A senior citizen fixed deposit is a practical way to protect your retirement corpus while earning steady interest. For many retirees, a Monthly FD is especially useful as it converts interest into a predictable cash flow to meet household bills, medicines, and daily expenses. The right plan depends on your age, tenure, and whether you prefer regular payouts or accumulation. This guide explains how a Monthly FD works, current interest rates for seniors, and key factors to check before booking a senior citizen fixed deposit.
About Monthly FD for senior citizens
A Monthly FD is a non-cumulative fixed deposit where interest is credited to your bank account every month, while the principal remains invested for the chosen tenure. This structure suits retirees who want regular income without liquidating investments.
In a senior citizen fixed deposit, you can choose payout options such as monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly, or cumulative (at maturity). Monthly payouts offer convenience and income certainty, while cumulative deposits generally deliver higher maturity value due to compounding.
A Monthly FD differs from recurring deposits or monthly income schemes. Here, you invest a lump sum once, lock the interest rate, and receive fixed monthly interest through the tenure—making budgeting simpler and reducing reliance on market-linked returns.
Why Monthly FD income matters after retirement
Post-retirement income usually comes from pensions, interest earnings, and withdrawals from savings. A Monthly FD can reduce dependence on pensions and avoid frequent withdrawals from long-term investments. It also helps manage timing risks, such as selling market-linked assets during downturns.
A senior citizen fixed deposit promotes financial discipline by preserving principal while interest supports regular expenses. Many retirees also prefer Monthly FDs because the income is visible, stable, and easier to manage than variable-return instruments—an important advantage when medical and living costs are unpredictable.
Key features of a senior citizen fixed deposit with monthly payout
A well-structured Monthly FD typically offers:
- Fixed interest rate for the selected tenure
- Monthly interest credited to your bank account
- Flexible tenure options
- Choice of monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly payouts
- Nomination facility for smooth transmission
Since interest is paid out instead of being reinvested, Monthly FD rates are usually lower than cumulative (“at maturity”) rates for the same tenure. This is normal and should be factored into payout selection.
Best interest rates for senior citizens and Monthly FD payouts
Below are current applicable Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit rates, useful for planning. Rates should be checked at the time of booking.
Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit rates – Senior citizens (60 years and above)
| Tenure (months) | Cumulative (p.a.) | Monthly (p.a.) | Quarterly (p.a.) | Half-yearly (p.a.) | Yearly (p.a.) |
| 12–14 | 6.95% | 6.74% | 6.78% | 6.83% | 6.95% |
| 15–23 | 7.10% | 6.88% | 6.92% | 6.98% | 7.10% |
| 24–60 | 7.30% | 7.07% | 7.11% | 7.17% | 7.30% |
Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit rates – Non-senior citizens (below 60 years)
| Tenure (months) | Cumulative (p.a.) | Monthly (p.a.) | Quarterly (p.a.) | Half-yearly (p.a.) | Yearly (p.a.) |
| 12–14 | 6.60% | 6.41% | 6.44% | 6.49% | 6.60% |
| 15–23 | 6.75% | 6.55% | 6.59% | 6.64% | 6.75% |
| 24–60 | 6.95% | 6.74% | 6.78% | 6.83% | 6.95% |
The higher senior citizen rates can materially improve monthly payouts over time without taking market risk.
Choosing the right tenure
Tenure should match liquidity needs—not just the highest rate.
- 12–14 months: Suitable for flexibility; Monthly FD rate 6.74% p.a.
- 15–23 months: Balance of yield and flexibility; Monthly FD rate 6.88% p.a.
- 24–60 months: Preferred for stable retirement income; Monthly FD rate 7.07% p.a., cumulative 7.30% p.a.
Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit allows selection across these tenures with multiple payout options to suit cash-flow needs.
Safety and due diligence
Senior citizens should evaluate issuer strength alongside rates.
Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposits carry the highest safety ratings of ICRA AAA (Stable) and CRISIL AAA/Stable, reflecting strong financial stability and repayment capability.
Also review premature withdrawal rules, penalty terms, and ensure nominations are updated—especially when using FD laddering.
Taxation and TDS considerations
Interest from Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposits is taxable under “Income from Other Sources.”
As Bajaj Finance is an NBFC:
- TDS at 10% applies if total FD interest exceeds ₹10,000 in a financial year
- TDS at 20% applies if PAN is not provided
- Eligible senior citizens can submit Form 15H to avoid TDS, subject to income conditions
Conclusion
A senior citizen fixed deposit remains a reliable option for retirees seeking stability and predictable income. When regular cash flow is the priority, a Monthly FD converts lump-sum savings into steady monthly income while keeping the principal intact. With careful tenure selection, the right payout frequency, AAA-rated safety, and awareness of tax rules, a Monthly FD can become a dependable pillar of your retirement budget and long-term financial security.
