Fixed Deposit Interest Rates: Fixed deposits (FDs) offer a secure avenue for investment, particularly favored by risk-averse individuals and senior citizens. Recently, several top banks have raised their FD interest rates, with some offering up to 8.1% on 1-3 year tenures, making them an attractive option for those seeking stable returns.
What is a Fixed deposit?
You can invest a specific amount at a fixed interest rate for a set period with a fixed deposit. The interest rate may vary depending on the bank’s terms. You can choose FD terms from one week to ten years.
Here are the fixed deposit interest rates from top banks for terms of 1 to 3 years:
Source: Bank websites as quoted by ET; interest rates as on April, 4, 2024
FD Laddering strategy
With FD laddering, you divide your investment into multiple FDs with various maturity dates. Instead of putting all your money in one FD, you spread it across FDs with different maturity periods.
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ICICI Bank describes the Fixed deposit Laddering Strategy as a method where you split a lump sum into multiple FDs, each with different maturity dates. Instead of putting all your money into one deposit, you spread it across several deposits with staggered maturity periods. This strategy aims to achieve a balance between earning consistent returns and having access to funds regularly.
Tax implications of Fixed deposits
Interest income from FDs is fully taxable and contributes to your overall tax obligation. Since FD interest is considered “income from other sources,” Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is applicable. The bank deducts TDS at the time of crediting your account with interest earnings.
For FD interest exceeding Rs 40,000 in a fiscal year, TDS is applicable. However, for individuals aged 60 or above, the TDS threshold is Rs 50,000.
