The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a long-term savings scheme with a 15-year lock-in. Since it runs for such a long duration, many people want to transfer their PPF account from one bank or post office to another for convenience, better service, or online access and the transfer facility is allowed by the Government of India. In this blog, we will cover when you can transfer ppf account, required documents, step by step process and rules.
When Can You Transfer a PPF Account?
You can transfer your PPF account any number of times during the 15-year tenure and the transfers are free of cost:
- From Post Office → Bank
- From Bank → Post Office
- From One Bank → Another Bank
- From One Branch → Another Branch
Documents Required for PPF Transfer
- PPF account transfer request form (available at branch)
- Original PPF passbook
- KYC documents (Aadhaar, PAN, address proof)
- Passport-size photographs
Step-by-Step Process to Transfer Your PPF Account
Step 1 – Submit Transfer Request
- Visit your existing bank branch or post office.
- Submit a PPF account transfer request along with your passbook and KYC documents.
Step 2 – Account Verification
- The existing branch will verify your details.
- They will prepare a set of documents including:
- Certified copy of your PPF account
- Original application form
- Nominee details
- Statement of account
Step 3 – Forwarding to New Branch
- These documents will be sent directly to the new bank or post office branch where you want to transfer your account.
- At the new branch, fill out a new PPF account opening form (Form A).
- Provide fresh KYC documents.
Step 5 – New Account Activated
- The new branch will open your PPF account.
- Balance will be transferred.
- You will get a new PPF passbook with updated details.
Suppose you opened a PPF account in a post office in 2015. In 2024, you want to transfer it to SBI for better online access:
- Visit the post office → Submit transfer request + passbook.
- Post office forwards documents to SBI branch.
- You submit a fresh PPF account opening form at SBI.
- Your account continues in SBI with the same maturity date (2030).
Important Rules for PPF Account Transfer
- No change in maturity period – the original 15-year lock-in continues.
- You must submit Form H separately if you want to extend the account after maturity.
- Only the branch handles the transfer — you don’t withdraw or deposit money yourself.
- The process usually takes 15–30 days.
FAQs on PPF Account Transfer
Q1. Can I transfer my PPF account online?
No, transfer is an offline process. You must apply at the branch.
Q2. Does transfer reset my 15-year lock-in?
No, the original start date remains the same.
Q3. How long does it take to transfer a PPF account?
Usually 15–30 days depending on branch coordination.
Q4. Is there any fee for transferring a PPF account?
No, the transfer process is free.
Q5. Do I need to change my nominee during transfer?
Nominee details are carried forward, but you can update them at the new branch if required.
Transferring your PPF account is simple and completely free.
- Submit a transfer request at your current branch or post office.
- Provide KYC documents and your passbook.
- Complete fresh account opening formalities at the new branch.
This facility ensures that your PPF remains flexible and convenient to manage, even during its 15-year tenure.
