login-icon
mahindra-finance-logo
login-icon
  • English
  • Hindi
  • Bengali
  • Marathi
  • Telugu
  • Tamil
  • Gujarati
  • Kannada
  • Odia
  • Malayalam
|

What’s the difference between NSC and FD?

mahindra-finance-author

by Mahindra Finance

|

June 30, 2023

|

2 mins read

Two widely trusted investment options are Fixed Deposit (FD) and National Savings Certificate (NSC). Both are time-tested, come with low risk, and ensure steady returns for you in the long run. However, picking between the two can often be difficult.

Learn about the differences between these two financial products so that you can make the right choice while investing your money:

What are FD and NSC?

  • Fixed Deposit (FD) is a low-risk financial instrument offered by banks, NBFCs, and post offices. Customers make a one-time payment for the chosen tenure, and this earns them interest at a fixed rate throughout the tenure of the scheme.
  • National Savings Certificate (NSC) is offered by the Government of India as part of the Indian Postal Service’s savings scheme. It is a savings bond with a maturity of five years and is a good scheme to reduce tax liability.

NSC vs FD: Key differences

ParameterNational Savings CertificateFixed Deposit
Tenure5 years7 days to 10 years
Maximum investmentNo limitNo limit
Loan benefitCan be used as collateral against loansCan be used as collateral against loans
Tax liabilityTDS is not applicable10% TDS is deducted on interest earned
Interest rateUsually higher than FD at around 8%Slightly lower than NSC (6%-8%)
Compounding frequencyAnnuallyQuarterly (in most cases)

NSC vs FD:

Which is the better choice?

Both FD and NSC are low-risk and secure investment options. They share several common features, including tax benefits up to Rs 1.5 lakh under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Interest rates on FD and NSC are fixed throughout the tenure, and neither has a cap on the maximum amount that can be invested. So, the selection is a personal choice that can vary from individual to individual.

To know which one is better for you, use the FD vs NSC calculator. 

Open a Fixed Deposit with Mahindra Finance today and enjoy lucrative interest and several other benefits. Visit our website to learn more.

Related articles

Enhancing Returns: The Role Of Bonuses In Fixed Deposit Schemes

When it comes to investing, everyone wants to maximize their returns. One investment avenue that offers stability and assured returns is a fixed deposit (FD) scheme. But did you know that bonuses can ...

KNOW MORE

March 1, 2024

Online vs Offline Fixed Deposit: Making The Right Choice

When it comes to investing your hard-earned money, fixed deposits (FDs) are a popular choice among Indians. They offer a safe and secure way to grow your savings while providing steady returns. Howeve...

KNOW MORE

March 4, 2024

Understanding The Impacts Of Inflation On Fixed Deposits

Picture this scenario: You diligently save a portion of your hard-earned money in a fixed deposit (FD) account for a rainy day. However, over time, you notice that the purchasing power of your FD retu...

KNOW MORE

March 4, 2024