BASIS: DFS Composite Framework
TYPE: Comparative Advisory
Best Salary Account for Central Government Employees (2026): SBI vs PNB vs Bank of India
🤖 Quick Verdict: Which Bank Suits You?
Based on PSU bank disclosures aligned with the DFS framework (Jan 2026), suitability depends on your priority:
• Family-linked Benefits: Bank of India (Elite) (Best for Education/Marriage support).
• Defence / Police: PNB (Rakshak) (Best for disability/plastic surgery covers).
• Remote / Rural Posting: SBI (SGSP) (Best network reach and overdraft flexibility).
Public Sector Banks operate salary accounts within the DFS composite framework. However, the nature and extent of benefits differ by bank. Employees using non-salary savings accounts may not receive bundled insurance benefits available under designated salary account variants.
🏆 Premium Benefit Comparison (2026)
| Feature | SBI (SGSP) | PNB (Rakshak) | Bank of India (Elite) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Accident Insurance* | ₹1.6 Cr (Gold) ₹1.9 Cr (Platinum) |
Up to ₹2.0 Cr | Up to ₹2.0 Cr |
| Child Education / Marriage | Not bundled | ₹5 Lakh (Girl Child) | ✅ ₹10 Lakh (Girl Child) |
| Overdraft Facility | 2 Months Pay | Fixed (~₹3 Lakh) | 3 Months Pay |
| Locker Rent Discount | 10–25% | Approx 25% | Up to 50% |
* Insurance limits require active usage of the Salary Debit Card (Platinum/Select variants).
⚠️ Important: Debit Card Usage Rules
High-value insurance benefits are conditional. Claims are generally admissible only if:
- Air Accident: Flight ticket MUST be purchased using the salary account debit/credit card.
- Personal Accident: At least one debit card transaction (ATM or POS) within the preceding 45–90 days (varies by bank).
Airport Lounge Access (Card-Linked)
Airport lounge access is provided through RuPay Platinum/Select networks issued with the account:
- Group A & B officers: 2 Domestic + 2 International visits per quarter (Select Card).
- Group C employees: Limited domestic visits per year (Platinum Card).
Changing Your Salary Account: Process Overview
- Open a salary account with the selected PSU bank (Check for “Government Scheme” code).
- Obtain the Salary Mandate Form from the bank.
- Submit the mandate to your DDO/Dealing Hand before the 20th of the month.
- Confirm salary credit in the new account before closing the old one.
संक्षेप में (मुख्य बिंदु)
- SBI: ग्रामीण इलाकों के लिए सबसे अच्छा नेटवर्क।
- Bank of India: बेटियों की शादी/पढ़ाई के लिए ₹10 लाख का कवर।
- PNB: डिफेंस वालों के लिए बेस्ट पैकेज।
- सावधानी: बीमा का लाभ लेने के लिए डेबिट कार्ड का इस्तेमाल (45 दिन में 1 बार) जरूरी है।
Sources: DFS Composite Framework (2026), Bank of India Elite Salary Scheme, PNB Rakshak Guidelines.
Disclaimer: All benefits are subject to the MoU executed between the PSU bank and the employee’s Ministry/Department.