RBI's FD Overhaul: 5 Rules Hitting Your SFB Deposits
From October, RBI's new rules change how small finance banks set and share FD interest rates. If you have an FD in a small finance bank, these five changes directly affect how much you earn and what information the bank must show you upfront.
Some small finance banks still pay 9%+ FD rates — nearly 3x what a standard savings account gives you on idle cash.
New bulk deposit threshold that changes interest rates your small finance bank offers you
Key Takeaways
Check whether your existing small finance bank FD amount crosses ₹3 crore — if so, ask your bank how bulk deposit pricing will apply to renewals from October.
Compare the published FD rate cards of at least three small finance banks (AU, Equitas, Ujjivan, ESAF) before booking or renewing any FD after October.
Confirm premature withdrawal penalty terms in writing before booking any new FD — screenshot or save the rate disclosure so you have proof if terms change.
From October, RBI's new rules change how small finance banks set and share FD interest rates. If you have an FD in a small finance bank, these five changes directly affect how much you earn and what information the bank must show you upfront.
Here's what happened: RBI has issued new fixed deposit guidelines for small finance banks, set to take effect from October 2025, covering rate transparency and pricing uniformity.. A deposit of ₹3 crore or more will be classified as a bulk deposit, which banks may price differently from retail FDs under the updated framework.. Banks must now publicly disclose their interest rate schedules in advance and clearly state premature withdrawal penalties at the time of FD booking..
What you should do: Check whether your existing small finance bank FD amount crosses ₹3 crore — if so, ask your bank how bulk deposit pricing will apply to renewals from October.. Compare the published FD rate cards of at least three small finance banks (AU, Equitas, Ujjivan, ESAF) before booking or renewing any FD after October.. Confirm premature withdrawal penalty terms in writing before booking any new FD — screenshot or save the rate disclosure so you have proof if terms change..
Small finance bank FDs up to ₹5 lakh are covered by DICGC deposit insurance — just like regular banks — so chasing their higher rates carries less risk than most people assume.
If this affects your borrowing choices, compare current personal loan options from 100+ lenders on GoCredit.
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- [1]“RBI’s new FD rules from October: 5 changes small finance bank depositors must know” mint - money · 4 Aug 2026
This article is reported by GoCredit's Editorial Team based on the source above. GoCredit synthesises, contextualises, and adds India-borrower-relevant analysis. We are not the original publisher.