You can get better interest rates from the different types of post office saving schemes than those offered by fixed deposits from some banks. Read on to know how!
Post Office Saving Schemes have been a reliable mode of investment offering good returns for the investments made. Some of these schemes are in fact better in terms of value for money returns than the fixed deposit investments in many of the commercial banks. If you analyse the interest rates offered by various banks and compare it with the rates of some of the post office schemes, you will find that they offer you a better return.
The table below gives a brief of the interest rates of some banking institutions.
| Name of the Bank | Tenure of Investment | Interest Rate per annum |
|---|---|---|
| Axis Bank | Up to 10 years | 3.5% - 7% |
| Bank of Baroda | Up to 10 years | 4.5% - 6.7% |
| Bank of India | Up to 10 years | 5.25% - 6.35% |
| Canara Bank | Up to 10 years | 5.75% - 6.2% |
| Central Bank of India | Up to 10 years | 4.8% - 6.55% |
| HDFC Bank | Up to 10 years | 3.5% - 6.5% |
| ICICI Bank | Up to 10 years | 4% - 7% |
| IDBI Bank | Up to 10 years | 6.25% - 7% |
| State Bank of India | Up to 10 years | 5.75% - 6.85% |
| Yes Bank | Up to 10 years | 5% - 7.25% |
If we consider the National Savings Certificate or NSC as it is popularly known, we find that that it earns interest at 7.9% per annum compounded annually. This is a better return on your investment than any fixed deposit investment in any of the leading banking institutions.
Why are Post Office Saving Schemes Better than Other Fixed Deposits?
The post office saving accounts have a number of benefits over the fixed deposits done in banks in both the public and the private sector.
The Post Office Savings Account can be opened with a minimum amount of as less as Rs.20 and earns an interest of 4% per annum on individual as well as joint accounts. This account can be opened only through a cash deposit. The interest earned on the invested money enjoys a tax redemption up to the amount of Rs. 40,000 per year as the announcements made in the budget 2019.
The National Savings Recurring Deposit Account has a 5 Year maturity period earning an interest of 7.2% per annum compounded quarterly. This account can be opened with cash or cheque with the minimum amount being Rs.10 and no capping on the maximum amount. A deposit of Rs.10 can earn Rs.725.05 at the end of 5 years which can further be extended.
This account is more commonly known as the Post Office Time Deposit Account and can be opened with the minimum amount of Rs.200 with no maximum limit. It has a maturity period of 1, 2, 3, or 5 Years, as decided by the investor at the time of opening the account. It also has the facility of automatic renewal of the account on maturity for the same time period. The interest rate earned is between 6.9% to 7.7% which is calculated quarterly, but is payable annually.
The National Savings Monthly Income Scheme Account or the Post Office MIS can be availed as a single or a joint account through cash or cheque, the minimum amount being in multiples of Rs.1500. The maximum limit for investment is set at Rs. 4.5 lakhs and earns an interest of 7.6% per annum for a minimum period of 5 years.
The Senior Citizen Savings Scheme or the SCSS is particularly for investors above the age of 60 or between the age of 55 and 60, if VRS is taken and the account is opened within a month of the retirement. A one-time investment amount in the multiples of Rs.1000 capped at a maximum of Rs. 15 lakhs is needed to open a SCSS Account, with a maturity period of 5 years. The interest earned is 8.6% per annum payable quarterly.
The Public Provident Fund Account is another post office scheme with a maturity period of 15 years. The minimum amount required to open this account is Rs.500 and one can also open an account with a smaller amount of Rs. 100, but the amount should reach a minimum of Rs.500 in the particular financial year. The maximum amount is capped at Rs. 1,50,000. The returns on this investment is at the rate of 7.9% per annum and also enjoys tax redemption under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
The NSC Account is a term deposit of 5 years which can be opened with a minimum amount of as less as Rs.100 and subsequent deposits should be in multiples of 100. The interest earned is at the rate of 7.9% with no capping on the maximum amount that can be deposited.
This post office account can be opened with a minimum of Rs. 1000 with additions in multiples of Rs. 1000 and no maximum limit. Interest earned on the investment is 7.6% compounded annually with the flexibility of encashing the certificate after a period of two and a half years from the date of issue.
This account is specifically designed keeping the interest of the girl child as the objective. A guardian can open one account in the name of one girl child and a maximum of two accounts for 2 girls. However, this can be availed only before the child is 10 years of age. Minimum amount required to open this account is Rs. 1000 with the maximum limit of Rs. 1,50,000. Interest earned on this investment is at the rate of 8.4% compounded annually.
The interest rates mentioned under the various investment schemes are applicable from 01.07.2019. This is subject to change as per Government revisions conducted quarterly which are based on the functioning of Government securities.
So, post office schemes have a higher interest rate and if you are looking for fixed income schemes, you can choose any of the above-mentioned schemes and get good returns.
Recommended Read: Know About India Post Savings Account And Its Charges
