HomeCirculars › RBI/2004-05/266

NRE Deposit Rate Ceiling Raised to LIBOR/SWAP + 50 bps

No longer current — replaced by rbi-2004-05-256
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2004-05/266 · issued 01 Nov 2004 · ~1 min read
Quick answerRBI raised the ceiling on NRE deposit rates for 1-3 year maturities to LIBOR/SWAP rates for US dollar of corresponding maturity plus 50 basis points, effective November 1, 2004. This applies to new and renewed deposits.

What changed

The ceiling on interest rates for NRE deposits with maturities of one to three years was raised from the existing LIBOR/SWAP rates to LIBOR/SWAP rates plus 50 basis points. The same ceiling applies to deposits with maturity exceeding three years and to renewals after the current maturity period.

What it means for you

State and District Central Co-operative Banks can now offer slightly higher rates on NRE deposits, making them more attractive to non-resident depositors. This aligns NRE deposit rates more closely with international rates, potentially increasing inflows but also raising banks' cost of funds on these deposits.

Historical instruction — do not use for current compliance. This is what was required at the time; it no longer reflects current RBI requirements. If no replacement rule is linked above, that only means none is recorded on our register yet — it does not prove no later applicable rule exists. Confirm on the official RBI source below.

What banks were required to do at the time

Who it affects

State and District Central Co-operative Banks (DCCBs), Non-resident depositors with NRE accounts

❓ Common questions

Regulatory timeline

Built from our lineage records — each fact carries its provenance; missing history simply is not shown (never guessed).

What is the new ceiling on NRE deposit rates?

For deposits of one to three years maturity, the rate cannot exceed the LIBOR/SWAP rate for US dollar of corresponding maturity as on the last working day of the previous month, plus 50 basis points.

Does this apply to deposits with maturities over three years?

Yes, the same ceiling (LIBOR/SWAP plus 50 bps) applies to deposits with maturity exceeding three years.

When does this change take effect?

The new rates apply to deposits contracted or renewed with effect from November 1, 2004.

📜 This document’s life story (1 recorded event, each backed by RBI’s own words)
Repealed by RBI/2025-26/100 — Consolidation of Regulations — Withdrawal of circulars (28 Nov 2025)
RBI’s words: “Official withdrawal register entry #2890: RPCD.CO.RF.BC.53/07.38.01/2004-05 — "Interest Rates on Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Deposits" dated November 1, 2004”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2004-05/266 RPCD.CO.RF.BC 53 /07.38.01/2004-05 November 1, 2004 All State and District Central Co-operative Banks Dear Sir, Interest rates on Non-Resident (External) Rupee(NRE) Deposits Please refer to paragraph 71 of the Mid-term review of the Annual Policy Statement for the year 2004-05 ( copy of paragraph enclosed ). 2. In this context, please refer to our Circular RPCD.CO.RF. BC. No 81/07.38.01/2003-04 dated May 12, 2004 , specifying interest rates on deposits of money accepted or renewed under different categories of NRE accounts. On a review, it has been decided that until further notice, the interest rates on NRE deposits for one to three years maturity contracted with effect from November 1, 2004 should not exceed the LIBOR/SWAP rates, as on the last working day of the previous month, for US dollar of corresponding maturity plus 50 basis points . The interest rates as determined above for three year deposits would also be applicable in case the maturity period exceeds three years. The changes in interest rates will also apply to NRE deposits renewed after their present maturity period. 3. An amending directive RPCD.RF.Dir.277/07.38.01/2004-05 dated November 1, 2004 is enclosed. 4. Please acknowledge receipt to our concerned Regional Office. Yours faithfully, (G.Srinivasan) Chief General Manager RPCD.RF.DIR. 277/07.38.01/2004-05 November 1, 2004 Interest Rate on Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Deposits In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (As Applicable to Co-operative Societies) and in modification of Directive RPCD. No.RF. Dir. BC.53/ D.1-87/88 dated November 2, 1987 as amended from time to time on interest rates on deposits, it has been decided to effect the undernoted change in the interest rates on NRE term deposits Accounts. The interest rates on Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) deposits for one to three years maturity, contracted with effect from November 1, 2004 shall not exceed the LIBOR / SWAP rates of the last working day of the previous month for US dollar of corresponding maturities plus 50 basis points . The interest rate as determined above shall also be applicable in case the maturity period exceeds three years. The above changes in interest rates will also apply to NRE term deposits renewed after their present maturity period. (A.V.Sardesai) Executive Director Interest Rate Policy (a)Ceiling on Interest Rates on NRE Deposits 71.With a view to aligning interest rates on Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) deposits with international interest rates, ceiling on NRE deposit rates linked to the US dollar LIBOR/SWAP rates of corresponding maturities was introduced effective July 17, 2003. The ceiling interest rates on NRE deposits have since been revised from time to time. On a review, it is proposed: To raise the ceiling on NRE interest rates to LIBOR/SWAP rates of US dollar of corresponding maturities plus 50 basis points from the existing level of US dollar LIBOR/SWAP rates.
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2004-05/266 · issued 01 Nov 2004. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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