Short-Term Vs Long-Term Fixed Deposits

Searching for choices that offer proper financial security and the advantage of a guaranteed return, either in the short-term or long-term, becomes important when thinking about financial planning. Among investors, fixed deposits are thought to be the preferred choice. 

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In addition to being simple to understand, FDs are among the most low-risk options to build savings.  However, it is important to understand the basic differences between short-term and long-term FD before choosing this choice. 

Short Term vs Long term FD

What is a Short-Term Fixed Deposit? 

A short-term fixed deposit is a type of financial instrument that banks and other financial institutions provide that enables people to deposit a certain amount of money at a predefined interest rate for a specified amount of period. Short-term describes the deposit's comparatively short duration, which usually ranges from a few weeks to a few months. 

Benefits of Short-Term Fixed Deposit 

Here are some of the benefits of short-term fixed deposits as follows: 

  1. Short-term fixed deposit investments are locked in for a predetermined amount of time to earn interest, much like other fixed deposit plans 
  1. Short-term FDs have a duration of 7 days to 2 years. Banks differ in the minimum deposit amounts they require 
  1. Investments are not impacted by market forces, making it one of the safest investing options 
  1. Interest rates for 3 months or one-year fixed deposits remain stable and typically double those of savings accounts 
  1. Small financial savings and short-term financial objectives, such as buying a gift for a family member, are best served by short-term FDs 
  1. These FD schemes do not offer liquidity because they are short-term. Therefore, it is recommended to hold off on withdrawing this amount until the end of the term.

What is a Long-Term Fixed Deposit? 

A long-term fixed deposit is a type of financial instrument that banks and other financial institutions offer that enables people to deposit a certain amount of money at a fixed interest rate for a long time. Long-term fixed deposits have a longer tenure than short-term ones, typically lasting a few to several years. 

Benefits of Long-Term Fixed Deposit 

Here are some of the benefits of long-term fixed deposits as follows: 

  1. Opening a long-term FD account is very easy. The entire application procedure is simple, clear, and easy to understand 
  1. Investors can choose from a variety of long-term FDs with varying maturity terms, depending on their individual suitability 
  1. Additionally, long-term FD offers the option of auto-renewal, in which case the FD account is automatically renewed without requiring any additional steps 
  1. FD plans, such as five-year fixed deposits, provide investors with good liquidity and can serve as a safety net in case of an emergency 
  1. Long-term financial objectives, such as a down payment on a house or the purchase of a new vehicle, can be achieved with fixed deposits that last five to ten years 
  1. Long-term FDs ensure a return on maturity and offer an attractive high interest rate of 6%–7% 
  1. Additionally, investors have the option to take an early withdrawal from the account. They must, however, notify the bank or financial institution of these things.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Fixed Deposits

Here is the difference between short-term and long-term fixed deposits as follows: 

Short-Term Fixed Deposit 

Long-Term Fixed Deposit 

The tenure of short-term fixed deposits is usually only a few weeks to a few months. 

The period of long-term fixed deposits is usually many years. 

They are appropriate for people who wish to invest their money for only a short period and get access to the funds soon because they have a shorter commitment term. 

They are suitable for people who can commit to holding onto their investments for a longer amount of time without requiring instant access to the money. 

When compared to longer-term options, short-term fixed deposits frequently provide lower interest rates. 

People can maximize their profits over time with long-term FDs because they frequently offer higher interest rates than short-term ones. 

FAQs on Short-Term Vs Long-Term Fixed Deposits

  • What is a Short-Term fixed deposit?

    A Short-Term fixed deposit is a type of financial instrument that banks and other financial institutions provide that enables people to deposit a certain amount of money at a predefined interest rate for a specified amount of period. 

  • What is Long-Term fixed deposit?

    A Long-Term fixed deposit is a type of financial instrument that banks and other financial institutions offer that enables people to deposit a certain amount of money at a fixed interest rate for a long time. 

  • What are the benefits of Long-Term fixed deposits?

    Long-Term fixed deposits provide many benefits such as Long-term FDs ensure a return on maturity and offer an attractive high interest rate of 6%–7%, Investors can choose from a variety of long-term FDs with varying maturity terms, depending on their individual suitability. 

  • What are the benefits of Short-Term fixed deposits?

    Short-Term fixed deposits provide many benefits such as Small financial savings and short-term financial objectives, such as buying a gift for a family member, are best served by short-term FDs, Interest rates for 3 months or one-year fixed deposits remain stable and typically double those of savings accounts. 

  • What are the disadvantages of a fixed deposit term?

    A penalty charge may result from an early withdrawal of FD. As a result, while withdrawing the money, the investor might receive less interest in the total amount invested. 

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