency (NRFC) Account, which is
only for non-residents to hold foreign currency earnings.
RFC Account features and benefits
The appeal of an RFC Account
comes from its various features and benefits tailored to the specific needs of returning residents. Its benefits
include:
- Currency flexibility: Hold multiple foreign currencies in one account, reducing the need for
various currency conversions.
- Interest earnings: Opportunity to earn interest on foreign currency deposits, thus enhancing
the value of your savings.
- Easy access: Withdrawals can be made in the local currency or the foreign currency, offering
flexibility in fund management.
- Repatriation: Funds, including the principal and interest earned, are fully repatriable,
meaning they can be moved across borders without restrictions.
- Investment opportunities: Provides an avenue to invest in foreign currency-denominated assets
and securities.
Eligibility criteria for RFC Accounts
Opening an RFC Account comes with a set of eligibility criteria to ensure the account's benefits are directed
appropriately. Criteria for opening an RFC Account include:
- The account is designated for Indian nationals returning to India after residing overseas.
- Eligible individuals include both former Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs).
- Applicants intending to divert their pension, superannuation, or other monetary benefits from overseas employers
into India are qualified.
- Prospective account holders seeking to deposit foreign currency obtained from the liquidation of assets abroad,
which are then repatriated to India, are also suitable candidates.
Required documentation for Resident Foreign Currency Account
To streamline the process of opening an RFC account, prospective account holders are required to submit specific
documents:
- Valid identification (passport, national ID)
- Proof of residency status (visa, employment documents)
- Evidence of foreign earnings (payslips, bank statements, inheritance documents)
- Completed application form specific to the RFC account opening
Permissible currencies for opening a Resident Foreign Currency Account
RFC accounts offer the flexibility of holding multiple currencies, enhancing the appeal for residents with
international financial dealings. Commonly permitted currencies include:
- US Dollar (USD)
- Euro (EUR)
- British Pound (GBP)
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Other major currencies based on the bank's policy
Also Read: What is FCNR Account:
Meaning and Features
Conclusion
By understanding the role and meaning of a Resident Foreign Currency Account in your financial planning, you unlock
the potential to maximise your foreign currency assets effectively. The RFC Term Deposit by Axis Bank offers secure,
high-interest returns in major currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and CAD, with the added benefit of full
repatriation. It is tailored for returning residents, allowing for the consolidation of global incomes and providing
ease of withdrawal when needed, without the worry of conversion risks. This financial vehicle redefines how
returning residents can optimise their foreign earnings and maintain a global financial presence.
Remember, managing global finances requires not just the right tools, but also a thorough understanding of the
implications and benefits that come with them.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purpose only. The views expressed in this article are personal and do not
necessarily constitute the views of Axis Bank Ltd. and its employees. Axis Bank Ltd. and/or the author shall not be
responsible for any direct / indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based
on the contents and information. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.
