Fixed Deposit vs Recurring Deposit: 10 Key Differences & Know Which is Best for You

Deciding between Fixed Deposits (FD) and Recurring Deposits (RD) can be challenging. FD and RD are popular fixed-income instruments that offer reliable returns and are backed by regulated entities, ensuring capital safety. With deposits up to Rs. 5 lakhs insured by DICGI, both ensure your money is safeguarded. So, how do you differentiate between FD and RD?

When comparing FD vs. RD, considering factors like interest rates, investment flexibility, and the purpose of savings becomes essential. While FD allows a lump sum investment, RD entails regular contributions. Before diving deep, using an ‘FD vs. RD calculator’ might be handy.

The core difference between FD and RD often boils down to individual financial goals and surplus availability. This article will unravel the nuances of RD and FD, helping you determine which is better for your needs.

What is a Fixed Deposit

A fixed deposit (FD) is a type of term deposit offered by banks and select other financial institutions. With a fixed deposit, you agree to deposit a certain amount of money for a specific period of time, known as the term of the deposit. In return, the bank pays you a fixed rate of interest on your deposit for the duration of the term.

Fixed deposits are generally considered to be a safe and stable investment option, as they offer a guaranteed return on your money. They are typically used by people who have a large amount of money to save and who do not need access to that money for a specific period of time.

Also Read: Experience financial growth with unmatched Bajaj Finance FD Rates

Here’s an example of how a fixed deposit works:

• Let’s say you have 10,000 INR that you want to save for a year.
• You decide to open a fixed deposit account with a bank, and agree to deposit 10,000 INR for a term of one year.
• The bank offers you an interest rate of 5.5% per year on your deposit.
• At the end of the one-year term, the bank will pay you 550 in interest on your deposit (5.5% of 10,000).
• You can either choose to withdraw your money and the interest earned, or you can choose to roll over the fixed deposit for another term and continue earning interest.

What are Recurring Deposits

A recurring deposit (RD) is also a term deposit offered by banks and other financial institutions. With a recurring deposit, you agree to make regular,relatively smaller deposits over the term of the deposit, rather than making a single lump sum deposit as in the case of an FD. The interest rate on a recurring deposit is typically lower than the interest rate on a fixed deposit (FD), because the bank only has the use of the deposited amount for the duration of that particular deposit.

Recurring deposits are a good option for individuals who want to save money on a regular basis, but who may not have a large amount of money to deposit all at once. They are also generally more flexible than fixed deposits, as you have the option to make additional deposits or withdraw your money ( you will usually have to pay a penalty to do so).

Here’s an example of how a recurring deposit works:

• Let’s say you want to save 5000 INR monthly for a year.
• You decide to open a recurring deposit account with a bank and agree to make monthly deposits of 5,000 INR for a term of one year.
• The bank offers you an interest rate of 5.5% per year on your deposits.
• At the end of the one-year term, the bank will have received 60000 INR in deposits from you.
• The bank will pay you interest on your deposits amounting to 1782.24 INR, calculated at the agreed-upon rate of 5.5% per year.
• You can either withdraw your money and the interest earned or roll over the recurring deposit for another term and continue making regular deposits and earning interest.

Fixed Deposit vs. Recurring Deposit

 Here are the differences between FD and RD:

Common Features of RD & FD

FDs and RDs come with a lot of common features. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Fixed Interest Rates: RD and FD provide predetermined interest rates at the time of investment, ensuring that investors know the exact returns they can anticipate.

Top Security: RD and FD are regarded as secure investments because they are both the work of licenced financial institutions. The Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Institution (DICGI) insures Rs. 5 lakh deposits in both instruments.

Tenure options: RD and FD offer various tenure options, allowing investors to select the length of time that best meets their financial objectives, ranging from a few months to several years.

Tax Deduction at Source (TDS): In accordance with the relevant tax rules, interest earned on both FD and RD is subject to TDS.

Premature Withdrawal: RD and FD allow for early withdrawal, although doing so may result in a fee or a lower interest rate.

Loan against Deposit: Investors with FD and RD deposits may apply for loans against them, converting their savings into a credit source when necessary.

Nomination Ease: FD and RD provide a nomination function that enables account holders to designate a beneficiary to receive the funds in the event of the depositor’s passing.

Compounding Methodology: RD and FD interest are typically compounded quarterly, implying that the interest from one quarter is added to the following quarter’s calculation principle.

Simple to Open: RDs and FDs are simple to open at any bank or financial institution, and with the advent of online banking, they are also readily managed and tracked electronically.

Option for Periodic Interest Payout: FDs typically give customers the choice of receiving interest payments at set intervals, such as monthly, quarterly, or yearly. While RDs, on the other hand, compound interest, both share the ability to earn interest at regular periods.

Fixed Deposit vs Recurring Deposit – Which deposit can earn you more?

The choice between Fixed Deposits and Recurring deposits is entirely dependent on the kind of financial lifestyle that you choose. Although FDs can also hand out monthly interest payouts, given the difference in investment amount, RDs can be a better option. That being said, let’s take a look at which scheme offers better rewards:

Investment Magnitude: Given that you invest a large sum of money upfront for FDs, the subsequent interest amount is also higher. When it comes to RDs, given that you invest a smaller amount every month, only the first-month tenders the interest payout for the full tenure, and the next month earns a little less as you get closer to the maturity date.

Rate of Interest: Although the RD and FD rates can be similar for the same bank, the difference in tenures and investment amount will also give out a difference in the rate. FDs, in this case, take the upper hand, given the longer period and value of the investment.

Tenure and Compounding: Given the longer period of investment and principal investment paid upfront, FDs tend to have a larger return compounding in comparison to RDs.

From a purely investment maximisation standpoint, FDs tend to give out a better ROI in comparison to RDs. But then again, you must evaluate your financial lifestyle and see what suits you better.

Interest Rates Offered for RD & FD From Banks

Here’s a short list of some of the household names in the banking industry:

Which is Best & What Should You Choose: FD or RD?

The thing to know between Fixed Deposits and Recurring Deposits is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice between FD and RD should be rooted in your individual financial objectives, liquidity needs, and investment temperament. Here’s a more detailed outlook to assist you in making an informed decision:

Liquidity Preferences: FDs, having a larger principal amount, might restrain your liquidity. If you feel you might need access to your funds periodically, then RDs, with their monthly contributions, offer a bit more flexibility. Breaking an FD prematurely might lead to penalties or reduced interest.

Savings Discipline: If you’re someone who struggles with maintaining a disciplined saving routine, RD can be your companion. Consistent monthly deposits can instil a habit of saving. On the other hand, if you’ve amassed a significant amount and aim for a one-time investment, FD is your ally.

Investment Horizon: Your investment duration also plays a pivotal role. If you foresee a large expense a few years down the line and have a lump sum now, parking it in an FD might be more fruitful. However, an RD might be more fitting if you’re saving for a nearer goal, like a vacation or a gadget.

Risk Appetite: FD and RD are low-risk instruments, but if you’re extremely conservative and prefer consistent small savings over a lump sum lock-in, RD might be more appealing.

Return Expectations: If the maximal return on your investment is the primary objective, FDs usually have a slight edge due to the compounding benefits on a larger principal from day one. However, the difference might not be massive, especially if the interest rates are close.

Final Thoughts

As you have seen, RD and FD have both similarities and differences. While both give near risk-free returns and are not affected by market changes, the effective interest on FDs turns out to be higher than that on RDs, this is more obvious in the case of  a cumulative FD.an RD lets you create a substantial corpus from small monthly savings in contrast to an FD that demands for a one-time lump-sum. When choosing between RD vs FD, you must consider the surplus amount in hand, the interest rates offered and the financial goals you are aiming to achieve.

FAQs