Different financial objectives necessitate distinct savings strategies. Short-term savings are useful when you require both liquidity and interest profits. If your financial goals have long deadlines, a long-term savings option may be ideal.
A long-term savings account is intended for long-term savings. Withdrawal limits may apply depending on the account, and certain long-term savings accounts may also provide tax benefits. These accounts allow you to take advantage of the power of compound interest over time, earning interest on your interest. A long-term savings account allows your money to grow consistently until you’re ready to utilise it. A long-term savings account should be allocated for cash that you will require in more than five years.
What Is A Fixed Deposit Account (FD)?
Banks and other financial organisations provide fixed deposit accounts as an investment vehicle. Investors would deposit a large payment into this account over time. In exchange, customers would get a fixed rate of interest for the duration of the investment.
The interest rate on FDs is significantly larger than that on a typical savings bank account. Investors can withdraw their funds after the deposit’s term expires. They do, however, have the option of reinvesting their money for another term.
Fixed deposit accounts are available from all scheduled commercial banks in India, as well as several NBFCs and HFCs. Check the ratings of the financial institution issued by organisations such as CRISIL before investing in FDs provided by an NBFC or HFC. This is done to ensure that your money is secure.
Private sector banks and other financial organisations may provide greater fd interest rates than public sector banks.
Types of FDs Available
Fixed deposit accounts are classified into numerous types depending on the benefits provided by the account, the kind of account holder, and the reason for which the account is formed. The following are some examples of FD accounts:
- Regular FD Account
Individuals under the age of 60 are eligible for a normal FD account. The fd interest rates on such an FD account will be lower than those available to senior citizens. This account is available to any Indian resident.
- Senior Citizens’ FD Account
This account is intended for senior citizens or anyone over 60. Such account holders receive a greater fd interest rates than usual and have access to the monthly interest payout option, which may be regarded as a way for senior adults to cover their monthly needs.
- Corporate FD Account
Corporate entities receive a unique set of fd interest rates and deposit terms from banks. Firms can deposit extra funds or earnings in corporate FD accounts for the time being till they put the money to use.
- Tax-Saving FD Account
Many risk-averse individuals use tax-saving FD accounts with a five-year minimum lock-in duration to save income tax. Such contributions are tax deductible under the Income Tax Act of 1961 Section 80C.
- NRO FD Account
Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and Non-Resident Indians (NRI) can open Non-Resident Ordinary FD accounts. Only INR revenue may be placed into NRO FD accounts. This account can be opened jointly with an Indian resident if that person fits into one of the categories of relations listed in Section 6 of the Companies Act of 1956.
- NRE FD Account
Two or more NRIs can open a Non-Resident External (NRE) FD account. The account serves as the appropriate channel for converting foreign cash earned outside of India into Indian currency values. This account’s principle and interest are both fully refundable. Section 10(4) of the Income Tax Act exempts interest income from this account from taxation.
- FCNR FD Account
Currency exchange NRIs can create a Non-Repatriable FD account and deposit money earned abroad in India. US dollars, British pounds sterling, Euros, Japanese yen, and other currencies are commonly accepted. You may keep your money in the same currency while generating significant returns with this account.
- FD Account With Monthly Payout
This FD scheme pays out the accrued interest on a monthly basis. That is, the interest will not be added back to the principal, nor will it be compounded in this situation. You can have the interest component deposited into your savings account on a regular basis and use the funds for any purpose.
- Maturity Payout FD Account
In this instance, interest accumulates in the FD account over the deposit lifetime, is compounded, and you receive the principal + interest components upon FD account maturity.
Best FD Interest Rates for 3 Years( As of 8 December 2022)
| Bank / Company | Interest Rate per annum
(Regular) in % |
Interest Rate per annum
(Senior Citizen) in % |
| Shriram City | 8.05 | 8.5 |
| Bajaj Finserv | 7.5 | 7.75 |
| Mahindra Finance | 7.5 | 7.75 |
| Sundaram Finance | 7.3 | 7.8 |
| Fincare Small Finance Bank | 7 | 7.5 |
| KTDFC | 7 | 7.25 |
| ICICI Home Finance | 6.9 | 7.15 |
| Yes Bank | 6.75 | 7.5 |
| ICICI Bank | 6.5 | 7 |
Considerations Before Investing In Fixed Deposits
Here are a few things to consider before investing in fixed deposits and deciding which bank is ideal for FDs.
- Deposit Limit
The deposit limit is the first thing to think about. The deposit limit is the maximum amount that a bank can give in a fixed deposit. This is because banks frequently consider this amount as a criterion for deciding whether or not to give you a fixed deposit.
If you wish to start your account with a bigger amount than the bank permits, you will have to pay an initial charge.
- Rates Of Interest
The fd interest rates offered by various banks are the next factor to consider when investing in fixed deposits. Different banks’ interest rates might range depending on their ratings and financial soundness.
Some banks, for example, may offer lower fd interest rates than others because they have more branches or because their ratings are lower than those of others. As a result, before making an investment decision, it is vital to research the best fixed deposit rates.
- Liquidity
Liquidity is another crucial issue to consider before investing in fixed deposits. This refers to how soon your funds will be available when required. Furthermore, confirm that the bank has sufficient cash reserves to pay out your fixed deposit when it matures (after a certain period).
- Tax Advantages
If you wish to benefit from a tax deduction on your profits, a fixed deposit is an excellent alternative. The government gives an interest rate deduction in the form of tax, which you may claim as an income tax exemption. The amount of interest you may claim is determined by your earnings and other things.
Benefits of FD Interest Rates
- Saving Habit: Once you’ve gotten the hang of saving and understand the magic of earning interest on your money, you’ll learn to save more and more in the future. This will assist in breaking the habit of overspending.
- Guaranteed Returns: Many investment products provide varying returns dependent on market swings; even capital investment payment may not be guaranteed. In contrast, the FD account guarantees the recovery of both the principal amount and an interest component at the conclusion of the deposit duration.
- Flexibility: You have the option of selecting a deposit tenure based on your needs and convenience. You can deposit the money for as little as 7 days or as long as 10 years and let it earn some nice income on its own.
- No Maintainance: Unlike stocks and mutual funds, you can deposit your money and sit back and relax. When it comes to FD accounts, active management is not required.
- Easy Liquidity: Although the account has a lock-in period, you can liquidate the investment whenever you wish. The lock-in terms are not as rigorous as those of any other investment product.
- Safety: Consider the possibility that the bank where you have placed money may fail. Don’t be concerned! You will be entitled to up to Rs 5 lakh in compensation from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). This will take effect on February 4, 2020. Because of this setup, FDs are a safe investment option.
- Tax Benefit: You can earn a tax deduction of up to Rs.1.5 lakh under Section 80C if you invest in a tax-saving FD scheme with a minimum lock-in term of five years.
Limitations Of FD Interest Rates
- Fixed Returns: While the returns will not fall and a specific return % is guaranteed, the notion limits the opportunity to obtain better returns.
- Lock-in Period: Customers choose the length of the lock-in period for their FD accounts. The investment can be liquidated before maturity only at a penalty on the guaranteed interest rate, which is a loss.
- Tax advantages are limited: Individuals choose a 5-year tax-saver FD account to save tax in a more secure manner, however, the account’s returns are taxable under the Income Tax Act.
Tenure
The duration of a fixed deposit is something you should think about before investing in the finest fixed deposit plan. Before investing in any financial instrument, such as a fixed deposit, you should understand how long your money will be kept in the bank and the interest rates.
Eligibility Criteria For fixed Deposit Investment
The following qualifying requirements apply to opening an FD account in India. There may be additional bank-specific requirements.
- Indians who are permanent residents
- Account shared by two or more People.
- Senior citizens
- Minors
- Blind individuals
- Illiterate individuals
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
- Sole proprietorship companies
- Societies, trusts, clubs, organisations, etc
- Religious and academic institutions
- Companies
- Partnership companies
Taxation On FD Earnings
By depositing up to Rs.1.5 lakh in a tax-saving fixed deposit account, you can take advantage of the income tax deduction option under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. The arrangement guarantees both profits and capital protection. However, you should be aware that the account’s interest income is completely taxed.
Your tax due is entirely determined by your overall income for the fiscal year and the tax slab into which you fall. Interest income is classified as ‘Income from Other Sources.’
Furthermore, banks deduct tax at source if the interest collected in a fiscal year exceeds Rs.40,000 across all accounts kept with the bank. To validate the specifics of the deduction, a TDS certificate will be issued.
Steps To Open An FD Account In Kuvera
Step 1: Download the Kuvera app or create an account on the website.
Step 2: Complete the Know Your Customer process by submitting PAN, Aadhaar, and video verification in person. KYC compliance is required under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act of 2002 and its implementing regulations, as well as the SEBI Master Circular on Anti Money Laundering (AML) Standards/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT)/Obligations of Securities Market Intermediaries.
Step 3: From the “Home” menu, select “Invest.”
Step 4: To examine the categories, choose “Fixed Deposits” and then “Bank Option” .
Step 5: You will be directed to a list of all fixed deposit alternatives offered by Kuvera. By clicking on an FD, you can examine its maturity, interest rate, and minimum deposit requirements. Verify the duration of the fixed deposit’s lock-in period.
Step 6: Select the fixed deposit you intend to acquire and click “Start FD” in the fifth step.
Step 7: You must provide the IFSC code, account number, and account type for your primary bank account in step six.
FAQs
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What Does Lock-in Period Imply Regarding FDs?
In the case of an FD account, the lock-in term and maturity period or deposit tenure are identical. This simply indicates that you cannot withdraw the deposit amount during the specified time period. Even if you do, you will incur a penalty.
With regard to tax-saver FD schemes, withdrawals are expressly prohibited within five years after account establishment. In the case of other FD plans, early withdrawals are still permitted but subject to penalties outlined upon account opening. The conditions may vary from bank to bank.
For optimal benefit, it is recommended that you adhere to the lock-in period and allow the principal to collect the interest without touching it.
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What Is The Meaning Of Loan Against FD?
Consider that you have placed Rs. 1 lakh in a three-year fixed deposit account with Bank B. Since you have maintained the deposit for a long time, the bank decides to give a 6% p.a. interest rate, to your delight.
At the conclusion of the first year, though, you encounter an emergency and want Rs. 70,000. You will be penalised and will not earn the projected profits if you withdraw the money early.
In this case, the bank will advise you to borrow against the FD rather than close the deposit account. Thus, you may borrow against your FD, use the funds for an emergency, and repay the loan before the account matures. This permits the FD account to collect interest as normal and provides you with funds to meet the emergency.
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Who Should Invest In Fixed Deposit?
Fixed deposit accounts are a good investment option for individuals who do not want to take any risks. If you want to keep your money for a long time and are not interested in developing your wealth, or if you want consistent earnings, you can open an FD account.
Many retirees who get a lump sum as a consequence of their retirement put the money in FD accounts so that the monthly interest distribution from the account can be utilised as spending cash.
You can also set away a lump sum for your children or minors so that they can use it for higher education at a later date. If you want to save for an emergency, you may also use FD accounts.
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