Can NRIs invest in corporate fixed deposits from abroad?

Yes, NRIs can invest in corporate FDs, usually through NRO accounts. However, you'll need proper KYC documentation and must ensure FEMA compliance. Most corporate FDs allow online investment, but initial account opening may require branch visits or video KYC.

Are corporate FDs completely unsafe compared to bank FDs?

Not completely unsafe, but riskier. AAA-rated corporate FDs from established NBFCs like Bajaj Finance or Mahindra Finance have good safety records, though they lack deposit insurance. The key is choosing only highly-rated companies and diversifying your investments.

What happens if a corporate FD issuer defaults?

Unlike bank FDs, there's no automatic compensation. You become an unsecured creditor and may recover only a portion of your investment through legal proceedings. This process can take years and outcomes are uncertain.

How do GIFT City FDs compare to traditional FDs for safety?

GIFT City FDs are offered by Indian banks regulated by both IFSCA and RBI, making them as safe as regular bank FDs but with added currency protection benefits. For NRIs, they often provide better risk-adjusted returns than both corporate and traditional bank FDs.

Should I move all my bank FDs to corporate FDs for higher returns?

Absolutely not. As an NRI, maintaining a substantial portion (at least 60-70%) in bank FDs provides crucial safety. Corporate FDs should be limited to 20-30% of your FD portfolio, and only in AAA-rated companies.

Corporate FDs vs Bank FDs - Which Is Safer for NRIs?

Last week, my friend Priya from Dubai called us panicking. She'd seen an advertisement promising 9.5% returns on a "guaranteed" corporate fixed deposit while her HDFC bank FD was giving only 7.2%.

Priya asked us - "Should I move my ₹25 lakh from the bank FD to this corporate one? The extra 2.3% would give me ₹57,500 more per year!"

We have spent 12+ years helping NRIs navigate Indian investments, and have seen this question countless times. The promise of higher returns always tempts us, but safety should never be compromised.

Here's what we told Priya - and what every NRI should know before choosing between corporate and bank fixed deposits.

Corporate FDs vs Bank FDs: The Basic Difference

Bank Fixed Deposits are offered by commercial banks regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). When you invest in an SBI, HDFC, or ICICI fixed deposit, you're lending money to a heavily regulated financial institution.

Corporate Fixed Deposits are offered by companies and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) like Bajaj Finance, Mahindra Finance, or LIC Housing Finance. These deposits typically offer higher interest rates compared to bank FDs, often 1-2% more, to compensate for increased risk.

👉 Tip: Think of it this way - banks are like government employees (stable, secure), while corporates are like entrepreneurs (potentially higher rewards, but riskier).

The Safety Question: Why It Matters Most for NRIs

As an NRI, you face unique challenges that residents don't:

Distance: You can't easily visit branches or pursue legal action
Currency risk: Your income is in foreign currency while investments are often in rupees
Limited recourse: Consumer protection laws are harder to enforce from abroad

This makes safety your top priority, not just returns.

Bank FDs: Government-Backed Safety Net

Bank FDs enjoy deposit insurance from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), a subsidiary of RBI, covering up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank.

What this means for you:

If your bank fails, DICGC pays you ₹5 lakh within 90 days
This covers all your accounts in that bank: savings, current, and FDs
Works for both residents and NRIs

Real-world safety record: In the last 30 years, no major private or public sector bank has defaulted on FD payments. Even during Yes Bank's restructuring in 2020, RBI stepped in and depositors eventually received their money.

Corporate FDs: Higher Risk, No Insurance

Corporate FDs are not covered by deposit insurance, making their safety largely dependent on the financial health and stability of the issuing company.

The risk factors:

Credit risk: Company may default on payments during financial trouble
Liquidity risk: Restrictions on early withdrawal or penalties
No government backing: Unlike banks, no safety net exists

Recent examples:

DHFL FD holders faced massive delays and haircuts during the 2019 crisis
Several NBFCs have restructured or delayed payments in recent years

Also Read -DTAA for NRI Bank Interest: Can You Avoid 30% TDS Legally

Interest Rate Reality Check (November 2025)

Let's compare actual rates available to NRIs:

Deposit Type	Typical Rates	Safety Level
Bank FDs (Large Banks)	6.25% - 7.5%	Highest (DICGC Insured)
Bank FDs (Small Finance Banks)	7.5% - 8.5%	High (DICGC Insured)
Corporate FDs (AAA Rated)	7.5% - 9%	Medium (No Insurance)
Corporate FDs (Lower Rated)	8.5% - 10.25%	Low to Medium

Source: Bank FD rates range from 6.25% to 8.50% across institutions (large banks like SBI, HDFC, ICICI at 6.25-7.00%; small finance banks up to 8.50%), while corporate FDs from companies like Bajaj Finance and Mahindra Finance offer 7.5% to 10.25%

(Source)

The hidden cost of higher returns: That extra 2% from corporate FDs comes with significantly higher risk. For an NRI managing money from thousands of miles away, is it worth it?

NRI-Specific Considerations

Regulatory Compliance

NRIs can invest in both bank and corporate FDs, but must ensure FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) compliance. Corporate FDs often require more complex documentation and compliance procedures.

Bank FDs for NRIs: Well-established processes through NRE, NRO accounts Corporate FDs for NRIs: Often require NRO accounts, additional KYC verification

Taxation and Repatriation

For NRO FDs (which includes most corporate FDs), interest is taxable at 30% TDS, though DTAA benefits may apply.

Repatriation limits:

NRE FDs: Fully repatriable
FCNR FDs: Fully repatriable
NRO FDs (Corporate): Limited to USD 1 million annually

Currency Protection Challenge

Traditional corporate FDs and bank FDs are rupee-denominated, exposing you to currency risk. If you invested ₹10 lakh when USD-INR was at 75, but rupee weakened to 85 when you mature, you've lost purchasing power despite earning interest.

The GIFT City Alternative: Best of Both Worlds

Here's where things get interesting. GIFT City FDs offer foreign currency deposits (USD, EUR, GBP) that are tax-free and provide protection against rupee depreciation.

Why GIFT City FDs could be your safest bet:

Currency protection: Deposit and earn in USD, avoiding rupee volatility
Tax efficiency: Tax-free in India, and for UAE residents, no tax at home either
Regulatory oversight: Banks in GIFT City are regulated by both IFSCA and RBI
Better liquidity: Available for tenures as short as 3 months, unlike traditional FCNR deposits which require minimum 1 year

Current GIFT City USD FD rates: 4.5-6% annually (tax-free)

When you factor in tax savings and currency protection, this often beats both corporate and regular bank FDs for NRIs.

Belong offers USD Fixed Deposits through GIFT City with our banking partners, providing you the safety of bank regulation with currency protection.

How to Evaluate FD Safety: Your NRI Checklist

For Bank FDs:

Check DICGC coverage: Ensure your bank appears on DICGC's website
Verify RBI licensing: Listed on RBI's scheduled commercial banks list
Review bank financials: Check recent credit ratings and annual reports

For Corporate FDs:

Credit ratings are crucial: Only invest in AAA or equivalent rated deposits from agencies like CRISIL, ICRA, and CARE
Company financials: Review latest annual report, cash flows, debt levels
Track record: Research any past defaults or payment delays
Diversification: Never put more than 20% of your portfolio in any single corporate FD

👉 Tip: Use our NRI FD Comparison Tool to instantly compare rates, safety ratings, and features across 20+ banks and corporations.

Our Recommendation for NRIs

After 12+ years of advising NRIs, here's our strategy:

Conservative Approach (Recommended for 70% of NRIs)

80% in bank FDs: Split across 2-3 banks for DICGC coverage
20% in GIFT City USD FDs: For currency protection and tax efficiency

Moderate Risk Approach

60% in bank FDs: Prioritize safety
20% in AAA-rated corporate FDs: Only from established NBFCs
20% in GIFT City USD FDs: Currency hedging

Higher Risk Tolerance

40% in bank FDs: Base safety layer
40% in corporate FDs: Mix of AAA and AA+ rated
20% in GIFT City USD FDs: Currency protection

Never do this:
Put all money in corporate FDs for higher returns
Chase rates above 10% - they're usually too risky
Invest without checking credit ratings
Ignore FEMA compliance requirements

Real Case Study: Learning from Priya's Decision

Remember Priya from the introduction? Here's what happened:

Her original plan: Move ₹25 lakh to a 9% corporate FD
Potential extra income: ₹57,500 annually

What we recommended instead:

₹15 lakh in HDFC Bank NRE FD (6.90%, fully safe)
₹5 lakh in Bajaj Finance FD (AAA-rated, 8.5%)
$5,000 in GIFT City USD FD (6% tax-free, currency-protected)

Result: Slightly lower returns but significantly reduced risk, plus currency protection for a portion of her portfolio.

Six months later, when one of the corporate FDs she was considering announced payment delays, Priya thanked us for prioritizing safety.

Bottom Line

Bank FDs remain the safest choice with DICGC coverage, while corporate FDs offer higher rates but come with credit risk. For NRIs, safety should trump returns because:

Distance matters: Harder to recover money if things go wrong
Currency exposure: Rupee-denominated deposits add another layer of risk
Regulatory differences: Consumer protection varies by jurisdiction

Your next steps:

Audit your current FDs: Check if they're properly diversified across safe options
Consider currency protection: Explore GIFT City USD options for part of your portfolio
Stay informed: Join our WhatsApp community of 10,000+ NRIs sharing real experiences with Indian investments

The goal isn't to maximize returns at any cost - it's to build wealth safely while you focus on your career abroad.

Ready to make smarter investment decisions? Download the Belong app to explore GIFT City FD options, compare rates across banks, and get personalized advice for your NRI investment journey.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and doesn't constitute financial advice. Fixed deposit rates are subject to change. Tax laws and FEMA regulations may vary. Always verify current rates and consult a SEBI-registered investment advisor for personalized guidance.

Related Articles:

Corporate FDs vs Bank FDs - Which Is Safer for NRIs