Marginal Standing Facility

The marginal standing facility is a lending facility provided by banks to their customers as a source of overdraft protection. It is used to cover any overdraft fees that might arise due to inadequate funds in the customer’s account.

Here are the key points about marginal standing facility in Indian banking:

Purpose:

• To provide safety net against overdrawing for customers.
• To ensure uninterrupted banking operations.

Eligibility:

• The facility is available to all bank customers, subject to certain criteria.
• Some banks offer contingent overdraft facility only for specific categories of customers, such as salary earners.

Cost:

• Banks charge a fee for marginal standing facility.
• The fee is typically a percentage of the amount overdrawn.
• The fee can vary between banks and also based on the customer’s relationship with the bank.

Typically offered against:

• Cash credit and bill payments
• To cover credit card dues and other recurring payments

Important notes:

• Banks have the discretion to approve or deny marginal standing facility to any customer.
• If the customer exceeds the limit of the marginal standing facility, a penalty fee is charged.
• The facility is not available for all types of transactions, such as loans or transfers.

Here are some additional points:

• The marginal standing facility is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• The RBI has issued guidelines for the implementation and regulation of the marginal standing facility.
• The marginal standing facility is a crucial part of the banking system in India.

Overall, the marginal standing facility is a valuable safety net for bank customers in India. It helps to prevent inconvenience and financial harm due to overdrawing. However, it is important to be aware of the costs and limitations of the facility before relying on it.