Many Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have NRO or NRE accounts, which are popular term deposit choices that allow them to earn a reasonable rate of return while also allowing them to store funds in India.
NRE, or Non-Resident External accounts, and NRO, or Non-Resident Ordinary accounts, are NRI-only account alternatives. They have a number of advantages, such as tax exemptions and full repairability. This post speaks about the NRE and NRO account differences.
Meaning of NRE Account
An NRE Fixed Deposit is a form of term deposit account where the NRI deposits funds from abroad and remits them to an Indian account, where the currency is converted into the Indian denomination (rupees.) An NRE deposit is a kind of term deposit used to transfer overseas earnings.
Meaning of NRO Account
An NRI typically opens an NRO account in order to manage revenue earned in India. This income could come from the rent, a pension, or other sorts of payouts. The interest on these deposits is taxed.
Difference Between NRE and NRO Account
Repatriation
You will not be able to repatriate your principal investment through an NRO FD. Only your NRO fixed deposit interest can be transferred to a foreign account. An NRE FD, on the other hand, allows you to fully repatriate funds to a foreign account, including the Principal and accrued interest. Transferring the Principal and earned withdrawals to an Indian account is made easier in this manner.
Taxation
An NRO FD is subject to taxes under Indian legislation. According to the Income Tax Act of 1961, the interest that is earned on an NRO fixed deposit is taxed at a rate of about 30%.
When compared to domestic FD rates, this rate is relatively expensive. An NRE fixed deposit, on the other hand, does not incur tax on the principal interest earned from the investments. An NRE FD is thus tax-free in this manner. This advantage makes an NRE FD a better choice than an NRO fixed deposit.
Joint Holding
Two NRIs can open a joint account in either an NRO or an NRE without any problems. If an NRI wishes to open a joint account with an Indian resident citizen, they must use an NRO account. Even if the person is a direct family member, an NRE FD cannot be opened together with a resident Indian citizen.
Currency
Income earned outside of India can be utilized to register an NRE account by converting it to Indian rupees. You can, on the other hand, open an NRO fixed deposit with revenue generated in India. You cannot open an FD by transferring funds from an NRE account to an NRO. You cannot use your NRO account to start a fixed deposit in another country.
Interest Rates
The interest rate on NRE and NRO FDs can vary depending on the bank or NBFC where you want to invest. It is critical to stay current on available rates in order to choose the finest alternative with the largest returns.
An NRE or NRO FD is available with maturities ranging from one to twenty years. The final decision on which FD is preferable for you is based on your preferences in the benefits available from the two types of accounts.
How to Choose Between NRE and NRO Account Based on the Difference Between NRE and NRO
The decision is based on your financial needs and whether your source of income is in foreign currency or Indian rupees. The NRI's preference for a repatriable or non-repatriable account is also a factor. Repeatability refers to the ability to move funds from the account to India and convert them to rupees.
Although the interest rate is significantly higher than that of normal savings accounts, you must consider the constraints. While an NRE account is not taxable, there is a possibility that the exchange rate will rise or fall depending on international currency rates, which fluctuate from time to time.
An NRO fixed deposit is the greatest option for anyone looking to save their Indian earnings. Keep up to date on the newest FD interest rates to make the smartest financial decision.
FAQs
Q1. NRE vs NRO? Which of the two is more dangerous?
NRE accounts are riskier because the exchange rate may rise or fall depending on fluctuating foreign exchange rates.
Q2. Can I open multiple NRE accounts in my name?
A bank can only open one NRE account in your name. If you have other bank accounts, you can open an NRE account with them.
Q3. Will older citizens receive more interest if they open an NRE or an NRO account?
The amount of interest that senior persons will earn varies by bank. However, senior citizens may not receive additional interest on their deposits in an NRE or an NRO account.
Q4. Are NRE and NRO accounts subject to taxation?
While NRE accounts are tax-free, NRO accounts are taxed at 30%.
Q5. Will I have to pay any fees if I want to open an NRE or NRO account?
No, you will not be charged any fees to open an NRE or an NRO account.
