RD Calculator

Calculate the maturity value of your Recurring Deposit (RD). Plan your monthly savings with precise interest calculations.

Calculate maturity amount for Recurring Deposits.

About This Calculator

The Recurring Deposit (RD) Calculator is your essential tool for planning systematic monthly savings with guaranteed returns. A Recurring Deposit is a popular savings instrument offered by banks and post offices in India, allowing you to deposit a fixed amount every month and earn compound interest over a chosen tenure ranging from 6 months to 10 years.

RDs combine the discipline of regular savings with the safety of fixed deposits. Unlike market-linked investments, RD returns are guaranteed and protected by deposit insurance (up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank under DICGC). This makes RDs ideal for conservative investors, senior citizens seeking regular savings options, and anyone building an emergency fund or saving for short-term goals like vacations, education, or down payments.

With interest rates ranging from 5.5% to 7.5% depending on the bank and tenure, RDs offer competitive returns while maintaining complete capital safety. Post office RDs backed by the Government of India provide additional security for risk-averse savers seeking guaranteed growth on their monthly contributions.

RD Maturity Formula

Maturity Amount = P × [(1 + r/n)(n×t) - 1] / [1 - (1 + r/n)(-1/3)]

P = Monthly deposit amount

r = Annual interest rate (decimal)

n = Compounding frequency (4 for quarterly)

t = Tenure in years

Banks typically compound RD interest quarterly. Each monthly deposit earns interest for its remaining tenure—first deposit earns maximum interest, last deposit earns minimum.

RD vs FD vs SIP: Which Savings Option is Best?

Compare these three popular investment options based on your financial goals and risk tolerance:

FeatureRD (Recurring Deposit)FD (Fixed Deposit)SIP (Mutual Fund)
Investment TypeMonthly fixed amountOne-time lump sumMonthly market investment
Returns5.5% - 7.5% (guaranteed)6% - 7.5% (guaranteed)10-15% (market-linked)
Risk LevelZero (capital protected)Zero (capital protected)Moderate to High
Minimum Amount₹100 - ₹500/month₹1,000 - ₹10,000₹500/month
LiquidityPremature withdrawal with penaltyPremature withdrawal with penaltyFlexible redemption
Best ForMonthly savers, short-term goalsLump sum parking, fixed returnsLong-term wealth creation

RD Interest Rate Factors

Several factors determine the interest rate you receive on your Recurring Deposit:

  • Bank Type: Private banks often offer 0.25-0.5% higher rates than PSU banks. Small finance banks may offer 7-8%.
  • Tenure: Longer tenures (2-5 years) typically offer 0.25-0.75% higher rates than short-term RDs.
  • Deposit Amount: Some banks offer premium rates for higher monthly deposits (₹10,000+).
  • Senior Citizen Benefit: Additional 0.5% interest for depositors aged 60+.
  • RBI Policy Rates: RD rates move with repo rate changes—rates rise when RBI tightens monetary policy.

How to Use This RD Calculator

  1. Enter Monthly Deposit: Input the fixed amount you plan to save each month (minimum ₹100-500 at most banks).
  2. Set Interest Rate: Use your bank's current RD rate. Check bank websites for latest rates; senior citizens add 0.5%.
  3. Choose Tenure: Select the number of months for your RD (6 to 120 months). Align tenure with your savings goal.
  4. Review Results: See maturity amount, total interest earned, and total investment. Compare with FD returns for the same period.

Common RD Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Premature Withdrawal: Breaking an RD before maturity incurs 1-2% penalty on interest earned. If liquidity is a concern, open multiple smaller RDs instead of one large one.

❌ Ignoring TDS: Banks deduct 10% TDS if annual RD interest exceeds ₹40,000 (₹50,000 for seniors). Submit Form 15G/15H if your income is below taxable limit to avoid TDS.

❌ Missing Installments: Defaulting on monthly payments may result in penalty charges or account closure. Set up auto-debit from your savings account.

❌ Not Comparing Rates: RD rates vary significantly across banks. Compare rates before opening—even 0.5% difference adds up over long tenures.

❌ Choosing Wrong Tenure: Match RD tenure to your goal. Avoid locking funds longer than needed; avoid short tenures that offer lower rates.

RD Interest Rates by Bank Type (2026)

Bank Type1 Year Rate3 Year Rate5 Year RateSenior Citizen Bonus
Public Sector Banks (SBI, PNB)6.0% - 6.5%6.25% - 6.75%6.0% - 6.5%+0.50%
Private Banks (HDFC, ICICI)6.5% - 7.0%7.0% - 7.25%6.75% - 7.0%+0.50%
Small Finance Banks7.0% - 7.75%7.5% - 8.0%7.25% - 7.75%+0.50%
Post Office RD6.7%6.7%6.7%No bonus

Rates as of January 2026. Actual rates may vary; check with your bank for current rates.

Related Financial Planning Tools

Sources & Methodology: RD calculations use the standard quarterly compounding formula recognized by RBI-regulated banks. Interest rates referenced from SBI, HDFC Bank, and India Post published rates (January 2026). DICGC deposit insurance per the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act. TDS thresholds per Income Tax Act Section 194A. Always verify current rates with your bank before opening an RD account. Calculator updated January 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Recurring Deposit (RD) and how does it work?

A Recurring Deposit (RD) is a term deposit where you invest a fixed amount monthly for a predetermined tenure (6 months to 10 years). Banks compound interest quarterly on each deposit. Your first installment earns interest for the full tenure, while subsequent deposits earn for shorter periods. At maturity, you receive principal + accumulated compound interest. RDs are ideal for salaried individuals building savings discipline—minimum deposit starts at ₹100-500/month depending on the bank.

How is RD interest calculated?

RD uses quarterly compounding with the formula: Maturity = P × [(1 + r/n)^(n×t) - 1] / [1 - (1 + r/n)^(-1/3)], where P = monthly deposit, r = annual rate, n = compounding frequency (4 for quarterly), t = tenure in years. Example: ₹5,000/month at 7% for 3 years yields approximately ₹2,00,550 maturity (₹1,80,000 principal + ₹20,550 interest). Each monthly deposit compounds separately based on remaining tenure.

Which is better: RD or FD for savings?

FD yields higher effective returns (same rate) because lump sum earns interest from day one—₹1,00,000 FD at 7% for 3 years = ₹1,22,504. RD suits those without lump sum: ₹2,778/month for 36 months (same ₹1,00,000 total) yields ~₹1,11,200. Choose FD for existing corpus maximization; choose RD for systematic monthly savings habit. SIP offers potentially higher but volatile returns (10-12% CAGR historically) for risk-tolerant investors.