Post office FD: Interest rates, maturity compared

Post office time deposits provide a reliable income source, backed by administration assurance for investors.

Key points

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• If you invest Rs 5 lakh in a 1-year POTD at an interest rate of 6.9% per annum, you will earn interest around Rs 35, 403.
• A post office time deposit account can be opened with a minimum of Rs 1, 000 investment and in multiples of Rs 100.
• Not all post office time deposits are eligible for tax benefits under Section 80C of Income Tax Act.
• The 3-year POTD offers an interest rate of 7.1% per annum.

Post office time deposits provide a reliable income source, backed by administration assurance for investors. When you invest Rs 5 lakh, the maturity amounts vary significantly depending on your chosen tenure. The administration updates interest rates quarterly, resulting in maturity values ranging from Rs 5.35 lakh to Rs 7.24 lakh. It's significant to note that only the 5-year time deposit qualifies for tax benefits. Listen to this article in summarized format.

Notably, a Post Office Time Deposit (POTD), additionally known as a National Savings Time Deposit, or post office TD, provides stable income and is backed by the central administration. Post office TD is a popular choice for investors who favour low-risk investments. If you invest Rs 5 lakh in a post office TD, the maturity amount will depend on the tenure you choose. Post office TD interest rates vary with tenures. Interest rates of POTD, along with other small savings schemes, are reviewed by the administration every quarter. Have a look at post office TD interest rates on different tenures and how much approximate maturity amounts you will obtain in 1, 2, 3 and 5-year TDs.

Up to 8.50% interest rate on senior citizen FD: This bank revises rates on fixed deposit; check new rates and returns on Rs 1 lakh investment Maturity on Rs 5 lakh investment in 1-year post office TD.

If you invest Rs 5 lakh in a 1-year POTD at an interest rate of 6.9% per annum, you will earn interest around Rs 35, 403. The total maturity amount you receive will be approximately Rs 5, 35, 403. Maturity on Rs 5 lakh investment in 2-year post office TD.

For a 2-year POTD, the interest rate is 7% per annum. If you invest Rs 5 lakh, you will earn interest around Rs 74, 441 in two years. The total amount payable at maturity will be approximately Rs 5, 74, 441. Maturity on Rs 5 lakh investment in 3-year post office TD.

For context, the 3-year POTD offers an interest rate of 7.1% per annum. An investment of Rs 5 lakh in the scheme will support you earn around Rs 1, 17, 538 in over three years. The total amount at maturity will be approximately Rs 6, 17, 538. Maturity on Rs 5 lakh investment in 5-year post office TD.

For context, the 5-year POTD offers an interest rate of 7.5% per annum. If you invest Rs 5 lakh in it, you will earn around Rs 2, 24, 974 as interest over five years. The total amount at maturity will be approximately Rs 7, 24, 974. Post office TD: Interest rate and Rs 5 lakh maturity comparison.

Tenure Interest rate Interest earned Maturity amount 1 year 6.9% Rs 35, 403 Rs 5, 35, 403 2 years 7.0% Rs 74, 441 Rs 5, 74, 441 3 years 7.1% Rs 1, 17, 538 Rs 6, 17, 538 5 years 7.5% Rs 2, 24, 974 Rs 7, 24, 974. Post office TD deposit details.

Meanwhile, a post office time deposit account can be opened with a minimum of Rs 1, 000 investment and in multiples of Rs 100. There is no maximum limit for investment. Interest on a post office time deposit is compounded quarterly and paid annually. The annual interest may be credited either to the post office savings account or the bank account of a customer if mandate (standing instruction/ ECS mandate) is given in writing. Tax benefits on post office TD investment.

Not all post office time deposits are eligible for tax benefits under Section 80C of Income Tax Act. Only investment under 5-year TD qualifies for tax benefits under the old tax regime. Premature closure rules of post office time deposit.

Deposits cannot be withdrawn before completing six months from the date of the deposit. If a 1-, 2- or 3-year TD account is closed one year before but after completing six months, interest will be paid at the post office savings account rate for the completed months. As applicable, if a 2- or 3-year TD account is closed after one year, interest for the completed years will be calculated at a rate 2% lower than the applicable TD interest rate for a 1-year or 2-year deposit. For a period of less than one year, the post office savings account interest rate will apply. Meanwhile, a 5-year TD account cannot be closed before completing four years from the date of deposit. If it is closed after four years, interest will be paid at the post office savings account rate. Any interest already paid on the deposit will be recovered from the repayment amount and the interest payable.

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Taken together, the developments around post office FD: Interest rates, maturity compared point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.