How Can You Generate Regular Income with Fixed Deposits Offering Monthly Interest?
Category: Personal finance | Author: ishasingh1699 | Published: July 9, 2025
If you are someone who is looking to generate a stable monthly income, like after retirement, or as a homemaker, then choosing a Fixed Deposit (FD) with monthly interest payouts can be a smart choice. This is a guide that can help you to easily understand how to generate regular income using an FD that offers monthly interest.
What is a Monthly Interest Fixed Deposit?
When we talk about a monthly interest FD, it goes by the name of a non-cumulative FD. This type of FD helps you earn interest monthly since the earned interest is not reinvested, and is paid out to your linked bank account every month. It is different from cumulative FDs, where the interest is added to the principal and paid out at maturity. With the help of a non-cumulative FD, people who depend on a fixed monthly income can get the needed financial freedom to cover monthly expenses without using their savings.
Reasons to Choose FDs for Monthly Income
Below are the key reasons to choose an FD for monthly income:
1. Assured Returns
Such FDs give you fixed interest rates when compared to market-linked options like shares or mutual funds. It means your returns are locked in, and no matter what happens in the market, you will get the given fixed rate, making budgeting and financial planning easier.
2. Reliable Monthly Cash Flow
Since these FDs are known to offer you a monthly income, they can ensure you will get a reliable stream of money every month. It is very helpful if you are a retiree and lack a regular salary coming in, but still have bills and expenses to manage.
3. Flexible Pay-out Options
Apart from monthly payouts, some banks offer quarterly, half-yearly, or annual options. But if you’re looking for steady monthly income, the monthly option is best. It provides liquidity while keeping your principal safe.
4. Safety of Capital
Fixed Deposits are considered a very low-risk investment. Most FDs in India are insured up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), making them secure. It gives peace of mind that your savings are protected.
How to Set Up an FD for Monthly Income?
Setting up a Fixed Deposit that pays monthly interest is easy. Here’s how to go about it in a few simple steps:
1. Choose the Right Bank
Interest rates on FDs can vary from one bank or financial institution to another. Compare interest rates and terms before making a decision. You can also use an FD interest calculator online to estimate how much monthly income you can expect based on your investment amount and tenure.
2. Decide Your Investment Amount
The amount you invest will directly affect your monthly income. For example, investing ₹5 lakhs at a 6.6% annual interest rate would give you a much higher payout than investing ₹1 lakh. Make sure to invest an amount that doesn’t affect your emergency savings or liquidity needs.
3. Select the Monthly Pay-out Option
When booking your FD, select the non-cumulative option with monthly interest payout. This ensures that the interest is credited to your account every month rather than being compounded.
4. Submit Required Documents
To open an FD, you will need basic KYC documents like a PAN card, an Aadhaar card, and a passport-sized photo. If you’re a senior citizen, you may also need to provide age proof to avail of an additional interest rate.
How is Monthly Interest Calculated?
Banks usually calculate monthly interest on a simple interest basis for non-cumulative FDs. Here’s the basic formula used:
Monthly Interest = (P × R × T) / 100
Where:
P = Principal Amount
R = Annual Interest Rate
T = Time in Years (For monthly, T = 1/12)
Example:
Suppose you invest ₹1,00,000 in a Fixed Deposit offering 6.6% annual interest for 2 years. The monthly interest would be:
(1,00,000 × 6.6 × 1/12) / 100 ≈ ₹547
So, you’ll receive approx ₹547 in your account every month.
To avoid manual calculation, you can use an FD interest calculator available on most bank websites. Enter the amount, tenure, and rate to get the estimated monthly payout.
Disclaimer: Estimates based on the ICICI Bank FD Calculator, actual returns may vary as per the bank's terms.
Benefits of Using an FD Interest Calculator
Before investing, it’s always a good idea to check how much income you will receive. That’s where an FD interest calculator becomes very handy. It helps you:
- Estimate monthly returns instantly
An FD interest calculator helps you quickly know how much monthly income you’ll earn from your deposit. It eliminates guesswork and gives clarity based on the interest rate and tenure.
- Compare offers across banks
Using an FD calculator, you can easily compare interest rates offered by different banks and financial institutions. This helps you choose a preferred deal for maximising your monthly earnings.
- Decide tenure and principal based on your monthly income needs
You can adjust the investment amount and term on the calculator until you reach your ideal monthly payout. This helps you plan better according to your income goals and needs.
- Save time by avoiding manual calculations
Manual interest calculations can be slow and prone to errors. An FD calculator provides precise results instantly, saving your time and helping you make quick, confident financial decisions.
Conclusion
Fixed Deposits with monthly interest payouts are a smart and safe way to generate regular income. Whether you're a retiree, a homemaker, or someone looking for a predictable monthly cash flow. Non-cumulative FDs offer both stability and peace of mind.
By choosing the right bank, using an FD interest calculator to plan your investments, and understanding the tax rules, you can enjoy a reliable and hassle-free income source. Make smart choices today to ensure financial comfort tomorrow.