Understanding Fixed Deposit Nomination Rules and Process
Disclaimer: This article is for general information/education and is not investment advice. The information is shared in good faith and for general informational purposes only. Ujjivan SFB does not make any representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the content.
March 16, 2026
Fixed deposits (FDs) are widely used savings instruments for individuals seeking relatively stable returns. However, many depositors overlook an important step while opening an FD: adding a nominee.
A nomination allows a bank to transfer the deposit to a designated person if the account holder passes away. Recent regulatory updates have strengthened nomination rules to make the claim process simpler and faster for families. This article explains the latest fixed deposit nomination rules in India, how nomination works, and the process to add or change a nominee.
What Is Nomination in a Fixed Deposit?
A nomination is a facility that allows a fixed deposit holder to appoint a person who can receive the deposit amount from the bank in case of the depositor’s death.
The nominee acts as the person authorised to receive the funds from the bank. This mechanism helps banks settle claims without lengthy legal procedures.
Banks in India provide nomination facilities under the Banking Companies (Nomination) Rules and RBI customer service guidelines. The facility is available for savings accounts, fixed deposits, lockers, and other deposit products.
Fixed deposit nomination allows a depositor to appoint one or more individuals who can receive the deposit amount from the bank if the depositor passes away. Under the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, bank customers in India can nominate up to four individuals for their deposits and specify either simultaneous or successive nomination structures.
Point to Note: Nominee and legal heir are not the same. A nominee is the person authorised to receive the fixed deposit amount from the bank after the depositor’s death. However, the nominee usually acts only as a custodian or trustee of the funds, while the actual ownership of the money is determined by succession laws or a valid will.
This means the bank may release the deposit amount to the nominee to simplify the claim process, but legal heirs retain the right to claim their share according to inheritance laws if applicable
Latest FD Nomination Rules in India
Recent amendments introduced under the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 and RBI nomination directions have updated the nomination framework.
| Rule | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Multiple nominees allowed | Customers can nominate up to four nominees for deposit accounts and lockers. |
| Nomination optional | Banks must offer nomination, but customers may refuse by giving a written declaration. |
| Simultaneous or successive nomination | Depositors can allocate shares to multiple nominees or define an order of priority. |
| Nominee details displayed | FD receipts, passbooks, or statements must show “Nomination Registered” along with nominee details. |
| Acknowledgement requirement | Banks must acknowledge nomination registration, modification, or cancellation requests. |
These changes were introduced to improve transparency and reduce delays in claim settlements for families.
Types of Nomination in Fixed Deposits
The latest rules allow depositors to structure nominations in two ways.
| Type of Nomination | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Simultaneous nomination | Multiple nominees receive the deposit amount together in specified proportions. |
| Successive nomination | Nominees are listed in order of priority; if the first nominee is not alive, the next nominee becomes eligible. |
Why Adding a Nominee to Your FD Is Important?
A nominee helps simplify the process of transferring funds after the depositor’s death.
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Faster claim settlement | Banks can release funds to the nominee without requiring lengthy legal documentation. |
| Reduced family disputes | A designated nominee clarifies who should receive the deposit from the bank. |
| Simplified banking procedures | Nomination reduces administrative delays in accessing funds. |
| Financial continuity | Family members may access funds sooner during difficult times. |
What Happens to an FD If the Account Holder Passes Away?
The claim settlement process depends on whether a nominee exists.
| Situation | Claim Settlement Process |
|---|---|
| Nominee registered | Bank releases the FD amount to the nominee after verifying documents such as death certificate. |
| Multiple nominees | Funds are distributed according to the shares specified in the nomination form. |
| No nominee | Legal heirs may need documents such as a succession certificate, probate, or legal heir certificate. |
Recent regulatory changes have also simplified claim procedures for deposits up to certain thresholds to reduce hardship for families
Important Points to Remember
Final Thoughts
Nomination is a simple but important step when opening a fixed deposit. It helps banks transfer funds more efficiently and reduces procedural hurdles for family members during difficult times.
With the latest banking law changes allowing multiple nominees and improved claim processes, depositors now have greater flexibility in deciding how their deposits should be handled. Reviewing and updating nomination details periodically can help ensure that your financial assets are transferred smoothly when needed.
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FAQs
1. How many nominees can be added to a fixed deposit in India?
Under the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, depositors can now nominate up to four individuals for bank deposits, including fixed deposits. These nominees may be appointed simultaneously (shared entitlement) or successively (priority order).
2. Is nomination mandatory for fixed deposits in India?
Nomination is not legally mandatory, but banks must offer the facility and record whether the customer has opted in or declined nomination. However, adding a nominee ensures that the deposit can be seamlessly transferred to the nominee upon account holder’s demise.
3. Can a minor be nominated in a fixed deposit?
Yes. A minor can be appointed as a nominee. However, the depositor must also appoint a guardian who will receive the funds on behalf of the minor nominee until the minor reaches adulthood.
4. What happens to a fixed deposit if there is no nominee?
If a fixed deposit does not have a registered nominee, the bank generally releases the funds to legal heirs after submission of documents such as death certificate, succession certificate/legal heir certificate, etc. Contact the bank for more details.
5. Can you change the nominee in a fixed deposit?
Yes. A depositor can add, modify, or cancel a nominee at any time during the FD tenure by submitting the required nomination modification form to the bank.
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