Everything You Wanted to know about Company/Corporate Deposits in 2024

Everything You Wanted to know about Company/Corporate Deposits

Listen to this article

What are Company/Corporate Deposits?

Company/Corporate Deposits are simply nothing but fixed deposits in companies that earn a fixed rate of return over a while.

Company/Corporate Fixed deposits ar down-to-earth products. The influential advantage of the company deposits is its plain simplicity.

It is understood even by the most novices among the investor community.

Have you ever wondered the logic behind why pure vanilla- flavored ice cream sells more than any other flavor? Similar logic is just as true when it comes to the company/corporate deposits vis-a-vis many other modern investment options.

With the meltdown of Non Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) almost a decade ago, the company/corporate deposit market had a major slow down, but volumes remain significant and some loyal investors prefer company/corporate fixed deposits to other investment products.

Advantages of Company/Corporate deposits :

Assured return.
Higher interest when compared to bank deposits.
Low risk when compared to stock market investments
Service at your doorstep.
The Lock-in period in most cases is 6 months only.
If the interest income is less than Rs.5000 in one financial year, then NO TDS.

Risk in Company/Corporate Deposits:

Company/Corporate deposits are basically unsecured. That is if the company defaults in repaying the interest or principal, the investor will not be able to recover his capital. As a company deposit holder, you don’t have any lien on any asset of the company, in case it goes into financial difficulties. This makes the company/corporate deposits a risky investment option.

Also, watch the video here!

Identifying Risky Company/Corporate Deposits:

One of the important tasks in investment planning in company deposits is to identify the risky company deposits and avoiding them. If you find any of the below symptoms in any of the company deposit scheme, then it is better to avoid such company deposit schemes.

Poor credit ratings like A or lesser ratings
Companies making losses.
Companies that skip dividends.
Companies that offer higher than 3% to 4% of bank deposit rates.

Checklist for Choosing Right Company/Corporate Deposits:

There are some promising investment options in company deposits. Also, there are some poor investment options. If you know how to select the right company deposit, then company deposits can be really an interesting investment option in your portfolio.

For Selecting Right Company/Corporate Deposits,

You need to ignore all the unrated company deposits and need to choose company deposits with a rating of AA or higher.

Choose the company deposits of the company with a better reputation within a given rating grade. If you read business papers and magazines periodically, it is not difficult for you to check the credentials of the company.

Take the help of a qualified financial advisor in choosing the right company deposit. But mind you, there are very few reputed and qualified financial advisors.

Company deposits need to be spread over a large number of companies in different industries. By this, you can diversify your risk. Irrespective of the rating and reputation of the company, don’t invest all your investments in a single company deposit scheme.

You need to check on the servicing level and standard of the company before investing in that company/corporate deposits. You need to ignore companies that don’t care or care little about issues like sending interest warrants and principal cheques.

After investing in a company deposit, you need to constantly track the company’s credit rating. The times are uncertain and downgrades are rampant.

Check the company’s balance sheet for its asset back up, profitability, reserves, existing borrowings, and loans.

Every investment has its distinct features and benefits. Likewise, each investor has specific risk- taking abilities and personal needs. Professional investment planning needs matching of the product benefits and features with the financial objectives of the investors. So one needs to weigh the various alternative investment options like bank deposits, and debt funds vis-a-vis company deposits before making a choice.

FAQs on Company/Corporate Deposits:

Who can invest in Company/Corporate Fixed Deposits?

All Indian citizens, including NRIs, who are over the age of 18 are eligible to invest in Company/Corporate FDs.

What is the minimum lock in period for Company/Corporate FD?

Most company fixed deposits have a 3 – 6 months lock-in period during which an investor is unable to withdraw any funds. Premature withdrawals are subject to a penalty.

What is the minimum amount that you can deposit in a Corporate FD?

The amount of the minimum deposit varies from company to company. It is usually between Rs.10,000 and Rs.25,000.

What is the difference between Bank FD and corporate FD?
Corporate FDs have higher interest rates, whereas Bank FDs have lower interest rates.
Corporate fixed deposits offer a moderate level of safety because the majority of the instruments are rated.

You need to evaluate whether your investment plan is completely in sync with your financial plan or not. To create this master financial plan which help you take all other financial and investment decisions of your life, we are offering