What you stand to lose by breaking an FD (2024)

A popular savings and investment tool is the Fixed Deposit. It has a number of features like, minimum risk, guaranteed returns, flexible tenure. All of this makes it a favourite among investors. Fixed Deposits are also known as Term Deposits since they’re opened for a specified time period. This can range from 7 days to 10 years.

While, many investors ladder their FD investments, exigencies can crop up out and your only option is to break the FD. Withdrawing an FD before maturity is known as breaking an FD.

Effects of Breaking an FD

Lowered Interest Rate

When you break the FD, you get a lower rate of interest and also pay a penalty for the premature withdrawal. Say, you opened a 1 year FD at 7.5%. If you decide to break an FD at 10 months, the interest earned on the FD will reduce by 1%. The reduced rate is applicable right from the start of the FD tenure. So, in effect you’ll earn a lower return on your investment than what you initially planned.

Banks calculate the interest on premature withdrawal as follows by using online FD Calculator;

Interest rate on premature FD withdrawal = Interest rate for the actual FD tenure prevailing at the time of investment - 1%.

What you stand to lose by breaking an FD (2)

Penalty

In addition to a reduced interest rate, you’ll also have to pay a penalty. This can range from 0.5% to 1% on the interest. FDs with sweep-in facility and fixed deposits with periodic interest payout are charged a penalty in the event of a premature withdrawal.

So, by breaking an FD, you’ll suffer a reduction in interest and a penalty. All of this drastically lowers your return from the FD investment.

When is Breaking an FD Profitable?

If you find a reinvestment option that gives you a much higher return compared to the FD interest, it can be worthwhile to break the FD. Do the math and see if the returns from the new investment are substantially higher that the FD return after considering the penalty and reduced return. If you’re looking for when to break the FD, it’s best to do so when the FD is relatively new. This is generally a period of a few months from the time when you’ve opened the Fixed Deposit account.

Alternative to Breaking an FD

The most common reason depositors resort to breaking an FD is to use the cash to meet immediate needs. Instead of breaking the FD and lose interest, it’s wise to take a loan against the FD. Not only do you get the required funds as a loan, your FD investment continues to earn interest.

Usually, you can get a loan to the extent of 90% of the FD maturity value. The rate of interest charge will be 1% to 2% more than the FD rate. The only limitation is that the loan tenure can’t extend beyond the FD maturity date. For example, if the FD is due for maturity on 1st April, the loan tenure can’t extend beyond 1st April.

FDs are great investment options. By laddering your investments based on accurate estimates of your future cash requirements, you can avoid breaking an FD. This gives you the option to make a lot more money which can be put into other investments.

What you stand to lose by breaking an FD (2024)

FAQs

What happens if I break my fixed deposit? ›

Fixed deposits come with a premature withdrawal option that enables you to close the account before it matures. However, you will have to pay a penalty to the bank to avail this facility. This is done to prevent frequent withdrawals and to promote the saving habit. The penalty charges typically range from 0.5% to 1%.

What is the penalty for breaking FD in Axis Bank? ›

You can flexibly withdraw the money from fixed deposits before maturity subject to a penalty of 1.0%. However, if you wish to withdraw the money only partially, then Axis Bank levies no penalty on first partial withdrawal of upto 25% of the principal amount.

Why not to invest in fixed deposit? ›

Disadvantages of Fixed Deposit Investments

Often, this means that you cannot withdraw it until maturity. In addition, when you do withdraw your money early, there will be penalties involved which could eat into any interest that has been earned on the investment so far.

What happens when a fixed deposit holder dies before maturity? ›

Single holding with “Nomination” option-If depositor dies before maturity, then the maturity proceeds will be payable to a nominee (as a custodian or trust). At a later stage, the amount will be fixed based on the WILL or Succession Certificate.

Is it worth breaking a term deposit? ›

Consequences. If the bank agrees to break your term deposit, it will probably reduce the interest rate on the funds you're withdrawing. It may also seek to recover interest that was paid at the higher rate while it had the money.

Can I terminate fixed deposit early? ›

Despite the stipulated tenures, banks allow you to withdraw your FD prematurely. You typically have to pay penalties for premature withdrawals. The interest rate may change if you opt for premature withdrawal.

What is the rule of FD? ›

A fixed deposit comes with a range of tenures, from 7 days to 10 years. Your principal amount will be invested in the deposits at a fixed interest rate. You will keep earning interest on these deposits. Banks allow the premature withdrawal of fixed deposits as well.

Is there any penalty for breaking FD in SBI? ›

Premature closure

Available. For Term Deposit up to Rs 5.00 lacs, the penalty for premature withdrawal will be 0.50% (all tenors). For Term Deposits above Rs 5.00 lacs, applicable penalty will be 1% (all tenors).

What are the penalty charges for FD? ›

A penalty is a punishment that someone is given for doing something which is against a law or rule. [...]

What are the disadvantages of breaking FD before maturity? ›

Penalties: In case of premature withdrawal, the investor has to pay a certain amount as a penalty to the bank. The amount charged by the bank as a penalty is generally from 0.50 % to 1.00 % of the interest. The penalty may change over time as and when the bank decides to update its policies.

What is the downside of FD? ›

The cons of investing in an FD are discussed below. The returns in an FD are guaranteed but the FD rates are low as compared to other market-linked investments. If you withdraw the FD before its maturity date, you will have to pay a penalty charge.

What is the disadvantage of FD? ›

One of the major disadvantages of a Fixed Deposit is that it offers a fixed interest rate throughout the tenure. Therefore, depositors won't be able to enjoy higher rates when the interest rates in the market rise up. Due to the lack of a dynamic interest rate, a Fixed Deposit won't be able to counter inflation risks.

How long does money stay in bank after death? ›

(a) Upon the death of an accountholder, the FDIC will insure the deceased owner's accounts as if he or she were still alive for six months after his or her death.

What is the interest rate on fixed deposits after death? ›

As regards the rate of interest from the date of death of parents till the date of maturity, there should be no change in the interest rate. In other words, the bank should pay interest at the contracted rate till the date of maturity, regardless of the date of demise of your parents.

What is the either or survivor FD rule? ›

Either or Survivor: If the account is in the name of two individuals says, A & B, the final balance along with interest, if applicable, will be paid to either of account holders i.e. A or B, on date of maturity or to the survivor on death of any one of the account holders.

How do you break a fixed term deposit? ›

Notice period

Many banks now require 31 days' notice before you can access the funds in your term deposit, so in many cases you should first notify your bank that you will be breaking the term. If you need the funds urgently, this is worth keeping in mind as you may need to find an alternative option.

Can you cash out a term deposit? ›

You need to give 31 days' advance notice to withdraw from your term deposit before the maturity date, and you may also need to pay early withdrawal (prepayment) costs and fees if you choose to withdraw your term deposit before it matures.

How do you break a FD before maturity letter? ›

My fixed deposit will mature on date __________ (mention correct date in dd/mm/yyyy format). I am writing this letter to you for premature withdrawal of fixed deposit/closure of fixed deposit because _________ (mention the reason here).

Can we break 5 years fixed deposit? ›

The lock-in period of five years does not allow money withdrawal from the account. However, after five years, the money can be withdrawn. In case of emergency, the money from the tax saver FD can be withdrawn prematurely if the scheme passes the five years of the lock-in period.

What is the ideal period for FD? ›

Fixed Deposit – Best FD Interest Rates in 2023
Interest Rate1.85% p.a. – 7% p.a.
Investment Tenure7 days to 10 years
Interest Compound FrequencyMonthly, Quarterly, or Annually
Partial and Mid-term WithdrawalAllowed with Penalty
Premature ClosureAllowed with Penalty
1 more row
Apr 3, 2023

What is the longest FD period? ›

The sixth period is called the longest period because it has maximum 32 elements.

What is the minimum maturity of FD? ›

The tenure of a fixed deposit ranges from 7 days to 12 months. One can deposit in any fixed deposit only once. Therefore, one can choose the FD tenure as per their objectives. Furthermore, investors can opt to renew their short term FD account when it matures.

What is required to break FD in SBI? ›

For closure of a SBI FD after maturity, the account holder has to submit the certificate of deposit at the SBI bank. The person must also present a signed form mentioning that they want the FD to be closed on the date of maturity.

What happens to FD after 10 years? ›

After the completion of 10 years, the term deposit will have to be renewed if you want to continue to hold to it. Otherwise, it has to be withdrawn. In case you forget to renew it, it will be auto-renewed for the same tenure if you have given maturity instructions.

What happens if FD is broken before maturity in SBI? ›

For Term Deposit up to Rs 5 lakh, the premature withdrawal penalty charged will be 0.50% (all tenures). For Term Deposits above Rs 5 lakh, the applicable penalty will be 1% (all tenures).

Does FD affect credit score? ›

The CIBIL ™ score depends on the repayment history of the customer. So, taking a fixed deposit will not impact your CIBIL ™ score directly. But, you can always take a secured credit card against the existing FD and make timely payment of bills to improve your CIBIL ™ score.

What gives better returns than FD? ›

In NPS, you can choose a portfolio to invest in. This includes market-linked instruments as well. This factor gives NPS a much higher return potential than FDs. But the same also depends on your choice of portfolio.

Is FD safer than bonds? ›

Bonds offer higher returns on maturity than FDs. FDs are better if you are looking for long-term, risk-free, and easily accessible investment instruments. Depending upon your risk appetite, you must make the decision to choose between FDs or bonds.

What are the pros and cons of fixed interest? ›

Advantages And Disadvantages of a Fixed Rate

A fixed rate loan carries the advantage that the borrower will always know exactly how much of a payment is due each month. The disadvantage is that if interest rates rates drop significantly, the borrower still continues to pay the higher rate.

What is fixed deposit pros and cons? ›

Fixed deposits have been popular predominantly for their guaranteed return of capital and easy liquidation. However, they are just low-risk investment options and not completely risks-free. As mentioned above, they do not help depositors counter higher inflation rates. Hence, these were the pros and cons of fd.

Is investing in FD good or bad? ›

Whenever there has been a repo rate hike and total rates have gone up, FD has become a really good saving tool and this is a very secure way of investment not only for millennials, but also for retirees, people looking for a sustainable income and periodic cash flow monthly, quarterly or annually for this kind of an ...

What debts are forgiven at death? ›

Bottom line. Federal student loans are the only debt that truly vanishes when you pass away. All other debt may be required to be repaid by a co-owner, cosigner, spouse, or your estate.

Do banks freeze bank accounts when someone dies? ›

The bank might freeze someone's bank account after they die if none of their relatives notify the bank about the death. In some cases, the funeral home will tell the Social Security Administration about the death, terminating Social Security payments.

Do banks close accounts after death? ›

If the account holder established someone as a beneficiary, the bank releases the funds to the named person once it learns of the account holder's death. After that, the financial institution typically closes the account.

Where is the highest interest rate for fixed deposit? ›

Earn up to 8.2% interest on FD
  • Bajaj Finance Ltd.
  • SBI Bank.
  • ICICI Bank.
  • Axis Bank.
  • HDFC Bank.
  • Bank of Baroda.
  • IDFC Bank.
  • Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Do loans carry over after death? ›

No, when someone dies owing a debt, the debt does not go away. Generally, the deceased person's estate is responsible for paying any unpaid debts. When a person dies, their assets pass to their estate. If there is no money or property left, then the debt generally will not be paid.

Who is offering highest interest rate for fixed deposit? ›

Highest FD interest rates: These banks offer best fixed deposit rates between 8% and 9%
  • Unity Small Finance Bank.
  • Utkarsh Small Finance Bank.
  • Suryoday Small Finance Bank.
Mar 29, 2023

Does joint account go to survivor? ›

Most joint bank accounts come with what's called the "right of survivorship," meaning that when one co-owner dies, the other will automatically be the sole owner of the account. So when the first owner dies, the funds in the account belong to the survivor—without probate.

Are all joint accounts right of survivorship? ›

The majority of banks set up joint accounts as “Joint With Rights of Survivorship” (JWROS) by default. This type of account ownership generally states that upon the death of either of the owners, the assets will automatically transfer to the surviving owner.

What is former or survivor rules? ›

In 'former or survivor', the first joint holder becomes the sole owner if the second joint holder dies, and in case of 'later or survivor', the second joint holder becomes the sole owner on the demise of the first joint holder.

Can I break my 5 years fixed deposit? ›

The lock-in period of five years does not allow money withdrawal from the account. However, after five years, the money can be withdrawn. In case of emergency, the money from the tax saver FD can be withdrawn prematurely if the scheme passes the five years of the lock-in period.

How do I break a fixed deposit request? ›

After going through your application to withdraw a fixed deposit, the bank allows you to withdraw the amount you have invested. Some banks charge 0.5% to 1.00% of the interest rate as a penalty on the premature withdrawal. Some banks impose a penalty if you invest the amount back again after the emergencies.

How do I surrender a fixed deposit? ›

Online application process for breaking Fixed Deposits
  1. Visit your lender's website.
  2. Login by entering your user ID and password and go to the service request section.
  3. Select the option prompting for 'Premature Closure of Fixed Deposits'
  4. Enter your FD number and submit a cancellation request.

How long does it take to terminate fixed deposit? ›

A Fixed Deposit account allows you to save for a minimum period of 30 days till the liquidation/withdrawals of the investment which is done automatically on the set maturity date. However, needs may arise or an emergency that might require you to withdraw from your investment before the maturity date.

How do you break a fixed deposit before maturity letter? ›

The tenure of the Fixed Deposit was (the tenure) years. However, I urgently need the money for some personal purpose. So you are requested to close my aforesaid Fixed Deposit account prematurely and transfer the entire amount (principal + accumulated interest) to my Savings Bank Account (Savings Account No.)

What happens if you break FD before maturity in Federal Bank? ›

Federal Bank Fixed Deposit Premature Withdrawal Penalty

However, the bank may charge a penalty for this premature withdrawal. For principal amount up to Rs. 15 Lakhs, there is no charge for a period of less than 45 days. For more than 45 days, a 1% penalty is levied.

What is the penalty for breaking FD in HDFC? ›

In addition to that, the bank will charge you a penalty fee for partial withdrawals as well as the sweep-ins. In addition, the HDFC bank charges you a fee of 1% that is applicable on the base rate. However, if the partial withdrawal is being made within 7-14 days, the penalty may be waived.

Can I break an FD online? ›

You can break or liquidate your Fixed Deposits that you booked online through NetBanking. For FDs that were opened at a branch, please visit your nearest branch for liquidation.

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