RBI Retail Direct Scheme

RBI Retail Direct Scheme

Invest in Government Securities Directly with RBI


The RBI Retail Direct Scheme is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) that enables individual investors to invest directly in Government Securities through an online platform. Through this scheme, retail investors can open a Retail Direct Gilt (RDG) Account with RBI and invest in various Government securities through an online portal. 

The scheme provides direct access to:

  • Government of India Securities (G-Secs)
  • Treasury Bills (T-Bills)
  • State Development Loans (SDLs)
  • Sovereign Gold Bonds (as and when issued)

 

What is a Retail Direct Gilt (RDG) Account?

Retail Direct Scheme is a one-stop solution introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to facilitate investment in Government Securities by individual investors. Under this scheme, retail investors can open a Retail Direct Gilt (RDG) Account, a securities account maintained directly with the RBI. The account can be opened online through the RBI Retail Direct Portal: https://rbiretaildirect.org.in

Using an RDG Account, retail investors can:

  • Participate in primary issuances of Government Securities
  • Invest in Treasury Bills (T-Bills) and State Development Loans (SDLs)
  • Buy and sell Government Securities through the RBI Retail Direct online portal
  • Access the secondary market through RBI's trading platform
  • Hold Government Securities directly in electronic form without the need for an intermediary

The scheme enables investors to invest in Government Securities conveniently through a single digital platform managed by the RBI.


Eligibility

Resident individual investors (natural persons) are eligible to open an RDG Account, subject to RBI guidelines. To open an account, investors require:

  • A Rupee Savings Bank Account maintained in India
  • Permanent Account Number (PAN) issued by the Income Tax Department
  • An Officially Valid Document (OVD) for Know Your Customer (KYC) purposes
  • A valid mobile number
  • A valid email address

Non-resident retail investors who are eligible to invest in Government Securities under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), may also invest in Government Securities through the scheme, subject to applicable regulations and RBI guidelines.


Key Features

  • Direct Access to Government Securities:
    Invest directly in Government-backed securities through the RBI Retail Direct platform. 
  • Online Account Opening:
    Open and maintain your RDG Account digitally through the RBI Retail Direct Portal. 
  • Primary and Secondary Market Access:
    Participate in primary auctions and access secondary market trading through RBI-authorised platforms. 
  • Interest and Maturity Payments:
    Interest payments and maturity proceeds are credited directly to the linked bank account as per applicable terms. 
  • No Account Maintenance Charges:
    RBI does not levy charges for opening or maintaining an RDG Account. Applicable payment gateway charges, if any, may be borne by the investor.
     

Minimum Investment

The minimum investment amount is:

  • ₹10,000 for Treasury Bills (T-Bills)
  • ₹10,000 for Government Securities (G-Secs)
  • ₹10,000 for State Development Loans (SDLs)

As prescribed under the RBI Retail Direct Scheme guidelines. 


Maximum Investment

The maximum investment amount is:

  • Government of India Treasury Bills (T-Bills):
    Aggregate allocation under the non-competitive segment is restricted to a maximum of 5% of the aggregate nominal amount of the issue within the notified amount, or such percentage as may be specified by the RBI from time to time.
  • Government of India dated Securities (G-Secs):
    ₹2 crore (face value) per security per auction.
  • State Development Loans (SDLs):
    1% of the notified amount (face value) per auction.
  • Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs):
    4 kg of gold per fiscal year for an individual investor, including subscriptions made through different tranches during primary issuance and purchases from the secondary market. As prescribed under the RBI Retail Direct Scheme guidelines.

 

Why Consider Government Securities?

Government securities can form an important part of a diversified investment portfolio. The key benefits include:

  • Sovereign-backed investments
  • Portfolio diversification
  • Regular interest payments, subject to the terms of the security
  • Access to multiple Government-issued instruments
  • Transparent online investment process

 

How to Open an RDG Account

  • Visit the RBI Retail Direct Portal.
  • Complete online registration.
  • Submit the required KYC details.
  • Link your bank account.
  • Start investing in eligible Government securities. 

 

Visit RBI Retail Direct: https://www.rbiretaildirect.org.in

 

The RBI Retail Direct Scheme is launched and administered by the Reserve Bank of India. Bandhan Bank acts only as a facilitator by providing information about the scheme. Opening and operation of the Retail Direct Gilt (RDG) Account are governed by the terms, conditions and guidelines prescribed by RBI from time to time.

For detailed information, eligibility, applicable terms and account opening, please visit the RBI Retail Direct Portal