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

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 calculator 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.

Additionally For more information on the different types of FD's and RD's check out our detailed guide on FD vs RD.

Additional read: FD vs RD: Which One Should You Choose?

Related articles

What Are The Advantages & Disadvantages Of Investing In A Fixed Deposit?

An ideal way to kickstart your investment portfolio is through a fixed deposit (FD). It is not only risk-free and easy to comprehend, but also helps you in growing your wealth. In an FD, you...

KNOW MORE

June 29, 2023

What Is Form 15G For FD? Learn To Save TDS On FD Interest Income

Are you a fixed deposit (FD) holder? If so, you may have heard about Form 15G and its role in saving you from the hassle of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on your FD interest income. But what exactly is...

KNOW MORE

March 1, 2024

Why-Farmers-Should-Consider-A-Fixed-Deposit-This-Vishwakarma-Puja

Why Farmers Should Consider A Fixed Deposit This Vishwakarma Puja

Vishwakarma Puja holds special significance for farmers across India. As you celebrate the divine architect and pray for a bountiful harvest, it’s also an opportune time to plan for your financi...

KNOW MORE

October 10, 2024