As safe, straight-forward, tried-and-tested investment options, fixed deposits rewarded investors with some of the best returns in 2018. FDs offer guaranteed returns as they are not linked to the market’s performance. Amid the US-China trade war, an erratic monsoon and uncertainty shrouding 2019’s Union Budget, this attribute keeps fixed deposit ahead of the curve, when you look at different investment options.

However, after the RBI cut its lending rates three times in 2019, bringing it to 5.75%, FD issuers also started bringing down their interest rates. With some experts predicting another rate cut possibly sometime in August 2019, it’s best that you hurry up and invest in a fixed deposit now to secure a lucrative interest rate. As you go about your investment, here are 5 considerations that can help you get 2019’s best deal.

Check the interest rates offered by leading issuers

Since issuers across the country dropped their FD rates recently, it is best to look for different FD issuers, so you can ensure high returns. For example, you get interest rates as high as 8.95%, when investing in a Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit. This applies to a senior citizen FD taken for at least 3 years with interest payouts at maturity. New customers get a rate as high as 8.60% on the same terms.

FD customers investing for 5 years, can look to grow their savings by more than 51%. Here’s a table to show the growth of savings for individuals who invest an amount of Rs. 1 lakh in a Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit for 5 years.

Review the credit ratings assigned to the deposit you are considering

Verifying credit ratings is equally important as they indicate the degree of risk associated with a particular instrument. To enjoy a stable investment environment and timely interest payouts, choose a deposit like the Bajaj Finance FD that carries ICRA’s MAAA and CRISIL’s FAAA ratings.

With nearly 1,45,000 customers and a book size of almost 13000+ crores, Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit is one of the safest investment options. Being the best possible ratings in their respective categories, you can look forward to a stress-free investment experience.

Consider your financial goals and the FD tenors available

Before you invest, list out your financial goals and pick an issuer who offers tenors that allow you to align your FD to your short and mid-term requirements. With Bajaj Finance, you get a flexible tenor of 12 to 60 months. What’s more, the interest rate here peaks at a 36-month tenor and does not drop post that. So, you can enjoy both timely and high returns.

See the add-on facilities to meet urgent needs

Enquire about options you have in case of emergencies. Bajaj Finance lets you prematurely withdraw finances from one deposit without needing to break the rest. Further, here you get an online loan against FD facility. So, instead of liquidating your investment, use it as security to get a loan of up to Rs. 4 lakh and continue to earn through the tenor!

Analyse your regular expenses and see if you require frequent payouts

In the event that you need regular income, say if you are a senior citizen looking to finance daily expenses or a new parent looking to pay off car EMIs with your FD gains, opt for frequent payouts. Bajaj Finance lets you access your interest payouts every month, quarter, half-year or year. This way, your finances do not remain idle, and you can always fund emergencies with an instant loan against fixed deposit.

To start reaping guaranteed returns, book an appointment with a Bajaj Finance representative. The executive will help you choose modes of payment, get your documents in order, pick payout options and become an FD investor without any delay.