444-day special FD showdown: PNB beats SBI and BoB by up to 15 bps
PNB's 444-day special FD pays 6.60% to general depositors versus 6.45% at SBI's Amrit Vrishti and BoB's Square Drive Deposit — here's the full rate comparison and what to check before booking.
Special-tenure fixed deposits around the 444-day mark remain a popular pick among conservative savers, and the latest comparison of Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda shows a real gap has opened up between the three. (Source: BusinessToday, 25 July 2026.)
The rate comparison
| Bank | Scheme | General public | Senior citizens | Super senior (80+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab National Bank | 444-day Special FD | 6.60% | 7.10% | 7.40% |
| State Bank of India | Amrit Vrishti (444 days) | 6.45% | 6.95% | — |
| Bank of Baroda | bob Square Drive Deposit (444 days) | 6.45% | 6.95% | 7.05% |
PNB currently pays the most across every depositor category — 15 basis points more than SBI and BoB for general customers, and the same 15 bps edge for regular senior citizens. BoB adds a further 5 basis points on non-callable versions of its deposit, and both BoB and PNB offer a dedicated super senior citizen slab that SBI’s scheme does not.
What to check before booking
- Minimum deposit — SBI’s Amrit Vrishti starts at just ₹1,000, making it the most accessible of the three; BoB and PNB’s special schemes are pitched at deposits below ₹3 crore.
- Premature withdrawal rules — special/non-callable FD variants often restrict or penalise early exit more heavily than a bank’s standard FD card rate. Confirm the penalty clause before locking in 444 days.
- Callable vs non-callable — BoB’s extra 5 bps applies only to the non-callable version, which means you give up the right to break the deposit early. Weigh that trade-off against your liquidity needs.
- Tax on interest — FD interest is fully taxable at your slab rate, and banks deduct TDS once interest in a financial year crosses ₹40,000 (₹50,000 for senior citizens). Factor this into your real, post-tax return regardless of which bank you pick.
Bottom line
For a straight 444-day general-category deposit, PNB’s 6.60% edges out SBI and BoB’s 6.45% — a modest but real difference on larger sums. Senior citizens get the same ranking, with PNB’s 7.10% ahead of the 6.95% at SBI and BoB. As always, these are special-scheme rates that can change with RBI’s rate cycle, so confirm the current card rate directly with the bank before you book.
Compare current FD cards across banks on Bank Rates and estimate maturity value with the FD Calculator.
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