Barriers to Basic Banking: Results from an Audit Study in South India

Amy Jensen Mowl, Camille Boudot

2014

This working paper presents findings from an experimental study conducted in urban South India to examine the barriers faced by customers in purchasing a low-cost savings product. The authors found that banks have a high ability to influence financial access outcomes, even when product availability and eligibility rules are non-discretionary. Nearly all banks refused to market the regulator-mandated basic accounts, despite the customers being atypically persistent in asking for “basic accounts.”

Type

Working Paper

Thematic Area

Financial Well-being and Social Protection