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Alankar Mishra

April 4, 2025

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What is Gold Monetization Scheme, Interest Rates, banks list and details

For Indian households, gold has always been one of the best options for acquiring wealth. The majority of this gold, however, is stored in lockers and does not contribute positively towards the economy. To tackle this issue, the Government of India initiated the Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS) in 2015 which incentivized people and organizations to deposit their gold in banks to earn interest while helping grow the economy. In this article, I discuss the scheme’s features, such as its benefits, interest rates, and the associated banks.

Understanding the Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS)

The GMS was introduced by the ministry of finance so that individuals, trusts and institutional bodies could deposit their dormant gold with banks and get interest on their gold reserves which would otherwise have been lying idle. The scheme aims to mobilise gold reserves, lessen India's dependency on gold imports and make the country use gold productively.

Main Objectives of the GMS:

1. Motivate citizens to deposit their unused gold at the bank instead of keeping it in their homes.

2. Encashing already available gold in India to lessen imports.

3. Allow depositors to earn interest on their gold without it being put to use.

4. Augment the foreign exchange resources of India and improve the trade balance resulting from gold imports.

Features of the Gold Monetization Scheme

1. Eligibility and Coverage

Eligible entities include groups of individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), firms, institutions and trusts. Investments can be made in the scheme by depositing new gold as well as old gold jewellery.

2. Types of Deposits

The Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS) has three categories of deposits:

‍Short-Term Gold Deposit (STGD) of 1 to 3 years is offered by banks.

Medium-Term Gold Deposit (MTGD) of 5 to 7 years, offered by the Government of India

Long-Term Gold Deposit (LTGD) of 12 to 15 years, offered by the Government of India.

3. Minimum Deposit Amount

The minimum acceptable deposit is 10 gms of deposited gold. There is no maximum limit for deposits.

4. Interest Rates on Gold Deposits

For gold deposits, interest is payable in the form of physical gold or gold’s equivalent cash value. Across the tenures, interest rates differ, and the most current rates available (2024) are:

Deposit Type

Deposit Type	Tenure	Interest Rate
Short-Term Gold Deposit (STGD)	1-3 years	0.50% - 1.5% p.a.
Medium-Term Gold Deposit (MTGD)	5-7 years	2.25% - 2.5% p.a.
Long-Term Gold Deposit (LTGD)	12-15 years	2.5% - 2.75% p.a.

Note: Interest rates are subject to revision by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and participating banks.

5. Redemption & Withdrawal

At the time of maturity, depositors may receive their lump sum payment or elect to withdraw some of the interest before that date.

The principal amount may be redeemed in gold or cash, whichever is preferred by the depositor.

There is a minimum lock-in period required, but early withdrawal is available with penalties.

How to Apply for the Gold Monetization Scheme?

Step 1: Go to a Participating Bank

Interested depositors must visit a bank that is licensed to offer GMS. They should take with them their gold jewelry, bullion coins, an identity card, and proof of their address.

Step 2: Carry out Gold Purity Testing

A piece of gold is first examined at an Authorized Collection & Purity Testing Centre CPTC.

The center certifies the gold as per the documented weight and value that was deposited with them.

Step 3: Create a deposit agreement

A deposit agreement is executed where the depositor specifies the preferred tenure, interest rate, and the bank.

As a proof of gold deposit, the bank provides a Gold Deposit Certificate, which serves as evidence of the deposit.

Step 4: Withdrawal of Payouts and Maturity Value

The interest is paid out once in a while over the period to the depositor's bank account.

On maturity, the depositor can convert the gold on deposit into cash at value or retain it based on market prices.

List of Banks Participating in GMS

Numerous banks all over India offer this plan. Some of the foremost banks providing the Gold Monetization Scheme are:

1. State Bank of India (SBI)

2. Punjab National Bank (PNB)

3. Bank of Baroda (BoB)

4. Canara Bank

5. HDFC Bank

6. ICICI Bank

7. Axis Bank

8. Central Bank of India

9. Indian Overseas Bank

10. Union Bank of India

Benefits of the Gold Monetization Scheme

1. Get Paid on Unused Gold: Gold deposits that remain unused earn interest for depositors.

‍2. Safe and Secure: GMS offers secure storage in banks as an alternative to keeping gold at home, which is usually stolen.

‍3. Tax Advantages

The capital gains tax that normally applies when earning interest under GMS is exempt.

No income tax or wealth tax is charged on the gold deposited.

‍4. Flexible Investments: It is easier to withdraw cash or physical gold, making it more liquid.

‍5. Limited Reliance on Gold Imports: India can decreaseits trade deficit and gold imports by utilizing gold that is sitting idle in the country.

Conclusion

The Gold Monetization Scheme helps turn idle gold into interest-bearing assets while simultaneously contributing to the economy. As a storage option for gold, GMS offers benefits like tax exemptions and liquidity, which make it advantageous for investors. But increased adoption can only be achieved if awareness of the scheme rises.

GMS comes as an exciting opportunity for those looking to earn interest on their unused, untouchable gold in a risk-free manner. Consider depositing tin in the Gold Monetization Scheme and take the first step towards making the most out of your idle gold.

FAQs

1. What is the Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS)?

The gold monetization scheme is basically where people, as individuals or even organizations, can deposit their gold in government banks with interest. Rather than sitting around the house collecting dust, the gold can now be turned into something useful.