Sweep Account

Banking

Quick Definition

A Sweep Account is a bank account that automatically transfers excess funds from a savings or current account into a fixed deposit or investment option to earn higher interest.

Detailed Explanation

A Sweep Account combines the benefits of a savings account and a fixed deposit (FD). It uses an auto sweep facility to move surplus money above a specified limit into a fixed deposit, allowing the customer to earn higher interest than a regular savings account.

There are two main features:

  • Sweep-In: Excess balance is automatically transferred to an FD
  • Sweep-Out: If funds are needed, money is automatically transferred back to the savings account

This ensures that funds remain liquid while also earning better returns. Sweep accounts are ideal for individuals or businesses who want to maximize returns without locking money for a fixed period.

Banks allow customers to set a threshold limit (e.g., ₹50,000). Any amount above this limit is swept into an FD, while withdrawals are handled seamlessly without manual intervention.

Example

"If your savings account balance exceeds ₹1 lakh and the threshold is ₹50,000, the extra ₹50,000 is automatically transferred into a fixed deposit. If you withdraw money later, the FD is partially broken to maintain liquidity."

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