Let’s be honest — when it comes to managing money, most of us in India still have a lot of faith in our banks. Fixed deposits, savings accounts, recurring deposits — these have been the go-to investment choices for generations.

Why? Because they feel safe. Familiar. Risk-free.

But here's the catch — while banks are excellent for storing your money, they’re not always upfront about what you're actually earning in return. There are a lot of little things about “returns” that banks won’t bring up unless you ask the right questions.

In this blog, we will break down the 10 things about returns that banks rarely, if ever, tell you. If you care about growing your wealth and not just saving it, keep reading — this might just change the way you look at your money.

Bank returns may seem straightforward, but there are hidden facts many overlook. First, nominal returns don’t account for inflation, reducing real gains. Interest is often compounded annually, not monthly, affecting long-term growth. Taxes on interest earned can further reduce returns. Introductory high rates may drop after a fixed term. Some savings schemes have lock-in periods with penalties for early withdrawal. Returns on fixed deposits vary by tenure and customer type. Banks may auto-renew deposits at lower rates. Also, returns differ based on the compounding frequency. Lastly, banks adjust rates frequently based on RBI policies, affecting future earnings.