A Recurring Deposit (RD) is a sort of term deposit in which you invest a specified amount every month rather than a flat sum, as opposed to specified Deposits. The sum is paid out with the principal at maturity after earning interest at a predetermined rate and being compounded every three months.
Understanding what a recurring deposit is crucial because it enables you to develop a disciplined saving habit, earn consistent returns at fixed RD interest rates, and build a financial corpus free from market risk.

A recurring deposit is a good way to save up for any financial goals you may have. As a fixed amount is being deducted from your bank account each month, the onus of saving a portion or setting money aside is already taken care of.
For example, if you are saving for your child's higher education or a related expense, you can calculate an approximate amount you will require and plan your recurring deposit accordingly. As you would also have more immediate expenses, selecting a long term recurring deposit would be a good idea as you can start saving a small amount from the beginning.
You can select a tenure up to a maximum of 10 years, at the end of which you will receive not only the principal but also the accrued interest, making for a significant amount.
For example, some banks have a minimum deposit amount of Rs.10, whereas it is Rs.100 for others.
All banks stipulate that amounts have to be in multiples of Rs.100 over and above the minimum deposit.
The following requirements must be met to open an RD account at a bank:
To open an RD account with the bank of your choice, you will require:
Here are some basic features of recurring deposits:
Generally, the minimum investment amount for this type of term deposit is Rs.1,000. However, the specific minimum amount can vary depending on the bank or financial institution.
Long-term recurring deposits are popular because they provide guaranteed returns and offer higher interest rates compared to other secure investment options. They are known for their stability and security, making them a preferred choice for many investors.
Traditionally, applying for a long-term recurring deposit involved visiting a bank branch. However, in recent times, the process has shifted to online platforms. To apply for a long-term recurring deposit online, individuals can visit the website of the respective bank or financial institution and follow the instructions provided to open an account and invest in a long-term fixed deposit.
Recurring deposit periods typically range from 7 days to 10 years, and therefore, a 20-year tenure may not be available for fixed deposits.
Investing in long-term recurring deposits offers several advantages, such as the ability to avail a loan against them and more financial benefits.
No, this is not universally true. While some banks may offer higher interest rates for longer-term deposits, it is not a guarantee. Each bank sets its own interest rates, which may or may not be higher for long-term deposits.
Apart from banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and other financial institutions also offer various types of recurring deposits, including long-term deposits.
Interest received from recurring deposits is taxable and individuals are required to pay income tax on the interest amount. The tax liability is determined based on the tax slab applicable to the holder of the recurring deposit. Investors with no taxable income can submit Form 15G to avoid Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on recurring deposits.
No, premature withdrawals from a recurring deposit account are generally not allowed before the maturity date. The funds are locked in for the specified tenure, and early withdrawals may attract penalties or result in the loss of interest earned.
Devarthi Gattuwar is a Finance Content Writer who has experience writing about Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Tax, and other BFSI products. Other than that, she also writes about non-financial utility products like Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Government Certificates, etc. She has a special interest in Social Media Marketing and its nuances. She likes to read and learn new things. She's a mental health advocate and a dog lover. |

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