SCSS vs Senior Citizen Bank FDs: Which offers the highest interest rate?
Senior citizens should choose suitable investment options while planning their retirement funds to ensure a steady income and the safety of their capital. The government-backed Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) and bank-offered Senior Citizen Fixed Deposits (FDs) are two popular choices for senior citizens in India. Both offer security and favourable interest rates; however, their benefits, flexibility, and returns vary. Here is a quick comparison of interest rates, tax benefits, and deposit limits for SCSS and bank fixed deposits for senior citizens.
Interest rate comparison of SCSS and Senior Citizen FDs:
Senior Citizen FD Rates in 2025
Suryoday Small Finance Bank offers the highest interest rate of 9.10% on a 5-year FD, followed by Unity Small Finance Bank at 8.65% and NorthEast Small Finance Bank at 8.50%—much higher than the SCSS offered rate of 8.2%. YES Bank and SBM Bank India offer an interest rate of 8.25%, while state-owned State Bank of India offers 7.50%, and Bank of Baroda provides a 7.40% interest rate on a 5-year FD.
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Senior Citizen FD Table
| Senior Citizen FD Table | ||
| Bank Name | Additional rates offered to Super Senior Citizen* (over and above to senior citizen rates) | |
| 5-year tenure (%) | ||
| SMALL FINANCE BANKS | ||
| AU Small Finance Bank | 7.75 | --- |
| Equitas Small Finance Bank | 7.75 | --- |
| ESAF Small Finance Bank | 6.50 | --- |
| Jana Small Finance Bank | 8.20 | --- |
| NorthEast Small Finance Bank | 8.50 | --- |
| Suryoday Small Finance Bank | 9.10 | --- |
| Ujjivan Small Finance Bank | 7.70 | --- |
| Unity Small Finance Bank | 8.65 | --- |
| Utkarsh Small Finance Bank | 8.25 | --- |
| PRIVATE SECTOR BANKS | ||
| Axis Bank | 7.65 | --- |
| Bandhan Bank | 6.60 | --- |
| City Union Bank | 6.50 | 0.10% on 365 days; 0.05% on 366 days to 3 years tenure |
| CSB Bank | 6.25 | --- |
| DBS Bank | 7.00 | --- |
| DCB Bank | 7.75 | --- |
| Federal Bank | 7.40 | --- |
| HDFC Bank | 7.25 | --- |
| ICICI Bank | 7.40 | --- |
| IDFC FIRST Bank | 6.50 | --- |
| IndusInd Bank | 7.60 | --- |
| Jammu & Kashmir Bank | 7.00 | --- |
| Karur Vysya Bank | 7.40 | --- |
| Karnataka Bank | 6.90 | --- |
| Kotak Mahindra Bank | 6.70 | --- |
| RBL Bank | 7.60 | 0.25% on all tenures |
| SBM Bank India | 8.25 | --- |
| South Indian Bank | 6.50 | --- |
| Tamilnad Mercantile Bank | 7.00 | --- |
| YES Bank | 8.25 | --- |
| PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS | ||
| Bank of Baroda | 7.40 | 0.10% on tenures of above 1 year to 5 years |
| Bank of India | 6.75 | 0.15% on tenures of 180 days to 10 years |
| Bank of Maharashtra | 7.00 | --- |
| Canara Bank | 7.20 | 0.10% on tenure of 444 days |
| Central Bank of India | 7.25 | --- |
| Indian Bank | 6.75 | 0.25% on all tenures |
| Indian Overseas Bank | 7.00 | 0.25% on all tenures |
| Punjab National Bank | 6.75 | 0.30% for tenures up to 5 years |
| Punjab & Sind Bank | 7.00 | 0.15% on tenure of 333 days, 444 days, 555 days, 777 days, 999 days & PSB Green Earth (22 months, 44 months, 66 months) |
| State Bank of India | 7.50 | 0.10% on all tenures |
| Union Bank of India | 7.00 | 0.25% on all tenures |
SCSS Interest Rate in 2025
The Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) is one of the popular post office schemes that offers a fixed interest rate of 8.2% per annum for the first quarter of FY 2025-26, applicable from April to June 2025. This rate is compounded and paid quarterly, providing a steady income stream for senior citizens. The current rate of 8.2% remains competitive compared to most major banks’ FD offerings but is lower than the rates offered by some small finance banks like SSFB.
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Safety and Security
Senior Citizen Fixed Deposits: FDs are insured by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) up to Rs 5 lakh, which includes both principal and interest, ensuring their safety. However, FDs that exceed Rs 5 lakh carry some risk in case of bank failure.
SCSS: The scheme is fully backed by the Government of India, offering superior safety for the entire investment (up to Rs 30 lakh).
Tax Benefits
Senior Citizen FDs: Tax-saving FDs (5-year tenure) qualify for Section 80C deductions up to Rs 1.5 lakh, and the TDS exemption limit for FY 2025-26 is Rs 1 lakh. Interest above these limits is taxable per the individual’s slab.
SCSS: Also qualifies for Section 80C deductions up to Rs 1.5 lakh. Interest is taxable, with TDS deducted if annual interest exceeds Rs 1 lakh. Both options are similar in tax treatment, but SCSS’s quarterly interest payments may lead to earlier tax implications.
Deposit limits
Senior Citizen FDs: No upper limit, allowing senior citizens to invest any amount, though rates may vary for bulk deposits (e.g., above Rs 3 crore). Splitting large sums across multiple banks can maximise DICGC coverage.
SCSS: Capped at Rs 30 lakh per individual across all accounts, limiting its use for those with larger savings.
This story originally appeared on: India Times - Author:Faqs of Insurances
