1. Regular Fixed Deposit

The classic bank FD works in a straightforward way. Banks lend money to borrowers and they need capital for that. They get access to the required capital by tapping into your fixed deposit. 

That’s why FDs carry a lock-in period that ranges from a few weeks to years. The bank pays you interest in exchange for your investments, that’s the return that you earn which ranges from 4.5-5.5%. 

2. Senior Citizens Fixed Deposit

Senior Citizens FDs work the same way as regular FDs. However, there’s one important difference. Fixed-term deposit interest rates are higher for senior citizens by as much as 0.5% as opposed to regular citizens. You can consult a Cube Wealth coach or Download the Cube Wealth app.

3. Tax Saving Fixed Deposit

A tax-saving fixed deposit can help you claim deductions of up to ₹1,50,000 under Section 80C. But there’s a catch. Tax saving FDs carry a lock-in period of 5 years. Average returns may range from 4.5 to 5.5%.

4. Flexi Fixed Deposit

A Flexi Fixed Deposit is a combination of a savings/current account and a fixed deposit. It basically allows you to access the high liquidity of a savings account and the predictable fixed deposit returns.

5. Corporate Fixed Deposit

Corporate FDs are offered by NBFCs. They’re generally known to offer higher returns than a regular bank fixed deposit. The average returns range from 5.5-6.5%. However, Corporate FDs are considered to not be as safe as bank FDs. 

1. Assured Safety

Bank fixed deposits are safe because they are backed by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) scheme, which ensures that up to ₹1,00,000 of your capital, including interest, is safe at all times. 

2. Reliable Returns

The returns generated by a bank FD is predictable and is known before making the investment. While this is true, RBI’s interest rate changes may have an impact on the returns. 

3. Non-Market Linked

FDs are non-market linked options which means that the volatility of the equity market doesn’t have an impact on the returns. 

4. Loan Against FD

Emergencies may lead to a cash crunch that would require you to access capital immediately. However, you don’t need to liquidate your FD - you can take a loan against the FD that serves as collateral. You can consult a Cube Wealth coach or Download the Cube Wealth app.

1. Debt Mutual Funds

Debt funds are known to be a relatively safe type of mutual fund. They generally invest in AAA/AA+ rated bonds and other debt securities with the aim of generating solid returns in the range of 6-8%. 

Explore Top Debt Funds

2. Liquid Funds

Liquid mutual funds fall under the debt funds category and carry a relatively lower risk compared to other mutual funds. The low risk does not mean that liquid funds are a pushover. 

They can still generate reasonably better returns than a bank FD in the range of 4-6%. Moreover, withdrawing bank FDs can be a tedious process as the conventional way involves a lot of paperwork. 

You might also have to factor in the bank executive’s lunchtime break. However, liquid funds are far easier to redeem. The withdrawals are processed in 3-5 business days, all online. 

Your withdrawals can be transferred straight into your bank account in less than 30 minutes if you use Cube ATM. Learn more about it here.   

See Best Liquid Funds

3. Large-Cap Mutual Funds

Large-cap funds invest in reliable, trusted, and iconic companies that are industry leaders in their own right. They fall under the equity funds category and are known to generate 10-12% returns on average. 

Investing in large-cap funds over FDs has two benefits. One, your investment grows with the market that gives it a better chance to outperform inflation. Two, the returns are almost 2-3x that of FDs.

For example, let’s compare the returns of a top mutual fund on the Cube Wealth app, Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund versus a bank FD.

Point to note, large-cap mutual funds carry a higher risk than debt funds, liquid funds, and bank FDs. However, they’re known to be far more stable than other equity funds. 

It would be wise to invest in large-cap funds based on your risk appetite. Take Cube’s Free Risk Analysis Quiz to understand your risk level and get recommended investment options from reliable advisors. 

4. P2P Lending

P2P lending on Cube Wealth allows you to become a lender who loans money to borrowers with RBI Certified P2P Lending NBFCs, Faircent and LiquiLoans. FDs and P2P lending have two things in common: 

• Non-market linked 
• Lock-in period (with the exception of one no lock-in scheme)
  

However, the similarities end there as P2P lending On Cube is an attractive asset class that can generate 8-9.5% returns. Furthermore, P2P lending is a passive income source with recurring payouts.  

Cube gives you access to risk-based investment options and thoroughly vetted borrowers. Explore P2P lending on Cube

5. Asset Leasing

Asset leasing by Grip on Cube Wealth allows you to become a co-investor in physical assets like cars, furniture, equipment, and more. It is a source of passive income that has benefits over FDs like:

• 12% post-tax returns
• Recurring payouts
• Scheme-based lock-in

1. What is a bank Fixed Deposit (FD)?

Ans. A bank Fixed Deposit (FD) is a financial instrument where investors deposit a lump sum of money with a bank for a fixed tenure at a predetermined interest rate.

2. How are bank FD interest rates determined?

Ans. Bank FD interest rates are determined by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and vary according to market conditions and the bank's policies. Longer tenures and higher deposit amounts generally fetch higher interest rates.

3. Can investors choose the tenure of their bank FDs?

Ans. Yes, investors can select the tenure that suits their financial goals, ranging from a few months to several years, depending on the bank's terms.

4. Why do investors choose bank FDs over other investment options?

Ans. Bank FDs are preferred for their safety and stability. They offer a guaranteed return and are insured by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) for up to Rs. 5 lakh per account.

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