FDs for corporate or FDs for companies are fixed-income investments offered by companies, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and financial institutions. It provides potentially higher returns than regular FDs by offering investors higher interest rates across various tenures.
This article will explore the interest rates for FDs for corporates, the benefits of investing in them and much more.
Benefits of Investing in FDs for Corporates
Investing in FDs for corporates is quite beneficial for investors. These are some advantages you get by making this investment:
1. Higher Interest Rates Compared to Regular FDs
The interest rates offered on corporate fixed deposits are usually higher than regular fixed deposits. For example, while leading financial institutions may offer 6-7% on FDs, others may offer from 7-8%. This difference can add up over time. The higher rates allow your investment to grow faster.
2. Flexible Tenures
Financial institutions typically offer limited FD tenures such as 6 months, 1 year, 2 years etc. on regular FDs. However, the tenure on corporate FDs allows you to choose customised tenures that fit your needs. You can invest for any period between just 3 months to 5 years. This flexibility allows better financial planning.
3. Cumulative and Non-cumulative Options
FDs for corporates give investors the choice of cumulative and non-cumulative interest payment options. In cumulative, the interest earned gets compounded and added to the principal. In non-cumulative, you receive regular interest payouts as per your preference. This allows better cash flow planning.
4. Ease of Investment, Fast Processing
Opening an FD for corporates is now very quick and convenient through the company's online portals. The entire application and payment process is digital, taking just 5-10 minutes. The FD amount also gets credited faster.
5. Potential for Regular Income
By opting for non-cumulative interest payouts on FDs for corporates, you can plan for a secondary regular income stream apart from your salary, pensions or other sources. Even small FDs of ₹20,000-30,000 can generate a few thousand rupees monthly or quarterly.
Factors Affecting Corporate FD Rates
There are certain factors which affect the company's fixed deposits, such as:
Credit Ratings
The credit rating of a company plays a pivotal role in determining the interest rates offered on its fixed deposits (FDs). These ratings signal that the company has a strong capacity to meet its financial obligations, including timely payment of interest and principal on its FDs.
Market Conditions and Interest Rate Trends
RBI's monetary policies and overall trends in interest rates in the economy also influence corporate FD rates. When market interest rates are high, companies tend to offer higher rates on company fixed deposits to match investor return expectations. When market rates decline, corporate deposit rates also witness downward revisions. Investors must track market rate movements and compare FD rates across NBFCs, banks and financial companies before investing.
Investment Tenure
Most companies offer higher interest rates on FDs for corporates for longer investment tenures. For instance, a 3-year company fixed deposit scheme will provide higher returns than a 1-year deposit from the same institution. This is because companies can utilise long-term funds more effectively. Investors must compare returns across tenures and choose suitable corporate FD schemes aligning with their investment horizon.
The Bottom Line
FDs for corporates offer investors lucrative interest rates, safety, liquidity and flexibility compared to traditional options. By understanding company financials, ratings, reputation, tenure benefits and current market rates, you can make informed decisions and invest in the right corporate FD scheme that aligns with your income needs and risk appetite.
