CASBA stands for Centralized Application Supported by Blocked Amount. It is a system that helps investors apply for IPOs easily through their bank account.

Let’s say you want to buy shares of a new company. You can apply for those shares through your bank using CASBA. When you apply, your money is temporarily blocked (not deducted but also not usable). If you get the shares, the money is taken from your account. If you don’t get the shares, the money is unblocked and you can use it again.

Why are CASBA Charges Important?

Even though applying through CASBA is very easy, banks charge a fee for this service. These are called CASBA Charges. These charges can be small, but if you apply for many IPOs, the fees can add up.

So, it is a good idea to check the CASBA charges of all banks before deciding which bank to use.

How Much are CASBA Charges?

CASBA charges are usually Rs. 5 per application, depending on the bank. Some banks charge a fixed fee, while others may charge based on the number of shares or amount applied.

SEBON has declared that Banks and Financial Institution can charge maximum of Rs. 5 C-ASBA charge.

Table: CASBA Charges of All Banks in Nepal

Here is a table showing the CASBA charges of all commercial banks in Nepal (as of 2025):

S.N.	Bank Name	CASBA Charges (NPR)
1	Nabil Bank Ltd.	Free (No charge)
2	Nepal Investment Mega Bank Ltd.
3	Global IME Bank Ltd.
4	NMB Bank Ltd.
5	Nepal SBI Bank Ltd.
6	NIC Asia Bank Ltd.	Rs.5
7	Himalayan Bank Ltd.
8	Kumari Bank Ltd.
9	Everest Bank Ltd.
10	Prime Commercial Bank Ltd.
11	Prabhu Bank Ltd.
12	Siddhartha Bank Ltd.
13	Machhapuchchhre Bank Ltd.
14	Citizens Bank International Ltd.
15	Sanima Bank Ltd.	Free (No charge)
16	Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Ltd.
17	Laxmi Sunrise Bank Ltd.
18	Rastriya Banijya Bank Ltd.	Free (No charge)
19	Agriculture Development Bank Ltd.	Free (No charge)
20	Nepal Bank Ltd.	Free (No charge)

Note: Charges may change. Always check with your bank before applying.

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Why Do Banks Charge for CASBA?

Banks provide CASBA as a service. It involves systems, software, and human effort to make sure your money is blocked/unblocked correctly. This is why they charge a small fee.

Think of it like a service fee when you use a mobile wallet or make online payments.

How to Pay CASBA Charges?

You don’t need to pay these charges separately. When you apply for an IPO using CASBA, your bank will automatically deduct the CASBA charge from your bank account.

For example:

• If you apply for an IPO worth Rs. 1,000
• And your bank charges Rs. 5 for CASBA
• Then Rs. 1,005 is blocked in your account

If you don’t get the shares, the full amount is released. But the Rs.5 CASBA charge is usually non-refundable.

Tips to Save on CASBA Charges

1. Use banks with lower charges – Some banks charge Rs.5, while others charge nothing.
2. Avoid applying for too many IPOs from high-charging banks.
3. Open a Demat and Bank Account in the same bank – This can reduce confusion and make tracking easier.

What is the Difference Between Demat Charges and CASBA Charges?

Many people get confused between Demat charges and CASBA charges.

Let’s clear that up:

Type of Charge	What it is For	Who Charges it?
Demat Charges	For maintaining your share account	Depository Participants (DPs)
CASBA Charges	For applying to IPOs via bank	Banks

So, they are two different services.

Final Thoughts

CASBA has made IPO investing in Nepal very simple. But it comes with a small cost. Knowing about CASBA charges will help you plan better and maybe even save money over time.

To summarize:

✅ CASBA helps you apply for IPOs directly from your bank
✅ Banks charge a small fee called CASBA Charges
✅ Charges are usually Rs. 10, but some banks offer it free
✅ Always check with your bank before applying
✅ Keep track of your expenses if you apply for many IPOs

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Let us know in the comments which bank you use for IPO applications and whether you’re happy with their CASBA charges!