Post office FD interest rates for October-December 2026
Valid 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026. Last checked 29 October 2026. Next review: on or around 31 December 2026, for January-March 2027.
Post office time deposits, India Post's version of a fixed deposit, pay between 6.9% and 7.5% for October-December 2026, depending on the term. The 5-year deposit pays 7.5%. Unchanged from July-September 2026. Rates have now been held for ten consecutive quarters.
Rates and yearly interest on ₹1 lakh
| Term | Rate | Yearly interest on ₹1 lakh | 80C (old regime) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 6.9% | ₹7,081 | No |
| 2 years | 7% | ₹7,186 | No |
| 3 years | 7.1% | ₹7,291 | No |
| 5 years | 7.5% | ₹7,714 | Yes |
Interest is compounded quarterly and paid out once a year. Figures are before tax. Try your own figures in the RD calculator.
Key rules
- Terms of 1, 2, 3 and 5 years. Minimum ₹1,000, no maximum.
- Interest compounds quarterly and is paid yearly.
- Only the 5-year deposit qualifies for 80C in the old regime.
- Interest is taxable at your slab rate. The rate is locked on the day you invest.
Compare with every other scheme on the small savings rates page, or read which scheme suits whom.
Questions people ask
What is the post office FD rate for 5 years?
7.5% a year for October-December 2026. Unchanged from July-September 2026. Rates have now been held for ten consecutive quarters.
Is a post office FD safer than a bank FD?
Post office deposits are backed by the Government of India. Bank FDs are covered by DICGC deposit insurance up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank, including interest.
Sources: Ministry of Finance notification on small savings rates for Q3 FY 2026-27, reported 30 September 2026; Business Today: Small savings rates unchanged for Q3 FY27.