Fixed deposits remain a familiar choice for many investors in 2026. Even with a growing number of financial products available, people continue to return to FDs when they want certainty. A fixed deposit clearly defines how long money will be invested and what return it will earn. That clarity still carries weight.
What has changed over time is the way people approach fixed deposits. Earlier, money was often placed into an FD without much comparison. Today, investors tend to pause and think. Is the rate suitable for the time period? Is the interest payout option aligned with actual needs? Will the return meaningfully support future plans?
These questions explain why FD calculators are being used more actively. They help investors move from assumptions to numbers.
Why fixed deposits still matter in 2026
Interest rates move in phases. There were years when fixed deposit returns felt modest, and many investors questioned whether locking money away made sense. Those periods shaped behaviour.
In 2026, rates are stronger. This has naturally brought fixed deposits back into focus. Investors across age groups are revisiting how FDs fit into their overall plans, not just as a safety net, but as a structured investment.
People generally rely on fixed deposits for practical reasons. They want predictable returns. They want insulation from market fluctuations. They want to know when money will be available.
These needs have not changed. What has changed is awareness. Investors now want to understand how small decisions within an FD can influence outcomes.
Is the highest FD rate always the best option
This is a question many investors ask, and it is a reasonable one. When rates are discussed, attention often goes straight to the highest percentage. But a fixed deposit does not work on a single number alone.
Returns depend on several choices made at the time of investment. How long will the money stay invested? Will interest be paid out regularly, or will it compound until maturity? How frequently will interest be credited?
Two deposits showing similar rates can deliver different results because of these factors. This is where an FD calculator becomes useful. It shows how structure influences outcomes, not just rates.
FD rates available for investors below 60 years
Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit continues to offer multiple options for investors below 60 years of age, with deposit amounts ranging from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 3 crore. The rates in effect are applicable from 11 June 2025.
For cumulative fixed deposits, where interest is paid at maturity, the current rates are:
- 6.60% p.a. for tenures between 12 and 14 months
- 6.75% p.a. for tenures between 15 and 23 months
- 6.95% p.a. for tenures between 24 and 60 months
Cumulative deposits are often chosen by investors who do not need income during the investment period. Interest remains invested and grows gradually. Over longer tenures, compounding begins to have a noticeable effect on the maturity value.
But does compounding always make a meaningful difference? That depends on tenure and deposit size. An FD calculator helps answer that question clearly.
For investors who prefer regular income, non-cumulative fixed deposits are available.
For non-senior investors, non-cumulative rates currently range:
- from 6.41% to 6.60% p.a. for 12–14 months
- from 6.55% to 6.75% p.a. for 15–23 months
- from 6.74% to 6.95% p.a. for 24–60 months
Monthly payouts support steady cash flow. Annual payouts usually result in slightly higher overall returns. The difference may seem small, but over time it becomes easier to see.
Higher FD rates for senior citizens
Senior citizens receive additional interest benefits, which often play a meaningful role in retirement planning. Even a small rate difference can influence income or maturity value over several years.
For cumulative deposits, senior citizen rates are:
- 6.95% p.a. for 12–14 months
- 7.10% p.a. for 15–23 months
- 7.30% p.a. for 24–60 months
A rate of 7.30% p.a. for longer tenures allows retirees to plan with greater comfort, particularly when the focus is on preserving savings while earning steady returns.
Non-cumulative options are also available for senior citizens:
- 6.74% to 6.95% p.a. for 12–14 months
- 6.88% to 7.10% p.a. for 15–23 months
- 7.07% to 7.30% p.a. for 24–60 months
Some retirees prefer monthly interest to support routine expenses. Others prefer annual payouts to improve overall returns. The decision is often guided by lifestyle needs rather than optimisation alone.
How an FD calculator helps in practical planning
An FD calculator does not promise better rates. What it offers is clarity.
By entering the deposit amount, tenure, and payout option, investors can see:
- how much a cumulative FD may grow by maturity
- what monthly or annual income could look like
- whether extending a tenure actually improves returns
For instance, moving from a 23-month deposit to a 24-month deposit may place the investment into a higher rate bracket. Is that change worthwhile? A calculator answers that question without guesswork.
Choosing between growth and income options
One of the most common choices investors have to make is whether to make a cumulative or non-cumulative deposit.
When you don’t need to make money during the term and want to build up a lump sum, cumulative deposits are often a good choice. People usually prefer non-cumulative deposits when they have a steady income that can help pay for household or retirement costs.
There is no universal answer. The right choice depends on how the deposit fits into everyday financial life.
Thinking about tenure and flexibility
Longer tenures generally offer higher rates in 2026, especially in the 24–60 month range. This makes them attractive from a return perspective.
At the same time, longer tenures reduce flexibility. Before locking funds away, investors often pause and ask whether the additional return justifies the commitment. An FD calculator helps make that comparison clearer.
Conclusion
In 2026, fixed deposits still have a clear purpose. In a world where money is often hard to come by, they give you a sense of security. With interest rates at pretty high levels, it’s more important to choose the right FD structure than just the one with the highest rate.
Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit offers flexibility across tenures and payout options, allowing investors to align deposits with their needs. Using an FD calculator helps translate rates into outcomes, supporting decisions that are based on understanding rather than assumption.
For many investors, the value of a fixed deposit lies in its ability to support plans quietly and consistently, without adding unnecessary complexity.
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