Certificate Of Deposit Vs Fixed Deposit: Which Is Better?

Fixed Deposit (FD) is an investment scheme in which you can invest a lump sum amount for a specific tenure for a fixed interest rate. Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and post offices offer FD schemes. The interest rate remains the same throughout the tenure, so you get assured returns. The interest rate depends upon the investment amount and tenure and it varies from bank to bank.

Moreover, senior citizens are offered higher interest rates on their investments in an FD scheme. Also, FDs placed with a  bank are insured by DICGC upto an amount of INR 5,00,000. Unlike mutual funds, investments in an FD scheme fall under the almost-zero risk category as they offer assured returns with negligible risk upto INR 5 lacs per bank.

You can open multiple FD accounts in banks and NBFCs. You also have the flexibility of closing an FD account if you need funds in case of a financial emergency. Many FD schemes allow you to withdraw your investment before the maturity date; however, you will have to pay a penalty.

Some FD schemes (with a tenure of five years) also offer tax deductions on investments up to Rs. 1,50,000 as per Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Furthermore, you can avail loans by keeping your FD as collateral and enjoy a lower interest rate.

A certificate of Deposit (CD) is a short-term fixed-income investment option. In many cases, CDs are similar to FDs. You invest a lump sum amount for a specific tenure in an authorised bank or financial institution and receive an assured interest amount along with the invested amount upon maturity. However, a CD scheme has its own features and benefits.

CDs are issued in a dematerialised form and they are held with a depository registered with  Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). CDs are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Scheduled commercial banks, small finance banks, regional rural banks, and all India Financial Institutions like SIDBI, Exim Bank, NABARD and NHB can issue CDs. All Indian residents can invest in a CD scheme. The minimum amount of investment in a CD scheme is Rs. 5,00,000, and you can invest only in multiples of Rs. 5,00,000 thereafter.

Investment tenure for CDs generally varies from seven days to one year. CDs with a maturity of 1-3 years can be issued by All-India Financial Institutions.

Below are the some crucial differences in the features of fixed deposit and certificate of deposit:

The investment amount and tenure are crucial factors when choosing between an FD and CD. So, you need to consider your financial goals and the amount in hand before investing. If you have a lump sum amount sitting idle in your savings account and have a financial goal to achieve five years down the line, you can choose FD.

However, if you have a short-term financial goal and have enough funds on your hands, you can select a CD. Moreover, you should consider the terms of early withdrawal of your investment in a CD scheme in case you need funds in emergencies. The terms of early withdrawal may vary from one financial institution to another.

Choosing between a fixed deposit and a certificate of deposit is easier when you consider the features of each scheme and the investment you are willing to make. The FD vs CD comparison shows crucial differences in aspects such as the investment tenure and the minimum investment amount.

Choose the most suitable scheme for fixed returns based on your financial goals, investment amount, and features such as the interest rate, loan facility, and premature withdrawal rules. It would be wise to invest in either of these schemes instead of keeping a lump sum amount in a savings bank account.