The Post Office FD scheme presents attractive interest rates at 6.8 percent, 6.9 percent, 7.0 percent, and 7.5 percent for durations of one year, two years, three years, and five years respectively. On the other hand, banks like SBI, ICICI, and HDFC offer a wide range of interest rates varying from 3% to 7.1% for general citizens on FDs ranging from 7 days to 10 years.
Senior citizens enjoy an additional benefit of 50 basis points (bps) on the Post Office FD interest rate. Meanwhile, different banks have their own unique interest rate structures, making it essential to compare and choose wisely to maximize returns on your fixed deposits.
Post Office Fixed Deposit Interest Rates (w.e.f 1 July 2023 to 30 September 2023)
Highest Slab Rate | 7.50% p.a. (for 5 years) |
For 1 year | 6.90% p.a. |
For 2 years | 7.00% p.a. |
For 3 years | 7.00% p.a. |
For 5 years (including tax-saving FD) | 7.50% p.a. |
What is the eligibility for the Post Office’s FD account?
Those that fit the criteria to use a Post Office FD service include:
- Investments may also be made by minors with the supervision of their legal guardian.
- Indian citizens have the option of managing their investments individually or collectively.
- However, fixed deposits through the Post Office are unavailable to NRIs, societies, trusts, companies, businesses, or other organizations.
What documentation is required for a Post Office FD account?
The following documents must be readily submitted during the opening of an FD account with the Post Office to avail Post Office FD interest:
- For Address Proof: Recent months’ telephone bills, electricity bills, Post Office certificates or licensed IDs, a bank statement that includes a cheque leaf, or passport.
- For Identification Proof: Documents such as the Voter’s ID card, Aadhar card, PAN card, driver’s license, ration card with photo proof, or passport can be used.
However, bringing more than one document for each category is advisable.
How to avail of a loan against your FD?
With a loan against FD, you effectively secure the loan with the amount of your fixed deposit by using it as collateral. By using your issuer’s overdraft capacity in conjunction with your deposited cash, this facility enables you to access money when you need it.
The loan can be obtained as a lump payment and repaid through equivalent monthly installments (EMIs), much like other credit facilities. Typically, depending on the lender, you may be able to borrow up to 90% of the value of your fixed deposit.
The conditions of the loan vary, as do the Post Office FD interest rate 2023 and length of the payback period. Banks often charge rates of interest up to 3% more than the current FD interest rate when they provide loans secured by fixed deposits.
What happens on premature withdrawal of funds?
Premature withdrawals are permitted for PO Time Deposits (TD) after six months. However, doing so before the maturity term incurs a penalty. The penalty varies according to the length of the deposit.
- If a TD fund is closed after a six-month period but before one year, the interest rate will be the same as that of a PO Savings Account.
- The interest on 2/3/5-year TD accounts that have been shut down prematurely after one year will be calculated as 2% less than the TD rates for the full term (i.e., 1/2/3 years).
- The RBI requires a minimum lock-in duration of three months for fixed deposits with Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).
- If you withdraw in the span of 3 to 6 months, you will get only the principal amount and no interest income.
- After six months, interest income is computed at a rate that is 2% lower than the current interest rate.
- Premature withdrawals might reduce your fixed deposit’s total earnings. Before making an early withdrawal, it is critical to examine the potential fines and lower interest rates.
- Recognizing the terms and circumstances of premature withdrawals is critical when creating a fixed deposit.
- While Post Office TDs allow for partial withdrawals after six months, it’s crucial to mind that early withdrawal might result in financial losses owing to fines and lower interest rates.
Who is eligible to avail the nomination facilities?
As per the regulations of Post Office FD rates, irrespective of current regulation or legal provision, if a depositor names a beneficiary to receive their money upon death, that person will be entitled to the money. That excludes any other parties as long as the nomination is changed or revoked in accordance with the specified procedure.
The nomination is worthless if the nominee or all nominees pass away before the depositor, regardless of how many nominations there are.
If the nominee is under 18 years of age, the person making the deposit has the power to designate another person to take possession of the deposit. That is in the case of their passing while the nominee is still a minor by following the required procedure.
How to avail services from the Post Office?
The following are some essential details regarding Post Office fixed deposits that might assist you in availing services:
- Easy account opening: Depositors can open several FD accounts at any Post Office, making it simple to manage various investments from one location.
- Access to minors: These accounts can be opened and managed by minors as young as 10 years old. They can seek to convert the account in their name after they reach the age of 18 to ensure a seamless transfer. However, the Post Office FD rates for senior citizens are also attractive.
- Affordable minimum deposit: A Post Office FD may be opened with as little as Rs. 200, making it available to a wide range of investors.
- Tax advantages: Under subsection 80C of the Income Tax Act of India, 1961, deposits made for a 5-year term are eligible for tax advantages, which can help you save money on taxes.
- Easy transfer of deposits: This option allows clients to effortlessly move their savings from one Post Office to another, keeping them adaptable and accessible.
- Auto-renewal: At maturity, the account is automatically renewed for the same duration as in the past, at the interest rate in effect that day.
- Easy tracking: through the Post Office FD calculator, customers can track FD interest rates anytime.
No, there are no maximum limits because the highest possible deposit amount is unrestricted, allowing you to make investments that fit your budget.
For two adult account holders, the Post Office FD interest rates 2023 provide the versatility of joint accounts, allowing them to pursue common financial objectives.
The Post Office FD interest rate calculator is beneficial for customers to calculate their interest rates on the go without having to rely on difficult steps each time.