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A postal recurring deposit scheme is a type of savings plan offered by the Indian postal department.
It allows you to deposit a fixed amount of money at regular intervals, usually monthly, into a savings account.
The minimum deposit amount is Rs. 10, and the maximum deposit amount is Rs. 9,999 per month.
You can open a postal recurring deposit account with a minimum deposit of Rs. 10 and a maximum deposit of Rs. 9,999 per month.
What Is Scheme?
The Post Office Recurring Deposit Scheme is a type of savings plan offered by India Post. It's a great way to save money over a period of time, with interest rates of 7.2 percent annually on recurrent deposit accounts.
You can open a post office recurring deposit account with a minimum monthly deposit of Rs 10, and the amount invested has no upper limit. The deposit amount must be in multiples of Rs 5.
The interest rates on post office savings plans are updated weekly, following the government's modest savings program interest rates. This means you can earn a decent return on your investment.
You can open multiple RD accounts, and even open one in the name of a minor. An adult under the age of ten can open and manage the account.
The post office RD account has a five-year maturity term, which can be extended for an additional 5 years annually. You can withdraw up to 50% of the amount after a year, but be aware that you'll have to pay back the withdrawn amount in full, plus interest.
Here's a quick summary of the key features of the post office recurring deposit scheme:
- Minimum monthly deposit: Rs 10
- Deposit amount: multiples of Rs 5
- Interest rate: 7.2% annually
- Maturity term: 5 years, extendable for 5 years annually
- Withdrawal: up to 50% after a year
Features and Benefits
The postal recurring deposit is a safe and secure investment option that offers a fixed interest rate. You can start with a minimum investment of Rs. 100 per month, and the deposit amount can be increased in multiples of Rs. 10.
The tenure of the investment can range from 6 months to 10 years, giving you flexibility to choose a duration that aligns with your financial goals. You can also get a rebate on advance deposits for a period of 6 months or more.
One of the benefits of the postal recurring deposit is the facility of premature withdrawal after completion of one year. You can withdraw 50% of the balance in your account, and in case of an emergency, you can also withdraw the entire amount.
The interest earned on the postal recurring deposit is compounded quarterly and paid annually, making it a great option for risk-averse investors. You can also get a loan against your RD account after a specific period, meeting short-term financial needs.
Here's a summary of the key features and benefits of the postal recurring deposit:
The postal recurring deposit also offers tax benefits, with interest earned on the scheme eligible for tax deduction under section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The maximum deduction under this section is Rs. 1,50,000.
Opening and Setup
To open a Post Office Recurring Deposit account, you'll need to have an existing Post Office Savings Account and be registered for Indian Post Office Internet banking.
You can open a Post Office Recurring Deposit account online by visiting the Indian Post eBanking website and logging in with your registered User ID and captcha code.
The online process involves initiating a request for a Post Office Recurring Deposit opening through the General Services tab on the website.
Alternatively, you can download the Post Office RD application form online or collect one from the nearest post office to open your account offline.
To open an account offline, submit the completed form and required documents, along with a minimum deposit of Rs. 100, at the post office.
You can also visit your nearest post office branch with your KYC documents and fill out the application form to open a Post Office Recurring Deposit account.
Deposits can be made in cash or cheque, and you'll need to choose your desired deposit amount, tenure, and nomination details (if applicable).
A PORD account can be opened by any eligible person through online or offline modes, with the online process involving a few simple steps on the India Post mobile application.
To open a PORD account online, download the India Post mobile application, register, and log in using valid credentials.
You'll then need to provide necessary details, make payment of the deposit amount, and receive account details on your registered mobile number.
If you prefer to open an account offline, visit the nearest post office or the post office where you hold a savings account, fill out the application form, and submit it along with required documents and the initial deposit.
The minimum initial deposit for a Post Office Recurring Deposit account is Rs. 100.
You can open a Post Office Recurring Deposit account at a post office near you, provided you have a savings account there, or online through net banking.
Requirements and Documents
To open a Post Office recurring deposit account, you'll need a few essential documents. A post office account-opening form is required, which is a straightforward process.
You'll also need to provide two passport-size photographs, which are easily obtainable from any photo studio.
To verify your identity, you'll need to provide address and identity proof, such as an Aadhaar card, passport, PAN card, Form 60 or 61 as per the Income Tax Act, 1961, driving license, voter's identity card, or ration card.
Here is a list of the documents you'll need to provide:
- A post office account-opening form
- Two passport-size photographs
- Address and identity proof (e.g. Aadhaar, passport, PAN card, etc.)
- Identity proof for verification
Documents Required
To open a Post Office recurring deposit account, you'll need a post office account-opening form. This is the first step in the process.
You'll also need to provide two passport-size photographs. This is a standard requirement for most financial transactions in India.
In addition to the form and photographs, you'll need to submit address and identity proof. This can be in the form of an Aadhaar card, passport, PAN card, Form 60 or 61, driving license, voter's identity card, or ration card.
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It's worth noting that the specific documents required may vary depending on your individual circumstances.
You'll also need to provide identity proof for verification when opening the account. This is an important step to ensure that your identity is verified and your account is opened correctly.
To complete the formalities, you'll need to select a nominee and have a witness sign the document. This is a standard requirement for most savings accounts in India.
Investment Limit
To start investing, you'll need to meet the minimum monthly investment requirement of Rs. 100. This initial deposit can be set up as an account.
The good news is that there's no maximum limit on how much you can deposit, so you can invest as much as you want in multiples of Rs. 10.
Calculating and Paying
You can make monthly payments to your post office Recurring Deposit account online using the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) application.
To calculate your installment amount, you don't need to worry about complicated calculations - just choose the amount you want to deposit each month.
You can transfer money from your bank account to your IPPB account, which will then be used to make the monthly payment to your post office RD account.
Here are the steps to make the monthly payment:
- Transfer money from your bank account to the IPPB account
- Go to DOP Products and choose Recurring Deposit
- Put your Recurring Deposit account number and then put the DOP customer ID
- Choose the installment amount and the duration
Online Payment
To make online payments for your post office Recurring Deposit (RD) account, you'll need to use the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) application. This app allows you to manage your RD account and make monthly payments from the comfort of your own home.
First, you'll need to transfer money from your bank account to your IPPB account. You can do this by following the steps outlined in the IPPB app.
To make a monthly payment, go to the DOP Products section in the app and choose Recurring Deposit. Then, enter your RD account number and DOP customer ID. Next, select the installment amount and duration for your payment.
Once you've completed these steps, the IPPB app will send you a notification confirming the successful payment of your monthly installment. This way, you can ensure that your RD payments are made on time and without any hassle.
Here are the steps to make a monthly payment in the post office RD account through IPPB:
- Transfer money from your bank account to the IPPB account
- Go to DOP Products and choose Recurring Deposit
- Put your Recurring Deposit account number and then put the DOP customer ID
- Choose the installment amount and the duration
- IPPB will send a notification to you for the successful payment of your monthly installment
Calculating Interest
Calculating interest on a Post Office RD can be a bit complicated, but don't worry, it's actually quite straightforward once you know the formula.
The interest amount on recurring deposits is compounded on a quarterly basis, and the formula used by banks to calculate the interest component is M = R[(1+i)^n - 1]/1-(1+i)^(-1/3).
The formula takes into account the maturity value of the RD, the monthly installment credited, the number of quarters in the total tenure, and the rate of interest.
For example, if Mr. N invests Rs. 6,000 in his Post office RD at an annual interest rate of 7.2% for 60 months, the total amount at maturity will be Rs. 4,33,883.
The interest is compounded quarterly, which is a key factor in determining the maturity value.
You can also use the post office RD calculator to make the calculation process easier and quicker, which is a huge time-saver.
The RD calculator formula is a bit complex, but it's worth understanding if you want to calculate the interest yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rate of post office RD deposit?
The interest rate on a Post Office RD deposit ranges from 5.8% to 6.8% per annum, depending on the chosen tenure. Find out how your deposit duration affects the interest rate and start saving today!
What is the rule for recurring deposits in post offices?
Recurring deposits in post offices have a minimum deposit of Rs. 10 per month and no maximum limit, allowing you to invest in increments of Rs. 5
What is the interest rate for $1000 per month in Post Office RD?
The interest rate for Post Office RD is 6.70% p.a. with a monthly investment of $1000 for 5 years.
What is 5 years post office recurring deposit scheme?
The 5-year Post Office Recurring Deposit scheme is a savings plan that allows you to deposit money monthly for 5 years, earning interest on your deposits. It's a great option for regular savers looking to grow their money over time.
Is post office RD better than FD?
For risk-averse investors in lower tax slabs, a post office Recurring Deposit (RD) can be a suitable option, offering regular investment opportunities with a fixed return. It's a good alternative to Fixed Deposits (FDs) for those who can't invest a lump sum but can afford monthly installments.
Sources
- https://tax2win.in/guide/5-year-post-office-recurring-deposit
- https://moneyvitta.com/post-office-rd-scheme-national-savings-rd/
- https://iasscore.in/current-affairs/prelims/what-is-post-office-recurring-deposit-scheme
- https://www.fisdom.com/post-office-recurring-deposit/
- https://www.thequint.com/tech-and-auto/post-office-rd-account-check-steps-to-open-account-and-make-deposits-now
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