31 October 2023 12:49 pm Views - 32
Saving is key for financial stability. It helps us handle unexpected expenses and capitalise on opportunities. It also helps us reach our long-term goals, like buying a home or pursuing higher education. On Thrift Day, we celebrate the importance of saving and recognise its positive impact on both individuals and the economy. There is no age limit to start saving. Being thrifty is something everyone can achieve at any age. As the largest private bank in Sri Lanka, Commercial Bank is always focused on promoting the habit of savings to all Sri Lankans. The Bank has an array of savings options ranging from new born children to retired adults for customers to choose from.
Commercial Bank’s “Arunalu” children’s savings account can be opened with a minimum deposit of Rs. 100/- in the name of any child below 18. This account, which helps inculcate the habit of saving in children from a young age, is the best investment that can be done in the best interest of a child’s future, and has no upper deposit limit. Upon reaching 18, the child can convert their children’s account into a youth savings account. Non-resident Sri Lankans and Sri Lankans who earn in foreign currencies can now make foreign currency deposits to “Arunalu Foreign Currency Children’s Savings Accounts” and earn a high interest rate. This enables them to pay for their children’s overseas education and healthcare directly in foreign currencies.
The Isuru Minors’ Savings Plan is another savings scheme specifically introduced for children. It presents parents with two savings plans to choose from, namely, the “Isuru” Monthly Deposit Scheme and the “Isuru” Lump Sum Deposit Scheme. The ‘Isuru’ Monthly Deposit Scheme allows a depositor to deposit any amount between Rs. 500/- and Rs. 20,000/- (in multiples of Rs. 500/-). The period of deposit could also vary from five to ten years. Through the “Isuru” Lump Sum Deposit Scheme, customers can deposit a single lump sum starting from Rs. 5,000/- with no upper limit, resulting in the child receiving a large amount of money up to Rs. 12 million. In the event of the unfortunate demise of the depositor during the agreed period of deposit, the Bank will take care of the monthly deposits and will issue the entitlement certificate for the full guaranteed amount. The child, upon reaching the age of 18 years, can collect the full guaranteed amount by presenting the “Isuru” entitlement certificate to the Bank, and will be able to continue the habit of saving by depositing the funds in a Youth savings account.
The Bank has also introduced the “Dotcom” Teen Account, targeting youth between 10-18 years of age. Through this account, the child will receive an opportunity to manage his or her own finances while keeping track of all banking transactions, teaching them responsibility and financial management. This is vital, as this is the age at which the development of their financial discipline starts. “Dotcom” presents teens with an array of attractive benefits in appreciation of their habit of saving, while helping them learn financial literacy under the purview of their parents or guardians. Holders of Dotcom Teen Accounts could obtain an attractively designed Debit Card equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology, and are eligible to get the Online banking facility without any extra payment. Parent/guardian can monitor the spends through the card and advice/educate children on responsible spending habits.
Commercial Bank has introduced the “Vibe” Youth Savings Account, especially designed with a variety of features to suit the financial need of the country’s innovative and aspiring youth, and empower them. The main objective of the “Vibe” account is attracting the youth towards savings by providing them with the freedom they pursue and newer technologies they proactively search for.
Additionally, Commercial Bank has successfully curated savings product for specific demographics, and introduced products that align with the needs and wants of different segments. This has enabled all citizens of the country to find a savings account that meets their needs, while enjoying the benefits of maintaining an account tailormade for them.
One such account is the “Anagi” Women’s Savings Account, a special account dedicated to women. The “Anagi” women’s banking service comes with a whole range of exclusive benefits such as a personal and business loan facilities, credit cards, and insurance facilities. The Achiever Salary Account is targeted for salaried employees and is curated to ensure that their needs are met. It comes with a salary advance facility of up to 75% of average monthly salary (up to a maximum of Rs. 300,000/-) subject to the account holder having remitted his/her monthly salary to the Commercial Bank Achiever Salary Account for 3 consecutive months.
Furthermore, Commercial Bank has introduced the “Udara” Senior Citizen’s Account as a testament to the fact that age is no barrier to the habit of saving. This account can be opened by senior citizens above the age of 60, and offers an interest rate higher than the regular savings accounts. “Udara” account holders receive a debit card, internet banking facility, and mobile banking facility completely free of charge.
Another special account is the “Yasasa” Pensioners’ savings account, which is tailormade for the Government sector pensioners and their widows. “Yasasa” accounts are eligible for a higher interest rate than that of the normal accounts, and the account holders receive a debit card free of charge. The account holder can opt for a passbook savings account or a statement savings account, as per his/her requirement.
Government Pensioners, Pensioners of Ceylon Electricity Board or The Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and widowers of pensioners who receives a monthly pension from the Department of Pensions, who maintain accounts at Commercial Bank, can receive an advance upto 75% of the previous month’s pension (upto a maximum of Rs. 50,000/-) through the Commercial Bank’s special pension advance facility. Furthermore, account holders can apply for personal loans of upto Rs. 5 million with extended payback periods.
Moreover, Commercial Bank has introduced a regular savings account for those who need a regular savings account, the “Super Saver” account for those who anticipate higher returns for their savings, the “Power Bonus” account that gives a 60% bonus interest on the fixed interest, as well as the “Divisaru” savings account, which offers special benefits and loan facilities for
micro entrepreneurs.
Commercial Bank has introduced another very special savings scheme called “Millionaire”, which is an investment plan. This enables you to predetermine the amount of money that you plan to save during a 2 to 6 period and accordingly deposit a monthly fixed amount. This also gives a higher annual interest rate of 10% and the ability to obtain a loan / overdraft upto 75% of the savings balance.
Commercial Bank is on a mission to empower the nation’s citizens with the habit of saving, by providing them with a range of savings schemes for them to choose from. You can also select one that suits your needs and develop the habit of saving, in this Thrift month.
The first Carbon-neutral Sri Lankan Bank, the first Sri Lankan bank to be listed among the Top 1000 Banks of the World and the only Sri Lankan bank to be so listed for 12 years consecutively, Commercial Bank operates a network of 268 branches and 940 automated machines in Sri Lanka. The largest lender to Sri Lanka’s small and medium enterprises as well as a needle mover in the digital revolution of the local banking landscape, the Bank’s overseas operations encompass Bangladesh, where the Bank operates 19 outlets; Myanmar, where it has a Microfinance company in Nay Pyi Taw; and the Maldives, where the Bank has a fully-fledged Tier I Bank with a majority stake.