faqs.py

# 30+ Banking FAQs — 7 Categories

faqs = {

    # ── CATEGORY 1: Account & Savings ────────────────────────

    "what is a savings account": (
        "A savings account is a basic bank deposit account that keeps your money safe "
        "while earning interest. It is ideal for storing emergency funds and short-term savings. "
        "Most banks offer 2.5% to 4% annual interest on savings accounts in India."
    ),

    "what is a current account": (
        "A current account is designed for businesses and frequent transactions. "
        "It has no limit on the number of transactions per day but usually earns no interest. "
        "It is best suited for shopkeepers, companies, and traders."
    ),

    "how to open a bank account": (
        "You can open a bank account by: \n"
        "1. Visiting your nearest bank branch with KYC documents\n"
        "2. Carrying Aadhaar card, PAN card, and passport-size photo\n"
        "3. Filling the account opening form\n"
        "4. Making the minimum initial deposit\n"
        "Many banks also offer instant online account opening through their website or app."
    ),

    "what is minimum balance": (
        "Minimum balance is the minimum amount you must maintain in your account to avoid penalty charges. "
        "For savings accounts, it typically ranges from ₹500 to ₹10,000 depending on the bank and account type. "
        "Zero balance accounts (like Jan Dhan) have no minimum balance requirement."
    ),

    "what is a zero balance account": (
        "A zero balance account allows you to maintain your account without any minimum balance requirement. "
        "Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts are a popular example. "
        "Many banks also offer zero balance savings accounts for salary earners."
    ),

    "how to close a bank account": (
        "To close a bank account: \n"
        "1. Visit your bank branch with your passbook, debit card, and ID proof\n"
        "2. Fill the account closure form\n"
        "3. Withdraw or transfer all remaining balance\n"
        "4. Submit the form and cut debit card to the bank\n"
        "Some banks also allow online account closure through their app."
    ),

    # ── CATEGORY 2: ATM & Cash ────────────────────────────────

    "what is atm": (
        "ATM stands for Automated Teller Machine. It allows you to: \n"
        "• Withdraw cash 24/7 without visiting a branch\n"
        "• Check your account balance\n"
        "• Transfer funds between accounts\n"
        "• Change your PIN\n"
        "• Print mini statements\n"
        "Most banks allow 5 free ATM transactions per month."
    ),

    "how to withdraw money from atm": (
        "To withdraw money from ATM: \n"
        "1. Insert your debit card into the ATM slot\n"
        "2. Select your preferred language\n"
        "3. Enter your 4-digit PIN\n"
        "4. Select 'Cash Withdrawal'\n"
        "5. Choose account type (Savings/Current)\n"
        "6. Enter the amount and confirm\n"
        "7. Collect cash and your card"
    ),

    "how to check account balance": (
        "You can check your account balance through: \n"
        "• ATM — Insert card, enter PIN, select Balance Enquiry\n"
        "• Mobile Banking App — Login and check dashboard\n"
        "• Net Banking — Login on bank's website\n"
        "• SMS Banking — Send BAL to your bank's number\n"
        "• Missed Call — Give missed call to bank's balance enquiry number\n"
        "• Passbook — Get it updated at branch"
    ),

    "atm card blocked": (
        "If your ATM card is blocked: \n"
        "1. Call your bank's customer care helpline immediately\n"
        "2. Login to mobile banking app and unblock card from settings\n"
        "3. Visit your nearest bank branch with ID proof\n"
        "Cards are usually blocked after 3 wrong PIN attempts. "
        "You can generate a new PIN through ATM, mobile app, or branch."
    ),

    "what is atm pin": (
        "ATM PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a 4-digit secret code used to authenticate "
        "your identity at ATMs and for card transactions. "
        "Never share your PIN with anyone including bank staff. "
        "You can change your PIN at any ATM by selecting 'PIN Change' option."
    ),

    # ── CATEGORY 3: Cards ─────────────────────────────────────

    "what is a debit card": (
        "A debit card is linked directly to your bank account. "
        "When you use it for payment, money is immediately deducted from your account balance. "
        "It can be used for ATM withdrawals, online shopping, and point-of-sale payments. "
        "You can only spend what you have in your account."
    ),

    "what is a credit card": (
        "A credit card allows you to borrow money from the bank to make purchases. "
        "You get a credit limit (e.g., ₹50,000) and must repay within the billing cycle (usually 30-45 days). "
        "If you pay the full amount on time, no interest is charged. "
        "Late payment attracts interest rates of 24% to 48% per year."
    ),

    "difference between debit and credit card": (
        "Key differences:\n"
        "• Debit Card: Uses YOUR money from bank account. No debt created.\n"
        "• Credit Card: Uses BANK's money. You repay later.\n"
        "• Debit: No interest charges. Credit: Interest if not paid on time.\n"
        "• Debit: Spend only what you have. Credit: Spend up to credit limit.\n"
        "• Credit cards offer rewards, cashback, and travel benefits."
    ),

    "how to block debit card": (
        "To block your debit card immediately: \n"
        "1. Mobile Banking App → Cards → Block Card (fastest method)\n"
        "2. Call bank's 24x7 customer care helpline\n"
        "3. SMS 'BLOCK' to your bank's registered number\n"
        "4. Net banking → Card Management → Block Card\n"
        "Block your card immediately if it is lost or stolen."
    ),

    # ── CATEGORY 4: Loans ─────────────────────────────────────

    "what is a bank loan": (
        "A bank loan is money borrowed from a bank that must be repaid over time with interest. "
        "Common types of bank loans in India include: \n"
        "• Home Loan — for buying property\n"
        "• Personal Loan — for personal expenses\n"
        "• Car Loan — for vehicle purchase\n"
        "• Education Loan — for studies\n"
        "• Business Loan — for business needs"
    ),

    "what is emi": (
        "EMI stands for Equated Monthly Instalment. "
        "It is the fixed monthly amount you pay to the bank to repay your loan. "
        "EMI = Principal + Interest divided over loan tenure. "
        "For example, a ₹5 lakh personal loan at 12% for 3 years = EMI of approximately ₹16,607 per month."
    ),

    "what is interest rate": (
        "Interest rate is the percentage charged by a bank on loans or paid on deposits. \n"
        "• Savings Account: 2.5% to 4% per year\n"
        "• Fixed Deposit: 5.5% to 7.5% per year\n"
        "• Home Loan: 8.5% to 10% per year\n"
        "• Personal Loan: 10% to 24% per year\n"
        "• Credit Card: 24% to 48% per year (if not paid on time)"
    ),

    "what is home loan": (
        "A home loan is a secured loan taken to purchase or construct a house. "
        "The property acts as collateral. "
        "Key features:\n"
        "• Loan amount: Up to 80-90% of property value\n"
        "• Tenure: Up to 30 years\n"
        "• Interest rate: 8.5% to 10.5% (floating or fixed)\n"
        "• Tax benefit: Under Section 80C and Section 24 of Income Tax Act"
    ),

    "what is personal loan": (
        "A personal loan is an unsecured loan for personal expenses like medical bills, "
        "travel, wedding, or home renovation. \n"
        "• No collateral required\n"
        "• Loan amount: ₹50,000 to ₹40 lakhs\n"
        "• Tenure: 1 to 5 years\n"
        "• Interest rate: 10% to 24% per year\n"
        "• Quick disbursal — often within 24-48 hours"
    ),

    # ── CATEGORY 5: Net Banking & UPI ─────────────────────────

    "what is net banking": (
        "Net banking (internet banking) allows you to perform all banking activities online: \n"
        "• Check balance and statements\n"
        "• Transfer funds (NEFT, RTGS, IMPS)\n"
        "• Pay bills and EMIs\n"
        "• Open fixed deposits\n"
        "• Apply for loans and credit cards\n"
        "You need a User ID and password provided by your bank."
    ),

    "what is upi": (
        "UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is a real-time payment system by NPCI "
        "that allows instant money transfer between bank accounts using: \n"
        "• UPI ID (e.g., yourname@upi)\n"
        "• Mobile number\n"
        "• QR code scanning\n"
        "Popular UPI apps: PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, BHIM. "
        "Transactions are instant and free. Limit: ₹1 lakh per transaction."
    ),

    "how to transfer money online": (
        "You can transfer money online using: \n"
        "• UPI — Instant, free, 24/7, limit ₹1 lakh\n"
        "• IMPS — Instant, 24/7, up to ₹5 lakhs\n"
        "• NEFT — Within 2 hours, working hours only\n"
        "• RTGS — Instant for large amounts (₹2 lakhs+)\n"
        "All methods require recipient's account number and IFSC code (or UPI ID)."
    ),

    "what is ifsc code": (
        "IFSC (Indian Financial System Code) is an 11-character alphanumeric code "
        "that uniquely identifies every bank branch in India. "
        "It is used for NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS transfers. "
        "Format: First 4 characters = Bank name, 5th = 0, Last 6 = Branch code. "
        "Example: SBIN0001234 (State Bank of India, Branch 001234). "
        "Find it on your cheque book or passbook."
    ),

    "what is neft": (
        "NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) is a bank-to-bank transfer system. \n"
        "• Available: Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 7 PM\n"
        "• Transfer time: Within 2 hours (processed in batches)\n"
        "• No minimum or maximum limit\n"
        "• Requires: Account number, IFSC code, account holder name\n"
        "• Small charges may apply (₹2 to ₹25 depending on amount)"
    ),

    # ── CATEGORY 6: Fixed Deposit & Investments ───────────────

    "what is fixed deposit": (
        "A Fixed Deposit (FD) is a savings instrument where you deposit a lump sum "
        "for a fixed period at a higher interest rate than savings accounts. \n"
        "• Tenure: 7 days to 10 years\n"
        "• Interest rate: 5.5% to 7.5% per year\n"
        "• Guaranteed returns — not affected by market\n"
        "• Premature withdrawal allowed with small penalty\n"
        "• TDS applicable on interest above ₹40,000/year"
    ),

    "what is recurring deposit": (
        "A Recurring Deposit (RD) allows you to invest a fixed amount every month "
        "for a fixed tenure and earn interest on it. \n"
        "• Minimum: ₹100/month\n"
        "• Tenure: 6 months to 10 years\n"
        "• Interest rate: Similar to FD rates (5.5% to 7%)\n"
        "• Good for building savings habits\n"
        "• Interest calculated on monthly compounding basis"
    ),

    # ── CATEGORY 7: Security & KYC ───────────────────────────

    "what is kyc": (
        "KYC stands for Know Your Customer. "
        "It is a mandatory process by RBI where banks verify customer identity. \n"
        "Documents accepted for KYC:\n"
        "• Identity Proof: Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID\n"
        "• Address Proof: Aadhaar, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement\n"
        "KYC must be updated every 2 years for high-risk customers. "
        "Without KYC, banking transactions may be restricted."
    ),

    "how to keep account safe": (
        "Tips to keep your bank account safe: \n"
        "• Never share OTP, PIN, or password with anyone\n"
        "• Use strong and unique passwords for net banking\n"
        "• Enable SMS and email alerts for all transactions\n"
        "• Avoid using public WiFi for banking\n"
        "• Check your account statement regularly\n"
        "• Report suspicious activity to bank immediately\n"
        "• Register your mobile number with the bank"
    ),

    "what is otp": (
        "OTP stands for One-Time Password. "
        "It is a 6-digit code sent to your registered mobile number for transaction verification. "
        "OTP is valid for only 5-10 minutes and can be used only once. "
        "NEVER share your OTP with anyone — "
        "banks will never ask for your OTP over phone or email."
    ),

    "what to do if fraud transaction": (
        "If you notice a fraudulent transaction: \n"
        "1. Immediately call your bank's 24x7 helpline\n"
        "2. Block your card and account through mobile app\n"
        "3. File a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in\n"
        "4. Visit your bank branch and fill fraud complaint form\n"
        "5. File an FIR at the nearest police station\n"
        "Report within 3 days for maximum chance of money recovery."
    ),
}