Methodology

Where the rates come from

We compile fixed deposit rates from publicly available sources: banks' own published FD rate pages and public rate-aggregator pages. We are an independent comparison site, not affiliated with any bank. Where a bank publishes several rate cards, we read the standard retail card for deposits below the bulk-deposit threshold.

Highest slab versus tenure rates

The highest slab rate is the single best rate a bank offers across all its tenures, often on a specific special-tenure deposit (for example 444 or 555 days). It is useful for spotting the peak on offer, but it may apply only to one narrow tenure. The 1 year, 3 year and 5 year figures are the rates for those specific standard tenures, which is usually what you can actually book. Compare the tenure you intend to invest for, not just the headline.

Senior citizen premium

Banks add extra interest for senior citizens, typically 0.25 to 0.75 percent per annum over the general rate, and a few small finance banks add more. The premium and the qualifying age (usually 60) vary by bank. Our senior columns show the top senior rate where the bank publishes it.

What the rates exclude

All rates are per annum and before tax. FD interest is taxable at your income slab and TDS may apply above the annual threshold, so your in-hand return will be lower. Rates also vary by deposit amount (retail versus bulk) and by special-tenure schemes that come and go. We do not show these variations for every amount, so treat our figures as indicative and confirm the exact rate for your amount and tenure on the bank's site.

Deposit insurance

Bank deposits in India are insured by DICGC up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank, covering principal and interest combined. This applies to all scheduled banks including small finance banks. It is context you should weigh, especially when chasing the highest rates, but it is not advice.

How often we refresh

Banks revise FD rates regularly, sometimes monthly. We refresh our data periodically and stamp each page with the date the rates were last updated. Between refreshes a bank may change a rate, so always verify the live rate before you open a deposit. This is not investment advice.

Spotted a wrong rate?

Tell us and we will check it. Use the form below, or email corrections@bestfdrates.in.