Is it mandatory to open an escrow account?

Yes, a borrower needs to open an escrow account while taking out a home loan.

Well, you can avoid escrow account by paying your home insurance premiums and property taxes all by yourself. You lender may allow you to do that if your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is less than 80%.

If you have a FHA loan, you must have an escrow account. The VA does not require lenders to maintain escrow accounts on VA-guaranteed home loans. However, the VA does require that lenders ensure that the property is covered by sufficient hazard insurance at all times and that property taxes are paid. So, most lenders use escrow accounts to comply with this requirement. Additionally, some lenders must collect monthly escrow payments from you for at least the first five years you have the mortgage if you have a “higher-priced” mortgage loan.