SIP vs RD: Where Should Your Monthly Savings Go in 2025

For Indian households, disciplined monthly savings have long been a tradition. While Recurring Deposits (RDs) were once the go-to option for safe and predictable returns, mutual fund SIPs are now gaining prominence. The big question for investors today is: should your money go into RDs or SIPs?

Goals Matter First

Ranjit Jha, MD & CEO of Rurash Financials, explains:

• Short-term goals (under 3 years) → RDs win for safety and predictability.

• Long-term goals (5–10 years or more) → SIPs shine due to equity exposure and compounding.

Shubham Gupta, CFA & Co-founder of Growthvine Capital, adds: “RDs are like SIPs in fixed deposits—they guarantee returns but rarely beat inflation. SIPs offer your money a chance to grow faster if invested patiently.”

Returns: Stable vs Powerful

• RDs: 4–7% returns, enough to keep pace with inflation.

• SIPs: Historically 10–15% CAGR over 5–10 years; some funds have delivered 15–20%.

“RDs grow savings safely; SIPs grow wealth meaningfully,” says Gupta.

Taxation: The Silent Differentiator

• RDs: Interest is taxable annually according to your income slab.

• SIPs: Taxed only at redemption. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) >1 year are taxed at 12.5% with an exemption of ₹1.25L per year. ELSS SIPs also offer 80C deductions, giving tax advantages for long-term investors.

Matching Your Personality

• Risk-averse? Stick to RDs for peace of mind.

• Can handle volatility? SIPs reward patience and long-term growth.

“During turbulent markets, RDs make you feel secure. SIPs reward patience,” says Gupta.

Life Goals Decide the Choice

• Short-term goals: Buying a car, wedding, or emergency funds → RDs.

• Long-term goals: Retirement planning, children’s education, wealth creation → SIPs.

The Smartest Strategy: Combine Both

Both experts suggest a “Core and Satellite” approach:

• Core: RDs for short-term stability and emergencies.

• Satellite: SIPs for long-term growth and wealth building.

In essence:

• Safety → RD

• Growth → SIP

• Both → Mix wisely

Wealth is built one disciplined month at a time, whether through deposits or mutual funds.