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Canara Bank Refused to Accept Self-Declaration of Address – Violation of RBI Guidelines?

Hi everyone,


I recently had an experience with Canara Bank that left me quite frustrated, and I’d like to share it to seek advice or know if anyone else has faced something similar.


I inquired about opening a savings account under the Aspire scheme at the Badshahpur branch, Gurgaon. However, the bank staff informed me that they wouldn’t accept a self-declaration of my current address as address proof, citing that it’s not allowed for the Aspire scheme.


From what I understand, the RBI guidelines clearly state that self-declaration of address is acceptable for savings accounts when the provided proof of address doesn’t match the current address. Banks can verify the declared address through methods like acknowledgment of receipt, telephonic confirmation, or visits. No additional proof of address is required under these rules.


I escalated the issue through CPGRAMS (Complaint ID DEABD/E/2025/0003283), and it was also reviewed by the bank’s Internal Ombudsman. Unfortunately, they upheld the branch’s decision, stating that their actions align with internal policies.


To me, this feels like a clear violation of RBI regulations, which apply to all savings accounts, regardless of the scheme. It’s disappointing to see such disregard for guidelines that are supposed to make banking more accessible for customers.


Has anyone else encountered a similar issue with Canara Bank or any other bank? I’m planning to take this up with the RBI Banking Ombudsman next. Would love to hear your thoughts or advice on how to proceed.


Thanks!
 
I have a BO complaint going on against SBI where they refused to accept self declaration of no change in kyc details through email.
 
This is the reply i got from ombudsman
We have inquired into the matter and would like to report that the complainant telephonically enquired about the process for account opening process. Over which branch guided him about the required OVDs. As complainant wanted to open account under “Aspire Product” for which self declaration address proof cannot be accepted as self declared address for BSBDA accounts only. Branch guided the complainant accordingly. Further we wish to submit that complainant has not visited the branch yet. Based on the above, we conclude that complainant was correctly guided about necessary OVDs required for opening of saving account under specific scheme. Hence branch adhered to RBI guidelines for account opening process and there was there was no fault from branch side. In view of the above, there is no fault on part of canara bank.
 
This is the reply i got from ombudsman
We have inquired into the matter and would like to report that the complainant telephonically enquired about the process for account opening process. Over which branch guided him about the required OVDs. As complainant wanted to open account under “Aspire Product” for which self declaration address proof cannot be accepted as self declared address for BSBDA accounts only. Branch guided the complainant accordingly. Further we wish to submit that complainant has not visited the branch yet. Based on the above, we conclude that complainant was correctly guided about necessary OVDs required for opening of saving account under specific scheme. Hence branch adhered to RBI guidelines for account opening process and there was there was no fault from branch side. In view of the above, there is no fault on part of canara bank.
So this means self declaration works only for pmjdy aka bsbda accounts only in psu banks?

Anyone achieved success with other than this!!
 
I'm not sure, but apart from that, Aadhar eKYC (biometric) + Address self-declaration works for normal accounts. However, the customer has to submit address proof within 60/90 days of account opening; otherwise, it can be frozen.
 
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