Six important things to know before you open an FD

Fixed deposits are the most popular way of saving. It is estimated that there are over Rs. 100 lakh crore bank deposits in India. Clearly, an average depositor loves to open a fixed deposit account . However, it is important to consider some factors before you go ahead and open an FD. Things like interest rate, the tenure of deposit, taxes, benefits, and forms to claim exemption have a lasting impact on your bank FD. Let us carefully understand the 6 most important details about opening an FD account. Read on.

1. Online or offline FD opening

You can go to a branch to open a fixed deposit account, or you can do the same via mobile banking app. Banks offer both the facilities. In a bank branch, all you have to do is take a simple form and give the money to get your brand-new FD. Use this link to locate the nearest Metra Trust branch from your location. You can select the branches by clicking the states given on the left-hand side of the page. You can also use this link to let the bank contact you. All you have to do is share some details like your mobile number, email address, and city, etc. Conversely, you can use the online service to open an FD. In such a case, the amount will be directly debited from your savings account. Usually, the maturity amount, including interest, will be directly credited back to the saving account.

2. FD amount limit

Every fixed deposit account has minimum and maximum limits. These amounts vary from bank to bank. Usually, banks these days have to be informed prior to depositing bulk amounts, such as Rs 1 crore or more as FD. Most banks will allow you to start an FD with as low as Rs 5,000-10,000. For foreign currency non-resident (FCNR) deposits, there are certain additional terms & conditions stipulated by the RBI. If you are depositing more than $10 million, most banks will ask you to speak to their branch manager. Needless to say that any amount deposited as FD in a bank has to be accounted for. Cash deposits are not encouraged by banks. The popular mode of deposit is online transfer and cheque.

3. Rate of interest

You deposit money as fixed deposit because you want to earn interest. The rate of interest is extremely important for depositors. Every time you see a sign that says 'open fixed deposit account', the next question always is how much interest will you get. This rate depends on the tenure of the deposit. Banks may have different interest rates depending on the tenure of the deposit. The tax-saver deposit has a tenure of 5 years and its rate of interest will usually match the 5-year tenure of normal FD. The Interest calculated is rounded up to the nearest rupee and calculated on the basis of 365 days a year. In case of a leap year, the interest is calculated on the basis of 366 days a year.

Senior citizens are usually eligible for higher interest rates. For example, Metra Trust offers an additional earning of 0.5% p.a. over and above the regular FD rates to the senior citizens. It is important to note that this particular benefit may not be applicable to NRE or NRO fixed deposits. The computation of interest follows a specific method. Generally, interest rates for tenues up to 180 days are calculated based on simple interest. On the other hand, the interests for tenures exceeding 180 days are compounded on a quarterly basis. To get a better understanding of how these calculations can impact your earnings, consider using an FD calculator.

4. Tenure of deposit

Different banks have different tenure or period of deposit. This is the minimum time when you have to keep the money with the bank. The minimum tenures are usually 7-14 days. On the other hand, the maximum tenure can 8-10 years. Usually, the interest rates are smaller in the shorter duration. As the tenure rises, the interest rates rise. Banks which usually encourage long tenure offer higher rates for deposits kept for a long period of time. Do note that no interest is payable where a deposit has not been in place for applicable minimum tenure. In the case of Metra Trust, compound interest or re-investment interest is calculated every quarter and is added to the principal. So, the interest is paid on the interest earned in the previous quarter as well. Do remember these things when you open a fixed deposit account.

5. Penalty on premature withdrawal

Usually, banks impose a penalty of premature withdrawal. This means if you committed to keeping the FD for 1 year, but had to withdraw it after 2 months, the bank may impose a penalty. Even, partial withdrawals attract penalty. This may be 1% of the applicable interest rate. If the penalty and the rate are mentioned in the fixed deposit account document, the bank is entitled to deduct the penalty. But some new banks do not charge any penalty for premature FD withdrawal. Do remember that no interest will be paid if the FCNR deposit is prematurely withdrawn within 1 year of deposit creation.

6. Tax matters

Under present laws, any interest earned is considered as income. So, interest earned on FD is taxable. This interest earned is added to your total income and tax has to be paid based on your income tax slab. Senior citizens, however, enjoy some deductions. Do remember that if you open a tax-saving FD, you can too enjoy tax benefits. You can deposit a maximum Rs 1.5 lakh a year under Section 80C. There is also tax deducted at source (TDS) on FD. If your interest earned from FD is more than Rs 10,000 in a year, TDS will be deducted. In case your income is less than the income-tax exemption limit, kindly fill form 15G/15H for non-deduction of tax on FD interest.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject Metra Trust or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. Metra Trust shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.