How To Utilise Monthly Average Balance To Benefit Your Savings

  • Published on: 17 Oct 2024
 How To Utilise Monthly Average Balance To Benefit Your Savings

When you open a savings account, you typically need to maintain a specific balance in your account, known as the Monthly Average Balance (MAB). By maintaining this amount, you can avoid MAB charges. Financial institutions require an MAB to manage funds in an effective way and provide various services without added charges. 

It is a crucial component that allows you to maintain your financial well-being while promoting more stability. By getting more information on what the monthly average balance is, you can get more clarity on why it is crucial.

Understand Monthly Average Balance (MAB)

MAB full form in banking refers to monthly average balance. It is the average balance you must keep in your savings or current account throughout a calendar month. The requirement of MAB can vary depending on the type of account. At the end of the month, the bank calculates the MAB and imposes a penalty in case of any failure to maintain the minimum balance. 

Some banks offer zero-balance current accounts, which can be an excellent option if you are looking to avoid fees or find it difficult to maintain a specific balance. However, these accounts typically lack the advanced features available with minimum balance accounts.

How Monthly Average Balance is Calculated

The monthly average balance calculation procedure involves averaging your closing balances at the end of the day over a period of a month. For example, if you have an MAB of ₹5,000 and the balance over the end of the day continues to be: 

Day 1: ₹5,500

Day 2: ₹5,100

.

.

.

Day 30: ₹,5400

MAB= Sum of daily balance / Number of days in that month

        = (₹5500+₹5100+…+₹5400)/30

The monthly average balance calculation for a month of 31 days is the total balance is divided by 31. 

Reasons to Maintain a Minimum MAB

Having a minimum MAB doesn’t only help you avoid the penalties – it also ensures a good financial well-being and banking relationship. You can get these advantages by maintaining a minimum balance. 

  • Chances of Earning More Interest: Banks provide interest on the funds in your savings account. The more funds in the account, the more interest you can earn on them. The interest rate may vary depending on the bank.
  • Privilege to Access Offers: With more funds in your account, you can get benefits like reward points and lifestyle benefits. There is also a chance of getting a personal loan at a preferential interest rate and discounts on other financial products.
  • Favours Financial Discipline: MAB charges also restrict you from withdrawing funds unnecessarily and can promote savings in the long run. You can keep track of your expenses and stick to the budget. It also encourages investment habits over time, too. 
  • Impact on Credit Score: When you take on a debt, being unable to repay it can affect your credit score. Having a MAB as your safety net, you can maintain your credit health by repaying on time. 

Check out some tips for successfully maintaining the MAB:

  • Selecting a banking account that matches your financial habits with a lower MAB requirement 
  • Setting a standing instruction for scheduled fund transfers from other accounts in order to maintain minimum MAB
  • Tracking your expenses using mobile app or internet banking to ensure that you don’t cross the MAB limit
  • Reviewing your statement from time to time to make any related adjustment

Also Read: How to Get Bank Account Statement?

Maintaining a monthly average balance can not only help you avoid penalties but also lets you access a range of rewards and services free of cost. Maintaining a substantial balance in your bank account is a testament to your financial discipline and stability. This can also be a key factor in securing favourable terms for credit cards.

To increase your spending power, opt for a Fibe Axis Bank Credit Card and enjoy up to 3% cashback on your transactions. It is India’s first numberless credit card that links to your UPI ID, so it offers better security against credit card fraud and identity theft. 

Moreover, you can enjoy a 1% fuel surcharge waiver and 4 free visits to domestic lounges.  Download the Fibe App or register on our website to get the Fibe Axis Bank Credit Card today! 

FAQs on Monthly Average Balance

Are there any penalties for not maintaining the required monthly average balance?

Yes, most banks charge a penalty known as MAB charges for not maintaining the required MAB.

Can I set up alerts to track my monthly average balance?

Yes, you can set customisable alerts to track your MAB via net banking or mobile banking.

Does the monthly average balance requirement applies to joint accounts?

Yes, the MAB requirement may apply to joint accounts, depending on the bank and the type of account you hold. 

Can overdrafts affect my monthly average balance?

Overdraft is a short-term loan to withdraw money against your savings or current account. Hence, it doesn’t affect the MAB.

Are there any rewards for maintaining a high monthly average balance?

By maintaining a high MAB, you can get some advantages. You can get rewards such as lifestyle benefits, personal loans at a preferential interest rate and discounts on other financial products.

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