Fixed Deposit (FD) helps an individual to save a lump sum of money while earning steady returns at fixed interest rates. However, there are times when even disciplined savers need immediate funds. In such situations, instead of breaking the FD prematurely, many banks allow you to avail a personal loan against FD. These loans are usually short-term and are offered at interest rates that are just 1–2% p.a. above the FD rate, making them a cost-effective borrowing option.

Guaranteed Plan
(By Insurance companies)Fixed Deposit
(Offered by Banks)Savings Account
(Post Office)Fully Tax-Free, Life Cover Included
A personal loan against FD is a secured loan option. In this, your fixed deposit is kept as collateral with the bank. You continue to earn returns as per the FD interest rates, while the bank offers you a loan against a portion of your FD value.
This facility helps meet urgent or planned expenses without disturbing your long-term savings. You can also use an FD calculator to estimate the maturity value of your deposit while planning the loan amount.
The features of a personal loan against FD are:
This facility is available across most fixed deposit schemes, except specific categories like tax-saving deposits.
The documentation process is simple and minimal. Commonly required documents include:
Find the comparison of leading banks offering loans against fixed deposits below:
| Bank Name | Loan Interest Rate (p.a. above FD interest rates) | Maximum Loan (% of FD Value) | Minimum Loan Amount |
| State Bank of India FD interest rates | 1% above | Up to 95% | ₹5,000 – ₹5 crore |
| Punjab National Bank FD interest rates | 0.75% above | Up to 90% | ₹25,000 onwards |
| HDFC Bank FD interest rates | 2% above | Up to 90% | ₹25,000 |
| YES Bank FD interest rates | 1% above | Up to 90% | ₹10,000 – ₹2 crore |
| Axis Bank FD interest rates | 2% above | Up to 85% | ₹25,000 |
The difference between taking a personal loan on FD and premature liquidation of an FD account is tabulated below:
| Partial Withdrawal on FD | Personal Loan on FD |
| Attracts penalty and reduced interest | No penalty on your deposit |
| Breaks long-term savings goal | FD continues earning interest |
| Lower maturity value | Full maturity amount retained |
| No borrowing cost, but loss of returns | Small interest cost, better overall outcome |
Let us understand how a separate personal loan is different from a personal loan on fixed deposit in the following table:
| Standard Personal Loan | Personal Loan Against FD |
| Unsecured loan | Secured by FD |
| Interest rates: 8%–15% p.a. | Interest rates: 5%–9% p.a. |
| Higher documentation | Minimal paperwork |
| Credit score critical | FD value matters more |
| Fixed EMI | Flexible repayment |
Consider the points mentioned below before raising a loan against FD:
A personal loan against FD is a smart and economical way to meet short-term funding needs without compromising your long-term savings. With lower interest rates, flexible repayment, and easy availability across major banks, it is often a better alternative to premature FD withdrawal or high-interest personal loans. When used wisely, it helps maintain financial stability while ensuring liquidity.