Bank FD: Bank FD rules have changed starting today! Know about this major RBI decision before making a new deposit..

RBI New Rules for Bulk Fixed Deposits: If you are planning to open a Fixed Deposit (FD) or make a large investment with a bank, this news is crucial for you. New directives issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on July 30, 2026, have come into effect today, October 1, 2026.

The Reserve Bank has introduced significant changes to the rules governing how banks determine and disclose interest rates for bulk FDs. The primary objective of this new rule is to ensure transparency across bank branches and provide depositors with the benefit of uniform interest rates. Here is how this will impact your FDs and deposits starting today.

What has changed from today? Key highlights:
Under the RBI's new framework, banks are now required to publicly disclose their interest rates for bulk deposits at specified times.

Rate list to be released at 10 AM: Banks must upload the list of applicable interest rates for bulk FDs on their websites by 10:00 AM on every working day (with a 10-minute grace period, i.e., by 10:10 AM).

Uniform interest rates across all branches: Banks will no longer be able to offer arbitrary or varying interest rates to customers for the same deposit amount on the same day across different branches. The rate displayed online must also be offered at the branch.

Curbing negotiations, promoting transparency: Previously, large investors could negotiate specific rates by speaking with bank managers. Now, banks must pay interest strictly according to the pre-disclosed schedule.

What is a bulk deposit, and what qualifies as one?

According to RBI regulations, a single term deposit of ₹3 crore or more with scheduled commercial banks is classified as a bulk FD.

Can banks still offer different rates?

Yes, but within a specific range. The RBI has clarified that banks are free to set different interest rates for various bulk deposit products based on the 'run-off rates' applicable under the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) framework. This flexibility also extends to bulk Fixed Deposits (FDs) in Rupee accounts for NRIs. However, whichever rate is determined must be published on the bank's website by 10:10 AM.

How will this affect regular FD investors?

If you open a standard bank FD—such as for ₹1 lakh, ₹5 lakh, ₹10 lakh, or ₹25 lakh—there is no major direct change for you. General customers do not need to rush to check the website at 10:00 AM. However, retail investors will also benefit indirectly from this RBI rule, as banks will now be required to transparently disclose rates for all types of FDs in advance.

Advice for large depositors

Check the website: Investors planning to deposit ₹3 crore or more should check the rate list on the bank's official website at 10:10 AM before visiting the branch.

Keep a screenshot: Save a copy or a screenshot of the rate card published on the day you book the bulk FD.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Money Control. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.