Can you open a bank account with a different name?

No, you cannot open a bank account with a different or fictitious name. According to RBI guidelines, banks must follow strict Know Your Customer (KYC) norms to verify a customer's true identity. You must provide officially valid documents (OVD) such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport that match the name on your application. Using a fake name is considered a fraudulent practice and can lead to account suspension or legal action to prevent money laundering and financial crimes.