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Updated on: 09 Jan 2024 | 10 mins read
If you have a lump sum amount sitting idle in your savings bank account, a fixed deposit (FD) scheme would be an ideal way to invest the sum and avail of fixed yet decent returns after a specific duration. Suppose you have a financial goal that needs to be fulfilled after six months and have put together some savings. In that case, investing in the FD scheme is a wise decision over keeping the money in a savings account. FDs offer a higher interest
This is because a 6 month FD interest rate is more than the interest rate provided by a savings account for the same duration. A higher interest rate is, therefore, one of the most significant benefits of an FD scheme over a savings scheme. In this article, let us explore the 6-month FD interest rate, the formula to calculate the interest and different rates for senior citizens.
The FD rates for 6 months vary across financial institutions. Each bank and NBFC has its framework for interest rates. So, it depends on the institution where you open the FD account.
The following table will show you the 6-month FD rates and returns on an investment amount of ₹1 lakh for different banks. The calculations are based on a standard FD scheme with cumulative frequency for a 30-year-old.
| Bank Name | Investment Amount (Rs.) | Rate of interest (%) | Interest Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICICI Bank | 1,00,000 | 3.75 | 1,884 |
| SBI | 1,00,000 | 4.55 | 2,262 |
| HDFC Bank | 1,00,000 | 3.75 | 1,884 |
| Axis Bank | 1,00,000 | 4.65 | 2,339 |
| Central Bank of India | 1,00,000 | 4.65 | 2,339 |
| Bank of India | 1,00,000 | 4.35 | 2,275 |
| Canara Bank | 1,00,000 | 4.65 | 2,339 |
| Bank of Maharashtra | 1,00,000 | 3.90 | 1,950 |
| Union Bank of India | 1,00,000 | 4.10 | 2,050 |
| IndusInd Bank | 1,00,000 | 4.75 | 2,375 |
| DCB Bank | 1,00,000 | 5.70 | 2,850 |
If you are a senior citizen, the interest rate will increase by 0.50-0.75% on the above values, varying from bank to bank.
Following is the formula for FD interest calculation.
I = (P*r*t)/100
Where
I - Interest
P - Principal
R - Rate
T - Time
You should always invest in an FD account over parking a lump sum amount in a savings bank account. This way, you gain a higher interest by the end of your tenure.
The 6-month FDs are provided by banks only. Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) provide FDs with a minimum tenure of 12 months or one year. So, finding a suitable bank for opening an FD account for 6 months would be best.
The interest rate depends upon the investment amount, age, tenure, interest payout frequency and the bank where you open an FD account. The higher your investments, the higher the returns. For example, the interest rate for investment above Rs. 5 crores will differ from an amount lesser than that.
A significant factor that impacts the interest amount is the frequency of the compounded interest. Based on your financial goal, you can choose the frequency.
Opening an FD account for 6 months helps achieve short-term financial goals. The investment amount and the tenure are significant factors that impact the interest rate and, consequently, the interest amount. The 6-month FD interest rate by most banks varies between 3-5.5% for regular and senior citizen accounts. You can calculate the interest amount by applying the formula and comparing it with the amount stated by the bank. Moreover, you must compare the FD interest rates for 6 months of different financial institutions to avail the maximum returns.
Is FD investment safe?
Yes, the investment in an FD scheme falls under the almost zero to very-low risk investment category. It is not market-linked, so the returns are fixed and guaranteed. However, if the financial institution where you opened an FD account goes bankrupt, there is a risk to your investment though FDs with bank are insured upto an amount of INR 5 lacs by DICGC.
Do banks offer an online facility to open an FD account?
Yes, an online FD account opening facility is available with most banks through their internet banking portal and apps.
Are interest rates offered by FD schemes higher than that of a savings account?
Yes, the interest rates provided by the FD scheme are comparatively higher than those offered by a savings account.
Can I avail tax savings for investment in an FD scheme for 6 months?
Generally, tax-saving FD schemes have a higher maturity tenure, such as five years or more. You can avail of tax exemptions under such schemes on investments up to Rs.1.5 lakh. Nonetheless, checking the terms and conditions of the financial institution you invest in would be advisable.
Which banks offer the best FD interest rates for 6 months of investment?
You can visit banks’ official websites to determine the interest rates, terms and conditions, and the compounding frequency for a clearer understanding of the returns on investment. For instance, the 6-month FD interest rate offered by ICICI Bank is 3.75%, while SBI offers 4.55% for standard FDs. These interest rates vary based on investment amount, type of FD scheme, and customer profile.
Do senior citizens get higher interest rates on their investments in an FD scheme than adults and minors?
The interest rates for senior citizens are higher by 0.50-0.75% than those provided for minors and adults.
The FD tenure usually varies from 7 days to 10 years.
TDS is deducted when the interest income earned exceeds Rs 40,000 in a financial year for all resident assessees, except for resident senior citizens. For senior residents, TDS will be deducted when the interest income exceeds Rs 50,000 in a financial year.
Who can invest in a 6-month FD scheme?
The following individuals and organisations can invest in an FD scheme: Indian residents
