FD Rates for Rs 5.5 Lakh One-Time Investment: Compare SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, PNB, and Post Office 3-Year Returns
Latest FD Interest Rates 2025: For risk-free guaranteed returns, many investors prefer Fixed Deposits (FDs). In this article, we explain what an FD is, who offers FDs, and compare the 3-year FD rates from leading banks and the Post Office, with maturity calculations for a Rs 5.5 lakh investment.
(Disclaimer: These calculations are projections and not investment advice. Please do your own research or consult a financial expert.)
What is an FD?
Fixed Deposits (FDs) allow investors to lock in a lump sum for a fixed tenure, typically ranging from a few months to several years.
- Investors earn guaranteed returns at a pre-determined interest rate, unaffected by market fluctuations.
- FDs are considered one of the safest investment avenues, especially for risk-averse investors.
Who Offers Fixed Deposits?
Banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) are the primary institutions offering FDs to the public.
- In addition, Post Office FDs are also a trusted choice, particularly for rural and senior citizen investors.
- Some cooperative banks and small finance banks offer higher FD rates but may carry slightly higher risk.
Comparing 3-Year FD Returns: 2025 Snapshot
We will now compare the 3-year FD rates offered by SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, PNB, and the Post Office.
- The comparison includes rates for both general customers and senior citizens.
- We also calculate the maturity amounts for a one-time investment of Rs 5.5 lakh.
SBI Fixed Deposit Interest Rates (2025)
State Bank of India (SBI) offers:
- 6.75% interest for general customers.
- 7.25% interest for senior citizens.
Maturity Calculation:
- General customers: Rs 6,72,316 after 3 years.
- Senior citizens: Rs 6,82,301 after 3 years.
PNB Fixed Deposit Interest Rates (2025)
Punjab National Bank (PNB) offers:
- 7.00% interest for general customers.
- 7.50% interest for senior citizens.
Maturity Calculation:
- General customers: Rs 6,77,292 after 3 years.
- Senior citizens: Rs 6,87,344 after 3 years.
HDFC Bank Fixed Deposit Interest Rates (2025)
HDFC Bank provides:
- 7.00% interest for general customers.
- 7.50% interest for senior citizens.
- (Note: The same rates apply to 5-year FDs as well.)
Maturity Calculation:
- General customers: Rs 6,77,292 after 3 years.
- Senior citizens: Rs 6,87,344 after 3 years.
ICICI Bank Fixed Deposit Interest Rates (2025)
ICICI Bank offers:
- 7.00% interest for general customers.
- 7.50% interest for senior citizens.
Maturity Calculation:
- General customers: Rs 6,77,292 after 3 years.
- Senior citizens: Rs 6,87,344 after 3 years.
Post Office Fixed Deposit Interest Rates (2025)
The Post Office offers an attractive FD rate:
- 7.10% for a 3-year tenure for all investors.
Maturity Calculation:
- All customers: Rs 6,79,291 after 3 years, regardless of age.
Conclusion: Best FD Option for Rs 5.5 Lakh Investment?
Choosing the best FD depends on:
- Interest rates offered.
- Institutional trustworthiness.
- Additional senior citizen benefits.
Post Office FDs offer slightly higher returns than most banks for general customers, while PNB and HDFC Bank offer competitive rates for senior citizens.
For purely risk-free returns, diversifying between top banks and Post Office FDs could be a prudent strategy.
