Stories
SCSS, PPF or Bank FD? Where does investing get you the highest interest?
- •The government has kept the interest rates of small savings schemes unchanged for the October-December quarter.
- •Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) and Sukanya Samriddhi Account currently offer the highest annual interest rate of 8.20%.
- •National Savings Certificate (NSC) provides 7.70% interest while Public Provident Fund (PPF) offers 7.10% interest.
- •Major public and private sector banks offer around 6.45% to 6.60% interest on 1 to 2-year fixed deposits.
- •Investors should choose the right option based on their financial goals, investment horizon, and liquidity needs.
Key Questions Answered
The government has kept the interest rates for small savings schemes unchanged for the October-December 2026 quarter, maintaining stability for 11 consecutive quarters. Currently, the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) and Sukanya Samriddhi Account offer the highest annual interest rate of 8.20%. Meanwhile, National Savings Certificates (NSC) offer 7.70%, and Public Provident Fund (PPF) accounts offer 7.10% annual interest. Additionally, Post Office 5-year time deposits provide up to 7.50% interest, and the Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) offers 7.40%.
The Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) offers the highest annual interest rate of 8.20% and is specifically designed for senior citizens seeking a safe and attractive investment option.
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) has a maturity period of 15 years, making it an ideal option for long-term investments and tax-related benefits. For the October-December quarter, it offers an annual interest rate of 7.10%.
