Opening a bank account with State Bank of India (SBI) is just the first step. To fully utilize your account and enjoy all banking services, completing your KYC (Know Your Customer) is essential. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about SBI KYC, including document requirements, step-by-step procedures, and solutions to common problems.
What Is KYC in SBI Bank?
KYC stands for Know Your Customer, a regulatory requirement mandated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. It is a mandatory process where banks verify and record the identity and address of customers to prevent financial fraud, money laundering, and terrorist financing.
For SBI, KYC is not just a regulatory formality—it’s a crucial step that allows you to access all banking services fully. Without completing KYC, your account will have restricted features.
Why Is KYC Important for SBI Customers?
Completing KYC on time is important for several reasons:
- Unlock Full Banking Services – Without KYC, you cannot perform transactions beyond a certain limit, open additional accounts, or avail loans and credit products.
- Compliance with RBI Regulations – The RBI mandates that all bank customers complete KYC within 30 days of account opening. Non-compliance can result in account restrictions or closure.
- Protection Against Fraud – KYC verification protects your account and your bank from unauthorized access and fraudulent activities.
- Seamless Digital Banking – To use SBI YONO (Your Own Number to Operate) mobile app and online services fully, KYC completion is necessary.
- Eligibility for Financial Products – Loans, credit cards, investment products, and insurance are only available to fully verified customers.
Types of KYC in SBI Bank
SBI offers multiple KYC options to suit different customer needs:
- Minimum KYC (mKYC)
Minimum KYC is a simplified version with limited verification documents. This is applicable to:
- Customers opening accounts with initial deposits below specified limits
- Individuals with low-risk profiles
- Students and senior citizens
Documents Required for Minimum KYC:
- Self-declaration form with address proof document
- Any one valid identification document (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License)
- Photograph (as per bank standards)
Limitations: mKYC accounts have transaction limits (usually Rs. 1 lakh per quarter) and cannot avail certain services.
- Full KYC
Full KYC is the complete verification process and is required to unlock all SBI banking services without restrictions. This is compulsory if:
- Initial deposit exceeds the specified threshold
- Customer wants unrestricted access to all services
- RBI mandates full verification
Documents Required for Full KYC:
- Valid Identity Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License)
- Valid Address Proof (Same as identity proof, or recent utility bills, rental agreement)
- Photograph (passport-sized, colored or black-and-white, 35mm x 45mm)
- PAN card (For individuals above Rs. 50,000 annual income; Form 60 if no PAN)
- Proof of date of birth (if not evident from identity proof)
- Video KYC
SBI offers Video KYC for customers who prefer digital verification. This is increasingly popular among:
- NRI (Non-Resident Indians)
- Individuals unable to visit branches
- Tech-savvy customers
Video KYC involves a video call with SBI officials where you present your documents and verify your identity in real-time.
- Re-KYC and KYC Updates
Re-KYC is required every 10 years, or when:
- Your address changes
- Your contact details change
- Your document expires (Passport, Driving License)
- The RBI mandates it
How to Complete KYC at SBI Branch (Offline Method)
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before visiting the branch, prepare:
- Original and photocopy of identity proof
- Original and photocopy of address proof
- Photograph (as per bank requirements)
- PAN card or Form 60
- Your SBI account passbook or statement
- Any other documents specific to your category (student ID, senior citizen proof)
Step 2: Visit Your SBI Branch
Locate your nearest SBI branch and visit during working hours (typically 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays). Bring all original documents for verification.
Step 3: Meet the KYC Officer
The bank staff will direct you to the KYC officer. Provide your documents and fill out the KYC form (Form 60 for non-PAN holders or the designated KYC form for PAN holders).
Step 4: Verification Process
The KYC officer will:
- Verify your documents against originals
- Match your photograph with your face
- Record your biometric details (fingerprints and iris scan in some cases)
- Confirm your address
- Update your contact information
Step 5: Get Acknowledgment
Once verification is complete, you’ll receive an acknowledgment slip. Keep this for your records.
Step 6: Approval
Your KYC is typically approved within 1-3 days. You’ll receive SMS confirmation from SBI.
Time Required: 15-30 minutes per customer
How to Complete SBI KYC Online (Digital Methods)
- SBI YONO App KYC
If you have already opened an account and have a YONO app, you can complete KYC without visiting the branch:
- Open the YONO app and log in
- Navigate to Profile → KYC → Complete KYC
- Upload clear photographs of identity and address proofs
- Take a selfie as requested
- Answer KYC questions in the app
- Submit for verification
- SBI Internet Banking KYC
- Log into SBI Net Banking
- Go to Profile Settings → KYC Status
- Click on “Complete KYC”
- Upload required documents
- Follow the on-screen instructions
- Submit for approval
- Video KYC Process
- Visit SBI website and select Video KYC option
- Schedule a video call appointment
- Join the video call at scheduled time
- Present your original documents
- Answer verification questions
- Complete the process in 15-20 minutes
Common Online KYC Errors to Avoid:
- Uploading blurry or incomplete document photos
- Not matching face with submitted photograph
- Providing inconsistent information
- Missing required documents
- Poor internet connection during video KYC
How to Check Your SBI KYC Status
Method 1: YONO App
- Open YONO app → Profile → KYC Status
- Status will show: Pending, Verified, or Rejected
Method 2: Internet Banking
- Log into SBI Net Banking → Profile → KYC Status
- Check current status
Method 3: Visit Branch
- Contact your nearest SBI branch
- Ask the staff for your KYC status
Method 4: SMS Service
- Text “KYC” to 09223440922 (charges apply as per plan)
- You’ll receive KYC status via SMS
What Happens If You Don’t Complete KYC?
Delaying or skipping KYC completion can lead to:
- Account Restrictions
- Transaction limit capped at Rs. 1 lakh per quarter for individual accounts
- No new account opening
- Limited standing instructions
- Debit Card Issues
- Debit card cannot be issued
- Existing cards may be deactivated
- Cannot use online transaction services
- Loan and Credit Restrictions
- Ineligible for loans, overdrafts, or credit facilities
- Cannot avail investment products
- No credit card issuance
- Account Freezing
After 30 days of account opening without KYC, SBI may freeze your account:
- No deposits allowed (except salary credits)
- No withdrawals allowed
- Account may be closed after 12 months
- Regulatory Penalties
- Potential account closure by RBI mandate
- Your bank may impose penalties
How to Update or Re-KYC Your SBI Account
Re-KYC Scenarios:
- Change of Address
- Visit branch with address proof
- Or update via YONO app with new address proof photograph
- Upload self-declaration form
- Expired Documents
If your identity or address proof expires:
- Visit branch with new document
- Fill updated KYC form
- Biometric verification again
- Name Correction
For legal name changes (marriage, deed poll):
- Visit branch with new name proof
- Produce marriage certificate, divorce decree, or deed poll
- Complete new KYC form
- Re-KYC Cycle
RBI mandates Re-KYC every 10 years (since last KYC completion):
- SBI will notify you via SMS and statement
- Complete within 30 days of notification
- Follow same process as initial KYC
Common SBI KYC Problems & Solutions
Problem 1: KYC Rejection Due to Document Mismatch
Cause: Uploaded documents have inconsistent names, addresses, or details.
Solution:
- Ensure all documents show identical name spelling
- Correct address with exact spelling
- Re-upload clear, legible photographs
- Contact branch to clarify discrepancies
Problem 2: Delayed KYC Approval
Cause: High volume of applications or missing information.
Solution:
- Check YONO app for KYC status daily
- Contact branch after 5 days if still pending
- Provide any additional documents if requested
- Call SBI customer care: 1800-11-5555 (toll-free)
Problem 3: Offline KYC Not Recognized Online
Cause: Branch didn’t update system after offline KYC completion.
Solution:
- Wait 3-5 days for system update
- Contact branch manager
- Request written confirmation
- Request manual verification update
Problem 4: Unable to Complete Video KYC
Cause: Poor internet connection, camera issues, or lighting problems.
Solution:
- Use strong WiFi or mobile data
- Ensure good lighting on face and documents
- Test camera before scheduled call
- Reschedule appointment if needed
- Switch to branch KYC as alternative
Problem 5: Form 60 Rejection (Non-PAN Holders)
Cause: Incomplete or incorrectly filled Form 60.
Solution:
- Get latest Form 60 from SBI website
- Fill it accurately with all required details
- Get it self-certified or notarized
- Resubmit with clear photograph
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is KYC Mandatory for All SBI Accounts?
Yes. As per RBI regulations, KYC is mandatory for all new accounts within 30 days of opening. Even existing accounts may require updated KYC if not done recently.
Q2: Do I Need a PAN Card for SBI KYC?
PAN is mandatory if your income exceeds Rs. 50,000 per annum. If you don’t have a PAN, submit Form 60 (declaration form) instead. Ensure you apply for PAN within 2 years.
Q3: Can KYC Be Completed Without Visiting a Branch?
Yes. You can complete KYC online via YONO app, internet banking, or Video KYC. However, some cases may require branch visit for additional verification.
Q4: How Long Is KYC Valid?
KYC is valid for 10 years from the date of completion. After that, RBI mandates Re-KYC. Even if KYC is still valid, updates may be required if personal details change.
Q5: What If My Document Is Expired?
If you’re using an expired document for KYC:
- For identity proof: Not acceptable in most cases. Use active/valid identity proof.
- For address proof: Utility bill within last 6 months is acceptable even if printed before
- Passport: Valid for 10 years; expired passport is not acceptable
Q6: Is There a Fee for SBI KYC?
No. KYC completion is completely free. SBI does not charge any fees for KYC verification, whether online or offline.
Q7: How Long Does KYC Approval Take?
Typically 1-3 business days for online KYC and 1-2 days for offline branch KYC. However, in case of pending document verification, it may take up to 7-10 days.
Q8: Can I Use My Aadhar for KYC?
Yes. Aadhaar is widely accepted as identity and address proof for SBI KYC. Digital verification is done through UIDAI database.
Q9: What If My Name in Documents Differs Slightly?
Minor spelling variations (like Shri vs Sr., or Sharma vs Shrama) may cause rejection. Ensure all documents have identical name spellings. If differences exist, obtain a legal name correction from relevant authorities.
Q10: Can NRIs Complete SBI KYC?
Yes. NRIs can complete KYC via Video KYC or by visiting any SBI branch. NRI accounts have special KYC requirements and restrictions as per RBI guidelines.
Conclusion
Completing KYC in your SBI account is a simple yet essential process that unlocks full banking benefits. Whether you choose offline branch KYC, online YONO app verification, or video KYC, the process is straightforward and free.
Key Takeaways:
- Complete KYC within 30 days of account opening
- Prepare documents in advance for smooth processing
- Ensure document accuracy to avoid rejection
- Use online methods (YONO or Video KYC) for convenience
- Check KYC status regularly through YONO app
- Update KYC when personal details change
- Don’t delay—incomplete KYC restricts your account
If you face any KYC issues, contact your nearest SBI branch or call SBI customer care at 1800-11-5555. Your complete KYC ensures a secure and unrestricted banking experience at SBI.