The Impact of Compounding on Recurring Deposit Returns

Recurring Deposits (RDs) are popular savings instruments that allow you to save money over time via periodic (generally monthly) deposits/investments. One key factor contributing to the popularity of RDs is the power of compounding. This article explores the significant impact of compounding on recurring deposit returns and how it can accelerate your RD growth, helping you achieve your financial goals more efficiently.

Understanding Compounding in Recurring Deposits

In simple terms, compounding refers to earning interest on interest. When applied to recurring deposits, the interest you earn in each compounding period (quarterly) is added to your principal amount, and this new total then earns interest in the subsequent period.

The compounding frequency can vary depending on the financial institution and the specific RD product.

The Mathematics Behind Compounding in RDs

To understand the impact of compounding on recurring deposit returns, let's break down the mathematics:

Formula for RD maturity amount:

M = P*(1+R/N)^(Nt), Where, M = Maturity amount, P = Principal amount or the installment amount, R = Interest rate in decimal, convert interest rate into decimal by dividing it by 100, T = tenure and N= compounding frequency (since it is usually quarterly, it will be 4).

Now, let’s understand this with an example.

If you deposit ₹1,000 per month for 5 years at 7% interest rate, your maturity amount would look like:

Maturity Amount = ₹71,943.

For quick calculations, use Ujjivan’s Recurring Deposit Calculator.

Disclaimer: The above example is for illustration purposes only. Ujjivan doesn’t take any responsibility for the accuracy of the information. Please use our calculator or reach out to the customer support to know your RD returns.

Factors Affecting Compounding in Recurring Deposits

Several factors influence the impact of compounding on your RD growth:

1. Interest Rate: Higher interest rates naturally lead to greater compounding effects.
2. Deposit Frequency: More frequent deposits (e.g., monthly vs. quarterly) can enhance the compounding effect.
3. Tenure: Longer RD tenures allow more time for compounding to work its magic.

The Power of Compounding Illustrated

Let's illustrate the impact of compounding on recurring deposit returns with an example:

Suppose you invest ₹5,000 monthly in an RD for 5 years at 6% annual interest rate.

Without compounding:

Total principal = ₹5,000 * 12 * 5 = ₹3,00,000

Simple interest = (₹3,00,000 * 6 * 5) / (2 * 100) = ₹45,000

Total amount = ₹3,45,000

With quarterly compounding:

Using the formula mentioned earlier, the maturity amount comes to approximately ₹3,54,662

The difference of ₹9,662 is purely due to the effect of compounding.

Disclaimer: The above example is for illustration purposes only. Ujjivan doesn’t take any responsibility for the accuracy of the information. Please use our calculator or reach out to the customer support to know your RD returns.

Strategies to Maximise Compounding in RDs

To make the most of compounding and enhance your RD growth, consider these strategies:

1. Start Early: The earlier you start your RD, the more time compounding has to work.
2. Select High Interest RD: Open RD with a bank that offers higher interest rates.
3. Reinvest Matured RDs: Instead of withdrawing matured RDs, consider reinvesting them to leverage compounding further.

How to Calculate RD Returns

Though manual calculations are possible, however they can be extremely time consuming and may leave room for errors. For quick results, use our online Recurring Deposit Interest Calculator. 

Our RD Calculator features a user-friendly interface and is designed to deliver fast results.