Fixed deposits remain one of the safest and most preferred investment options for senior citizens.
With interest rates changing from time to time, many retirees are closely tracking FD returns.
Recently, the RBI kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, which means banks are not expected to cut FD rates immediately.
However, since the repo rate was reduced by 0.25% in December 2025, its impact may slowly reflect in bank deposit rates in the coming months.
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Budget 2026 and Repo Rate Impact
Budget 2026 did not announce any major changes related to senior citizen fixed deposits.
Existing FDs will continue to earn interest at the same rate until maturity.
For new FD investors, interest rates may vary depending on market conditions.
This makes it important to check current rates before investing.
Banks Offering the Highest FD Rates in 2026
At present, small finance banks are offering better FD rates compared to large commercial banks.
Senior citizens can earn higher returns by choosing the right bank and tenure.
Some of the best FD rates for senior citizens include:
Utkarsh Small Finance Bank offering up to 8.00% for a 3-year FD
Jana Small Finance Bank offering up to 8.00% for tenures between 2 and 3 years
Yes Bank offering up to 7.75% for 36 to less than 60 months
ICICI Bank offering up to 7.10% for long-term deposits
Canara Bank offering up to 7.00% for a 555-day FD
HDFC Bank offering up to 6.95% for medium-term deposits
TDS Rules Senior Citizens Should Know
Tax deduction on FD interest works differently for senior citizens.
TDS is deducted only if interest earned from a single bank exceeds ₹1 lakh in a financial year.
If your total income is below the taxable limit, you can submit Form 15H to your bank at the start of the financial year to avoid TDS.
In case TDS is deducted by mistake, you can claim a refund while filing your income tax return.
Final Advice for Senior Citizen Investors
Senior citizens still have the chance to earn attractive returns of 7.5% to 8%, especially through small finance banks.
For safety, it is advisable to spread investments across different banks instead of putting all funds in one place.
Keeping an eye on interest rate trends and choosing the right tenure can help maximise returns while maintaining financial security.