If you are employed, you likely have a Provident Fund (PF) account, where a portion of your salary (typically 12 per cent) is deducted and deposited monthly. Additionally, your employer also contributes to this account. However, sometimes the bank account linked to your PF account becomes inactive or is closed. In such cases, you may want to add a new bank account. Here're the details how you can link two bank accounts to your PF account and how to do it.
Can You Link Two Bank Accounts to Your PF Account?
Yes, you can add multiple bank accounts to your PF account, but only one bank account will remain active for transactions at a time. However, you cannot maintain two active UANs (Universal Account Numbers) simultaneously. If you have more than one UAN, you must deactivate the old one and merge it with the new one.
Rules for Adding Multiple Bank Accounts
Single UAN Requirement: All your EPF accounts should be linked to a single UAN.
Active Bank Accounts Only: The bank account you link must be active.
KYC Compliance: The linked bank account must be KYC-compliant before adding it to your PF account.
Steps to Add a Bank Account to Your PF Account
To link a new bank account to your PF account, follow these steps:
- Visit the EPFO Unified Portal: EPFO Member Interface.
- Log in using your UAN and password.
- Click on the "Manage" tab.
- From the dropdown menu, select "KYC."
- Choose "Bank" and enter your bank details, including account number, name, and IFSC code.
- Click on "Save" to complete the process.
How to Merge Two UANs?
If you have multiple UANs due to job changes, you need to merge them to ensure smooth fund transfers.
Deactivate the Old UAN: Ensure that your previous UAN is deactivated before proceeding.
Email EPFO: Send an email to uanepf@epfindia.gov.in with details of both your active and old UANs.
Submit Form 13: Download Form 13 from EPFO’s official website, fill it out, and submit it.
Submit the Form to EPFO: Take the completed Form 13 to your nearest EPFO office.
Transfer EPF Balance: Once the UANs are merged, transfer the balance from the old EPF account to the new one.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your PF account remains updated and accessible with your preferred bank account.
