A quick look at interest rates on 6 post office savings schemes

Post office savings schemes are preferred among millions of household for the safety they offer. However, interest rates on post office savings schemes is not always the very best, when compared to banks and company fixed deposits, but some of them are attractive because they offer tax breaks. Take a look at interest rate on six such schemes. #13; PPF is perhaps one of the most popular schemes presently available in the country. The interest rate is 8.7 per cent annually and its important to remember compounding of interest is not done every quarter, so your yield falls. Investment under the scheme qualifies for tax rebate under Sec 80C and the interest earned is also tax free.Advertisement The interest rate on National Savings Certificate (NSC) is 8.5 per cent compounded six monthly but payable at maturity. Investment in this scheme qualifies for tax rebate under Sec 80C. The scheme offers an interest rate of 8.4 per cent per annum (quarterly compounded). A deposit of this nature allows individuals to open any number of accounts and the schemes can be transferred from one post office to another. The interest rates are as follows: On a 1, 2 and 3 year Time Deposit in the Post Office an individual gets an interest rate of 8.40 per cent. For a 5 year deposit the same is 8.5 per cent. Accounts can be closed earlier at a discount in case one needs the money in an emergency. Interest is payable annually but calculated quarterly. This scheme offers an interest rate of 8.4 per cent on a quarterly basis. The scheme can be encashed early and nomination and transfer from one post office to the other is available. Under the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme the interest payable is 9.20 per cent per annum, payable from the date of deposit of 31st March/30th Sept/31st December in the first instance thereafter, interest shall be payable on 31st March, 30th June, 30th Sept and 31st December.