RBI Floating Rate Savings Bonds

The RBI Floating Rate Savings Bonds are a simple, low-risk investment option that is perfect for those looking for a hassle-free way to grow their money. With attractive RBI Floating Rate Bond interest rates and an extended maturity period, these bonds allow you to grow money over time. Plus, you can start investing with as little as ₹1,000 and increase the investment amount in multiples of ₹1,000. It must be noted that interest earned on these bonds is subject to taxation.

What are Floating Rate Savings Bonds (FRSB)?

Floating Rate Savings Bonds are debt securities issued by the Reserve Bank of India, offering investors a secure way to grow their savings with variable interest rates. These bonds provide a reliable investment avenue backed by the government, making them an extremely low-risk option for conservative investors. RBI floating rate bonds feature adjustable interest rates that change periodically in response to benchmark rates, thereby protecting your returns against inflation. Select investment plans that align with your financial goals, featuring high interest rates, flexible investment amounts, and extended maturity periods.

Key Features & benefits

Get a bond from an Axis Bank branch

Visit any Axis Bank branch to purchase RBI floating rate savings bonds with expert guidance from banking professionals who can assist with documentation and account setup.

Benefit from high interest rates

Enjoy competitive returns that typically exceed standard fixed deposits, with rates that adjust to market conditions, ensuring your investment keeps pace with the economy.

Invest within flexible limits

Start with as little as ₹1,000 with no upper limit, making FRBS bonds accessible to investors with varying financial capacities and investment goals.

Make a long-term investment

These bonds come with a 7-year lock-in period, which is ideal for long-term financial planning and wealth accumulation strategies.

Add a nominee

Start with as little as ₹1,000 with no upper limit, making FRBS bonds accessible to investors with varying financial capacities and investment goals.

Retain ownership of your bonds

These RBI floating rate bonds are non-transferable but remain exclusively in your name throughout the investment period, providing complete ownership security.

Eligibility criteria for RBI FRSB

Indian residents and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), are eligible to invest in Floating Rate Savings Bonds. NRIs are not eligible to purchase these bonds.

You can invest in RBI FRSBs if you meet the following criteria:

  • An individual who is a resident of India
  • An individual jointly with another individual
  • A parent/guardian on behalf of a minor
  • A Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)

However, a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) cannot invest in RBI FRSBs in India.

Documentation for RBI FRSB

To invest in RBI FRSBs you need to have the following documents:

  • The duly filled application form
  • A cancelled blank cheque
  • The investment contribution/amount

Advantages of RBI Floating Rate Savings Bonds

These Savings Bonds offer exceptional security with sovereign backing, inflation protection through floating rates, and simplified investment procedures with no complex paperwork.

Things to keep in mind while investing

  • These bonds come with a 7-year maturity period and offer a floating interest rate.
  • Interest is reset every six months - in January and July.
  • Not tradable or transferable and cannot be used as collateral for loans.

Taxation of Floating Rate Savings Bonds

The interest earned on RBI Savings Bonds is taxable under the Income Tax Act of 1961.

  • You will pay taxes on that interest based on your income tax bracket.
  • Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) will be applicable to interest payout.
  • In case of other tax exemptions, declare them in your application.
  • Interest earned is fully taxable under the Income Tax Act, with tax deducted at source (TDS) applicable in accordance with the income tax regulations. No tax deductions are available under Section 80C.

Things to know before buying Floating Rate Savings Bonds

Before buying Floating Rate Savings Bonds, here are some key things to know about them:

  • The bonds are non-transferable and cannot be transferred to another individual or entity.
  • You would not be able to use the bonds as collateral security for loans.
  • The interest income earned from these bonds would be taxed in your hands at your applicable slab rates.
  • Bond interest is paid every 6 months on 1st January and 1st July.
  • The bonds have a lock-in period of 7 years.
  • Only senior citizens are permitted to make partial withdrawals during the investment tenure.
  • Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligible to invest in Savings Bonds in India.
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Interest Rates on RBI Floating Rate Savings Bonds

  • The interest on the bonds is paid out twice a year- on January 1st and July 1st.
  • The interest paid out on January 1st and July 1st will be linked to the prevailing NSC (National Saving Certificate) interest rates, with an additional 35 basis point boost.
  • The current interest rate on National Savings Certificates is 7.7%. As of  January 1, 2024, Fixed Rate Savings Bond (FRSB) holders can earn a better rate of 8.05%.
  • Interest rates are reset semi-annually, linked to the prevailing National Savings Certificate rate plus a spread, ensuring competitive returns throughout the bond's tenure.

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When investing in Savings Bonds, here are some dos and don'ts to remember:

Do’s

  • Review the eligibility criteria and the minimum investment amount required for the bond.

  • Savings Bonds are offered as both cumulative and non-cumulative bonds. If you want regular interest income, you can choose the non-cumulative option. However, if you prefer a lump sum corpus on maturity, opt for the cumulative option.

  • Understand the tax implications of the bonds to plan your taxes effectively.

Don'ts

  • Don't invest in bonds unless they align with your financial goals and investment objectives.

  • Avoid making premature withdrawals, as they can negatively impact the overall returns.

  • Don't invest and forget. Track your investments regularly.

dos donts

Steps to invest

You can invest in RBI Floating Rate Savings Bonds via Axis Bank Internet Banking , Axis Mobile App or by simply using your registered mobile number

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How to invest in RBI Floating Rate Savings Bonds online?

Apply through authorised banks, such as Axis Bank, with valid identity proof, address proof, and a cancelled cheque. Online applications are also accepted through net banking platforms.

  • 01

    Visit the Axis Bank Internet Banking page.

  • 02

    Log in to your account & Select “Investments”

  • 03

    Click on “Savings Bonds”.

  • 04

    Enter the investment details, including the investment amount and bank account number.

  • 05

    Add a nominee.

  • 06

    Mark the T&C checkbox and review the provided details.

  • 07

    Click on “Confirm”.

  • 08

    Verify the OTP received on your registered mobile number to complete the application process.

Apply Now
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How to invest in RBI Floating Rate Savings Bonds via Mobile Banking?

Apply through authorised banks, such as Axis Bank, with valid identity proof, address proof, and a cancelled cheque. Online applications are also accepted through net banking platforms.

Open the Axis Bank Mobile Banking app on your smartphone.

  • 01

    Log in to your account.

  • 02

    Select "Investments" Click on RBI Floating Rate savings Bond.

  • 03

    Enter the required investment details, including the investment amount and bank account.

  • 04

    Add a nominee.

  • 05

    Mark the T&C checkbox and review the provided detail.

  • 06

    Click on Proceed.

  • 07

    Verify the OTP received on your registered mobile number to complete the process.

Premature withdrawal allowed for Senior Citizen

Premature withdrawal is allowed for senior citizens in RBI Floating Rate Savings Bond as per the below slab:

  • 60–70 years – 6 years
  • 70–80 years – 5 years
  • 80 years and above – 4 years

Please Note: A penalty of 50% of the interest due for the last six months may be applicable upon premature withdrawal.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many reasons to invest in RBI FRSBs. For one, you can benefit from a high interest rate – the interest on such bonds is payable on January 01 and July 01 each year and the payable interest is linked to the current National Savings Certificates (NSC) interest rates. FRSBs pay 35 basis points more than the NSC rates. Since the bonds have a maturity period of 7 years, you can invest in it for a long-term period.

Indian citizens and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), are eligible to invest, while Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and foreign entities are not.

No, RBI floating rate savings bonds are exclusively available to resident Indians. NRIs who acquire Indian residency status are eligible to invest, but those residing outside India remain ineligible, even if they hold Indian citizenship.

RBI FRSBs have a lock-in period of 7 years, after which they mature. For senior citizens, the lock-in period is lower. It is 6 years for investors between 60-70 years of age, 5 years for those in the age group of 70-80 years and 4 years for investors above 80 years of age. In case the investor is a senior citizen and wants to make an early withdrawal, a penalty will be charged.

Interest income is fully taxable as per your income tax slab rate, with no special tax benefits.

Interest is credited semi-annually on January 1st and July 1st directly to your linked bank account.

You'll need to provide identity proof, address proof, a PAN card, and banking details, along with a cancelled cheque.

No, RBI floating rate savings bonds are exclusively available to resident Indians. NRIs who acquire Indian residency status are eligible to invest, but those residing outside India remain ineligible, even if they hold Indian citizenship.

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