FD vs RD Calculator – Compare Fixed Deposit & Recurring Deposit Returns
Use our FD vs RD calculator to compare maturity values side by side. Choose interest rate, tenure, and compounding frequency to see which option fits your goals and cash flow.
What is an FD? What is an RD?
Fixed Deposit (FD) is a one-time lump-sum investment for a fixed tenure at a fixed interest rate. Recurring Deposit (RD) is a monthly contribution for a fixed tenure.
Both are popular, low-risk banking products in India, but they serve different needs: FDs suit those with available capital today; RDs suit those who want to save steadily every month.
FD at a glance
- Lump-sum deposit at start
- Typically quarterly compounding (bank dependent)
- Ideal when you already have capital
- Premature withdrawal penalties may apply
RD at a glance
- Monthly deposit (₹X per month)
- Typically monthly compounding (bank dependent)
- Great for habit building & goal-based saving
- Missed installments can affect maturity
How the FD vs RD Calculator Works
Our calculator compares the maturity value of a lump-sum FD vs a monthly RD for the same tenure and interest rate. You can choose the compounding frequency for FD (Monthly / Quarterly / Yearly) and we assume monthly deposits for RD (as banks do).
Results are shown in clear cards with the total invested (for RD), maturity values, and which option yields more.
Inputs you’ll need
- FD Amount: The lump sum you can invest today.
- RD Monthly Deposit: The amount you can save every month.
- Annual Interest Rate (%): Use the bank’s quoted rate.
- Tenure: Total investment period (years).
- Compounding Frequency (FD): Monthly, Quarterly, or Yearly.
What the results show
- FD Maturity Value for your chosen frequency
- RD Total Invested (sum of all monthly deposits)
- RD Maturity Value assuming monthly compounding
- Side-by-side verdict: which option yields higher maturity
Tip: If you know your bank compounds quarterly on FD, select “Quarterly” to closely match the official figures.
Checkout monthly payout FD calculator – Find out how much you can get from FD every month?
EPF Calculator India 2025 – Calculate Provident Fund & Interest Online
FIRE Calculator India (2025) – Financial Independence & Early Retirement Corpus Estimator
If you’re looking for a modern, feature-rich, and trader-friendly platform, Dhan is easily one of the best choices available today. From zero account opening charges to advanced tools like native TradingView, options strategy builder, and free API access, Dhan is clearly built with the modern Indian trader in mind.
Whether you’re an intraday trader, an options strategist, or a long-term investor, Dhan offers the perfect blend of speed, simplicity, and smart technology — without burning a hole in your pocket.
Why wait? Open your Dhan account now and take control of your trading journey with confidence.
👉 Click here to get started with Dhan
Open a Free Dhan Trading & Demat Account
Dhan offers cutting-edge tools for fast, powerful, and informed trading:
- ✅ Zero brokerage on delivery trades
- ✅ Auto-detection of candlestick patterns on charts
- ✅ Advanced Option Chain with Greeks, Max Pain, PCR & more
- ✅ Pre-built & custom Option Strategy Builder (Free)
- ✅ 20 Depth Market Data and Flash Trade execution
- ✅ Margin Trading Facility (MTF) with 4X leverage (75%)
- ✅ 3 Platforms: Mobile App, Web App & Dedicated Options App
- ✅ ScanX Screener: stock insights, trends & news
- ✅ Advanced orders: Trailing SL, Iceberg, Forever Orders
- ✅ Instantly pledge 1,500+ stocks for options margin
- ✅ Trade commodities: Gold, Silver, Crude, Natural Gas
- ✅ Fundamental + Technical analysis across all platforms
No paperwork. Zero account opening charges. Setup in minutes.
Top FD and RD Rates in India (2025)
Looking for the best fixed deposit (FD) and recurring deposit (RD) rates in 2025? Here’s a comparison of leading banks and NBFCs offering attractive returns to investors.
Institution |
Type |
Interest Rate Highlights (2025) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Unity Small Finance Bank |
FD |
Up to 9% p.a. (1001-day tenure) |
One of the highest FD rates available. |
North East Small Finance Bank |
FD |
Up to 9% p.a. (546–1111 days) |
Strong mid-term FD returns. |
Suryoday Small Finance Bank |
FD |
Up to 8.60% p.a. |
Competitive across multiple tenures. |
Bajaj Finance (NBFC) |
FD |
Up to 8.30% p.a. |
Top NBFC offering FD-like returns. |
Shriram Finance (NBFC) |
FD |
Up to 8.47% p.a. |
Strong NBFC performer for FDs. |
ESAF Small Finance Bank |
FD |
8.50% – 9.00% p.a. |
Notable upper-tier small finance bank. |
Jana / Equitas Small Finance Bank |
FD |
8.50% – 9.00% p.a. |
Offers high rates for extended tenures. |
State Bank of India (SBI) |
RD |
~4.40% – 5.50% p.a. |
Established public sector interest rates. |
IDBI Bank |
RD |
7.00% – 7.15% (General) 7.50% – 7.65% (Senior Citizens) |
Strong RD rates among banks. |
IndusInd Bank |
RD |
5.50% – 6.00% (General) Up to 6.50% (Senior Citizens) |
Above-average RD returns. |
Disclaimer: The FD and RD interest rates mentioned above are indicative and subject to change at the discretion of banks and NBFCs. Investors should check the latest rates directly with the institution before investing.
FD vs RD – Worked Examples
Example 1: Medium-term saver
FD = ₹1,00,000 • RD = ₹5,000/month • Rate = 7% p.a. • Tenure = 5 years • FD compounding = Quarterly
| Metric | FD | RD |
|---|---|---|
| Maturity Value (approx.) | ₹1,41,900 | ₹3,59,400 |
| Total Invested | ₹1,00,000 | ₹3,00,000 |
| Verdict | RD matures higher by ~₹2.18 lakh (because contributions happen monthly throughout the tenure) | |
Example 2: Long-term lump-sum investor
FD = ₹5,00,000 • RD = ₹1,000/month • Rate = 8% p.a. • Tenure = 10 years • FD compounding = Monthly
| Metric | FD | RD |
|---|---|---|
| Maturity Value (approx.) | ₹11,09,500 | ₹1,83,900 |
| Total Invested | ₹5,00,000 | ₹1,20,000 |
| Verdict | FD clearly wins due to a large lump-sum compounding for 10 years. | |
Values above are illustrative and rounded. Actual bank results may vary by compounding rules and payout schedules.
Pro Tips to Choose Between FD and RD
- Match your cash flow: If you have a lump sum now, FD can be efficient. If you save from salary, RD builds the habit.
- Use the bank’s compounding frequency: Quarterly for many FDs, monthly for RDs—always check the fine print.
- Diversify tenures: Ladder multiple FDs/RDs with staggered maturities to improve liquidity.
- Reinvest interest carefully: Cumulative FDs compound interest; non-cumulative pay out interest periodically—pick based on income needs.
- Consider taxes: Interest is taxable as per your slab. Compare post-tax returns, not just pre-tax rates.
- Emergency fund first: Keep 3–6 months of expenses liquid before locking money in time deposits.
FD vs RD – Frequently Asked Questions
Which is safer: FD or RD?
Both are bank deposits with similar risk profiles (subject to bank and regulatory protections). Choose based on cash flow and goals.
Can I change my RD installment amount later?
Banks usually fix the RD installment. To increase savings, you may open a new RD or start a second RD; policies vary by bank.
Is premature withdrawal allowed?
Yes, but penalties or reduced interest may apply for both FD and RD. Always check the bank’s terms.
Does compounding frequency really matter?
Yes. Monthly vs quarterly vs yearly compounding can slightly change maturity values over longer tenures. Use the frequency your bank uses for best accuracy.
Should I pick FD or RD?
If you have a lump sum now, FD can work well. If you prefer saving month by month, RD is ideal. The calculator helps you compare outcomes for your numbers.
Conclusion: Pick the Product That Fits Your Money Pattern
If you already have capital and want to lock it for a fixed tenure, an FD often yields higher maturity (at the same rate) because your money compounds longer. If you’re building savings from your monthly income, an RD is perfect for discipline and goal tracking.
Use the FD vs RD calculator to test your real numbers, compounding, and tenure—then decide confidently.
If you’re looking for a modern, feature-rich, and trader-friendly platform, Dhan is easily one of the best choices available today. From zero account opening charges to advanced tools like native TradingView, options strategy builder, and free API access, Dhan is clearly built with the modern Indian trader in mind.
Whether you’re an intraday trader, an options strategist, or a long-term investor, Dhan offers the perfect blend of speed, simplicity, and smart technology — without burning a hole in your pocket.
Why wait? Open your Dhan account now and take control of your trading journey with confidence.
👉 Click here to get started with Dhan
Open a Free Dhan Trading & Demat Account
Dhan offers cutting-edge tools for fast, powerful, and informed trading:
- ✅ Zero brokerage on delivery trades
- ✅ Auto-detection of candlestick patterns on charts
- ✅ Advanced Option Chain with Greeks, Max Pain, PCR & more
- ✅ Pre-built & custom Option Strategy Builder (Free)
- ✅ 20 Depth Market Data and Flash Trade execution
- ✅ Margin Trading Facility (MTF) with 4X leverage (75%)
- ✅ 3 Platforms: Mobile App, Web App & Dedicated Options App
- ✅ ScanX Screener: stock insights, trends & news
- ✅ Advanced orders: Trailing SL, Iceberg, Forever Orders
- ✅ Instantly pledge 1,500+ stocks for options margin
- ✅ Trade commodities: Gold, Silver, Crude, Natural Gas
- ✅ Fundamental + Technical analysis across all platforms
No paperwork. Zero account opening charges. Setup in minutes.
If, you have liked the content please do share it with your friends or on social media, as sharing do bring the good karma. If you have any questions or feedback you can leave them in comment box below.
🌟 4 Best Brokers for Trading in India (2025) – Dhan vs Upstox vs Zerodha vs Fyers
🏆 Best Demat & Trading Account in India (2025) – Dhan vs Upstox vs Zerodha vs Groww
Here is the list of things as a beginner you should know, if you are thinking for doing intraday trading.
A brief understanding of
How To Invest In Indian Stock Market – Explained With Examples For Beginners
Learn about the basics of candlestick chart patterns and how to use them for intraday trading and investing. You should also learn about the best moving averages to use for better trading result.
Checkout Mastering Intraday Trading: A Beginner’s Guide to Profitable Strategies in the Indian Stock Market
Note: Please do your own research and make investment. Moneycontain will not be responsible for any of your losses at all. The point made is for educational purpose only and intended to give information. All investments are subject to risks, which should be considered prior to making any investments.
This article and calculator are for educational purposes only and provide estimates based on user inputs and general formulas. Actual bank maturity amounts may differ due to specific compounding rules, payout schedules, fees, taxes, and policy changes. Please verify rates with your bank and consult a qualified advisor for personalized advice.
