What is a fixed deposit?
A fixed deposit (FD) lets you park a lump sum with a bank or NBFC for a fixed period at a pre-agreed interest rate. It is popular for its predictability: you know the maturity amount at the start. Senior citizens usually get a higher rate than the regular customer rate.
How FD maturity is calculated
Banks compound FD interest quarterly by default, so interest earned every three months starts earning interest itself. More frequent compounding gives a slightly higher maturity amount for the same headline rate.
Worked example
₹1,00,000 at 7% for 5 years
- Yearly compounding
- ₹1,40,255
- Half-yearly compounding
- ₹1,41,060
- Quarterly compounding (standard)
- ₹1,41,478
- Monthly compounding
- ₹1,41,763
Things to know before you invest
- Interest is taxable at your slab rate. Banks deduct TDS once interest crosses a yearly threshold, which you can avoid with Form 15G/15H if your total income is below the taxable limit.
- Deposit insurance: DICGC covers up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank, including principal and interest.
- Premature withdrawal usually attracts a penalty of about 0.5–1% on the rate.
- For interest income at regular intervals, choose the payout option; it earns simple, non-compounded interest.
Build an FD ladder
Instead of one large deposit, split your money across several FDs that mature in different years. Something is always coming due, so you can reinvest at prevailing rates or use the cash in an emergency without breaking a long deposit and paying a penalty.

