Recurring deposit Vs Fixed Deposit? Thinking where to save your money? Well, many times, investors get confused whether to invest in a Recurring Deposit (RD) or a Fixed Deposit (FD). Though they are the most popular saving schemes, especially amongst risk-averse investors, it is important to understand how RD and FD differ from each other and which is a better Investing option.
RD is a financial instrument mainly directed towards encouraging savings. In this scheme, investors have the flexibility to save a specific sum every month either in a Bank’s or financial institution’s RD account for a predetermined tenure and earn interest on this amount. At maturity, interest is paid out along with the principal amount.
Fixed deposits are a type of financial instruments provided by banks for a fixed predefined tenure and a Fixed Rate of Interest. In this scheme, a fixed sum is deposited once at the time of creating an FD account. At the end of the tenure, the interest amount for the chosen tenure is calculated with the principal amount and the total sum is paid out cumulatively.
| Parameters | Recurring Deposit (RD) | Fixed Deposit (FD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tenure | Tenure of RD usually varies from 6 months to 10 years | Tenure of FD scheme ranges between 7 days to 10 years |
| Interest Calculations | compounding of interest generally occurs on every quarter for an RD scheme | In FD, compound interest is calculated on the interest accrued every year |
| Eligibility | All resident Indians and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) are eligible to open RD account. This account can also be opened for minors by their parents or legal guardians | All resident Indians and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) are eligible to open a fixed deposit account |
| Tax Benefits | No tax benefit is offered in this scheme | For Fixed Deposit, a tax exemption under the Section 80C of income tax Act 1961 is applicable. This is applicable for deposits over 5 years (as per current laws) |
| Rate of Return | The interest rate is same as FD but usually, depends on tenure and monthly investment amount | The interest rate is same as RD but depends on the capital and tenure opted for |
| Additional Benefits | Most banks offer loans for up to 90% of the deposit value | Most banks offer loans for up to 70%- 90% of the deposit value. |
| Withdrawals | In some case, premature withdrawal is allowed without a penalty. While some banks may charge a penalty | Premature withdrawal is allowed with a penalty |
| Income Interest | Interest earned on RD is taxable and most banks deduct TDS | Interest earned on FD is taxable and most of the banks deduct TDS |
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Since both RD and FD are suitable for risk-averse investors, the final choice depends on one’s needs. In an FD account, interest is compounded on the initial lump sum deposited. The entire deposited amount earns interest for a year. However, in a RD, only the 1st deposit earns interest for the first year, i.e. 12 months. The second deposit earns interest for 11 months, the third for 10 months, and so on. The compounding effect enables Fixed Deposits to generate higher returns for the investors.
Though in time, one can earn more money with a Fixed Deposit (example illustrated below), but it does not have the flexibility of a Recurring Deposit account in terms of being able to deposit small amounts monthly. So, those who don’t have a lump sum to invest can prefer monthly investments.
For better understanding, we have illustrated the difference in both the schemes. Users can hence clearly understand and choose well.
Illustration:
Lets’ assume you invest INR 1000 (monthly for a year) in a Recurring Deposit and you have invested lump sum INR 12,000 in a Fixed Deposit at the start of the year. Both these products offer you a 9 percent interest compounded quarterly. So, the earnings from these two schemes is as given below-
| Particulars | Recurring Deposit (RD) | Fixed Deposit (FD) |
|---|---|---|
| Amount Invested | INR 5,000 (monthly) | INR 60,000 (lump sum) |
| Tenure | 12 months | 12 months |
| Annual Interest Rates | 6% | 6% |
| Total Amount Earned | INR 61,986 | INR 63,701 |
| Net Profit | INR 1,986 | INR 3,701 |
Now when you know the major difference between RD and FD, you can choose one and invest wisely. Though FD gives a better growth comparatively to RD, most of the time, it is not feasible for a single instrument to meet all your needs. So, when you don’t have a lump sum to invest, you can save a smaller amount from your income every month and invest in a Recurring Deposit!
Fund Selection Methodology used to find 10 funds
(Erstwhile Reliance Liquid Fund - Cash Plan) The investment objective of the Scheme is to generate optimal returns consistent with moderate levels of risk and high liquidity. Accordingly, investments shall predominantly be made in Debt and Money Market Instruments. Below is the key information for Nippon India Ultra Short Duration Fund Returns up to 1 year are on The primary objective of the schemes is to generate regular income through investments in debt and money market instruments. Income maybe generated through the receipt of coupon payments or the purchase and sale of securities in the underlying portfolio. The schemes will under normal market conditions, invest its net assets in fixed income securities, money market instruments, cash and cash equivalents. Research Highlights for Aditya Birla Sun Life Savings Fund Below is the key information for Aditya Birla Sun Life Savings Fund Returns up to 1 year are on (Erstwhile Kotak Treasury Advantage Fund) The investment objective of the Scheme is to generate returns through investments in debt and money market instruments with a view to reduce the interest rate risk. However, there is no assurance or guarantee that the investment objective of the scheme will be achieved. Research Highlights for Kotak Savings Fund Below is the key information for Kotak Savings Fund Returns up to 1 year are on (Erstwhile ICICI Prudential Regular Income Fund) The fund’s objective is to generate regular income through investments primarily in debt and money market instruments. As a secondary objective, the Scheme also seeks to generate long term capital appreciation from the portion of equity investments under the Scheme. Research Highlights for ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund Below is the key information for ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund Returns up to 1 year are on (Erstwhile Invesco India Medium Term Bond Fund) The objective is to generate regular income and capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of medium term debt and money market instruments. Research Highlights for Invesco India Ultra Short Term Fund Below is the key information for Invesco India Ultra Short Term Fund Returns up to 1 year are on "The primary investment objective of the Scheme is to seek to generate reasonable returns commensurate with low risk and a high degree of liquidity, from a portfolio constituted of money market securities and high quality debt securities. However, there can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Scheme will be realized." Research Highlights for DSP Money Manager Fund Below is the key information for DSP Money Manager Fund Returns up to 1 year are on (Erstwhile Canara Robeco Treasury Advantage Fund) To generate income/capital appreciation through a low risk strategy by investment in Money Market Instruments (MMI). However, there can be no assurance that the investment objective of the scheme will be realized. Research Highlights for Canara Robeco Ultra Short Term Fund Below is the key information for Canara Robeco Ultra Short Term Fund Returns up to 1 year are on The objective of the Scheme will be to provide investors with regular income for their investment by investing in debt and money market instruments with relatively lower interest rate risk, such that the Macaulay duration of the portfolio is maintained between 3 months to 6 months. However, there can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Scheme will be realized. Research Highlights for IDBI Ultra Short Term Fund Below is the key information for IDBI Ultra Short Term Fund Returns up to 1 year are on (Erstwhile UTI - Floating Rate Fund - Short Term Plan) To generate regular income through investment in a portfolio comprising substantially of floating rate debt / money market instruments, fixed rate debt / money market instruments swapped for floating rate returns. The Scheme may also invest a portion of its net assets in fixed rate debt securities and money market instruments .However there can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Scheme will be achieved. The Scheme does not guarantee / indicate any returns. Research Highlights for UTI Ultra Short Term Fund Below is the key information for UTI Ultra Short Term Fund Returns up to 1 year are on (Erstwhile Reliance Liquid Fund - Treasury Plan) The investment objective of the scheme is to generate optimal returns consistent with moderate levels of risk and high liquidity. Accordingly, investments shall predominantly be made in Debt and Money Market Instruments. Research Highlights for Nippon India Liquid Fund Below is the key information for Nippon India Liquid Fund Returns up to 1 year are on 1. Nippon India Ultra Short Duration Fund
Nippon India Ultra Short Duration Fund
Growth Launch Date 7 Dec 01 NAV (08 Apr 26) ₹4,213.87 ↑ 3.56 (0.08 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹10,672 on 28 Feb 26 Category Debt - Ultrashort Bond AMC Nippon Life Asset Management Ltd. Rating ☆☆ Risk Low Expense Ratio 1.12 Sharpe Ratio 1.9 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 100 Min SIP Investment 100 Exit Load NIL Yield to Maturity 7.27% Effective Maturity 7 Months 28 Days Modified Duration 5 Months 13 Days Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value Returns for Nippon India Ultra Short Duration Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 8 Apr 26 Duration Returns 1 Month 0.5% 3 Month 1.4% 6 Month 2.8% 1 Year 6.1% 3 Year 6.8% 5 Year 6.7% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 6.1% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2025 6.8% 2024 7.2% 2023 6.7% 2022 4.6% 2021 7.8% 2020 4.9% 2019 0.9% 2018 7.3% 2017 5.8% 2016 6.8% Fund Manager information for Nippon India Ultra Short Duration Fund
Name Since Tenure Data below for Nippon India Ultra Short Duration Fund as on 28 Feb 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Debt Sector Allocation
Sector Value Credit Quality
Rating Value Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity 2. Aditya Birla Sun Life Savings Fund
Aditya Birla Sun Life Savings Fund
Growth Launch Date 16 Apr 03 NAV (08 Apr 26) ₹574.388 ↑ 0.35 (0.06 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹21,467 on 28 Feb 26 Category Debt - Ultrashort Bond AMC Birla Sun Life Asset Management Co Ltd Rating ☆☆☆☆☆ Risk Moderately Low Expense Ratio 0.55 Sharpe Ratio 2.39 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 1,000 Min SIP Investment 1,000 Exit Load NIL Yield to Maturity 7.14% Effective Maturity 6 Months 18 Days Modified Duration 5 Months 23 Days Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value Returns for Aditya Birla Sun Life Savings Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 8 Apr 26 Duration Returns 1 Month 0.4% 3 Month 1.3% 6 Month 2.8% 1 Year 6.5% 3 Year 7.3% 5 Year 6.3% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 7.4% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2025 7.4% 2024 7.9% 2023 7.2% 2022 4.8% 2021 3.9% 2020 7% 2019 8.5% 2018 7.6% 2017 7.2% 2016 9.2% Fund Manager information for Aditya Birla Sun Life Savings Fund
Name Since Tenure Data below for Aditya Birla Sun Life Savings Fund as on 28 Feb 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Debt Sector Allocation
Sector Value Credit Quality
Rating Value Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity 3. Kotak Savings Fund
Kotak Savings Fund
Growth Launch Date 13 Aug 04 NAV (08 Apr 26) ₹44.8102 ↑ 0.02 (0.04 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹16,105 on 28 Feb 26 Category Debt - Ultrashort Bond AMC Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Co Ltd Rating ☆☆☆ Risk Moderately Low Expense Ratio 0.81 Sharpe Ratio 1.8 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 5,000 Min SIP Investment 1,000 Exit Load NIL Yield to Maturity 7.12% Effective Maturity 6 Months 18 Days Modified Duration 5 Months 23 Days Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value Returns for Kotak Savings Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 8 Apr 26 Duration Returns 1 Month 0.5% 3 Month 1.4% 6 Month 2.7% 1 Year 6.1% 3 Year 6.8% 5 Year 5.8% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 7.2% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2025 6.8% 2024 7.2% 2023 6.8% 2022 4.5% 2021 3.2% 2020 5.8% 2019 7.8% 2018 7.4% 2017 6.7% 2016 8.2% Fund Manager information for Kotak Savings Fund
Name Since Tenure Data below for Kotak Savings Fund as on 28 Feb 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Debt Sector Allocation
Sector Value Credit Quality
Rating Value Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity 4. ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund
ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund
Growth Launch Date 3 May 11 NAV (08 Apr 26) ₹29.0045 ↑ 0.02 (0.08 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹14,897 on 15 Mar 26 Category Debt - Ultrashort Bond AMC ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Limited Rating ☆☆☆ Risk Moderate Expense Ratio 0.8 Sharpe Ratio 2.28 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 5,000 Min SIP Investment 1,000 Exit Load 0-1 Months (0.5%),1 Months and above(NIL) Yield to Maturity 7.11% Effective Maturity 6 Months 14 Days Modified Duration 5 Months 8 Days Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value Returns for ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 8 Apr 26 Duration Returns 1 Month 0.6% 3 Month 1.5% 6 Month 2.8% 1 Year 6.4% 3 Year 7% 5 Year 6.1% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 7.4% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2025 7.1% 2024 7.5% 2023 6.9% 2022 4.5% 2021 4% 2020 6.5% 2019 8.4% 2018 7.5% 2017 6.9% 2016 9.8% Fund Manager information for ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund
Name Since Tenure Data below for ICICI Prudential Ultra Short Term Fund as on 15 Mar 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Debt Sector Allocation
Sector Value Credit Quality
Rating Value Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity 5. Invesco India Ultra Short Term Fund
Invesco India Ultra Short Term Fund
Growth Launch Date 30 Dec 10 NAV (08 Apr 26) ₹2,819.03 ↑ 2.49 (0.09 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹1,292 on 28 Feb 26 Category Debt - Ultrashort Bond AMC Invesco Asset Management (India) Private Ltd Rating ☆☆☆ Risk Moderate Expense Ratio 0.74 Sharpe Ratio 1.54 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 5,000 Min SIP Investment 1,000 Exit Load NIL Yield to Maturity 6.95% Effective Maturity 5 Months 10 Days Modified Duration 5 Months 2 Days Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value Returns for Invesco India Ultra Short Term Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 8 Apr 26 Duration Returns 1 Month 0.6% 3 Month 1.5% 6 Month 2.8% 1 Year 6.1% 3 Year 6.9% 5 Year 5.8% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 7% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2025 6.8% 2024 7.5% 2023 6.6% 2022 4.1% 2021 3% 2020 5.1% 2019 7.6% 2018 7.3% 2017 7.1% 2016 9.1% Fund Manager information for Invesco India Ultra Short Term Fund
Name Since Tenure Data below for Invesco India Ultra Short Term Fund as on 28 Feb 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Debt Sector Allocation
Sector Value Credit Quality
Rating Value Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity 6. DSP Money Manager Fund
DSP Money Manager Fund
Growth Launch Date 31 Jul 06 NAV (08 Apr 26) ₹3,551.69 ↑ 3.25 (0.09 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹3,714 on 28 Feb 26 Category Debt - Ultrashort Bond AMC DSP BlackRock Invmt Managers Pvt. Ltd. Rating ☆☆ Risk Moderately Low Expense Ratio 1.02 Sharpe Ratio 0.95 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 1,000 Min SIP Investment 500 Exit Load NIL Yield to Maturity 6.93% Effective Maturity 7 Months 10 Days Modified Duration 5 Months 5 Days Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value Returns for DSP Money Manager Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 8 Apr 26 Duration Returns 1 Month 0.5% 3 Month 1.3% 6 Month 2.5% 1 Year 5.7% 3 Year 6.6% 5 Year 5.6% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 6.6% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2025 6.7% 2024 6.9% 2023 6.7% 2022 4.1% 2021 2.9% 2020 4.7% 2019 7.3% 2018 5% 2017 6% 2016 7.5% Fund Manager information for DSP Money Manager Fund
Name Since Tenure Data below for DSP Money Manager Fund as on 28 Feb 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Debt Sector Allocation
Sector Value Credit Quality
Rating Value Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity 7. Canara Robeco Ultra Short Term Fund
Canara Robeco Ultra Short Term Fund
Growth Launch Date 14 Jul 08 NAV (08 Apr 26) ₹3,962.19 ↑ 3.29 (0.08 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹544 on 15 Mar 26 Category Debt - Ultrashort Bond AMC Canara Robeco Asset Management Co. Ltd. Rating ☆☆ Risk Low Expense Ratio 0.94 Sharpe Ratio 0.72 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 5,000 Min SIP Investment 1,000 Exit Load NIL Yield to Maturity 6.9% Effective Maturity 1 Year 1 Month 15 Days Modified Duration 4 Months 21 Days Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value Returns for Canara Robeco Ultra Short Term Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 8 Apr 26 Duration Returns 1 Month 0.6% 3 Month 1.4% 6 Month 2.6% 1 Year 5.8% 3 Year 6.5% 5 Year 5.4% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 6.8% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2025 6.5% 2024 6.8% 2023 6.4% 2022 3.9% 2021 2.6% 2020 4.5% 2019 6.6% 2018 6.1% 2017 5.7% 2016 7.3% Fund Manager information for Canara Robeco Ultra Short Term Fund
Name Since Tenure Data below for Canara Robeco Ultra Short Term Fund as on 15 Mar 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Debt Sector Allocation
Sector Value Credit Quality
Rating Value Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity 8. IDBI Ultra Short Term Fund
IDBI Ultra Short Term Fund
Growth Launch Date 3 Sep 10 NAV (28 Jul 23) ₹2,424.68 ↑ 0.44 (0.02 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹146 on 30 Jun 23 Category Debt - Ultrashort Bond AMC IDBI Asset Management Limited Rating ☆ Risk Moderately Low Expense Ratio 0.6 Sharpe Ratio -0.57 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 5,000 Min SIP Investment 500 Exit Load NIL Yield to Maturity 6.83% Effective Maturity 2 Months 23 Days Modified Duration 2 Months 10 Days Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value Returns for IDBI Ultra Short Term Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 8 Apr 26 Duration Returns 1 Month 0.5% 3 Month 1.6% 6 Month 3.4% 1 Year 6.4% 3 Year 4.8% 5 Year 5.5% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 7.1% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Fund Manager information for IDBI Ultra Short Term Fund
Name Since Tenure Data below for IDBI Ultra Short Term Fund as on 30 Jun 23
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Debt Sector Allocation
Sector Value Credit Quality
Rating Value Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity 9. UTI Ultra Short Term Fund
UTI Ultra Short Term Fund
Growth Launch Date 29 Aug 03 NAV (08 Apr 26) ₹4,424.38 ↑ 3.85 (0.09 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹3,946 on 28 Feb 26 Category Debt - Ultrashort Bond AMC UTI Asset Management Company Ltd Rating ☆☆☆☆ Risk Moderately Low Expense Ratio 0.93 Sharpe Ratio 1.38 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 5,000 Min SIP Investment 500 Exit Load NIL Yield to Maturity 6.76% Effective Maturity 5 Months 19 Days Modified Duration 4 Months 23 Days Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value Returns for UTI Ultra Short Term Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 8 Apr 26 Duration Returns 1 Month 0.4% 3 Month 1.3% 6 Month 2.6% 1 Year 5.9% 3 Year 6.7% 5 Year 6.3% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 6.8% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2025 6.6% 2024 7.2% 2023 6.7% 2022 4.2% 2021 6.1% 2020 5.3% 2019 3.3% 2018 7% 2017 6.6% 2016 8.9% Fund Manager information for UTI Ultra Short Term Fund
Name Since Tenure Data below for UTI Ultra Short Term Fund as on 28 Feb 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Debt Sector Allocation
Sector Value Credit Quality
Rating Value Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity 10. Nippon India Liquid Fund
Nippon India Liquid Fund
Growth Launch Date 9 Dec 03 NAV (08 Apr 26) ₹6,672.84 ↑ 2.47 (0.04 %) Net Assets (Cr) ₹32,736 on 28 Feb 26 Category Debt - Liquid Fund AMC Nippon Life Asset Management Ltd. Rating ☆☆☆☆ Risk Low Expense Ratio 0.33 Sharpe Ratio 2.6 Information Ratio 0 Alpha Ratio 0 Min Investment 100 Min SIP Investment 100 Exit Load NIL Yield to Maturity 6.66% Effective Maturity 1 Month 25 Days Modified Duration 1 Month 21 Days Growth of 10,000 investment over the years.
Date Value Returns for Nippon India Liquid Fund
absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) basis. as on 8 Apr 26 Duration Returns 1 Month 0.7% 3 Month 1.6% 6 Month 3.1% 1 Year 6.2% 3 Year 6.9% 5 Year 5.9% 10 Year 15 Year Since launch 6.8% Historical performance (Yearly) on absolute basis
Year Returns 2025 6.5% 2024 7.3% 2023 7% 2022 4.8% 2021 3.2% 2020 4.3% 2019 6.7% 2018 7.4% 2017 6.7% 2016 7.7% Fund Manager information for Nippon India Liquid Fund
Name Since Tenure Data below for Nippon India Liquid Fund as on 28 Feb 26
Asset Allocation
Asset Class Value Debt Sector Allocation
Sector Value Credit Quality
Rating Value Top Securities Holdings / Portfolio
Name Holding Value Quantity
Research Highlights for Nippon India Ultra Short Duration Fund