The Indian government has maintained the interest rates for small savings schemes for the last quarter of the fiscal year 2024-25. However, several banks have reduced their fixed deposit (FD) rates. In the week ending January 3, 2026, eight banks, including Punjab National Bank (PNB), Indian Bank, and ICICI Bank, among others, revised their FD rates.
For senior citizens, the revised rates vary across banks. Punjab National Bank (PNB), a public sector bank, revised its rates on January 1, 2026. Senior citizens can earn a maximum interest rate of 6.90%, while super seniors (80 years and above) can earn up to 7.20%. The revised rates for seniors at PNB are as follows: 6.60% for one year, 6.80% for more than one year to 389 days, 6.90% for 390 days, and 6.80% for 391 days to 505 days.
The rates for seniors at PNB are also 6.80% for 506 days, 6.80% for 507 days to two years, and 6.80% for more than two years to three years. For longer tenures, the rates are 6.60% for more than three years to 1203 days, 6.55% for 1,204 days, and 6.60% for 1,205 days to five years. The rates for tenures exceeding five years are 6.80% for more than five years to 1894 days, 6.80% for 1,895 days, and 6.80% for 1,896 days to 10 years.
Super seniors at PNB can earn 0.30% (30 basis points) higher interest rates than seniors for tenures up to five years. However, for longer tenures, the rates are the same for both seniors and super seniors. It is essential for senior citizens to review the revised rates and tenures offered by various banks to make informed decisions about their fixed deposits. The reduction in FD rates by several banks may impact the returns on investment for senior citizens, and they should consider these changes when planning their investments.