What is FCNR deposit

Grow your wealth with a secure FD
4 min
17-September-2025

Savings have always been at the heart of financial planning. Earlier, families kept money aside without expecting returns. But today, with financial products like Fixed Deposits (FDs) and recurring deposits, your savings can grow steadily.

For Indian citizens, FDs like the Bajaj Finance FD (offering up to 7.30% p.a.) have become a trusted option. But what about Indians living abroad? That’s where the Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) deposit comes in—a scheme designed to help Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) save in foreign currency while investing safely in India.

Just like an FCNR deposit shields you from currency risk, a Bajaj Finance FD shields you from market risk—giving you guaranteed, stable returns. Open FD.

What is FCNR Deposit?

FCNR stands for Foreign Currency Non-Resident. It is a term deposit account that allows NRIs, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) to park their overseas income in India while keeping it in foreign currency.

This means your money is not exposed to rupee depreciation. You can hold deposits in currencies like USD, GBP, Euro, JPY, or CAD, and there’s no maximum limit to how much you can invest.

For residents in India, a Bajaj Finance FD offers a similar sense of safety, with flexibility in tenure (12 to 60 months) and assured growth. Check latest rates

What is FCNR (B)?

Originally launched as FCNR (A) in 1975, the scheme guaranteed exchange rates through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). However, in 1993, it was replaced with FCNR (B) to remove this guarantee.

The current version, FCNR (B), works like a fixed deposit—your funds are locked for a chosen tenure, and you earn interest in your chosen foreign currency. This protects your savings from both currency risk and market fluctuations.

Features of FCNR Deposits

  • Risk-free savings: Value is preserved in foreign currency.
  • Tax-free earnings: Interest earned is exempt from Indian income tax.
  • Joint ownership: Can be jointly held with another NRI or a resident relative.
  • Only as term deposit: No savings account option; fixed maturity is required.
  • Collateral for loans: Banks allow you to use it as security for personal or business loans.

Similarly, a Bajaj Finance FD not only offers strong returns but can also be used as collateral to avail loan against FD—giving you both safety and liquidity. Invest now!

Fixed Deposit

  1. Trusted by over 5 lakh customers
  2. Fixed Deposits worth more than Rs. 50,000 crore booked
  3. Rated CRISIL AAA/STABLE and [ICRA]AAA(STABLE)
  4. Up to 0.35% p.a. extra interest offered for senior citizens
  5. Flexible interest payout options available - Monthly, Quarterly, Half-yearly, Annually or at Maturity

By proceeding, you agree to our Terms and Conditions

Documents Required to Open an FCNR Deposit

To open an FCNR deposit, you’ll need standard documents:

  • Valid passport or proof of OCI/PIO status
  • Proof of address
  • PAN card
  • Recent passport-size photographs

The process is similar to opening a Bajaj Finance FD, which can be done quickly online through the Bajaj Finserv website or app. Open FD.

Conclusion

The FCNR deposit scheme is one of the most reliable investment avenues for NRIs. It protects overseas earnings from currency risk, provides tax-free returns in India, and offers the flexibility of joint ownership and loan collateral.

For residents in India, a Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit plays a similar role—delivering assured returns up to 7.30% p.a., backed by AAA/Stable ratings from CRISIL and ICRA. Whether you live in India or abroad, pairing the right deposit scheme with your goals can help you achieve financial stability and long-term growth. Open FD account.

Calculate your expected investment returns with the help of our investment calculators

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Frequently asked questions

Are Bajaj Finance FDs safe?

Yes. Bajaj Finance FDs carry the highest safety ratings—AAA/Stable by CRISIL and ICRA—making them one of the most trusted fixed-return investment options in India. Open an FD account.

Bajaj Finserv app for all your financial needs and goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:

  • Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-qualified limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements and even get quick customer support—all on the app.

Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

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Disclaimer

As regards deposit taking activity of Bajaj Finance Ltd (BFL), the viewers may refer to the advertisement in the Indian Express (Mumbai Edition) and Loksatta (Pune Edition) furnished in the application form for soliciting public deposits or refer https://www.bajajfinserv.in/fixed-deposit-archives
The company is having a valid Certificate of Registration dated March 5, 1998 issued by the Reserve Bank of India under section 45 IA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. However, the RBI does not accept any responsibility or guarantee about the present position as to the financial soundness of the company or for the correctness of any of the statements or representations made or opinions expressed by the company and for repayment of deposits/discharge of the liabilities by the company.

For the FD calculator the actual returns may vary slightly if the Fixed Deposit tenure includes a leap year.