Updated for FY

RD Calculator

Calculate your Recurring Deposit maturity amount and interest earned. Uses quarterly compounding — the standard method used by all Indian banks.

Results update live
Quarterly compounding
Month-by-month breakdown
TDS applicable

RD Details

₹500₹1L
%
1%12%
mo
3 mo120 mo

Goal presets

Maturity Amount

₹0

after 24 months at 6.5% p.a.

Total Deposited

₹0

Interest Earned

₹0

Effective Yield (p.a.)

0%

Return on Deposits

0%

TDS Note

If annual interest exceeds ₹40,000 (₹50K for seniors), TDS at 10% is deducted. Submit Form 15G to avoid TDS.

Investment Breakdown

maturity₹0

Total Deposited

₹0

87%

Interest Earned

₹0

13%

Deposited 87%Interest 13%

Month-by-Month Growth

Cumulative deposits and interest earned over tenure

Deposited
Interest
0

Schedule

Cumulative deposits, interest and balance by quarter

Period Total Deposited Interest Earned Balance

What is an RD?

A Recurring Deposit (RD) is a savings instrument where you deposit a fixed amount every month for a fixed tenure. At the end of the tenure, you receive the total deposited amount plus the accumulated interest — making it perfect for disciplined saving towards a goal.

RDs use quarterly compounding — interest is calculated every quarter on the outstanding balance and added to the corpus.

RD Maturity Formula (Indian Banks)

M = R × [(1 + i)^n − 1] / (1 − (1+i)^(−1/3))

Where i = rate/400 (quarterly), n = total quarters, R = monthly deposit

RD vs SIP vs FD

RD — Safe monthly savings

Fixed, guaranteed returns. No market risk. Good for short-term goals (1–5 years) like emergency fund, vacation, gadget purchase.

SIP — Market-linked monthly investing

Higher potential returns over 7+ years but with market volatility. Equity SIPs historically outperform RD significantly over long periods.

FD — One-time lump sum

Same safety as RD, but you invest a single lump sum upfront instead of monthly. An FD earns more than an RD on the same total money, because the whole amount earns interest from day one.

RD Example Calculations

₹5K/mo · 6.5% · 2 years₹1,29,565
Deposited ₹1,20,000 · Interest ₹9,565
₹10K/mo · 7% · 3 years₹4,03,768
Deposited ₹3,60,000 · Interest ₹43,768
₹25K/mo · 6.7% · 5 years₹17,72,504
Deposited ₹15,00,000 · Interest ₹2,72,504

Current RD Rates in India

SBI6.50% (2yr)
HDFC Bank7.00% (2yr)
Post Office RD6.70% (5yr)
Small Finance BanksUp to 9%
Senior Citizens (extra)+0.25–0.50%

* Indicative rates. Verify with your bank before opening.

RD vs FD — Same Money, Which Earns More?

Saving ₹10,000 a month for a year (₹1,20,000 total) at 7% works out differently depending on how you put the money in:

RD (₹10k × 12)

Money goes in gradually

≈ ₹1,24,500
FD (₹1.2L upfront)

Whole sum earns from day 1

≈ ₹1,28,650

If you already have the lump sum, an FD earns more. Choose an RD when you want to build the corpus from your monthly salary.

Key Features & Tips

  • Low entry — start from just ₹100/month; tenures run 6 months to 10 years.
  • Set an auto-debit from your savings account so you never miss an installment.
  • Loan against RD — borrow up to 80–90% of the balance without breaking it.
  • Senior citizens earn an extra 0.25–0.50% on the same RD.
  • No 80C benefit — RD interest is taxable; for tax saving use a 5-yr tax-saver FD or PPF.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Recurring Deposits

How is RD interest calculated?
Indian banks use quarterly compounding for RDs. Each monthly installment is treated as a separate deposit earning compound interest from its month of deposit. The formula: M = R × [(1+i)^n − 1] / (1−(1+i)^(−1/3)), where i = rate/400, n = quarters. BharatCalc uses the installment-by-installment FV method for maximum accuracy.
What happens if I miss an RD installment?
If you miss an installment, banks charge a penalty of ₹1 to ₹2 per ₹100 per month on the missed amount. If you miss more than a certain number (varies by bank, usually 3–4), the RD account may be marked irregular and could be closed prematurely. Set up an auto-debit to avoid missing payments.
Is RD interest taxable?
Yes. RD interest is fully taxable at your income slab rate as "Income from Other Sources." TDS at 10% is deducted if annual interest exceeds ₹40,000 (₹50,000 for senior citizens). Unlike FD where interest is credited annually, RD interest accrues monthly but is taxable in the year it accrues, not just at maturity.
Can I break an RD prematurely?
Yes, premature closure is allowed at most banks with a penalty of 0.5–1% on the applicable interest rate. You receive interest for the period actually completed, minus the penalty. Post Office RDs can be closed after 3 years (out of 5). Avoid premature closure to earn full interest.
RD vs SIP — which is better?
For short-term goals (<3 years) and capital safety: RD wins with guaranteed returns. For long-term wealth (7+ years): equity SIP wins with historical returns of 12–15% vs RD's 6.5–7%. Both involve monthly discipline, but SIP has market risk. Use RD for your emergency fund and near-term goals; SIP for long-term wealth.
What is the minimum RD amount in India?
Most banks allow RDs starting from ₹100/month. Post Office RD minimum is ₹100/month with no upper limit. SBI minimum is ₹100/month. Online RD accounts can be opened instantly through net banking or mobile apps of most banks. There is no maximum limit on RD deposits.
Can I take a loan against my RD?
Yes. Most banks let you borrow up to 80–90% of your RD balance as a loan or overdraft, usually at 1–2% above your RD rate. This lets you handle an emergency without breaking the RD and losing interest. The RD continues to earn interest while the loan is outstanding.
Does an RD give compound interest?
Yes — RDs use quarterly compounding. However, each monthly installment earns interest only from the month you deposit it, so the early installments compound for the full tenure while the last few earn for just a month or two. That is why the effective return is a little lower than an FD at the same rate.

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