Fixed deposits (FD) are safe investment measures offered by banks that guarantee regular, consistent interest rates. The country's largest lender State Bank of India (SBI), and leading private lenders such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, others including Kotak Mahindra Bank, Axis Bank have specific FD schemes with different interest rates. These banks provide annual returns to the tune of 2.50 - 5.50 per cent to the general public, and 2.50 - 6.30 per cent to the senior citizens, on fixed deposits below Rs 2 crore.
Fixed deposits allow customers to save a specific amount of money in the bank for a fixed tenure - also called lock-in period, at a pre-defined rate of interest. At the end of the tenure, the depositor receives the amount invested as well as the compound interest.
Here are the current interest rates provided by the country's top lenders:
| Interest Rate | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bank | For general public | For senior citizens |
| State Bank of India | 2.90%-5.40% | 3.40%-6.20% |
| ICICI Bank | 2.50%-5.50% | 3.00%-6.30% |
| HDFC Bank | 2.50%-5.50% | 3.00%-6.25% |
| Kotak Mahindra Bank | 2.50%-5.30% | 3.00%- 5.80% |
| Axis Bank | 2.50%-5.50% | 2.50%-6.00% |
| (Source: Bank websites) | ||
Conventionally, fixed deposits are looked upon as secured investments as they offer guaranteed returns, compared to market-linked investments such as stocks, where the returns fluctuate over time.
The interest rates on fixed deposits are subject to change from time to time. The applicable interest rates are given as on the date or time of receipt of the funds by the bank. Also, the interests earned on fixed deposits are subject to tax deducted at the source, according to Income Tax laws.
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