Nominee Vs Legal Heirs for Fixed Deposits
Fixed deposits are a popular investment option for individuals who wish to earn a stable rate of interest on their savings. In the event of the account holder's demise, the question of who is entitled to the funds in the fixed deposit arises. It is where the concept of nominees and legal heirs come into play.
Returns as high
as 7.1%*
Includes life cover
Completely Tax free+
as 7.1%*
Includes life cover
Completely Tax free+
Maximum returns Offered by
Guaranteed
Highest
7.1%*
Guaranteed Plan
(by insurance companies)
(10 Years)
6.5%**
Fixed Deposits
(by SBI bank)
(5-10 Years)
7.1%***
Public Provident Fund
(other popular options)
(15 Years)
Get Guaranteed returns up to 7.1%*
Fully Tax-Free* (unlike FD), Life Cover Included
- Home
- FD Interest Rates
- Articles - FD Rates
- Nominee Vs Legal Heirs for Fixed Deposits
What is Nominee Meaning in Banking?
A nominee is a person or entity who is designated to act on behalf of the account holder in case of the account holder's death. This means that if the account holder is unable to manage their bank account due to unforeseen circumstances or if they pass away, the nominee will be authorized to access and manage the account.
The nominee is responsible for ensuring that the funds are used in accordance with the wishes of the account holder.
The concept of a nominee in banking is important for both account holders and their nominees. It can help ensure that the financial assets are properly managed and transferred in case of unforeseen events.
Comparison Between
Guaranteed Return Plans
Returns Before Tax
7.5% (TAX-FREE)
Returns After Tax
7.5%
Guaranteed Returns
Yes
Life Cover
Yes
Tax on Profit
Tax Free*
Risk
No Risk
Still Better than FD’s and Debt Mutual Fund
Fixed Deposits
Returns Before Tax
7% (TAXABLE)
Returns After Tax
4.8%
Guaranteed Returns
Yes
Life Cover
No
Tax on Profit
Taxable
Risk
Low Risk
Debt Mutual Fund
Returns Before Tax
8% (TAXABLE)
Returns After Tax
5.5%
Guaranteed Returns
No
Life Cover
No
Tax on Profit
Taxable
Risk
High Risk
*For annual premium upto ₹5 Lacs
What is Legal Heir Meaning in Banking?
Legal heirs are individuals who are entitled to inherit a deceased person's assets and liabilities under the laws of succession. It includes people who have the right to claim and receive the assets and liabilities of a deceased account holder.
When an account holder passes away, the bank is obligated to transfer the ownership of the account to the rightful/legal heirs. They are determined based on the succession laws of the country or state where the deceased account holder resides.
Nominees vs Legal Heirs for Fixed Deposit
| Criteria | Fixed Deposit Nominee | Legal Heir |
| Definition | Person nominated by account holder to receive fixed deposit amount in case of account holder's death | Individuals entitled to inherit assets and liabilities of a deceased person under the Laws of Succession |
| Ownership of assets | Nominee does not become owner of fixed deposit amount | Legal Heirs are owners of the fixed deposit amount |
| Transfer of assets | Nominees can claim and receive fixed deposit amount from the bank without any legal formalities | Legal Heirs may need to provide legal documents, such as death certificate, will, and probate order, to claim and receive the fixed deposit amount |
| Entitlement | Account holders can nominate any person as nominee | Determined based on the Laws of Succession and cannot be changed by the deceased account holder |
| Rights to transfer | Nominees cannot transfer fixed deposit amount to anyone else | Legal heirs have the right to transfer the fixed deposit amount to their accounts or to distribute it among themselves as per the Laws of Succession |
What Happens if the Account Owner Has Not Made a Will?
In some instances wherein the account holder does not leave behind any official document (or will) before their unfortunate demise, their legal heirs can access funds.
-
The distribution of their assets, including bank accounts, will be governed by the Laws of Succession and will be passed on to the Legal Heirs.
-
The Legal Heirs of the deceased account holder will have to obtain a legal order from a court, such as a transfer order, to establish their entitlement to the assets, including bank accounts.
It is advisable for all to make a will and nominate their beneficiaries for all accounts, including fixed deposit accounts, to ensure a smooth transfer of assets after their demise.
Who is Entitled to Receive Fixed Deposit Funds if Account Holder Has Appointed Both?
If the account holder has appointed a nominee, the bank will transfer the fixed deposit amount to the nominee without requiring a probate order or other legal formalities. The same person is responsible for safeguarding funds until a legal heir claims them. If none of the account holder's relatives wants to claim the money, the nominee gets to keep it.
Role of Bank:
-
The bank plays a key role in securing and transferring the fixed deposit amount to the nominee or legal heirs of the deceased account holder as per the terms and conditions.
-
It also verifies the identity of the claimants and ensures transfer of the funds with compliance.
Exceptions to the Nominee and Legal Heirs Rule
As per the laws, legal heirs are entitled to own the inheritance, not nominees. However, an exception can arise when dealing with shares. If a person has been named as the nominee for certain shares, the nominee owns those shares until a will is produced that supersedes it.
FD interest rates India have fallen consistently over the last 12 years.
How to Open a Fixed Deposit Account?
Fixed deposit accounts are attractive investments for those seeking stable and secure returns. The FD interest rates are high compared to other savings accounts.
To open a fixed deposit account, follow these steps:
-
Choose a bank or financial institution that offers fixed deposits.
-
Decide on the amount you want to deposit and the duration of the deposit.
-
Fill out the application form with your personal and account details.
-
Submit the form along with the required documents, such as ID proof, address proof, and passport-size photographs.
-
Transfer the funds to the fixed deposit account either online or by visiting the bank branch.
-
Wait for confirmation from the bank regarding the account opening and deposit details.
Note: The specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the bank or financial institution.
In Conclusion
It is important for account holders to understand the difference between nominees and legal heirs to make informed decisions. In case of ambiguity, seeking professional legal advice can help ensure that the deposit is distributed as per the account holder's wishes and in compliance with the relevant laws.
Bank FD Interest Rates
Bank FD Calculator
NRI-NRE FD Rates
Allahabad Bank FD Interest Rates
Andhra Bank FD Interest Rates
Assam Gramin Vikash Bank FD Interest Rates
AU Small Finance Bank FD Interest Rates
Axis Bank FD Rates
Bajaj Finance FD Interest Rates
Bandhan Bank FD Interest Rates
Bangiya Gramin Vikash Bank FD Interest Rates
Bank of Baroda FD Interest Rates
Bank of Ceylon FD Interest Rates
Bank of India FD Interest Rates
Bank of Maharashtra FD Interest Rates
Expand
Allahabad Bank FD Calculator
Andhra Bank FD Calculator
AU Bank FD Calculator
Axis Bank FD Calculator
Bajaj Finance FD Calculator
Bandhan Bank FD Calculator
Bank of Baroda FD Calculator
Bank of India FD Calculator
Bank of Maharashtra FD Calculator
Canara Bank FD Calculator
Central Bank FD Calculator
Corporation Bank FD Calculator
Expand
FAQs
-
Can a nominee withdraw the fixed deposit amount after the account holder's death?
Yes. A nominee is entitled to withdraw the fixed deposit amount after the account holder's death. However, they do not have legal rights over the deposit and are responsible for distributing the funds to the legal heirs as per the inheritance laws. -
Who are considered legal heirs in the case of a deceased fixed deposit account holder?
Legal heirs in the case of a deceased fixed deposit account holder are the individuals who are entitled to inherit the assets of the deceased person as per the laws of inheritance. Usually, immediate family members such as spouses and children are regarded as legal heirs. -
Can a fixed deposit account holder change the nominee during the term of the deposit?
During their lifetime, the account holder has the authority to create, modify, or revoke a nomination at any time. -
Can a legal heir claim the fixed deposit amount without a nominee being appointed?
A legal heir can claim the fixed deposit amount in the absence of a nominee. They have legal rights over the deceased's estate and can claim the fixed deposit amount as per the relevant inheritance laws. -
Who gets the money if the depositor and nominee die?
The heirs, legal representatives, or bearers of the nominee's succession certificate will get the share in case the depositor and nominee both unfortunately pass away.
*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved
insurance plan. Standard T&C Apply
+ Trad plans with a premium above 5 lakhs would be taxed as per
applicable tax slabs post 31st march 2023
#Discount offered by insurance company
~Source - Google Review Rating available on:- http://bit.ly/3J20bXZ
†Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. This list of plans listed here comprise of insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. The sorting is based on past 10 years’ fund performance (Fund Data Source: Value Research). For a complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website, www.irdai.gov.in
FD Calculator
Interest Earned
Maturity AmountFD Rates articles
Recent Articles
Popular Articles
11 Sep 2024
The PNB NRO Sugam Term Deposit Scheme offered by Punjab National
11 Sep 2024
The PNB NRE Rupee Sugam Term Deposit Scheme is a specialized
11 Sep 2024
The PNB Bulk Fixed Deposit Scheme offers competitive FD interest
11 Sep 2024
The PNB Growth Fixed Deposit Scheme is a fixed-term investment
11 Sep 2024
The PNB Floating Rate Fixed Deposit Scheme offers interest rates
