Introduction
A 3-in-1 account bundles three services under one roof:
1. A Savings Bank account
2. A Demat account
3. A Trading account
This setup makes investing and trading seamless: you can move funds from your savings directly to your trading account, hold securities in demat, and manage everything from one platform. If you’re planning to start or streamline your investing journey, a 3-in-1 account is very appealing.
In India, several banks (including public sector banks, but also private and small finance banks) offer this facility, either directly or via tie-ups with brokers. Below, we explore some of the best public sector bank options, what to look for, and how to pick the right one.
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What to Look for in a 3-in-1 Account from a Public Sector Bank
Before choosing, compare the following features:
Feature Why It Matters
Ease of linkage (Savings ↔ Demat ↔ Trading) Less paperwork, faster funds flow.
Charges / Fees (account opening, AMC, brokerage etc.) Hidden costs can reduce your returns.
Margin / leverage facilities Helpful if you plan frequent trading or use derivatives.
Digital tools & platforms A good app/web interface, research reports, alerts make a big difference.
Bank & broker reputation PSBs often have wider branch networking and trust; check broker tie-ups.
Customer support & transparency Clear statements, easy grievance redressal, etc.
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Public Sector Banks in India Offering 3-in-1 Accounts & Tie-ups
Here are some good PSBs and their offerings:
Bank What They Offer Pros Things to Check / Possible Drawbacks
State Bank of India (SBI) SBI offers a 3-in-1 account combining Savings + Demat + Online Trading (via SBI Cap Securities). Very well known; large branch and service network; “e-margin facility” helps with lower margin requirements. AMCs / maintenance fees for Demat; charges may be higher than smaller brokers; check how fast the account opening / linkage process is.
Punjab National Bank (PNB) Has a tie-up with Geojit Financial Services: PNB savings + PNB Demat + Geojit trading. Leverages both the trust of PNB + the expertise of Geojit; transfers from savings account are seamless; trading account can be opened online in ~15 mins. Might have higher brokerage or less advanced trading tools compared to pure play brokers; check trading fees and platform usability.
Bank of Baroda Offers a “Baroda 3 in 1 Demat & Trading Account” service. Savings + Demat + Trading all tied together. Fully digital account opening; competitive brokerage; no AMC for the trading part, first-year AMC waiver for Demat. Over time, AMC for Demat after first year; check how good their mobile app / research tools are; check customer support.
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Which PSB is Best Depends on What You Need
No single bank is perfect; the best depends on your priorities. Here are some scenarios:
If you value low cost / minimal fees: SBI or PNB might be preferable because of their established systems. However, compare the Demat AMC, brokerage, and margin charges carefully.
If you want lots of tools / active trading: Check which PSB tie-ups give you good trading platforms, alerts, mobile apps etc. Smaller brokers often specialize here but may not be fully integrated.
If you prefer convenience & trust: A large PSU bank with good coverage and strong reputation (like SBI) gives you comfort and local‐branch support.
If you want a smooth paperless & fast setup: Digital process matters. Banks with online/digital KYC, minimal paperwork, and fast account activation win here.
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My Recommendation
Given the current options, if I were you, I’d lean towards SBI’s 3-in-1 account, especially if you want safety, broad service network and good feature set. PNB with Geojit is also a strong alternative if you prefer a possibly better brokerage or more modern interface, depending on how often you trade.
If you tell me your priorities (how often you plan to trade, how long you hold investments, how much value you put on fees vs convenience), I can help you pick the *best PSB for your needs.
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Conclusion
A 3-in-1 account is one of the best ways to unify saving + investment workflows. Among public sector banks, SBI, PNB, and Bank of Baroda currently offer some of the strongest packages. The key is to compare charges, ease of use, and tools—not just the brand. Choose what fits your style and goals, and you’ll get a lot of benefit over time.