India Post offers a fixed deposit scheme known as Post Office Time Deposit (TD), which is backed by Government of India. The minimum annual deposit required for this scheme is Rs.1000 with no maximum deposit limit. This scheme offers interest rates ranging between 6.90% to 7.50%.
A Post Office Fixed Deposit (FD) is also referred to as a National Savings Time Deposit (TD) Account. It is a government-backed saving scheme. India Post provides it through its extensive network of post offices across the country. A sum of money can be deposited for a selected tenure, at a fixed and guaranteed interest rate throughout the entire tenure.

The main features of the Post Office FD scheme are mentioned in the table below:
Interest rates | 6.90% to 7.50% |
Tenure | 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, or 5 years |
Minimum deposit amount | Rs.1,000 |
Premature withdrawal | Allowed after six months |
Nomination facility | Available |
TDS Deduction | You can avail tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. |
The Post Office fixed deposit interest rate are given in the table below:
Deposit Tenure | Post Office FD rates (p.a.) |
1 year | 6.90% |
2 years | 7.00% |
3 years | 7.10% |
5 years | 7.50% |
If you open a fixed deposit with the post office for a tenure of 5 years, you will be eligible to claim tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Tenure | Regular Post Office FD rates (p.a) |
60 months | 7.50% |
There is no maximum restriction, and you can open a Post Office Time Deposit (TD) Account, also known as a Post Office Fixed Deposit (FD) account, with a minimum of Rs. 1,000 and multiples of Rs. 100.
The Post Office Fixed Deposit (FD) scheme or Post Office Time Deposit is a true and government-backed, very safe investment option offered by India Post. It provides secure returns with flexible tenures and tax saving advantages for investors.
Here are the Features of the scheme:
Some vital details about the National Savings Time Deposit scheme are mentioned below:
Deposits
To pledge a TD account or transfer it as security, submit the prescribed form along with the pledgee’s acceptance letter at the concerned Post Office.
The eligible pledgees include:
A comparison between Post Office FD rates and other banks FD rates
Name of the Banks | FD Rates | Post Office FD Rates |
State Bank of India | Regular FD rates – 3.05% to 6.45%Senior citizen FD rates – 3.55% to 6.95% | 6.90% - 7.50% |
HDFC Bank | Regular FD rates – 2.75% to 6.60%Senior citizen FD rates – 3.25% to 7.10% | 6.90% - 7.50% |
Axis Bank | Regular FD rates – 3.00% to 6.60%Senior citizen FD rates – 3.50% to 7.35 % | 6.90% - 7.50% |
Punjab National Bank | Regular FD rates – 3.00% to 6.50%Senior citizen FD rates – 3.50% to 7.00% | 6.90% - 7.50% |
Bank of India | Regular FD rates – 3.00% - 6.70%Senior citizen FD rates – 3.50% - 7.20% | 6.90% - 7.50% |
Canara Bank | Regular FD rates – 3.25% to 6.50%Senior citizen FD rates – 3.25% to 7.00% | 6.90% - 7.50% |
IDBI Bank | Regular FD rates – 3.00% to 6.55%Senior citizen FD rates – 3.50% to 7.05% | 6.90% - 7.50% |
Note: The rates are updated on 4 December 2025 and any change in interest rates are at the discretion of the bank.
Note:
The various documents required for Post Office FD scheme are mentioned below -
You can use a free and simple online FD calculator to determine how much interest you will receive on a Post Office Fixed Deposit account before opening one. Simply enter the amount you want to invest, the current rate of interest for the tenure you want to invest in, and the type of interest compounding frequency. The exact amount you will earn with interest will be displayed on the page immediately.
The minimum balance required for a post office FD account is Rs.1,000
To open an FD account with the post office, all you need are your KYC documents, deposit slip (SB 103), and a duly filled in Account Opening Form (AOF).
A silent account is one in which the withdrawals have not been made for more than 3 years.
Yes, investing in a Post Office FD is safe because it is a Post Office product and is available under the National Savings Scheme. As the Indian government guarantees it, investing in it is the safest option.
You can transfer your account from one post office branch to another by submitting a transfer application either in the post office you are transferring from or transferring to. You would have to apply with your KYC documents, passbook, and application form number 1224SB 10(B)/NC-32.
Yes, you can open a post office fixed deposit account online through the mobile banking or intra-operable net banking facility.
Post Office FDs, also known as Small Savings Schemes, provide significantly higher yields and rates than bank accounts.

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