FD vs RD — lump sum or monthly deposits?
A Fixed Deposit wants your money upfront in one lump sum. A Recurring Deposit lets you build it up monthly at a fixed rate. Compare the two on a realistic monthly savings capacity.
FD Calculator vs RD Calculator — 5-year comparison
Opens Compare Lab pre-loaded with both, in your own currency — adjust any input and the chart updates instantly.
Compare now →A lump sum deposited with a bank for a fixed tenure at a fixed, guaranteed interest rate.
Best for: Capital you can't afford to risk — an emergency fund, or a short-term goal within a couple of years.
A fixed amount deposited with a bank every month for a fixed tenure, at a fixed interest rate.
Best for: Building a savings habit for a short-to-medium-term goal when you don't have a lump sum to deposit upfront.
Does RD offer the same interest rate as FD?
Rates are usually similar at the same bank, but RD interest is earned only on the deposits made so far each month — not the full final amount from day one — so an RD's effective return curve looks different from an FD's even at the same headline rate.
Where do these numbers actually come from?
The same calculation engine that powers our standalone calculators and Compare Lab — nothing here is a separate or simplified estimate. Every assumption (rate, tenure, tax) is visible and adjustable once you open the comparison with your own numbers.