Federal Bank FD Premature Withdrawal

What is Federal Bank FD Premature Withdrawal?

Federal Bank FD premature withdrawal is the closure of a Fixed Deposit before its originally mandated maturity date. The Federal Bank permits this facility (subject to the bank’s withdrawal policy), which may be useful in cases of unforeseen personal or business requirements. It is essential to check the Federal Bank FD rates applicable at the early closure time for an accurate understanding of penalties or reduction in interest. 

How to Close a Federal Bank FD Prematurely?

You can complete the Federal Bank premature FD withdrawal process online or offline, at your convenience.

1. Online Method 

   You can close your Federal Bank fixed deposit digitally through internet banking or the FedMobile app, without visiting a branch. Here's how:

   Using Net Banking

   If you prefer to close your Federal Bank fixed deposit online, follow these simple steps through Internet banking:

   • Log in to Internet Banking: Access Federal Bank’s official online banking platform using your credentials to begin the premature fixed deposit closure process.
   • Navigate to the Fixed Deposits Section: Go to the 'FDs' or 'Term Deposits' segment in the dashboard menu after logging in to your account.
   • Choose Premature Withdrawal Option: Click on the ‘Premature Withdrawal’ feature to begin the early closure process of your selected fixed deposit.
   • Select the Deposit to Close: Choose the specific fixed deposit account you want to terminate before its maturity date for early withdrawal.
   • Follow On-Screen Instructions: Carefully follow the instructions to complete the premature closure and confirm the funds transfer to your savings account.

   Using the Federal Bank Mobile App

   To close your Federal Bank fixed deposit through FedMobile, follow these step-by-step instructions using the official banking app:

   • Log in to the Mobile Banking App: Open the FedMobile banking app and log in securely using your registered credentials or biometric authentication.
   • Go to Fixed Deposits Section: Navigate to the section labelled 'Fixed Deposits' to view all your active term deposit accounts linked to your profile.
   • Select Premature Closure Option: Tap on the option that allows early termination or premature closure of a selected fixed deposit account.
   • Choose the Relevant FD Account: Pick the specific fixed deposit you wish to close before its maturity from the list of active deposits.
   • Follow App Instructions to Complete: Proceed carefully following the on-screen steps to complete the closure and receive the funds in your savings account.

2. Offline Method

   If you prefer to close your Federal Bank fixed deposit by visiting a branch, follow these steps for a smooth process:

   • Visit Nearest Federal Bank Branch: Walk into your closest Federal Bank branch and inform the staff about your request to close the FD early.
   • Communicate Your Intent Clearly: Let the bank representative know you wish to withdraw prematurely from your fixed deposit account.
   • Fill out the Closure Form: You will be given a premature closure form. Fill it out accurately and submit it to the bank official.
   • Provide ID and Required Documents: Present valid identification; if asked, bring the original FD receipt or related documentation for verification.
   • Receive Funds After Processing: Once your request is verified and processed, the funds will be credited directly to your linked savings account.

Disadvantages of Federal Bank FD Premature Withdrawal

Closing a Federal Bank FD before maturity may help in emergencies, but it often results in lower returns, penalty charges, and reduced financial benefits.

• Federal Bank FD Premature Withdrawal Penalty: For rupee term deposits under ₹2 crores, there is no penalty for premature withdrawals if the deposit duration is up to and including 15 days. However, if the deposit period surpasses 15 days, the bank imposes a 1% penalty fee.
• Effects on Interest Earnings: If you close your Federal Bank FD early, interest is recalculated based on the actual tenure and applicable FD rates, minus any penalty. Your principal amount remains safe.
• Disruption to Financial Planning: Fixed Deposits are ideal for long-term goals. Premature withdrawals can disrupt your financial plans and cash flow.
• Impact of Linked Loans or Credit Cards: If your Federal Bank FD is linked to a credit card or loan, premature withdrawal is not allowed until all dues are cleared and an NOC is submitted. Attempting early closure may impact current or future loan eligibility, as the FD remains collateral.
• Time-Consuming Process: While digital banking has made FD closures easier, the premature withdrawal process may involve multiple steps, especially offline.

Tax Implications on Federal Bank FD Premature Withdrawal

When you withdraw your Federal Bank Fixed Deposit before maturity, the interest is recalculated at a lower rate for the actual tenure. It is fully taxable under “Income from Other Sources” as per your income slab. As per Section 194A of the Income Tax Act, Tax Deducted at Source at 10% is deducted if the total interest in a financial year exceeds ₹50,000 for regular individuals and ₹1,00,000 for senior citizens. If you haven’t submitted your PAN, TDS is deducted at a higher rate of 20%. It’s important to report this revised interest correctly when filing your income tax return.

How to Avoid Federal Bank India FD Premature Withdrawal?

Proper financial planning can help you avoid the Federal Bank premature FD withdrawal and its consequences.

• Plan Your Tenure Wisely: Choose an FD tenure in Federal Bank that closely matches your financial goals and needs. Avoid locking funds for too long if you expect short-term liquidity requirements. Use an FD Calculator to plan tenures wisely and avoid early closure.
• Create Multiple FDs in Federal Bank: Instead of putting all your money in one big FD, you can create multiple smaller FDs with different periods. If you need money later, you can break just one FD and keep the others safe and earn interest.
• Keep an Emergency Fund Separately: Always maintain a dedicated emergency fund in a savings account or liquid mutual fund. This buffer prevents the need to dip into your fixed deposits when sudden expenses arise.
• Opt for Auto-Sweep of Flexi Deposit: Federal Bank offers an auto-sweep facility that connects your FD to your savings account. If your savings balance is low, money is automatically taken from your FD in parts (like ₹5,000 or ₹10,000) so you don’t have to break the full FD.
• Explore Overdraft or Credit Card Against FD: You can opt for an overdraft or apply for a Federal Bank credit card against FD. It’s a simple way to access funds without closing your deposit.

Key Takeaways

If a Federal Bank fixed deposit under ₹2 crore is withdrawn prematurely, no penalty is charged if it is closed within 15 days. However, if the tenure exceeds 15 days, a 1% penalty is applied to the interest. To avoid such drawbacks, it’s wise to plan your FD tenure carefully, keep an emergency fund, or consider alternatives like sweep-out deposits or a Federal Bank credit card against your FD. Also, eligible individuals can submit Form 15G or 15H to reduce TDS on interest income. The bank provides online and offline options for closing the FD, offering added convenience.