A Fixed Deposit or FD is a type of investment account, consistently “risk free”, that has higher interest rates when compared to regular savings account. You can expect to earn more the longer the fixed deposit stays in the bank.
What is deposit amount (A) of a FD account?
The amount of initial placement in the account which is at least RM10,000 in average.
How long is the tenure (t) of a FD account?
A preset period chosen for placement as short as 1 month up to 60 months.
What is the interest rate (i) of a FD account?
It is calculated on yearly basis, unlike savings account which is calculated on daily basis. The longer the tenure, the higher the interest rate is given. Generally for a 12-months tenure term deposit account, the interest rate ranges approximately between 3% to 4% per annum. You might earn higher interest rate from some banks during their promotional period, normally in the beginning of a year. T&C such as certain minimum deposit amount, fresh fund and no withdrawals allowed before maturity may apply.
How FD annual interest return (I) is calculated?
Based on the multiplication of deposit amount, interest rate and tenure, i.e. I = A x i x t/12. For example, if you deposit RM1,000 on interest of 3.5% p.a. for a period of 12 months, then you will earn interest return of RM35 (RM1,000 x 3.5% x 12/12) upon maturity.
How to collect my investment return (A + I) upon maturity?
You can select the mode of payment upon maturity at the point of placement:
Transfer to your savings or current account with the same bank
Transfer to third party’s savings or current account with the same bank
Cheque by mail or collect at branch
Cash at branch
What are the pros and cons of a FD account?
Advantages | Disadvantages |
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What if I withdraw or close FD account before maturity?
Interest return that was contracted in the beginning of the FD tenure will be partially or wholly penalised / forfeited. You will have to pay early withdrawal fee when you withdraw partially or wholly from the FD account before maturity. It can be a percentage or full interest return you should gain up to the date but sometimes it may result in receiving less than initial principal. Moreover, there may be an administrative fee levied for every premature withdrawal request.
Is a FD account renewable?
Your FD account will usually be automatically renewed upon maturity on the same tenure period at the prevailing interest rate or at any other rate and tenure determined by the Bank if no notifications are given at the point of placement or before date of maturity. You can even top up for higher investment returns. But unfortunately, you cannot do so before maturity.
Is your invested fund protected with insurance? How much does it cover?
In the event a Deposit Insurance System (DIS) member institution’s failure of protecting the depositors’ placements, all of your insured deposits will be promptly reimbursed, up to a limit of RM250,000 per depositor per member bank (incl. principal and interest return). The protection is provided by PIDM automatically and no application is required.