The bank was established on July 20, 1908 and has recently completed 100 years of successful and progressive banking. It was nationalized in July 1969 and since then it is owned by the Government of India. The Bank is having a unique history of un-interrupted profits for last 100 years.

The bank has its 71 branches / offices spread across in 25 countries, given here alphabetically as Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belgium, Botswana, China, Fiji Islands, Ghana, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Mauritius, Malaysia, South Africa, Seychelles, Singapore, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America and Zambia.

Trinidad & Tobago operations:- The bank opened its first branch in Trinidad & Tobago on 17th October 2007 at 90, Independence Square, Port of Spain. The bank is offering a full range of banking products in Deposits, Loans and Advances, Remittances, Foreign Exchange, NRI Account Services, etc. The bank has launched its ‘Easy Access Loans’ for Individuals, Traders, Small borrowers, Small & Medium Enterprises, Corporate Clients; etc. The bank offers more than 100 types of Retail Loans (including Car loans, Housing loans, and Education loans), Agriculture Loans, Commercial loans, Import and Export Finance, Trade Finance etc. by way of Term Loans as well as Working Capital facility at very competitive terms to the people of Trinidad & Tobago. Considering the good business response from the people and the tremendous business potential available in the country, the bank is now planning to expand its branch network through out the country.