Post Office investment schemes are a popular option for people who want to save money and earn interest without taking too much risk. These schemes are backed by the government and offer different interest rates and investment periods.
Investors can choose a scheme depending on how much they want to save, how long they want to invest and whether they need regular income or want to build savings for the future.
Here is a look at the different post office investment schemes available, their interest rates, investment limits and benefits.
Post Office Savings Account
A Post Office Savings Account works like a normal bank savings account. People can deposit money, withdraw it when needed and earn interest on their savings. The account offers an annual interest rate of 4%. You can open an account with a minimum deposit of ₹500. There is no maximum limit on the amount they can keep in the account.
Post Office Recurring Deposit (RD)
The Post Office Recurring Deposit scheme is for those who want to save a fixed amount every month. The scheme has a five-year period and offers an annual interest rate of 6.7%. You can start with just ₹100 per month. There is no maximum limit on monthly deposits.
Post Office Time Deposit (TD)
The Post Office Time Deposit scheme is similar to a fixed deposit in a bank. Investors deposit a certain amount for a fixed period and earn interest on it. You can choose a period of one, two, three or five years. The interest rates are 6.9% for one year, 7% for two years, 7.1% for three years and 7.5% for five years. The minimum investment is ₹1,000, and there is no maximum limit.
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS)
The Post Office Monthly Income Scheme is useful for those who want to earn a regular income from their savings. It offers an annual interest rate of 7.4% and has a five-year period. The minimum investment is ₹1,000. A single account can hold up to ₹9 lakh, while a joint account has a maximum limit of ₹15 lakh.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
The Public Provident Fund is a long-term savings scheme for those who want to build a fund for their future. It can be used to save for retirement, children’s education or other major expenses. The scheme has a period of 15 years and offers an annual interest rate of 7.1%. You can invest a minimum of ₹500 and a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh in a year. PPF also offers tax benefits under Section 80C, subject to applicable rules.
National Savings Certificate (NSC)
The National Savings Certificate is a five-year savings scheme for people who want to invest money for a fixed period and earn interest. It offers an annual interest rate of 7.7%. You can start investing with ₹1,000, and there is no maximum investment limit. The scheme also offers tax benefits under Section 80C, subject to applicable rules.
Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP)
Kisan Vikas Patra is a savings scheme that helps grow money over time. Its main benefit is that the amount invested doubles after a fixed period. The scheme currently offers an annual interest rate of 7.5%. The investment doubles in 115 months, which is nine years and seven months. People can start with ₹1,000, and there is no maximum investment limit.
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
The Senior Citizen Savings Scheme is meant for those aged 60 years and above. It helps them earn regular income from their savings after retirement. The scheme offers an annual interest rate of 8.2% and has a five-year period. Interest is paid every three months. You can invest a minimum of ₹1,000, while the maximum investment limit is ₹30 lakh.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a savings scheme for parents who want to save money for their daughter’s future. Parents or legal guardians can open an account in the name of a girl child below 10 years of age. The scheme offers an annual interest rate of 8.2%. You can deposit a minimum of ₹250 and a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh every year. The account matures when the girl turns 21.
To be clear, PPF, SSY and SCSS are national small savings schemes that are available at both post offices and authorised banks. The government reviews the interest rates offered on these schemes typically quarterly, so they may change. Check the latest rates and lock-in conditions before investing to optimise your finances.
Post Office savings schemes 2026: Check interest rates, investment limits and benefits of all schemes