HDFC denying DigiSave Youth Account, citing ₹25k MAB rule in metros – what should be my next step?

[Rajx99]

Hi all,

I need some expert guidance on an issue I am facing with HDFC Bank.

I already have a Savings Max account with HDFC. I wanted to open a DigiSave Youth Savings Account (I’m eligible as per the age criteria).

Here’s what happened:

• I tried applying online, but the application kept throwing errors.
• When I visited my branch, they flatly denied opening DigiSave Youth, saying that the product is “no longer being opened in metro branches”.
• On further discussion, the staff told me that in metro areas, as per their internal guidelines, they are not opening any savings account variant below ₹25,000 MAB.
• Since this didn’t sound right, I raised a complaint via HDFC’s grievance portal. A ticket ID was created and the resolution deadline is Sept 3rd.
• Instead of resolving, the branch has now been calling me repeatedly, requesting me to close the complaint without giving any proper written confirmation. (branch mail reply attached)
• I have already escalated the matter to the Principal Nodal Officer (PNO) by email, requesting a clear written reply on whether DigiSave Youth is still active or officially discontinued.

Now I’m stuck and not sure what the best next step should be.

My questions:

1. Has anyone here faced this so-called “internal guideline” that no savings accounts below ₹25k MAB are being opened in metros? Is this even valid?
2. If HDFC continues to deny without giving a proper written reason, should I escalate this to the RBI Ombudsman?
3. How do I deal with the branch’s pressure to close the complaint when it hasn’t been resolved?

I don’t mind if DigiSave Youth is officially discontinued, but I want a clear written confirmation instead of vague internal rules and repeated calls to withdraw my complaint.

Would appreciate suggestions from the community 🙏

Attached email copies

1. To - support@hdfcbank.comgrievance.redressaldl@hdfcbank.com
On Aug 26, 12 PM


2. Aug 30, 4.20 PM Reply from the branch manager



3. Aug 30, 5.55pm - I replying back to branch manager and as soon as i replied like this about waiting for pno confirmation, they are still requesting me to close the ticket. I don't know what to do to say to them as i already told i am waiting for pno response but they still want me to close my ticket asap (calling me repeatedly both manager and staff)



4. Mailed to PNO on Aug 30th at 6.38 PM

 

[Çàrdøhôlïç]

Please wait for some more time atleast for next week and see what happens. If they reply and the response isn't satisfactory then escalate it to RBIO.

If the branch officials are pressuring you then tell them that i will close complaint here but would escalate to RBIO and ask them if thats ok.
Since banks hate RBIO complaints so they would most probably take your request and open the account.

Your last mail was at 30th aug which was a saturday so maybe today or tomorrow there would be a final confirmation.

Haven't heard about the internal guidelines you mentioned about, there may be none but if they are not giving an explanation in writing then is 100% sure that there isn't any guidelines.

My take on this is dont fall for the cheap tricks by banks they would intimidate you but we have RBIO, and we are the one's who should pressure banks.

 

[Mruseless]

As an Ex Hdfc employees, I know only one Thing if Branch denies for anything then they have pressure from Cluster head level.

 

[Trust Me]

If the branch officials are pressuring you then tell them that i will close complaint here but would escalate to RBIO and ask them if thats ok.
Since banks hate RBIO complaints so they would most probably take your request and open the account.

I don't think closing the complaint first before going to the RBIO is a good idea, -- it loses force. It is better to stand his ground, -- just inform them about the intended complaint to the RBIO and see how they react. Then, if that still doesn't work, go to the RBIO with an open and unresolved complaint.
.