Bajaj Finance offers an additional 0.35% per annum, while Shriram Finance provides a higher 0.50% extra interest for senior citizens aged 60 years and above.
Bajaj Finance offers an additional 0.35% per annum, while Shriram Finance provides a higher 0.50% extra interest for senior citizens aged 60 years and above.Company Fixed Deposits (CFDs) continue to attract investors looking for higher returns than traditional bank fixed deposits. Offered by Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and corporates, these deposits typically provide better interest rates but also carry relatively higher risk than bank FDs. Investors are therefore advised to compare not only returns but also the issuer's credit rating and deposit features before investing.
Among the popular company FDs in 2026, Bajaj Finance and Shriram Finance (formerly Shriram Transport Finance) remain two of the most preferred options. Here's how they compare.
Bajaj Finance FD vs Shriram Finance FD
| Credit rating | CRISIL FAAA/Stable, ICRA MAAA/Stable | CRISIL AAA/Stable, ICRA AAA (Stable), India Ratings AAA/Stable, CARE AAA/Stable |
| Interest rate | 6.60%–6.95% p.a. | 6.85%–7.50% p.a. |
| Tenure | Up to 5 years | 12 months to 60 months |
| Minimum investment | Rs 5,000 | Rs 5,000 (in multiples of Rs 1,000) |
| Senior citizen benefit | Additional 0.35% p.a. | Additional 0.50% p.a. |
| Additional benefits | Easy online investment | Extra 0.05% for women and 0.15% on eligible renewals |
Interest rate comparison
Shriram Finance continues to offer higher interest rates than Bajaj Finance, although it has revised its FD rates with effect from July 2, 2026. The company now offers annual interest rates ranging from 6.85% to 7.50%, depending on the tenure.
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In comparison, Bajaj Finance offers interest rates ranging from 6.60% to 6.95% per annum across eligible tenures.
For investors primarily seeking higher returns, Shriram Finance retains an edge, particularly for deposits with tenures of 36 months to 60 months, which earn 7.50% per annum. It also offers a 15-month digital-only FD carrying an interest rate of 7.10%.
Bajaj Finance FD vs Shriram Finance FD: Interest Rates (2026)
| Parameter | Bajaj Finance FD | Shriram Finance FD |
|---|---|---|
| Interest rate (General investors) | 6.60%–6.95% p.a. | 6.85%–7.50% p.a. |
| Maximum interest rate | 6.95% p.a. | 7.50% p.a. |
| Senior citizen additional interest | +0.35% p.a. | +0.50% p.a. |
| Maximum rate for senior citizens | Up to 7.30% p.a. | Up to 8.00% p.a.* |
*Women depositors receive an additional 0.05% p.a., while eligible renewals earn an additional 0.15% p.a.
Senior citizen benefits
Both companies provide additional interest to senior citizen investors.
Bajaj Finance offers an additional 0.35% per annum, while Shriram Finance provides a higher 0.50% per annum for senior citizens aged 60 years and above.
Shriram Finance also offers 0.05% additional interest for women depositors and 0.15% extra on eligible renewals, enhancing the overall returns for eligible investors.
MUST READ: SBI vs PNB FD rates: Which public sector bank offers better fixed deposit returns in 2026?
Tenure and investment options
Bajaj Finance allows investors to open an FD for a tenure of up to five years, with investments starting from Rs 5,000.
Shriram Finance offers deposit tenures ranging from 12 months to 60 months, including a 15-month digital-only deposit. Deposits are accepted in multiples of Rs 1,000, subject to a minimum investment of Rs 5,000. Investors can choose cumulative deposits or opt for non-cumulative plans with monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annual interest payouts. The company also offers a Fixed Investment Plan (FIP), under which revised interest rates range from 6.85% to 7.50% depending on the tenure.
Credit ratings and safety
While higher returns are important, credit quality should not be overlooked.
Bajaj Finance carries CRISIL FAAA/Stable and ICRA MAAA/Stable ratings, indicating the highest degree of safety with regard to timely servicing of financial obligations.
Shriram Finance's fixed deposits are rated CRISIL AAA/Stable, ICRA AAA (Stable), India Ratings AAA/Stable and CARE AAA/Stable, reflecting the highest level of safety with regard to the timely servicing of financial obligations.
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Which FD is better?
The choice depends on an investor's priorities.
Those looking to maximise returns may find Shriram Finance attractive because it offers a higher maximum interest rate of 7.50%, a larger 0.50% senior citizen benefit, along with additional incentives for women depositors and eligible renewals.
On the other hand, investors who place greater emphasis on investing with a large, well-established NBFC offering competitive returns may prefer Bajaj Finance, despite its comparatively lower interest rates.
Before investing in any company fixed deposit, financial experts recommend assessing the issuer's credit ratings, payout options, liquidity requirements and investment horizon rather than choosing solely on the basis of the highest advertised interest rate.
MUST READ: FD rates in July 2026: What senior citizens can earn on fixed deposits across leading banks