Fixed Deposit

A fixed deposit (FD) is a savings account scheme offered by banks and financial institutions where a lump sum amount is deposited for a predetermined period at a fixed interest rate. The interest earned on FDs is typically higher than that of regular savings accounts.

Fixed Deposits (FDs) are a popular investment option as it offers a predictable investment and returns while also being simple and reliable. This makes FDs a good option for people who want a predictable return on their investment.

FD Interest Rates

FD interest rates vary based on factors like the type of bank, tenure of the FD, and the risk profile of the bank. Most times Fixed deposit interest rates given by banks are influenced by the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) policy rates, the prevailing market interest rates, and the bank's own risk appetite.

Here's a comparison of FD interest rates offered by different types of banks in India:

Post Office Fixed Deposit

Post Office FDs (POFDs) are fixed deposits offered by the post office,India. Post office FD is considered a safe and secure investment option, as they are backed by the Government of India. They offer a guaranteed return on investment and are a good option for risk-averse investors.

A post office FD rate offers interest ranging from 6.90% - 7.50% p.a. for a of 1 to 5 years. The table shows the different interest rates and details on post office Fd:

Fixed Deposit Interest Rates of Small Finance Banks

Small finance banks (SFBs) offer competitive fixed deposit (FD) interest rates, often higher than those offered by traditional banks. This is because SFBs typically have lower operating costs and focus on serving a specific customer segment, such as rural or underserved areas.

Here is a table of FD interest rates offered by some of the leading SFBs in India:

FD Interest Rates of Private Sector Banks

Private sector banks in India offer a competitive range of fixed deposit (FD) interest rates, catering to various investment goals and risk preferences.

Here's a table summarising the FD interest rates offered by some prominent private sector banks:

FD Rates for Public Sector Banks

Public sector banks (PSBs) in India offer a range of fixed deposit (FD) interest rates, catering to diverse investment needs and risk preferences.

Here's a table summarising the FD interest rates offered by some prominent PSBs:

Tax Saving FD Schemes

Tax-saving fixed deposit (FD) schemes are a type of investment that offers tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. These schemes allow individuals to deduct their investments from their taxable income, thereby reducing their tax liability.

Tax saving FD has a lock in period of 5 years and cannot be withdrawn before maturity. Hence, all bank FD rates would be offered at a higher interest rate and even higher interest rates for senior citizens.

Company/Corporate Fixed Deposit Rates

Company fixed deposit (FD) rates, also known as corporate FD rates, are offered by non-banking financial institutions (NBFCs) and other corporate entities. These rates tend to be higher than those offered by traditional banks, making them an attractive option for investors seeking higher returns.

Here is a table of company fixed deposit rates offered by some prominent NBFCs:

Fixed Deposit FD Calculator

The Fixed Deposit (FD) Calculator is a tool that simplifies financial planning for investors. It enables individuals to calculate the potential returns on their Fixed Deposit investments with precision.

By inputting key details such as the principal amount, interest rate, and tenure, users can swiftly generate accurate projections of the maturity amount and interest earned. This online calculator streamlines the decision-making process, providing a user-friendly interface for individuals to make informed choices about their Fixed Deposit investments and optimise their financial strategies.

Fixed Deposit Compounding Frequency

Compounding frequency is a crucial factor in determining the overall returns on your fixed deposit (FD) investment. It refers to how often the interest earned on your principal amount is reinvested, allowing interest to grow exponentially over time.
Higher compounding frequency results in accelerated interest accumulation and, consequently, higher returns.

Calculating Fixed deposit is important to understand how much returns you will earn on your fixed deposit. The calculation involves three major factors: principal, interest rate and tenure. There are two ways to calculate FD rates:

1. Simple Interest

2. Compounded Interest

Let’s see how to calculate each:

1. Simple interest FD:M = P +P x r x t/100

Where,
P is the principal amount that you deposit
r is the rate of interest per annum
t is the tenure in years

Here is an example of how the interest rates would be calculated using the formula:
With a deposit sum of Rs. 80,000 for 5 years at 8% interest, the equation reads-

Where,

P = 80,000
r = 8%
t = 5 years

As per the formula,

M= Rs. 80,000 +80,000 x 6 x 5/100

M = Rs. 1,18,876

The interest you have earned would be Rs 38,876

Principal Amount earned: 80,000

Note: the example provided is only for reference.

2. Compound interest FD: A =P (1+rn)n x t

Where,
A is Maturity amount
P is Principal amount
r is rate of interest in decimals
n is number of compounding in a year
t is number of years

A representation of how to calculate for compounded interest:

With a deposit sum of Rs. 1,00,000 for 3 years at 7.7% interest compounded quarterly, the equation reads –

P = 1,00,000
r = 7.7% or 7.7/100= 0.077
n = quarterly or 4
t = 3

A= 1,00,000 (1+0.077/4)4x 3

A= 1,25,710

As per the formula,

Total Interest Earned: Rs 25,710

Note: the example provided is only for reference.

Tips to Maximise FD Returns

When you maximise your fixed deposit returns with a good financial plan, your investments will have a higher chance of earning a higher interest rate. However, managing risks can be difficult sometimes, but with a good guide it can become easier.

Here are some effective tips to maximise FD returns:

• Research and Compare interest rates: Before investing, thoroughly compare interest rates offered by various banks and financial institutions. Choose the bank with the highest interest rate that aligns with your risk tolerance and investment goals.
• Select the right tenure: FD tenures range from short-term (less than a year) to long-term (up to 10 years). Choose a tenure that matches your financial needs and risk appetite. Longer tenures generally offer higher interest rates, but they also restrict access to your funds.
• Consider FD laddering: FD laddering involves investing in multiple FDs with staggered maturity dates. This strategy helps mitigate the impact of interest rate fluctuations and provides access to funds at regular intervals.
• Opt for cumulative interest: Cumulative interest schemes reinvest the earned interest, leading to accelerated growth of your investment. This option is particularly beneficial for longer tenures.
• Explore tax-saving FDs: Tax-saving FDs offer tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, reducing your tax liability and boosting your overall returns. Senior citizens can also avail higher interest rates on tax-saving FDs.