Do bulk fixed deposits have an additional interest rate for senior citizens?

While senior citizens typically enjoy higher interest rates on retail fixed deposits up to a certain threshold amount, this additional benefit may not automatically apply to bulk fixed deposits above a certain value.

Financial institutions treat bulk FDs on a case-by-case basis depending on factors such as:

• Size of deposit
• Tenure
• Prevailing liquidity and credit conditions
• Relationship history with a large depositor

Since bulk fixed deposits usually start at a higher cut-off value, typically of ₹1 crore and above, financial institutions may offer uniform rates across age groups for such large investments. Rates are negotiated on the basis of mutual viability.

Unlike the fixed bonus on regular retail FDs, senior citizen interest rate benefits on bulk FDs can change and do not have a set increase.

Senior citizens keen on placing bulk deposits should still approach their financial institution directly to confirm applicable rates. Certain financial institutions may still offer some marginal benefits while aligning with their asset profiles and priorities. However, this extra rate is subject to internal guidelines and is less standardised.