HomeCirculars › RBI/2004-05/269

RBI Raises NRE Deposit Rate Ceiling for RRBs

No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2004-05/269 · issued 01 Nov 2004 · ~1 min read
Quick answerRBI has increased the ceiling on NRE deposit rates for Regional Rural Banks to LIBOR/SWAP rates for US dollar of corresponding maturity plus 50 basis points, effective November 1, 2004. This applies to deposits of one to three years and renewals.

What changed

The ceiling on NRE deposit interest rates for RRBs was raised from the existing LIBOR/SWAP rates to LIBOR/SWAP rates plus 50 basis points. This change applies to deposits with maturities of one to three years, and also for deposits exceeding three years. The new rates are effective for deposits contracted or renewed from November 1, 2004.

What it means for you

RRBs can now offer slightly higher interest 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. Banks must ensure they do not exceed the new ceiling when setting rates for new or renewed NRE 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

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Sponsor Banks of RRBs, 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 for NRE deposit rates?

The ceiling is 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 maturity over three years?

Yes, the rate determined for three-year deposits also applies to deposits with maturity exceeding three years.

When does this change take effect?

It is effective for deposits contracted or renewed 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Repealed by RBI/2025-26/100 — Consolidation of Regulations — Withdrawal of circulars (28 Nov 2025)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 #2891: RPCD.No.RRB.BC.56/03.05.33(C)/2004-05 — "Interest Rate on Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Deposits" dated November 1, 2004”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2004-05/269 RPCD.No.RRB.BC.56/03.05.33(C)/2004-05 November 01, 2004 All Regional Rural Banks/Sponsor Banks Dear Sir, Interest Rate on Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Deposits Please refer to the paragraph 71 of the statement on 'Mid-term Review of the Annual Policy Statement for the year 2004-05' ( copy of the paragraph enclosed ). 2. In this context, please refer to tem 2(i) of our Circular RPCD.No.RRB.BC.89/ 03.05.33(C)/2003-04 dated June 08, 204 on the Interest rates on NRE deposits. 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 01, 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.RRB.DIR.246.03.05.33(C)/2004-05 dated November 01, 2004 is enclosed. ( G. Srinivasan ) Chief General Manager 'Interest Rate Policy (a)Ceiling on Interest Rates on NRE Deposits 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 ' RPCD.No.RRB.DIR. 246 /03.05.33(C)/2004-05November 01, 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, and in modification of our Directive RPCD.No.RRB.DIR. 90/03.05.33(C)/2003-04 dated June 08, 2004 on interest rates on deposits, the Reserve Bank of India being satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in the public interest so to do, hereby directs that item 2(i) of the aforesaid Directive relating to the interest rates on NRE deposits shall be substituted by the following : 2. The Interest rates on Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Deposits for one to three years maturity contracted with effect from November1, 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
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2004-05/269 · issued 01 Nov 2004. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
🧰 Tools — save, print, templates & related

💬 Banker Discussion

Discuss this circular with fellow bankers — reply, upvote what helps, report what doesn’t belong. Be professional; no client data. Views are the commenter’s own, not BankPulse’s.

Loading comments…
BankPulse Compliance Evidence Pack — generated 05 Aug 2026 · status cross-checked against RBI’s official withdrawal register (refreshed weekly).
Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=2019&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by our expert reviewer, CA Amit Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; is our own plain-English paraphrase, not RBI’s original wording.
Public beta — plain-English informational summaries. Always verify against the official RBI source (circular number cited on every page) before making compliance, credit, treasury, audit, or operational decisions. · Join our WhatsApp channel ↗