RD vs FD Calculator | Compare Returns on Recurring & Fixed Deposits

RD vs FD Calculator

Compare returns between Recurring Deposits (RD) and Fixed Deposits (FD) to make informed investment decisions

Investment Parameters

Recurring Deposit
Fixed Deposit
₹5,000
7.5%
36 months (3 years)
₹1,00,000
7.0%
3 years

Comparison Results

RD Maturity Value

₹2,01,750

FD Maturity Value

₹1,22,925

Better Investment

RD

Growth Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Parameter Recurring Deposit (RD) Fixed Deposit (FD)
Total Investment ₹1,80,000 ₹1,00,000
Interest Earned ₹21,750 ₹22,925
Effective Annual Return 7.69% 7.19%
Monthly Investment ₹5,000 Lump Sum
Flexibility High (monthly deposits) Low (lump sum required)

Understanding RD vs FD

Recurring Deposit (RD)

  • Regular monthly deposits instead of lump-sum investment
  • Ideal for salaried individuals with fixed monthly savings
  • Lower minimum investment requirements (as low as ₹500/month)
  • Flexibility in choosing monthly deposit amount
  • Interest compounded quarterly
  • Tenure typically ranges from 6 months to 10 years
  • Premature withdrawal allowed with penalty
  • Better for disciplined long-term savings

Fixed Deposit (FD)

  • Requires a lump-sum investment at the beginning
  • Ideal for those with existing capital to invest
  • Higher minimum investment requirements (usually ₹5,000+)
  • Fixed amount locked in for the entire tenure
  • Interest compounded quarterly, half-yearly, or annually
  • Tenure ranges from 7 days to 10 years
  • Premature withdrawal penalties vary by bank
  • Better for parking lump sum amounts

Which to Choose?

  • Choose RD if you want to save small amounts regularly
  • Choose FD if you have a lump-sum amount to invest
  • RD helps cultivate a savings habit with discipline
  • FD provides slightly higher interest rates for larger amounts
  • Both are safe investment options with guaranteed returns
  • RD is better for long-term wealth accumulation
  • FD is better for short to medium-term goals

This calculator provides estimates based on current interest rates. Actual returns may vary depending on the financial institution and compounding frequency.