Post Office RD Interest Rates 2024

Aside from mail services, post offices provide financial services to their customers in the form of savings plans and life insurance. A post office RD is the best savings option available as compared to traditional fixed deposits and other long-term schemes that post offices provide. When compared to banks, post office recurring deposits have emerged as the most popular instruments. One of the reasons behind their popularity is the attractive interest rate and high profit potential at maturity. The post office RD interest rates are reviewed at regular intervals, and the present interest rate is 6.90% annually. The interest is compounded quarterly, allowing the money deposited to multiply till the maturity date.

Post Office RD Interest Rates 2024

Tenure	Normal Citizen RD Rate (Below 60 Years of Age)	Senior Citizen RD Rate (Above 60 Years of Age)
1 Year	6.90%	6.90%
1 Year to 3 Years	7.00%	7.00%
3 Years to 5 Years	7.50%	7.50%

Features of Post Office Recurring Deposit

1. Guaranteed Returns: One of the hallmark features of Post Office RDs is the assurance of returns. Being backed by the government, these deposits offer guaranteed returns at a fixed interest rate, which is revised quarterly by the Ministry of Finance. This predictability and security make it an attractive option for conservative investors.

2. Flexibility in Investment: Post Office RDs offer considerable flexibility in terms of the investment amount. Investors can start with as little as ₹100 per month, and there is no upper limit, though investments must be in multiples of ₹10. This flexibility ensures that the RD scheme is accessible to a wide range of investors, from those with limited financial means to those looking to invest larger sums.

3. Tenure: The standard tenure for a Post Office RD is five years, but it can be extended for another five years upon maturity. This extension feature allows investors to continue earning interest at the prevailing rate, making it a viable long-term savings option.

4. Premature Withdrawal and Loan Facility: Understanding that financial emergencies can arise, Post Office RDs offer the option of premature withdrawal after one year, subject to certain conditions. Additionally, investors can avail themselves of a loan against the deposit after a specified period, providing liquidity when needed without breaking the deposit.

5. Tax Benefits: While the interest earned on Post Office RDs is taxable, it does not attract Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), which simplifies the investment for individuals not falling into higher tax brackets. However, investors should consider consulting with a tax advisor to understand the tax implications based on their overall income.

6. Nomination Facility: Investors can nominate one or more persons to receive the final amount in the event of the investor’s demise, ensuring that the savings are seamlessly transferred to the intended beneficiary.

7. Ease of Operation: Post Office RD accounts can be opened by cash or cheque, and subsequent deposits can be made in cash, through cheque, or via electronic means in some cases. This flexibility ensures that investors have multiple avenues to maintain their accounts.

8. No Market Risk: Being a fixed return investment, Post Office RDs are insulated from market volatility, making them a safe haven for investors wary of the uncertainties associated with equity and other market-linked instruments.

How to Open an RD Account in Post Office?

I. Online Process to Open an RD Account in Post Office

You can start an RD account at the post office through the India Post Payments Bank, which was established in 2018. Follow the steps the mentioned steps,

• Download the app on your device.
• Provide essential details such as PAN ID and contact details.
• Verify using the OTP received on the linked mobile number.
• To proceed, enter your Aadhaar ID and authenticate it using the OTP.
• Complete the application form with the necessary details.
• Once you’ve submitted the form, you’ll get your customer ID and account number.
• To use the app, create a PIN using the information you received and your date of birth.
• Select the option “Send Money” under the Menu tab.
• Select “DOP Products” to make a deposit into your RD account.

II. Offline Process to Open an RD Account in Post Office

If you want to open an RD account at the Post Office offline, follow these steps,

• Go to the nearest postal office.
• Get a Recurring Deposit form and complete it accordingly.
• Submit the completed form, along with the required documentation, pay-in-slip form, and initial deposit amount.
• A post office employee will process your application and verify the documents you submitted. Upon appropriate verification, the post office will open your RD account.

How to Calculate RD Interest Rates in Post Office?

The RD interest rates on YES bank recurring deposits are compounded quarterly. This is the formula to calculate the maturity value.

Here,

I = Interest Earned

P = Monthly Installment Amount

n = Number of Installments (tenure in months)

r = Rate of Interest per annum

Eligibility Criteria to Start an RD Account with Post Office

1. Individuals: Single adults can open an RD account.

2. Joint Account: Two adults can open a joint account, with both or either of them able to operate the account.

3. Minors: Accounts can be opened in the name of minors, managed by guardians. Minors above 10 years can open and operate the account themselves.

4. Groups/Organizations: Specific group accounts like Government Bodies, Societies, etc., may be eligible based on Post Office rules.

Documents Required for Starting an RD Account

For Opening an RD in Post Office Investors must ensure that they have the following documents with them,

1. Proof of Identity

• Pan card
• Voter ID
• Aadhaar card
• Ration card including a photograph
• Driving license
• Senior citizen ID
• Passport

2. Proof of Address

• Electricity bill
• Telephone bill
• Bank statement with cheque
• Passport

Types of Post Office RD Accounts

1. Standard Post Office RD Account

The Standard RD account is the most common and straightforward type of recurring deposit account offered by the post office. It’s designed for individual savers who wish to invest a fixed sum monthly for a period of five years.

Tenure	5 years
Interest Rate	6.90% p.a
Premature Closure Facility	Allowed after 3 years from the account opening date, but with a penalty
Loan Facility	Available from the 3rd year of the account
Nomination Facility	Available at the time of opening and can be modified after account opening
Taxation	Interest earned is taxable under “Income from Other Sources”; no tax deduction at source (TDS)

2. Senior Citizen Recurring Deposit Account

This type of RD account is tailored for senior citizens, offering them a safe investment avenue with relatively higher interest rates, acknowledging their limited earning capacity during the retirement phase.

Eligibility	Available to individuals aged 60 years and above.
Tenure	Typically the same as the standard RD account, with a base period of 5 years, extendable in 5-year increments.
Security and Reliability	Being a government scheme, it offers high security and reliability, crucial for senior citizens depending on their savings for daily expenses
Minimum and Maximum Deposit	Similar to the standard RD, it maintains a low minimum deposit requirement, with no maximum limit.
Enhanced Interest Rates for Seniors	Acknowledges the financial needs of the elderly, offering them an opportunity to earn higher interest on their savings.
Ease of Operation	Senior citizens can operate their accounts with minimal hassle, with provisions for joint accounts and nominations
Premature Closure	The account can be prematurely closed after three years, subject to certain conditions and penalties.
Loan against Deposit	Investors can avail of loans against the deposit after a year, providing financial flexibility during emergencies.

3. Recurring Deposit Account for Minors

Understanding the importance of inculcating the habit of savings among the younger generation, the Post Office offers RD accounts for minors, managed by their parents or guardians.

Eligibility	Minors, with the account operated by the parent or guardian until the minor reaches maturity.
Tenure and Interest Rates	The tenure and interest rates are similar to the standard RD account, encouraging long-term savings from an early age.
Minimum and Maximum Deposit	Ensures a low entry barrier with a minimum deposit requirement, promoting savings among all income groups.
Promotes Savings Habit	Encourages children to develop a savings habit from a young age, instilling financial discipline.
Financial Security for Minors	Provides financial security for minors, accumulating a significant amount by the time they reach adulthood.
Flexibility in Operation	Parents or guardians can manage the account, ensuring the funds are used for the child’s benefit.

Post Office RD Premature Withdrawal Rules

1. A premature withdrawal from the National savings RD account is permitted after three years from the date of initial deposit.

2. In the case of a premature withdrawal, the interest rate will be the PO Savings Account interest rate.

3. You must submit a Form-2 application to the Post Office of India’s nearest branch.

4. If a deposit is made in advance, withdrawals are permitted once the advance deposit period has expired.

Post Office RD Interest Rates – FAQs

Can I get a loan against my post office RD?

Yes, you can borrow up to 50% of the account’s balance credit after depositing 12 installments and keeping it open for a year.

What is the minimum deposit amount for a post office RD?

The minimum deposit amount for a post office RD is Rs.100.

Can I extend my post-office RD?

Yes, you can extend your post office RD for a further five years by filing an application to the respective post office.

Are Post Office RDs tax-free?

Yes, post office deposits are tax-free.

What is the penalty for not paying installments on time?

The account will be suspended if there are more than four defaults. However, it is possible to regularise it within two months by paying a default cost.

Is the nomination feature available with a Post Office RD account?

Yes, a nomination facility is available with a Post Office recurring deposit.