Fixed Deposits in India: Everything You Need to Know

Intro and overview

Fixed deposits are the finest investment option in the nation since they guarantee the protection of deposited funds along with sound interest rates. Due to the multiple benefits that come with FDs, it is preferred by most investors. The process of opting to invest in a fixed deposit is speedy, starting with a higher interest rate than a certificate of deposit and the provision of loans and credit cards based on FDs. 

What is a fixed deposit (FD)?

A fixed deposit, as the name implies, has a set term. It refers to an investment option offered by banks and other financial institutions. Inside this structure, the borrower puts the money for a set period with a set return. FDs are appealing because they provide a better rate of return than a conventional savings account. Fixed deposits and costs both need a certain quantity of money to be saved for a set length of time. Fd rates in India are substantially greater than investment bond interest rates, but investment bonds have additional tax advantages.

A fixed deposit, often known as an FD, is a kind of investment offered by banks and non-banking financial organisations (NBFCs) to their customers to assist them in preserving money and investing a large sum of money for a certain length of time at a specified rate of interest.

Pros 

Here are some of the reasons why we think FDs are an excellent investment vehicle:

• It is a safe and secure investment option with no risk.

• It includes a stable income that is free of market volatility.

• It has a set term and a rollover option.

• The holder can use that as credit in an urgent situation and get equal to 90 percent of the amount invested as an advance.

• It also allows you to select the frequency of interest payments.

Calculation of interest rate on fixed deposits

The amount deposited, the rate of interest given, and the period of the investment all go into calculating the interest accrued on fixed deposits. The following is the fundamental formula for calculating interest on your FD:

Amount Invested x Interest Rate x (Duration/ 12 months) = Interest on FD

Types of fixed deposits

A fixed deposit is similar to lending money to a bank or a non-bank financial institution. When you buy in an FD, the banking firm promises to return your money and pay you interest at the end of the term, often called the maturity period. This money might be used by the bank to lend to other customers and charge them interest. You will receive a fraction of this interest. You have the option of reinvesting the money or receiving an interest payment in your checking account regularly.

• At maturity, cumulative FDs pay you both the income and the principal. Every year, the interest is reinvested. This implies that instead of getting periodical interest payments, you will receive a lump amount after the FD term.
• Non-cumulative FDs pay interest at predetermined periods. Depending on your needs, you can receive interest payments monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually. This will provide you with a steady source of revenue.

How can you pick the best-fixed deposit scheme for you?

Choosing an appropriate fixed deposit plan is dependent on several criteria. Search for a bank that can provide you with a plan that meets the majority of your requirements. Here are some considerations to ponder while selecting a fixed deposit for yourself:

• The interest rate

Fixed deposit interest rates differ from one lender to the next. The majority of private lenders are willing to pay a higher interest rate than banks and other financial organisations. Axis Bank FD rates are the finest and most attractive.

• Minimum Investment

FD plans have no cap, but lenders normally have a minimum restriction. In most circumstances, the minimum amount required for an FD would just be Rs 5,000.

• Tenure

The FD tenure relates to your proclivity to keep your assets locked in. Choosing the best tenure ensures greater returns and allows you to build your other assets around it.

• Auto-renewal service

Borrowers can usually choose from auto-renewal or rollover options from their lenders. It allows them to reinvest the maturation money in an FD with comparable terms and duration. This service assures that you do not lose interest in revenue. Alternatively, you might inform your creditor that you want to encash it when it matures.

• Premature withdrawal option

An emergency, particularly a financial one, can strike at any time. The majority of lenders do not allow withdrawals within 3 months of the fixed deposit’s inception date. However, they permit early withdrawal (full or partial) from an FD account with a penalty. As a result, you must read the terms before establishing an account.

• The frequency of interest payments

The interest payment frequency choice is only accessible to non-cumulative fixed deposit holders. Cumulative fixed deposit holders receive the cumulative interest as well as the principal at maturity. While starting the FD account, Axis bank provides holders with monthly, quarterly, yearly, and whole duration interest payout options.

• Nomination facility

The majority of individuals favour long-term fixed deposits. With life being so unpredictable, Axis bank provides a nomination service that allows you to select the best individual to receive the cash (either on the day of your demise or on maturity). In your account setup receipt, you can input the necessary nominee information.

Conclusion

Fixed Deposits (FDs) are one of the greatest investment alternatives for consumers who wish to earn consistent returns without going through variable market risk.

FDs rates in India provide a higher rate of return than savings accounts, but the advantages of putting your money in an FD extend beyond the higher rate of return.