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    Fixed deposit VS life insurance – where should I invest?

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    There are many financial and insurance products available in the market wherein you can invest and receive higher returns on your investments. Among the products available in the market, fixed deposit (FD) and life insurance (LI) are the two most popularly used investment products. Although life insurance is an insurance product, many people use life insurance as an investment product. On the other hand, fixed deposit is a purely investment product wherein you can invest for varying tenures. However, both life insurance and fixed deposits serve your different needs.

    Know about fixed deposit & Life Insurance

    Fixed deposits are investment products. You can invest in fixed deposits for fixed tenures as per your convenience and get attractive returns on your investments at maturity. Normally, banks do not allow you to withdraw your deposits before a given maturity date. But, with prior notification to bank, you can withdraw your fixed deposits. These deposits allow you to invest for a minimum period of 7 days to a maximum period of 10 years.

    On the other hand, life insurance is an insurance product which you buy from a particular insurance provider/company by paying a specific amount of money as premiums. A life insurance policy provides an assured amount of sum to a nominated individual upon the death of the insured person. Life insurance policies are normally divided into two types - whole life insurance and term life insurance policies. You can buy these policies for different tenures based on your requirements. Not only these policies provide risk coverage, you can also use these policies to pay off your medical bills, fund children's education and plan for your retirement.

    Benefits of investing in fixed deposits

    Fixed deposits are savings products offered by banks and you can enjoy a wide range of benefits by investing in them. Mentioned below are some of the major benefits you can enjoy by investing in fixed deposits:

    • Fixed deposits encourages you to save for a fixed tenures.
    • It provides you higher interest rates on your savings compared to the interest you receive by investing in a normal savings account.
    • You can get assured returns on your investments provided you don't withdraw them prematurely.
    • In case your cash flow squeezes, you can withdraw your fixed deposits to meet your emergency financial needs.
    • Fixed deposits enable you to choose your interest payment options. You can receive it either at maturity or annually or monthly based on the term you chose.
    • FD comes with flexible investment tenures. You can choose your investment tenures as per your convenience that normally ranges from 7 days to 10 years.
    • You can invest in multiple fixed deposit accounts provided you have different goals of investments.
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    Benefits of buying life insurance

    Like fixed deposits, life insurance has its own set of benefits. It comes with the following benefits:

    • Life insurance policyholders can avail tax benefit under section 80C and 80D of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961.
    • Life insurance provides risk coverage and takes care of your near and dear ones even in your absence.
    • Life insurance coverage lasts for longer duration, more than the premium paying period.
    • You can choose from a wide range of plans such as term plan, whole life plan, senior citizen plan, retirement plan etc. as per your requirements.
    • It offers asset protection as well as access to cash.

    Fixed Deposit Vs Life Insurance - which is best for you?

    Fixed deposit is always a better option to invest as it is purely designed for your investment and savings related needs. If your intention is to save and invest for the future, it is advisable you invest in fixed deposits. Listed below are some of the major differences between fixed deposits and life insurance.

    • Fixed deposit is a purely investment product whereas life insurance is an insurance product. Investment is something that helps you save for the future whereas insurance is something which you purchase for risk protection and protect your family in our absence.
    • Fixed deposits are best for both short and medium term investments whereas life insurance plans are designed for long term investments. You can invest for a period of as low as 7 days in fixed deposits unlike a life insurance plan wherein you need to invest for at least 10 years.
    • You can invest a minimum amount of Rs. 1000 in bank fixed deposits whereas in case of life insurance, the minimum premium is different for different plans based on the insured individual's age, gender, policy term and premium payment condition.
    • Fixed deposits offer fixed returns on investments and it is mentioned in the beginning when you open your deposit. But, investment in Unit Linked Life Insurance Plans is subject to market risk. The fund value you receive by investing in these plans are affected by the prevailing market condition.
    • Fixed deposits add to your habit of savings whereas life insurance plans are purchased out of caring and fear that your near and dear ones may face some risks in future.
    • Both fixed deposits and life insurance policies can be withdrawn. You can withdraw your fixed deposits at any time by sending a notification to your concerned bank whereas a lock in period of 3 and 5 years is application to regular life insurance and ULIP plans respectively.

    Even if you don't get any tax benefit for investing in fixed deposits, it is an ideal product to invest in if you want to get fixed returns on your investments. So, if you want to earn on a regular basis, a fixed deposit account can be the perfect choice. Invest in fixed deposits and get income in the form of interest. Fixed deposit is the most preferred choice of investment among senior citizens.

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    FAQs:

    1. Can I get risk coverage with my fixed deposit account?

      2. No, fixed deposit account does not provide risk coverage. But, you can get assured returns on your investments with your FD account.

    2. What is the minimum tenure of investment in a fixed deposit account?

      3. You can invest in a fixed deposit account for a minimum tenure of 7 days.

    3. Can I withdraw my fixed deposits in case I have an urgent financial need?

      4. Yes, you can withdraw your fixed deposits to meet your emergency expenses by giving prior notification to your bank.

    4. Can I get tax benefits by purchasing life insurance?

      5. Yes, you can get tax benefits under section 80C and 80D of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961 by purchasing life insurance policies.

    5. What is the basic difference between fixed deposit and life insurance?

      6. Fixed deposit is an investment product meant for savings while life insurance is an insurance product primarily designed for risk coverage and savings.

    6. Can I take loan against my FD?

      7. Yes, you can take loan against your FD.

    Display of any trademarks, tradenames, logos and other subject matters of intellectual property belong to their respective intellectual property owners. Display of such IP along with the related product information does not imply BankBazaar’s partnership with the owner of the Intellectual Property or issuer/manufacturer of such products.

    Fixed deposit VS life insurance – where should I invest? Reviews

    Write a Review
    • YES Bank Fixed Deposit
      "Fraud by Yes Bank"
      0.5 1.0/5 "Really Bad"
      Yes Bank has not credited Interest for my Fixed Deposit. On enquiring they gave me a story that the interest amount has been adjusted towards TDS. They have not provided credit entry for the interest and the debit entry for the TDS respectively.
      Was this review helpful? 0
      , bhopal
      Reviewed on Jan 11, 2019
    • ICICI Bank Fixed Deposit
      "Smart Investment"
      0.5 5.0/5 "Blown Away!"
      In ICICI fixed deposit interest rate is around 6.75% per annum, I opened the FD through online. I have invested Rs. 1 lakh they wont take any charges for the pre matured fixed interest. I believe the interest rate is good compared to the government bank.
      Was this review helpful? 2
      , yamuna nagar
      Reviewed on Jan 10, 2019
    • Kotak Fixed Deposit
      "Average service"
      0.5 3.0/5 "Satisfactory"
      I am having a Fixed Deposit account with Kotak Mahindra bank, they provide good services when compared to other banks. I get good interest rate in returns after the maturity period which is after 3 years. Customer support is average with Kotak Mahindra bank.
      Was this review helpful? 1
      , chennai
      Reviewed on Jan 10, 2019
    • HDFC Bank Fixed Deposit
      "Hassle free"
      0.5 5.0/5 "Blown Away!"
      I also have a fixed deposit account with HDFC Bank. The process to open this account is easy. I can do it online. They also offer a good rate of interest on the account. The bank has always been up to the mark to ban with. It is very convenient and easy.
      Was this review helpful? 2
      , noida
      Reviewed on Jan 09, 2019
    • IOB Fixed Deposit
      "Better Banking Experience"
      0.5 4.0/5 "Great!"
      I have invested a fixed deposit with Indian Overseas Bank. My wife has recommended me about this bank since she is working over there. I invested the money of Rs. 50000. I don't remember about the tenure period. Before 1 years, i have invested the money with them.
      Was this review helpful? 0
      , tiruchirapalli
      Reviewed on Jan 09, 2019
    • ICICI Bank Fixed Deposit
      "Good Deposit"
      0.5 5.0/5 "Blown Away!"
      I have invested a fixed deposit with ICICI. There is no reason for selected this bank. They have offered me a interest rate of 6.5% and there is no processing fee. I have invested the money 8 months before. This is a one year plan. I'm happy about the services provided by the ICICI for this account
      Was this review helpful? 1
      , thane
      Reviewed on Jan 04, 2019
    • Corporation Bank Fixed Deposit
      "Average"
      0.5 4.0/5 "Great!"
      I had account with Corporation Bank and its very old one. I put fixed deposit before 3 to 4 years. The interest rate was around 7% which was minimum compared to others but am satisfied. I have deposited for 5 years. Actually have not taken any benefits, just have invested. The customer service was okay.
      Was this review helpful? 3
      , pune
      Reviewed on Jan 04, 2019
    • HDFC Bank Fixed Deposit
      "Good service"
      0.5 4.0/5 "Great!"
      I do have a fixed deposit account with HDFC Bank. They are giving good interest. I can manage this account on line. I have chosen HDFC because of bank financial is good. I have just started long time, The process was very quick and it was done through on line.
      Was this review helpful? 3
      , thane
      Reviewed on Jan 02, 2019
    • SBI Fixed Deposit
      "Best Investment plan"
      0.5 5.0/5 "Blown Away!"
      I have taken fixed deposit account in State Bank Of India . They are not charging any charges for the account . I used to get income tax benefits . Am satisfied with the customer service and response.They are giving good rate of interest . Overall am happy with my account .
      Was this review helpful? 4
      , ahmedabad
      Reviewed on Dec 29, 2018
    • review Fixed Deposit
      "Good online features on FD"
      0.5 5.0/5 "Blown Away!"
      In Saraswat bank they are providing the interest around 7% per annum, the minimum amount Rs. 5000 to max, still my FD is running with this bank. The online options are excellent without visiting I can track the interest and deposit amount through online.
      Was this review helpful? 1
      , pune
      Reviewed on Dec 17, 2018
    • HDFC Bank Fixed Deposit
      "Convenient FD with HDFC"
      0.5 5.0/5 "Blown Away!"
      In HDFC I can deposit for minimum of Rs. 5000 to max amount. I done the investment of one time payment around Rs.6 lakhs. I can chose the tenure period based on the convenient, it gives the interest of 7% its maximum. I can open and close the account through online.
      Was this review helpful? 5
      , pune
      Reviewed on Dec 17, 2018
    • SBI Fixed Deposit
      "Very Good Service"
      0.5 4.0/5 "Great!"
      I had made this investment pretty long time back and the services which they had provided so far has been good. The interest rate with them has been good and the growth with the investment has also been good. Their customer support has been helpful in guiding with everything.
      Was this review helpful? 8
      , bangalore
      Reviewed on Dec 14, 2018
    • YES Bank Fixed Deposit
      "Excellent Service"
      0.5 5.0/5 "Blown Away!"
      It has been a good service which they had been providing so far and i had started this investment a log time back. Their customer support has been helpful in guiding me in the investment plans and explaining with the growth of the investment. The interest rate with them has also been good.
      Was this review helpful? 3
      , bangalore
      Reviewed on Dec 14, 2018
    • Citibank Fixed Deposit
      "Not satisfied with the service"
      0.5 1.0/5 "Really Bad"
      I had started this investment a pretty long time back and they had been providing a good service. Their customer support has not been responsive and i do not suggest any one to make an investment through them. There has not been a good growth with the investment.
      Was this review helpful? 1
      , bangalore
      Reviewed on Dec 14, 2018
    • SBI Fixed Deposit
      "Good Investment Plan"
      0.5 4.0/5 "Great!"
      I have taken fixed deposit account in STATE BANK OF INDIA . They are not charging any charges for the account . I used to get income tax benefits . Am satisfied with the customer service and response.They are giving good rate of interest . Overall am happy with my account .
      Was this review helpful? 4
      , mumbai
      Reviewed on Dec 12, 2018
    • Post Office Fixed Deposit
      "Good investment plan"
      0.5 5.0/5 "Blown Away!"
      I have started investing in the fixed deposit almost more than 5 years. I have invested a variable amount in different times. They have offered me a interest rate of 7.5%. The response was good. I have chosen the post office because of the safe and security.
      Was this review helpful? 13
      , guwahati
      Reviewed on Dec 12, 2018
    • YES Bank Fixed Deposit
      "Excellent service"
      0.5 5.0/5 "Blown Away!"
      I have the fixed deposit account with the Yes bank and the interest rate they have given me is good, also the customer service is good too they have co-ordinated with me well they time to time update me about there date of pay my next fixed deposit date.On line banking services are fine one too and am really happy with them.
      Was this review helpful? 0
      , ahmedabad
      Reviewed on Dec 11, 2018
    • Axis Bank Fixed Deposit
      "Average bank to avail fixed deposit"
      0.5 4.5/5 "Excellent!"
      I have chosen the Axis bank for my fixed deposit. I have deposited around of Rs. 50000. Since they are providing very good services in their branch. They have offered me a interest rate of 6.5%. I put the money in 2015. I have visited their branch many times and the service is very much prompt. I had no issues with them.
      Was this review helpful? 2
      , hyderabad
      Reviewed on Dec 11, 2018
    • ICICI Bank Fixed Deposit
      "Satisfactory"
      0.5 5.0/5 "Blown Away!"
      My fixed deposit is with ICICI Bank. I had to go to the bank and meet the executive and open the account. I can close the account online. There is a lock in period for 12 to 13 months. The interest I earn is satisfactory. I have a deposit of 70K. Overall good.
      Was this review helpful? 1
      , new delhi
      Reviewed on Dec 07, 2018
    • Punjab National Bank Fixed Deposit
      "Good Investment Plan"
      0.5 5.0/5 "Blown Away!"
      I have taken fixed deposit account in Punjab National Bank . They are not charging any charges for the account . I used to get income tax benefits . Am satisfied with the customer service and resonance.They are giving good rate of interest . Overall am happy with my account .
      Was this review helpful? 2
      , new delhi
      Reviewed on Dec 06, 2018
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    Display of any trademarks, tradenames, logos and other subject matters of intellectual property belong to their respective intellectual property owners. Display of such IP along with the related product information does not imply BankBazaar's partnership with the owner of the Intellectual Property or issuer/manufacturer of such products.

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