Reviewed by: Fibe Research Team
Have you ever heard of the term ‘flexi fixed deposit’? Fixed deposits have been popular amongst Indian investors because of their reliability and capital preservation. They give you the option to create a customised savings plan that helps you advance, slow and steady, towards your financial goals.
A flexi fixed deposit combines the benefits of a fixed deposit with a savings account. To learn more about it, continue reading.
Marrying the liquidity of a traditional savings account with the higher earnings of a fixed deposit, a flexi fixed deposit is an interesting option to consider. This hybrid product provides security and easy access to your funds.
With this type of FD, you can withdraw a part of your deposit, which is generally not allowed in FD investments where your funds are locked in for a predefined term. Here, your FD account is linked with your savings or current account. You can withdraw from it based on the terms of the financial institution. This facility comes at a cost as the interest rates you enjoy are lower than that of a regular FD. However, it does offer enhanced convenience.
It also allows you to choose a limit after which the funds in your account are transferred to the FD. When the account balance is lower than the limit you have set, the funds are transferred from the FD into the account. The terms of a flexi deposit may also differ as per the policies of the financial institution.
Here’s why you can choose this savings scheme:
The attractive feature of a flexi deposit is you get the advantage of accessing funds via a bank account while earning interest that is higher than a traditional savings account. If you seek timely liquidity, this may be ideal for you.
While you may not be able to access all of the funds of your FD, you can partially withdraw based on the allowed frequency and limit of the issuer.
Based on the financial institution’s policy, you can earn interest that is compounded at regular intervals. This is a great opportunity as you can save more and earn regular income.
You can decide on how much you want to invest in your FD and for how long. This helps you meet your financial goals on your terms.
Just like a regular fixed deposit, a flexi deposit also allows you to pledge your FD to get a loan. You can also remain invested for the long-term by choosing the auto-renew facility.
You can get assured returns with such an FD scheme, and most popular banks offer this option to grow your savings. Check the following table to compare the interest rates:
Name of Bank’s Scheme | Applied Interest Rate | Flexible Investment Tenure | Minimum Investment Amount |
---|---|---|---|
Axis Bank Auto Fixed Deposit | Up to 7.75% p.a. | 6 months to 5 years | ₹5,000 |
BOB Suvidha Flexible Fixed Deposit Scheme | Up to 7.65% p.a. | 12 months to 5 years | ₹5,000 |
e-SBI Flexi Deposit | Up to 7.50% p.a. | 5 years to 7 years | ₹5,000 |
DBS Bank Flexi Deposit | Up to 7.50% p.a. | 374 days | ₹10,000 |
RBL Bank Flexi Sure Fixed Deposit | Up to 8.85% p.a. | 7 days to 10 years | ₹5,000 |
Keep the factors listed below in mind when deciding if this is the right investment for you:
Advantages of Flexi Fixed Deposit | Disadvantages of Flexi Fixed Deposit |
---|---|
Invest as much as you want Access higher liquidity Enjoy auto-renewal and loan facility | Lower interest rates than a regular FD Penalties apply for premature withdrawals May not be suited for long-term goals |
Now that you know the basic facts, you can make the right decision based on your goals.
Yes, you can partially withdraw money from your fixed deposit with a flexi fixed deposit scheme.
Your yearly interest will be taxable as per your slab. TDS will also be deducted if your interest gains are about ₹40,000 or ₹50,000, based on whether you are a regular or senior citizen.
Yes, you can link your savings account or current account to your fixed deposit. This is the meaning of flexi fixed deposit.