Fixed Deposit India: A Comprehensive Guide

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Fixed deposits in India are a type of savings account that offers a fixed interest rate for a specified period.

The minimum deposit amount for a fixed deposit in India is ₹1,000, as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines.

Fixed deposits can be opened in various denominations, with a maximum limit of ₹1 crore per depositor.

The interest rates for fixed deposits vary depending on the bank and the tenure of the deposit.

ICICI Bank Fixed Deposit

ICICI Bank offers a fixed deposit scheme with a minimum deposit requirement of ₹1,000.

The interest rates for ICICI Bank's fixed deposit vary depending on the tenure, ranging from 4.5% to 6.25% per annum.

ICICI Bank's fixed deposit scheme allows for premature withdrawal, but it comes with a penalty.

ICICI Bank's fixed deposit scheme has a tenure ranging from 7 days to 10 years.

ICICI Bank offers a loan against fixed deposit facility, allowing you to borrow up to 75% of the deposit amount.

Fixed Deposit Features

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A fixed deposit in India is a low-risk investment option that offers a guaranteed return.

The interest rate on a fixed deposit in India varies from bank to bank, but it's generally higher than a regular savings account.

You can choose from a range of tenures, including short-term options like 7 days to 45 days, medium-term options like 3 months to 1 year, and long-term options like 2 years to 5 years.

The interest is compounded quarterly, which means you'll earn interest on both the principal amount and any accrued interest.

Senior Citizen Discount

Senior citizens can enjoy an extra 0.55% interest on fixed deposits with a tenure of 15 months to 18 months.

To be eligible, you must be 60 years of age or older when you open the account.

A senior citizen's fixed deposit tenure can vary from seven days to 10 years.

Loans against a senior citizen's fixed deposit account are available, but at a higher interest rate, typically between 0.25% and 0.75% higher than the standard rate.

You can use your fixed deposit as collateral to secure a loan or obtain a secured credit card.

5-10 Years

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When investing in a fixed deposit, the interest rate is a crucial factor to consider, especially for long-term deposits. For fixed deposits with a tenure of 5 to 10 years, the interest rates vary across banks.

Axis Bank offers an interest rate of 7.00% p.a. to the general public, while senior citizens can earn 7.75% p.a.

Bandhan Bank, on the other hand, offers a lower interest rate of 5.85% p.a. to the general public, but senior citizens can earn 6.60% p.a.

Bank of Baroda offers a range of interest rates, from 6.50% p.a. to 6.80% p.a. for the general public, and 7.40% p.a. to 7.50% p.a. for senior citizens.

Central Bank of India offers a fixed interest rate of 6.75% p.a. to the general public, while senior citizens can earn 7.25% p.a.

HDFC Bank offers an interest rate of 7.00% p.a. to the general public, while senior citizens can earn 7.50% p.a.

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ICICI Bank offers a range of interest rates, from 6.90% p.a. to 7.00% p.a. for the general public, and 7.40% p.a. to 7.50% p.a. for senior citizens.

Here's a summary of the interest rates offered by some of the banks for 5-10 year fixed deposits:

As you can see, the interest rates offered by banks vary significantly, and senior citizens can earn higher interest rates compared to the general public.

Features Removed

You can't open a fixed deposit with just any amount, but some banks let you start with as little as Rs. 100.

The minimum deposit amount may vary between banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).

You can't choose your own interest rate, it's fixed for the FD's tenure.

Some banks offer floating rate schemes, but this is not a standard feature.

You can choose how often you receive interest payouts, but this option may not be available in all cases.

Interest payouts can be made monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly, or you can opt for a cumulative option where interest is reinvested to benefit from compounding.

There's no guarantee that you can withdraw your funds before maturity without incurring a penalty.

A different take: Ach Bank Payment

Benefits of

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Fixed deposits are a type of savings account that offers guaranteed returns, regardless of market fluctuations.

This means you can earn a fixed interest rate on your deposit, without worrying about the stock market's ups and downs.

Deposits up to Rs. 5 lakh are insured by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), so you can have peace of mind knowing your money is protected.

You can earn tax deductions of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh under Section 80C on tax-saving fixed deposits, making them a great option for saving for retirement or other long-term goals.

Here are the benefits of fixed deposits at a glance:

  1. Guaranteed Returns: Earn a fixed interest rate on your deposit, regardless of market fluctuations.
  2. Insurance Coverage: Deposits up to Rs. 5 lakh are insured by the DICGC.
  3. Tax Benefits: Earn tax deductions of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh under Section 80C.

Types of

A Standard Fixed Deposit is available to a wide range of individuals and entities, including Resident Indians, Sole Proprietorship Firms, Partnership Firms, and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), offering higher interest rates than regular savings accounts.

Tax-saving Fixed Deposits are designed for Resident Individuals and HUFs, allowing a tax deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh under Section 80C, with a 5-year lock-in period.

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The interest rate on a Floating Rate Fixed Deposit varies based on changes in the RBI's Repo Rate or T-Bill Rate.

Flexi Fixed Deposits link with a savings or current account, offering more liquidity and flexibility, with a portion of the deposit able to be withdrawn in case of insufficient funds.

Senior Citizen Fixed Deposits offer interest rates 50 bps higher than regular FDs, with some banks and NBFCs providing an additional 0.2% p.a. to 0.3% p.a. for specific tenures.

Corporate Fixed Deposits are offered by Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), typically providing higher interest rates than bank FDs.

Here's a list of the different types of Fixed Deposits:

  1. Standard Fixed Deposit
  2. Tax-saving Fixed Deposit
  3. Floating Rate Fixed Deposit
  4. Flexi Fixed Deposit
  5. Senior Citizen Fixed Deposit
  6. Corporate Fixed Deposit
  7. Cumulative Fixed Deposit
  8. Non-cumulative Fixed Deposit
  9. Callable Fixed Deposit
  10. Non-callable Fixed Deposit

Opening and Renewal

Opening and renewal of a fixed deposit account in India is a straightforward process. You can open a fixed deposit account online by visiting your bank's official website.

To initiate the process, log in to your bank account if you already have one, or create a new account. You'll then need to navigate to the 'Fixed Deposit' option and complete all mandatory fields, including tenure, amount, nominee, and digital signatures.

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Upload all the necessary documents and verify all of the information before submitting it. You can then make the payment through internet banking.

Upon maturity, you can renew your FD for the same duration if desired. Alternatively, if maturity instructions are provided, the FD may be auto-renewed for the same term at the prevailing interest rate.

Time Periods

You can open a fixed deposit for a variety of time periods, ranging from 1 year to 3 years.

The interest rates for both general public and senior citizens vary depending on the bank and the time period. For example, Axis Bank offers interest rates of 6.70% p.a. to 7.25% p.a. for general public and 7.20% p.a. to 7.75% p.a. for senior citizens for a 1 year fixed deposit.

The longer the time period, the higher the interest rate. For instance, IDFC FIRST Bank offers interest rates of 6.50% p.a. to 7.90% p.a. for general public and 7.00% p.a. to 8.40% p.a. for senior citizens for a 3 year fixed deposit.

Here's a summary of the time periods and interest rates offered by some of the banks:

How to Open Online Services

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To open online services, you can start by visiting the bank's official website. You can find the website by searching for it online or by checking the bank's website directly.

To initiate the process, log in to your bank account if you already have one. If not, you'll need to create a new account.

Once logged in, navigate to the 'Fixed Deposit' option to begin the application process. This is where you'll enter all the required information.

You'll need to complete all mandatory fields, including the tenure, amount, nominee, and digital signatures. Make sure to fill out all the required fields accurately.

Next, upload all the necessary documents to support your application. This may include identification, address proof, and other relevant documents.

Verify all of the information you've entered and submit it for review.

How to Open Offline Mode?

To open a fixed deposit account offline, you'll need to visit a bank in person.

First, request a fixed deposit opening form from the bank.

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Next, complete the application form with accurate details, including the amount and tenure.

You'll also need to submit the requested documents and the completed application form to the bank.

The bank will process your application once you've provided the desired amount to invest in the fixed deposit account in cash or by cheque.

Once the bank processes your application, they'll open your FD account.

Penalties and Withdrawals

You'll want to be aware of the penalties for premature withdrawal from a fixed deposit in India. If you withdraw your entire deposit amount within 7 days from the date of deposit for Domestic and NRO FDs, no interest will be paid.

For NRE FDs, if you withdraw the entire deposit amount within 1 year from the date of the deposit, no interest will be paid either.

Penalties for premature withdrawal are applicable, and they vary depending on the actual tenure of the deposit. Here's a breakdown of the penalties:

Renewals and Withdrawals

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Renewals are a straightforward process, and you can renew your FD for the same duration if desired.

If you've provided maturity instructions, your FD may be auto-renewed for the same term at the prevailing interest rate.

It's essential to monitor your FDs to avoid inadvertent lapses in renewal, as auto-renewal may occur at potentially lower interest rates.

You can choose to withdraw the principal amount and interest upon FD maturity, which is called a withdrawal.

Renewal is the extension of an FD for the same tenure upon maturity, and it's a popular option for many investors.

Auto-withdrawal is another option, where the maturity proceeds are automatically transferred to your savings account.

Auto-renewal is the automatic renewal of the FD for the same term and prevailing interest rate.

Here are the key terms related to renewals and withdrawals:

  • Withdrawal: The retrieval of the principal amount and interest upon FD maturity.
  • Renewal: The extension of an FD for the same tenure upon maturity.
  • Auto-withdrawal: Automatic transfer of maturity proceeds to the savings account.
  • Auto-renewal: Automatic renewal of the FD for the same term and prevailing interest rate.

Withdrawals

Withdrawing your fixed deposit funds can be a straightforward process, but it's essential to understand the rules and penalties involved.

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You can withdraw your principal amount and interest at maturity, which is typically the end of the term you chose when opening the deposit.

If you withdraw your entire deposit amount within 7 days from the date of deposit for Domestic and NRO FDs, you won't receive any interest.

For NRE FDs, you won't receive any interest if you withdraw the deposit within 1 year from the date of the deposit.

Premature withdrawals, on the other hand, come with penalties. The penalty rates vary depending on the actual tenure of the deposit and the amount of the deposit.

Here's a breakdown of the penalty rates for deposits less than ₹5.0 crore:

If you withdraw your deposit prematurely, the interest will be paid for the period it has remained with the bank at the rate that prevailed at the time of booking, but only for the actual tenure of the term deposit, not the contracted rate.

Other Terms & Conditions

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If you're planning to book a fixed deposit online, note that you can only do so for amounts below INR 1 crore. Interest rates on offer are subject to change, so be sure to check the current rate before booking.

Deposits placed for 1 year/12 months will have 365 days, effective from 01 March 2016. This is a key date to keep in mind if you're considering a fixed deposit.

Senior citizens, defined as individuals above 60 years of age, are eligible for special interest rates on domestic fixed deposits. However, these rates only apply to resident Indians.

If one joint account holder is a senior citizen, the senior citizen term deposit interest rate will only be applicable if the senior citizen is the first holder on the term deposit.

What Can a Calculator Help You With?

A fixed deposit calculator can help you with complex calculations, giving you accurate figures at the click of a button.

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Calculating the maturity amount of an FD can be a tedious process, but a fixed deposit calculator does all the hard work for you.

With a fixed deposit calculator, you can save a lot of time on these complex calculations, and make informed decisions when comparing different FDs.

Here's what you can expect from a fixed deposit calculator:

  • Accurate maturity amount calculations
  • Time-saving complex calculations
  • Comparison of maturity amounts and interest rates from different financial institutions

A fixed deposit calculator is a free online tool that makes it easier to compare different tenures and interest rates offered by different banks, helping you choose the best option for your investment.

Check Online

You can easily check fixed deposit interest rates online, which is a convenient option for those with busy schedules.

Fixed deposits are a popular investment option, known for their reliability, so it's no surprise that many people want to know how to check their interest rates quickly.

To check fixed deposit interest rates online, you can visit the website of your bank or financial institution.

FD interest rates entail the amount of interest you'll earn on your fixed deposit, and it's essential to know this before investing.

The interest rates vary depending on the bank, the tenure of the deposit, and the amount you deposit.

Apply via HSBC India App

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You can apply for a fixed deposit through the HSBC India app, which is a convenient and easy option.

To get started, you'll need to download the HSBC India app, as mentioned in the app's instructions.

The app provides a seamless experience, allowing you to navigate through the fixed deposit application process with ease.

By using the HSBC India app, you can apply for a fixed deposit from the comfort of your own home, at any time that suits you.

Key Highlights

You can earn higher interest rates with a fixed deposit compared to a regular savings account.

All Indians, including minors and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), are eligible to open a fixed deposit account.

When you pass away, your nominees, who are designated on the application form, will receive the fixed deposit amount. They'll need to provide proof of your death to claim it.

You can withdraw your fixed deposit prematurely, but you'll have to pay a penalty.

Some banks offer a facility called sweeping savings for term deposits, which allows you to link your fixed deposit account to your savings account. This makes it easy to transfer excess funds from your savings account to your fixed deposit account, earning you higher interest rates on your savings.

Key Terms

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When you put money into a fixed deposit (FD) in India, you'll want to understand the key terms involved.

A withdrawal is the retrieval of the principal amount and interest upon FD maturity. This is when you get your money back.

Renewal is the extension of an FD for the same tenure upon maturity. This means your FD will automatically continue for the same amount of time.

Auto-withdrawal is the automatic transfer of maturity proceeds to your savings account. This is a convenient way to get your money without having to do anything.

Auto-renewal is the automatic renewal of the FD for the same term and prevailing interest rate. This ensures you keep earning interest without having to lift a finger.

To summarize the key terms, here's a quick rundown:

  • Withdrawal: Retrieval of principal amount and interest upon FD maturity.
  • Renewal: Extension of FD for the same tenure upon maturity.
  • Auto-withdrawal: Automatic transfer of maturity proceeds to savings account.
  • Auto-renewal: Automatic renewal of FD for the same term and prevailing interest rate.

Current

Fixed deposit interest rates in India are adjusted by banks and financial institutions in response to economic conditions.

These rates change frequently, so it's essential to stay updated to secure higher returns on your investment.

By comparing the bank FD interest rates offered by different banks, you can identify the most competitive options.

Some banks offer significantly higher interest rates than others, making it crucial to shop around and find the best deal.

How to Select and Open

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To select the right fixed deposit in India, start by comparing the FD interest rates of different banks. This will help you choose the one that offers the highest returns on your investment.

You'll also want to review the credibility of the lender by examining the fixed deposit's safety rating as given by ICRA or CRISIL. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your investment is secure.

Next, decide whether you want a cumulative or non-cumulative fixed deposit. Cumulative FDs earn interest on the interest, while non-cumulative FDs pay out the interest at regular intervals.

To make things easier, consider the following factors when choosing a bank for your FD:

  • FD interest rates
  • Safety rating (ICRA or CRISIL)
  • Type of FD (cumulative or non-cumulative)
  • Customer service and opening process

Why Choose ICICI Bank

When choosing a bank for your fixed deposit needs, you might wonder why ICICI Bank isn't mentioned. However, we're actually discussing HSBC Fixed Deposits here, so let's focus on why you should choose HSBC instead.

You can open a Fixed Deposit online with just INR10,000, making it a great option for those who want to start small.

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HSBC Fixed Deposits offer high interest rates, especially for select tenures, which can help you create wealth at low risk.

You can choose from a wide range of tenures to suit your convenience, giving you more control over your money.

To add a nomination to your fixed deposit, you can use Internet Banking or download a form to submit at the nearest HSBC India Branch.

Documents Required for Opening

Opening a fixed deposit account is a straightforward process, and understanding the required documents can save you time and stress.

To open an FD account, you'll need some essential documents. For existing customers, the bank will likely require a copy of your Know Your Customer (KYC) documents and recent passport-sized photographs.

If you're a new customer, you'll need to provide KYC documents, which can be your PAN/Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or Passport.

If this caught your attention, see: Kyc India

How to Select the Right Account

When selecting the right account, it's essential to consider a few key factors.

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Compare the interest rates of different banks to find the best one for your needs. This will help you maximize your returns on your fixed deposit.

Review the credibility of the lender by examining the fixed deposit's safety rating as given by ICRA or CRISIL. A good safety rating can give you peace of mind.

You also need to decide whether you want a cumulative or non-cumulative fixed deposit. Cumulative FDs earn interest on the principal amount and the interest earned, while non-cumulative FDs earn interest only on the principal amount.

Choose a bank that offers good customer service and a hassle-free process for opening an account. This will save you time and stress in the long run.

Here are the key factors to consider when selecting the right account:

  • Compare interest rates
  • Check the lender's safety rating (ICRA or CRISIL)
  • Choose between cumulative and non-cumulative FDs
  • Consider customer service and account opening process

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will I get if I FD 1 lakh?

FD of 1 lakh at 7.11% interest rate earns a monthly interest of Rs. 548. This translates to a yearly interest of Rs. 6,581.

Which bank in India has highest FD rates?

Bandhan Bank offers the highest FD rate in India at 8.05% for 1-year Fixed Deposits. Check out our list of top banks for the best FD rates in India.

Can NRI open FD in India?

Yes, NRIs can open fixed deposit accounts in India through online applications. They can start by visiting the website and clicking on the 'Apply Now' link.

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg

Senior Writer

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he has established himself as a versatile and reliable voice in the industry. His writing portfolio showcases a breadth of expertise, with a particular focus on the freight market trends.

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