A number of banks have raised the interest rates associated with their fixed deposits during the festive period and some of them have also come out with special FD schemes to lure customers. Therefore, this seems to be an opportune moment for people to explore fixed deposit investments.
A fixed deposit (FD) presents an attractive option for those who prefer to minimize risk. It guarantees a fixed interest rate on the principal amount throughout the deposit’s term, leading to gradual accumulation.
One significant benefit of FDs is their flexible tenure, which allows for the management of various deposits with differing durations. You may choose to open an FD account with your current bank or select another institution that offers more favorable interest rates. The choice is entirely yours; however, the procedures may vary, especially concerning KYC and other documentation requirements if you opt for a bank with which you have no previous association.
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Fixed deposits provide a secure way to protect a specific sum while generating a reliable income stream. Investing a lump sum — that you do not intend to utilize for an extended period — in a fixed deposit (FD) account is a prudent choice.
The returns on fixed deposits are stable and not influenced by market fluctuations, guaranteeing a fixed interest rate for the specified term.
Opening an FD account has also become a simple process now. You can either take advantage of online banking services or visit the nearest branch of your bank. By choosing to establish a fixed deposit account with the same bank where you maintain a savings account, you can bypass the KYC process and facilitate a seamless transfer of funds.
Senior citizens are eligible for an additional 50 basis points in interest on fixed deposits (FDs) at banks. Consequently, if there are senior citizens in your family, it may be beneficial to open FDs in their names to take advantage of the enhanced interest rates.
FDs can also act as a reliable source for immediate financial requirements, as the funds can be accessed quickly. Although obtaining a loan against your FD is an option, it is prudent to carefully examine the associated terms and conditions before proceeding. You have the option to either transfer the FD amount to your savings account or renew it upon maturity. If you choose the latter, the funds will be reinvested as a fixed deposit.
It is crucial to understand that withdrawing your fixed deposit before its maturity date will result in a lower interest rate and may incur a penalty on the FD amount. Therefore, it is wise to consider the pros and cons thoroughly and to compare the interest rates provided by different banks for fixed deposits prior to making a decision.
Below is a list of India’s top banks, including the State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Bank of India, PNB, Union Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Kotak Bank, among others, that offer competitive interest rates on fixed deposits. You can compare the interest rates and terms ranging from 1 to 5 years to select the option that best meets your requirements.
India’s Top Banks with Highest Fixed Deposit Rates in November 2024
| Bank FD Interest Rates (%) | |||
| Bank | 1 to 2 years | 2 to 3 years | 3 to 5 years |
| PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS | |||
| Bank of Maharashtra | 7.4 | 7.25 | 6.5 |
| Bank of Baroda | 7.3 | 7.15 | 6.8 |
| Bank of India | 7.3 | 6.75 | 6.5 |
| Canara Bank | 7.25 | 6.85 | 6.8 |
| Central Bank of India | 7.45 | 6.5 | 6 |
| Indian Bank | 7.25 | 6.7 | 6.25 |
| Indian Overseas Bank | 7.3 | 6.8 | 6.5 |
| Punjab National Bank | 7.25 | 7 | 6.5 |
| Punjab & Sind Bank | 7.5 | 7.4 | 6 |
| State Bank of India | 7.25 | 7 | 6.75 |
| UCO Bank | 7.05 | 6.3 | 6.2 |
| Union Bank | 7.25 | 6.7 | 6.5 |
| PRIVATE SECTOR BANKS | |||
| Axis Bank | 7.25 | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| Bandhan Bank | 8.05 | 7.25 | 7.25 |
| Catholic Syrian | 7.75 | 7.1 | 5.75 |
| City Union Bank | 7 | 6.5 | 6.25 |
| DCB Bank | 8.05 | 7.55 | 7.75 |
| Dhanlaxmi Bank | 7.25 | 6.5 | 7.25 |
| Federal Bank | 7.35 | 7.4 | 7.4 |
| HDFC Bank | 7.25 | 7.35 | 7.4 |
| ICICI Bank | 7.25 | 7 | 7 |
| IDBI Bank | 7.35 | 7 | 6.5 |
| IDFC First Bank | 7.75 | 6.8 | 6.75 |
| IndusInd Bank | 7.75 | 7.25 | 7.25 |
| J & K Bank | 7 | 7 | 6.75 |
| Karnataka Bank | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Kotak Bank | 7.4 | 7.15 | 7 |
| Karur Vysya Bank | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7 |
| RBL Bank | 8.1 | 7.5 | 7.1 |
| South Indian Bank | 7.4 | 7 | 6.7 |
| Tamilnad Mercantile Bank | 7.5 | 6.75 | 6.5 |
| TNSC Bank | 7.75 | 6.75 | 6.5 |
| Yes Bank | 8 | 7.25 | 7.25 |
| SMALL FINANCE BANKS | |||
| AU Small Finance Bank | 8 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Equitas Small Finance Bank | 8.25 | 8.15 | 7.5 |
| ESAF Small Finance Bank | 8.25 | 8.25 | 6.75 |
| Jana Small Finance Bank | 8.25 | 8.25 | 8.2 |
| Suryoday Small Finance Bank | 8.5 | 8.65 | 8.25 |
| Utkarsh Small Finance Bank | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Ujjivan Small Finance Bank | 8.25 | 7.75 | 7.2 |
| Data as of the respective banks’ websites on November 1, 2024; For each year range, the maximum offered interest rate is considered; interest rate is for a normal fixed deposit amount below ₹1 crore. Compiled by BankBazaar.com. | |||
