Nonprofits in India, which include Section 8 companies, registered societies and trusts, usually open a current account at a domestic bank in the organisation name and add a platform such as RazorpayX or Open for donation collection and payouts. Foreign donations follow the FCRA rules and need a designated account at the State Bank of India, New Delhi Main Branch.
Suits Nonprofits best
Depends on funding. Domestic banks suit the main account and FCRA, while RazorpayX and Open suit domestic donations and payouts.
Typical cost
No minimum balance with some platforms, or a minimum average balance at domestic banks, as of 15 May 2026.
Foreign donations
Require valid FCRA registration and a designated account at the State Bank of India, New Delhi Main Branch.
Providers that fit
Several. Domestic banks plus platform current accounts for domestic operations.
Fees and features as of 15 May 2026Last reviewed 15 May 2026
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
Nonprofits in India are usually registered as a Section 8 company, a registered society or a public charitable trust, and they open a current account in the organisation name. Domestic banks such as ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank provide the main operating account, branch support and cheque handling. Platforms such as RazorpayX and Open add online donation collection, payouts and accounting through a partner bank for domestic operations. Foreign donations are governed by the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, which since 2020 requires a designated FCRA account at the State Bank of India, New Delhi Main Branch. Fees and features below are shown as of 15 May 2026, so confirm current terms with the provider.
What Nonprofits in India need from a business account
Nonprofits collect donations and grants, pay staff and vendors, keep clear records for audit and for tax exemptions such as Section 12A and 80G, and may receive funds from abroad. The features that matter most are a current account in the organisation name, online donation collection, payouts and payroll, and accounting exports. Organisations that receive foreign contributions must also hold valid FCRA registration and use the designated account at the State Bank of India, New Delhi Main Branch, which is a legal requirement rather than a choice of provider. As of 15 May 2026.
R
RazorpayX
Current account through a partner bank with online donation collection, payouts, payroll and accounting for domestic operations. Not for the designated FCRA account.
Best for
Domestic donations and payouts
Cost
No minimum balance, payouts about INR 2 to INR 5 each
These providers accept registered nonprofits in India for domestic operations. Foreign donations require the designated FCRA account at the State Bank of India. Fees and eligibility shown as of 15 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Nonprofits in India usually open a current account in the name of the Section 8 company, registered society or trust at a domestic bank, and many add a platform such as RazorpayX or Open for donation collection, payouts and accounting. Foreign donations follow the FCRA rules and need a separate designated account. Confirm the right setup with the provider and a qualified professional. This is general information, not advice.
How can an Indian nonprofit receive foreign donations?
Foreign contributions are governed by the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. Since 2020 an organisation must hold valid FCRA registration and receive foreign donations into a designated FCRA account at the State Bank of India, New Delhi Main Branch, before moving funds to its own FCRA utilisation account. Rules change, so confirm the current requirements with the bank and a qualified professional. As of 15 May 2026.
Can fintech platforms serve nonprofits in India?
Yes, for domestic operations. Platforms such as RazorpayX and Open can provide a current account through a partner bank with donation collection, payouts and accounting for a registered nonprofit. They do not replace the designated FCRA account required for foreign donations. Confirm eligibility with the provider. As of 15 May 2026.
What documents does a nonprofit need to open an account in India?
Banks usually ask for the registration certificate, PAN of the organisation, the trust deed, society bye laws or Section 8 incorporation documents, a governing body resolution, and KYC for office bearers. FCRA accounts require valid FCRA registration. Requirements vary, so confirm the current list with the provider. As of 15 May 2026.
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 15 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.