Nbfc and Bank: Understanding Key Differences b/w Them

Highlights:

• Banks and NBFCs both support India’s financial system, but work in different ways.
• NBFCs make credit more accessible, while banks provide a wider range of services and follow stricter rules.
• Look into NBFC vs Bank with examples to determine which suits your financial needs better.

Borrowing money or saving funds would first put banks to mind for most individuals. But there is another important player in the financial system called the NBFC or Non-Banking Financial Institutions. Banks and NBFCs provide financial services, but are different from one another. Understanding what differentiates NBFCs from banks will help a customer make a better decision when choosing where to borrow from or where to invest.  

In this blog, we will explain what banks and NBFCs do, their key differences, and how each plays a unique role in India’s financial growth.

What is a Bank?

Banks are financial institutions that are licensed to accept deposits, grant loans, and offer services such as savings accounts, fixed deposits, credit cards, and fund transfers. They are highly regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which makes it a point to enforce stringent laws that safeguard public money. They are considered safe places for deposits and even as a premier source of trust.  

Example: Suppose you are opening a savings account or applying for a car loan in a commercial bank like SBI or HDFC, you are directly dealing with the bank.

What is an NBFC?

An NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Institution) is a company that provides services of a financial nature, like loans, investments, leasing, or asset financing. But it cannot accept demand deposits like banks do. They are also regulated by the RBI, but under a different set of rules than banks.

NBFCs are considered to be more flexible and customer-friendly. They mostly concentrate on extending credit facilities to individuals and businesses that do not always qualify for bank loans. The  RBI-registered NBFCs play an important role in the process of financial inclusion by covering rural and semi-urban areas where banks are not reachable.

Example: A digital lending company offering quick personal loans without heavy paperwork is an NBFC.

Difference Between NBFC and Bank

To clearly understand NBFC vs Bank, here are the key differences explained in simple terms:

Role of NBFCs in India

NBFCs have become a vital aspect of the economy and provide credit to business houses for small-scale, startups, and individuals who might experience problems in meeting bank requirements. Many NBFCs use technology and digital platforms to process loans swiftly and facilitate borrowing.  

They also promote financial inclusion by reaching underserved markets. Whether it is education loans, two-wheeler loans, or quick digital lending, NBFCs are filling the gaps left by banks. Products like NBFC Personal Loans are growing popular because of easy eligibility and faster approvals. 

Role of Banks in India

Banks, however, maintain the certainty of every financial transaction in the country. They manage large amounts of public deposits, provide loans, and maintain trust in the financial system. Banks support the government by implementing its monetary policies and establishing safe payment systems.

For savings, banks remain the first choice of the public for the longer term, for massive loans such as housing finance, and for the safe management of finances.

NBFC vs Bank: Which Should You Choose?

When weighing an NBFC against a bank, one should give consideration to the needs.  

• If you want to open a savings account, keep money, or lend big home loans at somewhat competitive rates of interest, the bank may be the right choice.  
• If someone looks for faster approval, softer eligibility, or smaller-sized short-term loans, then NBFC might fit the bill.  

In the present day, a lot of borrowers keep banks for traditional needs and digital convenience from NBFCs.

Final Thoughts,

Both the NBFCs and the Banks form an integral part of the Indian financial system. Banks are considered the backbone of deposits and secured lending, whereas non-banking financial institutions provide the flexibility, quickness, and financial inclusion. Now, understanding NBFCs and banks will help you in deciding which one fits with your financial needs.  

As India moves towards digital finance, NBFCs will only grow stronger alongside banks. Together, they will form a balanced financial ecosystem, catering to the needs of individuals as well as corporations. 

FAQS

1. What is the main difference between a Bank and an NBFC? 
Banks can accept deposits and give loans, while NBFCs mainly provide loans and financial services, but cannot accept regular savings deposits.

2. Are both Banks and NBFCs regulated by the RBI? 
Yes. Banks are regulated under the Banking Regulation Act, while NBFCs follow a different set of RBI guidelines.

3. Can I open a savings account with an NBFC? 
No. Only banks allow savings and current accounts. NBFCs focus on lending, investments, or leasing.

4. Who should choose an NBFC? 
People who need quick approvals, easier eligibility, or small short-term loans often prefer NBFCs.

5. Are NBFCs safe? 
Yes, RBI-registered NBFCs are safe and follow rules, but they don’t provide the same deposit protection as banks.