Synopsis: Several banks are now providing attractive rates on their 444 day fixed deposits, where the maximum rate is offered up to 7.60% per year. This article compares the latest rates available for general, senior, and super senior citizen depositors across leading banks.
The fixed deposit remains one of the most favored investment options when it comes to earning steady income without risking one’s capital. Although interest rates have decreased in multiple tenors, certain banks still provide favorable rates for special tenure fixed deposits. One of such fixed deposits gaining much popularity is the 444-day FD, where a few banks pay up to 7.60% interest annually to their senior citizen customers.
1. Punjab National Bank
Punjab National Bank offers one of the highest rates of public banks for this tenure. The general depositors can get 6.60% per annum and senior citizens can get 7.10% per annum. The return is an extra benefit given by the bank to super senior citizens; the effective return is 7.40 per annum.
2. Union Bank of India
The general public can get 6.50% per year from Union Bank of India and senior citizens can get 7.00% per year. Super senior citizens can receive up to 7.25% per annum, which is a great option for those who want guaranteed returns and are elderly investors.
3. Canara Bank
Canara Bank offers a 444 days fixed deposit scheme where the interest rate for the general public is 6.5% per annum and for senior citizens it is 7% per annum. The scheme offers 7.10 per cent per annum to super senior citizens.
4. Equitas Small Finance Bank
Equitas Small Finance bank provides the highest interest rates among the banks being compared. General citizens can earn 7.10% per annum, while senior citizens are eligible for 7.60% per annum. The bank doesn’t have any specific super senior citizen classification for this period.
5. Bank of Baroda Square Drive Deposit
Bank of Baroda (BoB) has two types of Square Drive Deposit – callable and non-callable.
- Callable Variant: Callable deposit provides for an early withdrawal with the terms and conditions applicable. It comes with a 6.45% for general citizens, 6.95% for senior citizens, and 7.05% for super senior citizens per annum.
- Non-Callable Variant: The non callable version will pay slightly more but has some restrictions on cashing out early. The interest rate of the general citizens is 6.50% per annum, for senior citizens it is 7.00% per annum and for super senior citizens it is 7.10% per annum.
444-Day FD Interest Rates in 2026
Note: Interest rates are subject to change at the discretion of the respective banks. Investors should verify the latest rates before booking an FD.
Who should choose what?
- Highest Return Overall: Equitas Small Finance Bank (7.10% for general citizens; 7.60% for senior citizens).
- Best Public Sector Bank Option: Punjab National Bank (up to 7.40% for super senior citizens).
- Best PSU Option for Senior Citizens: Punjab National Bank and Union Bank of India (7.10% p.a.).
- Highest Rate for Super Senior Citizens: Punjab National Bank (7.40% p.a.).
- Need Premature Withdrawal Flexibility? Consider Bank of Baroda’s callable Square Drive Deposit.
- Best Option for Risk-Averse Investors: Punjab National Bank or Union Bank of India, given their public sector backing and competitive rates.
- Looking for Higher Returns and Can Stay Invested Till Maturity? The non-callable variant of BoB’s Square Drive Deposit offers a slightly higher rate.
Bottom line
FDs with 444 days still provide investors with very attractive opportunities. While Equitas Small Finance Bank pays the highest rates on FDs, Punjab National Bank stands out among public sector banks as it provides attractive interest rate options across all customer categories. Investors should evaluate both returns and flexibility before making an investment decision.
Written By Ameet S
