Fixed Deposit Returns — How Banks Calculate Your Interest
Simple vs Compound Interest in FDs
Most banks in India use quarterly compounding for fixed deposits, which means interest earned each quarter is added to the principal and earns interest in the next quarter. This compounding effect makes your actual returns slightly higher than the advertised rate. For instance, an FD at 7% with quarterly compounding yields an effective annual rate of about 7.19%. Short-term FDs of less than 6 months may use simple interest instead.
Cumulative vs Non-Cumulative FDs
In a cumulative FD, the interest is reinvested and paid along with the principal at maturity — ideal if you do not need regular income. Non-cumulative FDs pay interest at monthly, quarterly, or annual intervals, making them suitable for retirees or anyone relying on passive income. The total payout from a cumulative FD is always higher because of the compounding benefit. Choose based on whether you need periodic cash flow or maximum growth.
TDS on FD Interest and How to Minimize It
Banks deduct TDS at 10% when your total FD interest across all branches exceeds ₹40,000 in a financial year (₹50,000 for senior citizens). If your total income is below the taxable limit, submit Form 15G (or 15H for seniors) at the start of the year to avoid TDS. Splitting deposits across different banks does not help because the TDS threshold applies per bank. Always track your aggregate interest to avoid unexpected deductions.
Senior Citizen FD Benefits
Senior citizens (aged 60 and above) enjoy an additional 0.25% to 0.50% interest rate over regular FD rates at most banks. Some small finance banks offer premiums as high as 0.75%. They also benefit from the higher TDS exemption threshold of ₹50,000 under Section 194A. Under Section 80TTB, seniors can claim a deduction of up to ₹50,000 on interest income from deposits, providing significant tax relief.
Tax-Saver 5-Year FD Under Section 80C
A 5-year tax-saver FD allows you to claim a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C. These FDs come with a mandatory lock-in of 5 years and cannot be prematurely withdrawn or pledged as collateral. The interest earned, however, is fully taxable in your hands. If you are in the 30% bracket and want guaranteed returns, compare the post-tax yield of a tax-saver FD with ELSS and PPF before deciding.