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  • What is the difference
  • Which one should you choose
  • Conclusion

SIP vs RD: Which Investment Option is Better for You?

SIP vs RD: A detailed comparison to make an informed financial investment decision

Your goals won’t wait, begin your SIP today with just Rs. 100 and start building your future

Article 1

Two of the most popular choices among Indian investors for building wealth over time include Systematic Investment Plans (or SIPs) and Recurring Deposits (or RDs). While SIP involves investing a fixed amount of money regularly in mutual fund schemes, and an RD is a savings scheme wherein you will be making regular monthly payments. This article will help you understand the differences between the two types of options that would help you make an informed decision about your financial future.

What is the difference between SIP and RD?

Here is a detailed comparison between SIP and RD to help you understand how they differ:

Criteria

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)

Recurring Deposit (RD)

Investment type

You invest in a mutual fund scheme at fixed intervals, such as monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually.

You make a fixed monthly payment into an RD account.

Returns

Returns vary based on market performance and the mutual funds invested in, typically ranging from 12% to 22% over the past 5-10 years. Returns are not guaranteed.

Offers fixed returns, typically between 5% to 9%. Special rates may apply for senior citizens.

Tenure

No specific tenure; you can invest for as long as you want.

Tenure ranges from 6 months to 10 years.

Scheme

Options include equity or debt funds, based on your risk appetite and investment goals.

There are flexible RDs, allowing changes in deposit amounts as per your choice.

Risk

The risk depends on the mutual fund type and overall market conditions but can be mitigated by long-term investment.

Minimal to no risk, making it one of the safest investment options.

Taxation

Tax is applicable on Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) and Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) from SIP returns.

Earnings are taxed according to the individual's tax slab and are not eligible for exemptions or deductions.

Liquidity

Offers higher liquidity; you can exit an SIP anytime, though an exit load may apply if redeemed before a certain period.

Offers liquidity, but premature withdrawals involve penalties.

Suitable for

Ideal for both conservative and aggressive investors, depending on the fund chosen.

Best for conservative investors seeking secure returns.


Also read:
What Is Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)

Key takeaways

  • Investments in SIPs have higher returns with risk combined, whereas the RDs provide fixed returns with zero level of risk.
  • RDs are good for conservative investors and SIPs are good for both conservative and aggressive investors if the funds are chosen as well.
  • Select between SIP and RD depending on your investment goals, your risk appetite, as well as your investment horizon.

RD vs SIP: Which one should you choose?

It is always based on the objective of your investment, your risk tolerance level, and the returns you expect. Here is a comparison of the two to help you make a decision:


Risk factor

If you do not want to take risks, go for RDs as they assure guaranteed returns.

For people who are relatively risk-free or seek greater returns, mutual fund investment through SIPs is appropriate.


Returns

RDs generate fixed income according to the interest rates announced by the banks.

SIPs offer returns according to the market conditions. SIPs can fetch superior returns in the long run and thus are better suited for risk-seeking investors.


Investment flexibility

SIPs are flexible since tenure is not fixed. As per your market conditions and your investment goals, you can change the investment. RDs are not flexible since tenure gets frozen; however, they are predictable.


Tax implications

SIP investments attract long-term capital gains tax; however, longer term investments get a tax advantage due to lower tax rates. Earning through RD gets taxed completely depending on your income tax slab.

Conclusion

SIP and RD both are well-suited for different types of investors. If you require a fixed risk-free return, then opting for a recurring deposit would be good for you. But if you would want higher returns, then going for mutual funds through a systematic investment plan could be a better choice.


For an informed decision, explore all the options available on the Bajaj Finserv Mutual Fund Platform, which gives you access to more than 1000 mutual funds. On this platform, you can use a mutual fund calculator to estimate potential returns and also compare mutual funds to make a choice while investing in mutual funds.

Build your wealth with SIP

Types of Mutual Funds

# Mutual Funds image

# Mutual Funds

New Fund Offer image

New Fund Offer

Debt Mutual Funds image

Debt Mutual Funds

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Equity Mutual Funds

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Hybrid Mutual Funds

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Thematic Mutual Funds

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Large-cap Mutual Funds

Mid-cap Mutual Funds image

Mid-cap Mutual Funds

Small-cap Mutual Funds image

Small-cap Mutual Funds

Liquid Mutual Funds image

Liquid Mutual Funds

Aggressive Hybrid Mutual Funds image

Aggressive Hybrid Mutual Funds

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Frequently asked questions

Can I invest in SIP and RD simultaneously?

Yes, you can invest in both SIP and RD if you have distinct financial goals to achieve.

Do SIPs provide guaranteed risks?

While there is no guarantee of return in SIP returns-since it is entirely based on the mutual fund schemes and the prevailing market conditions-it has the possibility of higher returns than RDs over the long term.

Do I invest in SIPs or RDs?

If you are an investor looking for guaranteed returns with minimum risks, RD is the right option for you. However, SIPs are better options for an investor who wants to take calculated risks and expects to earn a good return.

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Investment Calculators

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SIP Calculator

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Step Up SIP Calculator

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SBI SIP Calculator

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HDFC SIP Calculator

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Gratuity Calculator image

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 Related links

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Disclaimer

Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is an NBFC offering loans, deposits and third-party wealth management products.

The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute any financial advice. The content herein has been prepared by BFL on the basis of publicly available information, internal sources and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. However, BFL cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information, assure its completeness, or warrant such information will not be changed.

This information should not be relied upon as the sole basis for any investment decisions. Hence, User is advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting independent financial experts, if any, and the investor shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.

Disclaimer

Bajaj Finance Limited ("BFL") is registered with the Association of Mutual Funds in India ("AMFI") as a distributor of third party Mutual Funds (shortly referred as 'Mutual Funds) with ARN No. 90319

BFL does NOT:

(i) provide investment advisory services in any manner or form.

(ii) carry customized/personalized suitability assessment.

(iii) carry independent research or analysis, including on any Mutual Fund schemes or other investments; and provide any guarantee of return on investment.

In addition to displaying the Mutual fund products of Asset Management Companies, some general information is sourced from third parties, is also displayed on As-is basis, which should NOT be construed as any solicitation or attempt to effect transactions in securities or the rendering any investment advice. Mutual Funds are subject to market risks, including loss of principal amount and Investor should read all Scheme/Offer related documents carefully. The NAV of units issued under the Schemes of mutual funds can go up or down depending on the factors and forces affecting capital markets and may also be affected by changes in the general level of interest rates. The NAV of the units issued under the scheme may be affected, inter-alia by changes in the interest rates, trading volumes, settlement periods, transfer procedures and performance of individual securities forming part of the Mutual Fund. The NAV will inter-alia be exposed to Price/Interest Rate Risk and Credit Risk. Past performance of any scheme of the Mutual fund do not indicate the future performance of the Schemes of the Mutual Fund. BFL shall not be responsible or liable for any loss or shortfall incurred by the investors. There may be other/better alternatives to the investment avenues displayed by BFL. Hence, the final investment decision shall at all times exclusively remain with the investor alone and BFL shall not be liable or responsible for any consequences thereof.

Investment by a person residing outside the territorial jurisdiction of India is not acceptable nor permitted.

Disclaimer on Risk-O-Meter:

Investors are advised before investing to evaluate a scheme not only on the basis of the Product labeling (including the Riskometer) but also on other quantitative and qualitative factors such as performance, portfolio, fund managers, asset manager, etc, and shall also consult their Professional advisors, if they are unsure about the suitability of the scheme before investing.


Disclosure
: Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL) is a distributor of Mutual Funds with ARN - 90319 and distributes mutual funds of Bajaj Finance Asset Management Limited (BFSAMC). BFL receives commission towards distribution of mutual fund products. BFSAMC is a group company of BFL, carrying business on arm’s length basis without any conflict of interest and in accordance with the prevailing law / regulation.

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