10 Best Alternatives to Fixed Deposits (FD)

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Introduction

Are you tired of watching your Fixed Deposit (FD) returns barely keep up with inflation? With FD interest rates hovering around 5-7%, many investors are looking for the best investment options instead of FD that offer higher returns without excessive risk.

If you’re one of them, you’re not alone! The fear of losing purchasing power due to inflation and low-interest rates has led many to explore safe alternatives to fixed deposits with high returns.

Indian households still allocate most of their assets to traditional investments. Property dominates with a 51.3% share, followed by gold (15.2%) and bank deposits (13.3%). Equities, despite their wealth-building potential, account for only 5.8%.

This over-reliance on FDs and low-return instruments slows down wealth accumulation, making it essential to explore alternatives to FD. If you are wondering where to invest money apart from FD, this blog will help you identify the best options.

In this blog, we’ll dive into 10 of the best alternatives to FDs, weighing their pros and cons so you can make an informed choice. Ready to explore better ways to grow your money? Let’s get started!

1.Savings Accounts in Small Finance Banks
2. Corporate Fixed Deposits
3. Post Office Savings Schemes
4. Gold Investment
5. Government Bonds & RBI Bonds
6. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending
7. Annuities
8. High Dividend-Yielding Stocks
9. FD + Equity Mutual Fund Combo

10. Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) in Debt & Equity Funds

Conclusion

1. Savings Accounts in Small Finance Banks

Earn FD-Like Returns with Liquidity

Did you know some small finance banks offer savings accounts with interest rates as high as 7%? This makes them a great alternative for those who want FD-like returns with full liquidity.

Pros:

High-interest rates, sometimes matching FDs
Full liquidity—withdraw anytime
Low risk, as deposits are insured up to ₹5 lakh

Cons:

Interest rates can fluctuate
Some banks have minimum balance requirements
May not consistently beat inflation

💡 Why lock your money in an FD when you can earn almost the same returns with complete flexibility? If you’re looking for where to invest money apart from FD, this could be an option!

2. Corporate Fixed Deposits

Higher Returns Than Traditional FDs

Corporate FDs offer better interest rates than bank FDs but come with slightly higher risks.

Pros:

Higher interest rates (up to 9%)
Flexible tenures

Cons:

Not insured like bank FDs
Credit risk involved
May not always beat inflation

💡 Enjoy the benefits of FDs with a little extra boost! If you are searching for the best investment options instead of FD, corporate FDs can be a good pick.

3. Post Office Savings Schemes

Government-Backed Safety with Decent Returns

Post office schemes like NSC and PPF offer attractive interest rates and tax benefits.

Pros:

Low risk, government-backed
Tax benefits under Section 80C

Cons:

Fixed tenure
Limited liquidity
Returns may not always keep pace with inflation

💡 Safe, secure, and rewarding investments! These make excellent alternatives to FD for conservative investors.

4. Gold Investment

Why Gold Is a Timeless Investment

Gold has historically been a safe haven during economic uncertainties.

Pros:

Hedge against inflation
Easily liquidated
Multiple investment options (physical gold, ETFs, sovereign gold bonds)

Cons:

No passive income
Storage and safety concerns (for physical gold)

💡 Shine bright with gold investments! Looking for where to invest money apart from FD? Gold can be a strategic option.

5. Government Bonds & RBI Bonds

Safe & Secure Investments with Better Returns

Government bonds are low-risk, high-security investments that often offer better returns than FDs.

Pros:

Backed by the government
Interest rates usually higher than FDs
Some bonds offer tax benefits

Cons:

Lock-in periods may apply
Interest rate fluctuations
Long-term bonds may not always beat inflation

💡 Sleep easy knowing your investment is government-backed! These bonds are among the safest alternatives to fixed deposits with high returns.

6. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending

Earn High Returns by Lending Money

P2P lending platforms connect investors with borrowers, offering higher returns than FDs.

Pros:

Potential for high returns (10-15%)
Diversification across multiple borrowers
Passive income stream

Cons:

Credit risk—borrowers may default
Not regulated as strictly as banks
Higher risk compared to traditional investments

💡 Be your own bank and earn higher returns! Another smart but riskier alternative to FD for those with a higher risk appetite.

7. Annuities

Secure Retirement Income with Fixed Payouts

Annuities provide a steady income stream, making them a great choice for retirees looking for financial stability.

Pros:

Guaranteed regular income
Low risk, ideal for retirees
Customizable payout options (lifetime, fixed-term, etc.)

Cons:

Low liquidity—funds are locked in
May have high fees and lower returns than market investments
Returns may not keep up with inflation
You can’t encash the corpus even during extreme emergencies

💡 Enjoy peace of mind with a guaranteed income for life! However, if liquidity is a priority, you may need to look for other alternatives to FD.

8. High Dividend-Yielding Stocks

Earn Regular Income with Reliable Stocks

Investing in high dividend-yielding stocks allows you to earn steady passive income while benefiting from capital appreciation.

Pros:

Regular dividend payouts provide a stable income stream
Potential for stock price appreciation over time
Blue-chip stocks offer stability and reliability

Cons:

Market fluctuations can impact stock prices
Dividend payments are not guaranteed
Requires market knowledge and monitoring

💡 Invest smartly and get paid while you wait! This is among the best investment options instead of FD for equity investors.

9. FD + Equity Mutual Fund Combo

The Best of Both Worlds

If you’re a first-time investor, a smart way to enter equities is by keeping your principal safe in an FD and diverting only the interest to an equity mutual fund. This allows you to benefit from stock market growth while ensuring your capital remains untouched.

Pros:

Principal remains safe in FD
Equity exposure helps grow wealth over time
Step-by-step entry into equity investing
Can generate inflation-beating returns over time

Cons:

Returns from equity mutual funds are market-linked
Requires patience to see substantial gains

💡 A perfect strategy for cautious investors looking to dip their toes into equity markets!

10. Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) in Debt & Equity Funds

A Tax-Efficient Alternative to FD Interest

If you are investing in an FD for regular passive income, consider shifting to a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) using a combination of debt and equity funds. This approach offers better tax efficiency and the potential to beat inflation while providing steady cash flow.

Pros:

More tax-efficient than FD interest
Can generate inflation-beating returns
Customizable withdrawal frequency

Cons:

Market fluctuations may impact returns
Requires careful fund selection and allocation

💡 A smarter way to generate regular income while keeping your wealth growing!

Conclusion

Choosing the right alternative to FDs depends on your risk appetite and financial goals. If you prefer safety, government bonds and post office schemes may suit you.

However, if you’re looking for higher returns and tax efficiency, the FD + Equity MF combo and SWP strategy are excellent options that can help you beat inflation and grow your wealth over time.

💬 Which alternative are you choosing? Let us know in the comments!

FAQs

1. Is FD safer than mutual funds?
Yes, FDs are safer as they offer guaranteed returns, whereas mutual funds are market-linked and carry some risk.

2. Which investment gives higher returns than FD but is safe?
Government bonds, post office schemes, and corporate FDs offer better returns with relatively lower risks.

3. Should I invest in high dividend-yielding stocks instead of FDs?
If you have a higher risk appetite and want passive income, high dividend-yielding stocks can be a great option.

4. What is the safest alternative to FDs?
Government-backed instruments like PPF, NSC, and RBI bonds are among the safest alternatives to FDs.