Green Fixed Deposits: Interest Rate, Benefits, Risks and How It Works

A green fixed deposit is a fixed-income instrument for investors looking to invest their cash reserves in sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives. Like a regular FD, you deposit a lump sum with a bank and earn a fixed interest on it. However, in this case, the deposit proceeds are used to finance projects under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include green transportation, renewable energy, waste management, etc.

The idea behind the green fixed deposit schemes is straightforward – banks use these deposits to issue loans that support ESG (Environmental, social, and governance) projects.

For corporates, Green FDs serve the purpose of integrating the sustainability agenda into treasury activities. So, if you operate a business with limited options to invest in environmentally beneficial initiatives, green FDs can prove to be an ideal choice.

In 2020, HSBC became the first foreign bank in India to announce the launch of a green fixed deposit scheme, entering a club of a select few global banks to bring forth this proposition.

Other banks offer such a scheme besides HSBC, HDFC, DBS, Federal Bank, Union Bank, IndusInd Bank, etc.

Green FDs work similarly to general FDs. They accept deposits and pay interest for the tenure. The only difference is in the manner in which funds are utilised.

The funds received under the green deposit scheme are further used for sustainable and environment-friendly projects focusing on renewable energy, clean technology, or other environmentally beneficial initiatives. These projects include financing solar power projects, wind farms, organic farming, energy-efficient infrastructure, and more.

The features and Benefits of Green Fixed Deposits include:

• Both retail and corporate customers can invest in a green fixed deposit and earn assured returns.
• The interest rates vary from bank to bank. However, senior citizens are eligible for a 0.25% extra interest rate for deposits up to Rs. 2 crores.
• An additional 0.1% interest rate per annum will be applicable on deposits up to Rs. 50 lakhs if you make deposits online.
• The tenure of the Green FD ranges from 18 months to 10 years, depending on the bank.
• Premature withdrawal is allowed after the first three months of account opening. If you are an individual investor and withdraw funds after 3 months but before 6 months, the interest you earn will be a flat 3%, regardless of applicable rates. However, premature withdrawals for non-individual investors will attract no interest.
• On premature withdrawals after six months of account opening, a penalty of 1% is charged. Your deposits will attract a 1% lower interest than the applicable rates.
• Further, if you withdraw prematurely after six months after the account opening, your green FD will be converted to a regular FD.  
• Deposits of up to Rs 5 lakhs are insured. 
• You can avail of an overdraft facility against the green FDs as well. However, when using such a facility, the green FD gets converted to a regular FD.

Note: The features mentioned above are only indicative. Exact features and benefits may vary for different financial institutions. Investors are advised to confirm the same from the concerned institution before investing.

Many Financial Institutions in India, including banks, offer the facility to open a Green FD for individuals and corporations. You can connect to the bank branch to invest and avail the facility. The list of banks includes HSBC Bank, HDFC Bank, IndusInd Bank, Federal Bank, etc.

Green FDs are generally available to individuals and corporations meeting specific eligibility criteria set by banks. These criteria usually involve factors like age, residency, and documentation ability. The conditions may differ depending on the financial institutions.

Climate change has led to unprecedented temperature increases and disrupted weather patterns in India and worldwide. Hence, investing in ESG-sensitive projects is crucial to fulfilling your duties as responsible global citizens. Green FDs fit the bill perfectly as they assure fixed returns and ensure that your capital contributes to the country’s greater socio-economic good, thus putting your money to work in more ways than one.