What it does
Canara Bank’s ai1 app handles account payments and card services after mobile registration. Login and transaction approval use separate credentials. Basic Savings includes digital banking and a debit card without a minimum balance.
Set up ai1 and make a payment
Register using mobile data and the bank-registered SIM. The login passcode has five digits; the transaction MPIN has six. Activate with a debit card, branch code or supported Aadhaar face verification. The branch code expires after 24 hours; Aadhaar activation is unavailable on iOS.
For an unsaved recipient, open Pay & Transfer > Direct Pay, enter recipient, amount and debit-account details, then complete MPIN and code verification. Saved recipients use Send Money. Lower transaction limits apply during the first 24 hours.
Basic account costs
The Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account includes internet and mobile banking, a debit card without issuance or annual charges, and at least 25 cheque leaves yearly. It cannot be held alongside another operative account at Canara Bank. Opening requires the bank’s application, photographs and identity and address documents.
Ordinary savings accounts also have no charge for falling below their required balance. Online NEFT payments from savings accounts are free. Other services can carry usage charges: standard IMPS fees range from INR 3 to INR 20 before tax for transfers of INR 1,000 to INR 500,000. Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts are exempt from those IMPS charges.
Strengths
- Direct Pay accepts unsaved recipients
- Basic savings includes a debit card with no annual fee
- Online NEFT from savings accounts has no bank charge
Watch out for
- Registration needs mobile data
- Aadhaar activation excludes iOS
- Basic savings cannot coexist with another operative Canara account
Best for
- Canara customers handling Indian bank transfers from a phone
- Eligible applicants seeking basic banking without a balance minimum
Sources
- Canara ai1 Mobile Banking: Registration and Payment Guide (Oct 27, 2026)
- Canara Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (Oct 27, 2026)
- Canara Bank Non-Credit and Non-Forex Service Charges (Oct 27, 2026)