Fixed deposit (FD) is one of the safest investment options through which people can earn relatively higher interest in comparison to a regular savings account. Interest is accumulated on the deposited amount over a fixed period of time. The interest rate depends on the type of lenders (public sector, private sector, or small finance banks). Senior citizens are usually offered higher interest rates. In the case of an emergency, you can easily liquidate your FD and get the funds.
The tenures in fixed deposit schemes are flexible. Investors can choose the tenure according to their convenience.
Once the amount has been deposited
...Banks have trimmed fixed deposit rates in recent months, but several lenders still offer competitive returns across key tenures. Here is a detailed look at the latest FD slabs for investors
Here is a detailed list of the fixed deposit interest rates being offered by various banks across different tenures
This comes amid concerns in some quarters over the increased preference for capital market investments by households looking for higher yields
FD Rates in October 2025: Fixed deposits remain a safe bet, but the right mix of laddering, diversification and payout choice can boost returns. Here's how October 2025 FD rates stack up across banks
FD Rates for Senior citizen: Senior citizens can now earn up to 8.40% on fixed deposits, with Suryoday Small Finance Bank offering the highest rate
Remember, if surrender value falls below dues, the policy is foreclosed, leading to loss of coverage
A ₹10 lakh FD in Punjab National Bank shows how your returns can change depending on whether you pick monthly, quarterly or cumulative interest, and how tax rules apply
The central bank's decision to keep the policy rate at 5.5 per cent, and inflation projected to stay low, means that fixed deposit rates are not likely to be revised upwards
RBI cuts repo rate by 50 bps to 5.5%. FD interest rates fall further, prompting investors to consider laddering, hybrid funds, and small savings schemes for better returns
Senior citizens are often loathe to deal with the intricacies of complex financial instruments. In such cases, it might be a good idea to just park their savings in a fixed deposit
In May 2025, small finance banks are offering the highest FD interest rates, with NorthEast Small Finance Bank leading at 9%. Explore the best rates across small finance, private, public, and foreign
Learn how to minimize penalties on premature FD withdrawals by choosing the right bank and smart structuring strategies like laddering, sweep-in, and loans against FDs.
Exposure to gold and longer-duration debt, and purchasing equity funds systematically as valuations soften can help investors navigate this phase
Several lenders have revised their fixed deposit plans after central bank cut the repo rate
The highest rate is now 6.90 per cent for deposits of 2 to 3 years for regular customers, and 7.50 per cent for senior citizens for deposits of 5 to 10 years
The decision came on Saturday (April 12) after the Reserve Bank of India cut the policy repo rate by another 25 bps to 6 per cent
This second cut in three months could affect returns for fixed deposit (FD) holders
Fixed deposits ensure that the principal amount invested is preserved. Investors can rest assured that they will receive their initial investment back along with accrued interest at maturity
In a recent judgement, the Madras High Court held that fixed deposits (FDs) and jewels come under the definition of property under the Senior Citizen Act, 2007
The bank now offers interest rates between 4.25 per cent and 8.50 per cent on FD amounts below Rs 3 crore for senior citizens for tenures ranging from 7 days to 10 years