SCSS vs SSY vs SBI FD vs PPF: Returns, lock-in, tax benefits, and who should invest
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- SCSS offers 8.2% quarterly interest for April‑June 2026, limited to senior citizens with a ₹30 lakh cap and a 5‑year lock‑in.
- SSY also pays 8.2% but ties withdrawals to the girl child’s age, limiting liquidity despite high returns.
- SBI Fixed Deposits provide flexible tenures and broader eligibility, yet their rates are lower and taxable.
- PPF locks funds for 15 years, delivering tax‑free compounding but unsuitable for short‑term goals.
- Government notification for April‑June 2026 raised SCSS and SSY rates to 8.2%, the highest in years.
Why it matters: Senior citizens can lock up to ₹30 lakh for 5 years at 8.2% quarterly, boosting retirement income, while younger investors miss out on liquidity. The high‑rate government schemes shift funds away from volatile equities, stabilizing personal portfolios.
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