Bajaj Finance vs Shriram Finance FD Rates 2026: Which Company FD Gives Higher Returns?

Key Takeaways

• The Shriram Finance offers the higher FD rate at 7.00% to 7.60% p.a. versus Bajaj Finance at 6.60% to 6.95% p.a. If you are a senior citizens then Shriram give you up to 8.10%.
   
• Bajaj Finance holds a higher credit rating of CRISIL FAAA/Stable and ICRA MAAA/Stable, compared to Shriram Finance's ICRA MAA+, making both instruments carry different risk profiles.

What Is the Bajaj Finance & Shriram Finance FD Rate in 2026?

FD with NBFC companies have made a comeback in 2026 due to moderation in bank FD rates. While both Bajaj Finance and Shriram Finance are give you attractive interest rate for FD for Indians, they compared to each other in terms of rate of interest, credit rating and extra features. The FD with Bajaj Finance is trusted by more than 5,00,000 customers and comes with interest rates that range between 6.60% to 6.95% p.a. for general investors with tenures between 12 to 60 months. Seniors enjoy 0.35% extra interest rate, making the maximum rate 7.30% for them.

The FD with Shriram Finance comes with higher rates ranging from 7.00% to 7.60% p.a. for general investors. The seniors citizen get more benefits at Shriram Finance can earn an extra 0.50% making their maximum rate 8.10%. Shriram Finance provides an extra interest of 0.05% for women and 0.15% on eligible renewals. The minimum amount of FD with Bajaj Finance is 

How Significant is the Rate Differential in Terms of Rupees for Indian Investors?

Even a 0.65% rate differential between the two firms could be insignificant but when we consider a period of 5 years then it turns out to be substantial. A ₹5 lakh fixed deposit for 60 months earns about ₹2,47,690 in interest when the rate is 6.95%, as per Bajaj Finance Limited, whereas, with 

The key risk trade-off is real. Bajaj Finance carries CRISIL FAAA/Stable and ICRA MAAA/Stable ratings, the highest possible safety band for company FDs. Shriram Finance carries ICRA MAA+, which is 1 notch lower than the AAA category. This explains why Shriram offers higher rates, since higher returns typically come with marginally higher risk. Company FDs, unlike bank FDs, are not covered by the ₹5 lakh Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) insurance. That means the credit rating of the issuer is the only safety net for investors. 

What Do Experts Say About Choosing Between These 2 Company FDs in 2026?

CRISIL's rating note on Bajaj Finance FD states it reflects “Bajaj Finance's established position in the consumer and SME lending segment, strong capitalisation, robust asset quality and liquidity profile.” This is the reason Bajaj Finance attracts first-time and risk-averse company FD investors even at its comparatively lower rates. Analysts at Groww note that for “investors seeking maximum return above safety, Shriram Finance at 7.60% is hard to match among mainstream NBFC FDs in 2026.”

The practical guidance is: investors below 60 years who prioritise capital safety should choose Bajaj Finance at 6.95%, which is backed by the 2 highest possible safety ratings. Senior citizens looking to maximise returns on a 60-month deposit should consider Shriram Finance at

Investors should submit Form 15G or 15H, as applicable, to avoid unnecessary TDS deductions on their FD interest income. Bajaj Finance also offers a unique loan against FD facility of up to 75% of the invested amount for cumulative FDs and 60% for non-cumulative FDs. 

This allows investors to access emergency liquidity without breaking their FD and losing out on the higher maturity rate. Both UPI and NEFT/RTGS are accepted for online investment in Bajaj Finance FD, and the entire process is end-to-end digital with no branch visit required.

Conclusion

Shriram Finance wins on rate, with 7.60% for general investors and 8.10% for senior citizens. Bajaj Finance wins on safety, with the 2 highest credit ratings available and a loyal base of 5,00,000+ depositors. The right choice depends on whether your priority in 2026 is maximising returns or maximising peace of mind.

FAQs

What banks are giving the most lucrative FD rates in India currently, as of July 2026?

Both Suryoday Small Finance Bank and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank have provide you the highest FD interest rate of 8.10% p.a. In India. If we talk about the other banks Repco Bank gives us 8.25%, Yes Bank give us 8.00%, and DCB Bank gives us 7.90% for senior citizens. IDFC FIRST Bank provides 7.40%, but you are a regular customer for a 1- to 3-year deposit term.

Which one is better - Bajaj Finance or Shriram Finance FDs in 2026, more profitable or safer?

The Bajaj Finance FD scheme has CRISIL FAAA/Stable and ICRA MAAA/Stable ratings, which show the highest level of safety if we compare with the Shriram Finance FD scheme with ratings AA+/Stable but Bajaj Finance gives you 6.60%-6.95% Interest, and Shriram Finance gives you 7.00%–7.60% p.a.