Small Savings Schemes vs FDs: Unchanged Rates Offer Higher Returns! Check Now

• Small saving scheme interest rates, including PPF and NSC, remain unchanged for the seventh consecutive quarter (FY 2025-26 Q4).
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana offers the highest rate at 8.2%, followed by NSC at 7.7% and Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) at 7.5%.
• Public Provident Fund (PPF) and 3-year term deposits offer 7.1%, while Post Office Savings Account gives 4%.
• Bank FD rates vary: SBI (3.05-6.45%), Axis (3.00-6.45%), HDFC (2.75-6.45%), ICICI (2.75-6.50%), PNB (3.00-6.50%) for general public.
• Senior citizens often receive higher FD rates, with some banks offering up to 7.20% (Axis Bank) or 7.10% (ICICI Bank) on tax-saving FDs.

Why It Matters: Small saving schemes generally offer higher interest rates than bank FDs; compare to maximize returns.