RD vs FD — monthly deposits or a lump sum upfront?
RD lets you build up savings monthly at a fixed rate; FD wants the full amount upfront. Compare both on a realistic monthly savings capacity vs an equivalent lump sum.
RD Calculator vs FD 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 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.
A lump sum deposited with a bank for a fixed tenure at a fixed, fixed interest rate.
Best for: Capital you can't afford to risk — an emergency fund, or a short-term goal within a couple of years.
Which has a better effective return, RD or FD?
At the same headline rate, FD usually has a slightly higher effective return since the full principal earns interest from day one, while RD's deposits build up gradually — the gap is usually small but real.
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.