{"id":25372,"date":"2026-01-09T14:57:04","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T09:27:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.razorpay.in\/blog\/?p=25372"},"modified":"2026-03-16T16:01:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T10:31:09","slug":"ad-category-1-banks-india-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/ad-category-1-banks-india-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are AD Category 1 Banks in India and Why Do They Matter?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India&#8217;s businesses and professionals now work across borders every day. SaaS exporters bill global clients using an <a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/international-payment-gateway-india\/\">international payment gateway<\/a>, freelancers receive overseas payments, and exporters settle trade in multiple currencies. This growing global exposure makes foreign exchange transactions a routine part of business.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because money moves across jurisdictions, you need regulated and secure channels. Unauthorised routes increase compliance risk and can disrupt cash flows. This is where RBI authorisation matters. The Reserve Bank of India permits only select institutions to manage complex forex activities under strict oversight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An Authorised Dealer (AD) Category 1 bank plays a central role in this framework. With full RBI authorisation, these banks can manage most cross-border payment and currency requirements for businesses and individuals. For many users, an AD Category 1 bank becomes the main access point for safe and compliant foreign exchange transactions in India.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"border-left: 4px solid #0073aa; background: #f0f8ff; padding: 15px; margin: 20px 0; border-radius: 5px;\">\n<h2 style=\"color: #0073aa; font-size: 18px; margin: 0 0 8px 0; display: inline-block;\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul style=\"display: inline-block; margin: 0 0 0 10px; padding-left: 18px; vertical-align: top;\">\n<li>AD Category 1 banks are essential for compliant <a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/x\/forex\/\">forex<\/a> transactions, as they are the only institutions authorised by the RBI to handle the full range of cross-border payments and trade flows.<\/li>\n<li>Different authorised dealer categories serve different needs, but most exporters, freelancers, and SaaS businesses rely on AD Category 1 banks for scale and flexibility.<\/li>\n<li>Choosing the right banking and payment setup improves efficiency, helping you reduce delays, manage documentation, and maintain regulatory compliance.<\/li>\n<li>Solutions like the Razorpay <a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/accept-international-payments\/bank-transfers\/\">multi-currency account<\/a> complement AD Category 1 banking, making international collections simpler, more transparent, and easier to reconcile.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2><b>What Is an AD Category 1 Bank?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An AD Category 1 Bank is a commercial bank permitted by the Reserve Bank of India to carry out a wide range of foreign exchange transactions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The term Category 1 indicates the highest level of RBI approval for foreign exchange activities. With this authority, such banks can support trade, services, and investment-related transactions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They act as trusted intermediaries in India\u2019s foreign exchange market, enabling global trade, inward remittances, and outbound payments in a compliant manner.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Does AD Category 1 Differ From Other Authorised Dealer Categories?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all authorised dealers operate at the same level. The RBI defines clear limits for each category.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>AD Category 1 banks<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They can process all permitted current and capital account transactions, making them the most comprehensive option.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>AD Category 2 entities<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They have a narrower role, covering select non-trade current account transactions, certain FFMC-related activities, and forex prepaid cards, with scope gradually expanding.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>AD Category 3 entities<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They serve specific, incidental forex needs and may support current account transactions through tie-ups with AD Category 1 banks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>FFMCs<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They only buy and sell foreign currency for travel-related purposes and do not handle trade or investment flows.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"border-left: 4px solid #0073aa; background: #f0f8ff; padding: 15px; margin: 20px 0; border-radius: 5px;\">\n<p style=\"color: #0073aa; font-size: 18px; margin: 0;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #0073aa;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18px;\">Pro Tip: <\/span><\/span><\/strong><span style=\"color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.74); font-size: 19px; font-weight: 400;\">Before choosing a bank or forex partner, check whether your transaction is correctly classified as a current or capital account transaction under <a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/foreign-exchange-management-act-fema\/\">FEMA<\/a>. If it is, working with an AD Category 1 bank usually helps save time, reduce compliance queries, and avoid payment delays.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><b>What Services Do AD Category 1 Banks Offer?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AD Category 1 banks support most cross-border financial needs for individuals and businesses. Their services cover everything from simple currency exchange to complex trade transactions, making international transactions smoother and compliant.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Buying and selling foreign currency<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AD Category 1 banks allow you to convert one currency into another at authorised rates. They support routine needs such as travel, overseas subscriptions, and business payments, as well as larger trade-related conversions for exporters and importers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Facilitating international remittances<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enable you to send money abroad and receive funds from overseas clients or partners<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure transactions follow FEMA rules, including purpose codes and limits<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collect and verify basic documentation before processing transfers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><b>Issuing letters of credit and bank guarantees<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce risk in international trade by assuring payment to exporters<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support importers by acting as a trusted financial guarantor<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve credibility when dealing with unfamiliar overseas counterparties<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><b>Managing export and import transactions<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Process export proceeds and import payments through authorised channels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Track timelines for realisation of export earnings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Handle mandatory reporting and trade-related documentation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><b>Ensuring FEMA and RBI compliance<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the legitimacy and purpose of foreign exchange transactions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Report required data to the RBI through prescribed systems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Help prevent misuse, delays, and regulatory breaches<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a style=\"background-color: #1a73e8; color: #ffffff; font-weight: 800; padding: 7px 15px; border-radius: 7px; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; white-space: nowrap;\" href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/international-payment-gateway-india\/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=internationalpayments\">Explore Razorpay&#8217;s Global Payment Solutions<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Who Are the AD Category 1 Banks in India?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing which banks hold AD Category 1 status helps you choose a compliant partner for international payments. RBI updates the list from time to time, so it is wise to rely on recognised institutions when handling foreign exchange.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Public sector AD Category 1 banks<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">State Bank of India<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Punjab National Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bank of Baroda<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canara Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Union Bank of India<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bank of India<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UCO Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bank of Maharashtra<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Central Bank of India<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian Overseas Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Punjab and Sind Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><b>Private sector AD Category 1 banks<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HDFC Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ICICI Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Axis Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kotak Mahindra Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IndusInd Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Federal Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DCB Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">City Union Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Karnataka Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Karur Vysya Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RBL Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">South Indian Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dhanlaxmi Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bandhan Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tamilnad Mercantile Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><b>Foreign banks with AD Category 1 licence in India<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Citibank N.A.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HSBC Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standard Chartered Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deutsche Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">J.P. Morgan Chase Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Barclays Bank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DBS Bank India Limited<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b>Prominent AD Category 1 Banks and Their Strengths<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>State Bank of India<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public sector bank with wide global reach and strong trade finance presence.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>HDFC Bank<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Private sector bank known for advanced digital forex and banking platforms.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>ICICI Bank<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Private sector bank with integrated export and import solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Standard Chartered<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foreign bank with specialised cross-border banking expertise.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Are the Benefits of Using an AD Category 1 Bank?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AD Category 1 banks offer clear advantages for businesses and individuals who want reliable, compliant, and efficient foreign exchange support.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Convenience and comprehensive services<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An AD Category 1 bank works as a single point of contact for foreign exchange needs. You can manage currency exchange, international remittances, and trade-related services without coordinating across multiple institutions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Competitive exchange rates<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These banks participate actively in the forex market, which can help them offer competitive pricing. For exporters, freelancers, and global businesses, even small rate differences can impact final earnings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Security and regulatory compliance<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Operate under RBI approval with continuous regulatory oversight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow FEMA and RBI guidelines, reducing compliance and legal risk<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protect funds through controlled and transparent processes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><b>Speed and efficiency<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Established systems and global networks help AD Category 1 banks process transactions faster, improving cash flow and planning.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to Choose the Right AD Category 1 Bank?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing an AD Category 1 bank directly affects how smoothly your cross-border payments and compliance processes run. The right bank should reduce friction rather than add to it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Range of services<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure the bank supports your needs, whether you require basic remittances, export collections, import payments, or trade finance instruments like letters of credit and guarantees.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Forex pricing<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Review exchange rates, conversion margins, and transaction charges to understand the true cost, especially for frequent transfers or high volumes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Compliance support<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A reliable bank provides guidance on FEMA requirements, purpose codes, and documentation, helping you avoid delays, queries, or regulatory issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Digital capabilities<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A strong online platform helps you initiate transfers, upload documents, and track payment status without repeated branch visits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Service responsiveness<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Responsive support or a dedicated relationship manager helps resolve issues quickly when payments are time-sensitive.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Razorpay MoneySaver Export Account: Simplifying Global Business for Exporters and Freelancers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While AD Category 1 banks help keep forex transactions compliant, exporters and freelancers still face high forex costs, slow settlements, and fragmented tracking. Razorpay MoneySaver Export Account aims to solve these practical gaps by offering a simpler way to receive international payments into India while staying aligned with compliance requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Key features and benefits<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Virtual foreign currency account in your name, allowing overseas clients to pay via local bank transfers in currencies such as USD, EUR, and GBP, with automatic conversion and settlement into your Indian bank account in INR<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zero forex markup with a flat, transparent bank transfer fee, giving clarity on how much you receive after conversion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Faster settlement timelines to your Indian bank account, helping improve working capital<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Automatic <a href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/firc-certificate\/\">FIRC<\/a> support, reducing manual follow-ups and simplifying documentation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unified dashboard for tracking, reconciliation, and reporting across international collections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Built for Indian exporters and freelancers, including SaaS companies, consultants, and e-commerce sellers serving global customers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div style=\"background: #f5faff; border-radius: 14px; padding: 30px; text-align: center; margin: 42px 0; box-shadow: 0 8px 20px rgba(26,115,232,0.08);\">\n<h2 style=\"color: #1a73e8; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 12px;\"><strong>Receive international payments faster with Razorpay<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p style=\"color: #444; font-size: 16px; max-width: 720px; margin: 0 auto 18px; line-height: 1.6;\"><strong>Flat transfer fees, faster settlements, automatic FIRC, and unified reporting<br \/>\nacross bank transfers and cards-built for Indian exporters and freelancers.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a style=\"display: inline-block; background: #1a73e8; color: #ffffff; padding: 14px 26px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; border-radius: 10px; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/accept-international-payments\/bank-transfers\/?utm_source=blog&amp;amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;amp;utm_campaign=internationalpayments%22%3E%3Cem%3E%3Cstrong%3ERazorpay%E2%80%99s&quot;\">Explore Razorpay\u2019s Razorpay MoneySaver Export Account<\/a><span style=\"font-size: 19px; background-color: #ffffff;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AD Category 1 banks form the backbone of India\u2019s foreign exchange system. They enable you to move money across borders in a regulated and reliable way, while aligning transactions with RBI oversight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From handling day-to-day remittances to managing trade and investment flows, these banks provide the widest set of forex services. Their role is not just operational. They ensure compliance with FEMA, reduce risk, and support confidence in cross-border dealings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing the right AD Category 1 bank directly shapes how smoothly you receive international payments, settle trade transactions, and stay compliant as you operate globally.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>FAQs<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>1. What is an AD Category 1 Bank?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An AD Category 1 Bank is a commercial bank authorised by the RBI to handle all permitted foreign exchange transactions, covering both current and capital account activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. How do AD Category 1 banks differ from other authorised dealers?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AD Category 1 banks have the widest authority and can handle all permitted foreign exchange transactions. Category 2 dealers are restricted to select non-trade current account transactions, while Category 3 dealers handle only specific, limited forex transactions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Where can I find a list of AD Category 1 Banks in India?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The RBI publishes the official list of AD Category 1 banks on its website and updates it periodically, making it the most reliable source.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. What transactions can I carry out through an AD Category 1 Bank?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can manage remittances, trade payments, foreign currency exchange, letters of credit, bank guarantees, and export-import settlements.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. What is FEMA\u2019s role in relation to AD Category 1 Banks?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FEMA sets the legal framework for foreign exchange transactions in India. AD Category 1 banks ensure that every transaction they process complies with FEMA provisions and the regulatory directions issued by the RBI.<\/span><br \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is an AD Category 1 Bank?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"An AD Category 1 Bank is a commercial bank authorised by the RBI to handle all permitted foreign exchange transactions, covering both current and capital account activities.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How do AD Category 1 banks differ from other authorised dealers?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"AD Category 1 banks have the widest authority and can handle all permitted foreign exchange transactions. Category 2 dealers are restricted to select non-trade current account transactions, while Category 3 dealers handle only specific, limited forex transactions.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Where can I find a list of AD Category 1 Banks in India?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The RBI publishes the official list of AD Category 1 banks on its website and updates it periodically, making it the most reliable source.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What transactions can I carry out through an AD Category 1 Bank?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"You can manage remittances, trade payments, foreign currency exchange, letters of credit, bank guarantees, and export-import settlements.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is FEMA\u2019s role in relation to AD Category 1 Banks?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"FEMA sets the legal framework for foreign exchange transactions in India. AD Category 1 banks ensure that every transaction they process complies with FEMA provisions and the regulatory directions issued by the RBI.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>India&#8217;s businesses and professionals now work across borders every day. SaaS exporters bill global clients using an international payment gateway, freelancers receive overseas payments, and exporters settle trade in multiple currencies. This growing global exposure makes foreign exchange transactions a routine part of business. Because money moves across jurisdictions, you need regulated and secure channels.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":86,"featured_media":25864,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1067],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-25372","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cross-border"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25372","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/86"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25372"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25372\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26371,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25372\/revisions\/26371"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25864"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25372"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25372"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25372"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}