Joint FD Rules

Understand the joint FD rules governing shared fixed deposit accounts.
Open a Joint FD Account
3 min
31-October-2025

Fixed Deposits (FDs) have long been one of the most reliable investment choices in India, offering guaranteed returns and zero market risk. For families or partners aiming to pool funds and earn steady returns together, a joint FD can be a smart way to build collective wealth.

With a joint FD, up to three individuals can invest together, track maturity benefits, and manage funds more efficiently. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has established clear joint FD rules to ensure transparency and smooth operations for all depositors.

Earn attractive returns up to 7.30% p.a. with a Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit — one of the highest among NBFCs with AAA ratings from CRISIL and ICRA. Book FD.

Joint fixed deposit rules

Joint FDs can be opened by multiple investors under one account. These accounts can be operated either by one primary holder or jointly by all depositors, depending on the chosen mandate.

  • Operation: A joint fixed deposit can be managed by the primary account holder or all account holders collectively. The operating mandate can be updated anytime during the FD tenure.
  • Withdrawals: All depositors must agree to and sign a withdrawal mandate that aligns with RBI’s joint FD guidelines.
  • Tax benefits: Only the primary holder can claim tax deductions on 5-year tax-saving FDs.
  • Tax liability: The interest earned is added to the primary holder’s annual income and taxed as per their applicable slab.

Invest conveniently online with Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit, offering multiple tenures, flexible payout options, and secure returns backed by top-tier credit ratings. Check latest rates.

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

Joint FD rules for maturity and withdrawal

Joint FD account holders can choose different mandates that determine how maturity and premature withdrawals are handled:

Mandate

Implication for maturity

Premature withdrawal

Either or Survivor

The surviving depositor can access the funds upon the death of one holder.

Both depositors’ signatures are needed. After one depositor’s death, legal heir consent is required.

Former or Survivor

The primary (Former) receives the maturity value. The survivor can access funds only after the Former’s demise.

Withdrawals require both depositors’ signatures or, post-death, consent from legal heirs.


Joint holders can also pre-authorize premature withdrawals by the survivor without legal heir consent. Nominees get access to the funds only after all account holders have passed away.

Plan your family’s future with a joint FD from Bajaj Finance—secure, flexible, and accessible for all members, even across cities. Open FD.

Advantages and limitations of a joint fixed deposit

Advantages

Joint FDs are particularly useful for families or business partners managing shared finances.

  • Shared maturity value: Both or all account holders can access maturity proceeds as per the chosen mandate, simplifying financial coordination.
  • Easy tracking: Joint FDs allow family members to monitor savings and expected returns in one place.
  • Accessible liquidity: Joint holders can make premature withdrawals (as per mandate) when facing urgent cash requirements.

With Bajaj Finance FDs, you can start investing with just Rs. 15,000and enjoy flexible tenure options ranging from 12 to 60 months — perfect for short and long-term goals alike. Book FD.

Disadvantages

While joint FDs offer convenience, they also have certain limitations:

  • Account seizure risk: If any joint holder is involved in unlawful activity, the account may be frozen by authorities, affecting access for others.
  • No loan against FD with minors: Joint accounts with minors are not eligible for loans against FD, limiting liquidity during emergencies.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the joint FD structure provides clarity, shared control, and strong financial security.

Enjoy complete peace of mind with Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit, offering assured returns and the safety of a AAA-rated investment. Book FD.

Conclusion

Joint Fixed Deposits help families manage shared savings and build long-term wealth together. By understanding RBI’s rules and setting clear mandates, investors can ensure seamless access, transparency, and financial stability.

If you are seeking a safe, high-return investment, a joint FD with Bajaj Finance offers both security and flexibility — helping you grow together while staying financially protected. Check FD rates.

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Frequently asked questions

Why choose Bajaj Finance for a joint FD?

Because it combines high interest rates (up to 7.30% p.a.), flexible tenure options, and the safety of a AAA-rated FD, ensuring stable growth for all joint account holders. Open FD.

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.