Sovereign Gold Bond Interest Rates

Learn about Sovereign Gold Bond interest rates and how its paid.
Sovereign Gold Bond Interest Rates
2 min read
31 January 2025

Are you interested in investing in the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme but unsure about the interest rates? Here’s everything you need to know about Sovereign Gold Bond interest rates.

Sovereign gold bond scheme interest rate

The Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme is a government-backed initiative that allows individuals to buy gold in digital form. Managed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the interest rates on these bonds are set periodically and can vary over time. The interest on SGBs is paid every six months, based on the gold price at the time of purchase.

What sets sovereign gold bonds apart from traditional fixed-income investments, such as fixed deposits, is the potential for the interest to rise if the price of gold increases during the bond's tenure. Unlike fixed-rate investments, where the interest remains unchanged throughout, the interest on SGBs is linked to the market performance of gold, offering a unique opportunity to benefit from gold’s price appreciation.

Though the interest rate on SGBs is typically lower than that of other fixed-income options, such as bonds or FDs, the tax benefits make it an attractive option for gold enthusiasts. While the interest earned on SGBs is taxable, the capital gains upon maturity are exempt from tax, provided the bonds are held until maturity.

Before investing in sovereign gold bonds, it is crucial for investors to consider the current interest rates, their investment horizon, and financial goals, as this will influence the overall returns from the bond. Keep an eye on the latest rates to make an informed decision regarding this government-backed investment scheme.

What is the current interest rate on Sovereign Gold Bonds?

The current interest rate for the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme is 2.5% per annum. This SGB interest rate is fixed for the entire tenure of the bond, which is eight years. The gold bond interest is credited to the investor's bank account every six months. The interest earned on the bond is taxable, but there is no tax on the principal amount invested.

One of the benefits of investing in the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme is that it offers a fixed interest rate. This means that investors can know exactly how much interest they will earn on their investment for the entire tenure of the bond.

Another benefit of the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme is that bonds can be traded on the stock exchange and can be redeemed before the maturity date. It offers you the liquidity to pledge it as collateral for loans.

Understanding sovereign gold bond interest rates

Sovereign gold bonds (SGBs) provide a distinctive investment opportunity by offering both periodic interest income and potential capital gains from gold price appreciation. Issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the government, these bonds feature a fixed interest rate, typically set at 2.50% per annum. This interest is paid semi-annually, providing investors with a regular income stream.

Unlike physical gold investments such as jewellery or coins, which do not yield any interest, SGBs combine the safety of a government-backed scheme with a steady return. The interest rate is predetermined and remains unchanged for the bond's tenure, offering a sense of stability and predictability for investors.

One of the key benefits of SGBs lies in their tax treatment. While the interest earned is taxable under the investor’s income tax slab, the capital gains upon maturity are completely exempt from tax if the bonds are held until maturity. This makes them an attractive option for long-term wealth creation, especially for those looking to hedge against inflation.

SGBs also provide flexibility, as they can be traded on stock exchanges, offering liquidity if required. For those considering gold as a safe-haven asset, SGBs provide an additional layer of returns compared to holding physical gold. Therefore, understanding the sovereign gold bond interest rate is crucial for aligning this investment with financial goals and making informed decisions.

How to get a loan on sovereign gold bonds in India

Sovereign gold bonds (SGBs) offer an excellent source of liquidity as they can be used as collateral to secure loans. This feature allows investors to retain their bonds while accessing funds for urgent financial requirements, making SGBs a dual-purpose asset.

To avail of a loan against SGBs, you must approach a bank, NBFC, or financial institution. Institutions like Bajaj Finance accept these bonds as collateral. The process requires submitting your SGB certificate or demat account details, depending on how the bonds are held. The loan amount is determined based on the prevailing market price of gold and the lender’s margin requirements. Typically, you can secure a loan of up to 75% of the bond’s current value.

The loan tenure and interest rate vary by lender, offering flexibility to borrowers. This facility is advantageous for managing short-term expenses or financial emergencies without liquidating your investment. During the loan tenure, you continue earning the fixed interest offered on SGBs, allowing your asset to generate returns while addressing immediate monetary needs.

Moreover, since SGBs are government-backed, they provide high security, increasing their acceptability among lenders. This feature ensures that investors can benefit from both liquidity and the long-term appreciation potential of gold. Utilising a loan against sovereign gold bonds helps maintain your investment’s value while meeting financial obligations effectively.

Sovereign gold bond maximum limit

When investing in Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs), you must adhere to specific limits. The bonds are valued in multiples of grams of gold, with a minimum initial investment of 1 gram. As an individual or a member of a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), you can invest up to 4 kilograms of gold per fiscal year. For entities like trusts and universities, the permissible investment limit is up to 20 kilograms of gold. These limits ensure that your investment stays within regulatory boundaries while offering a secure way to grow your wealth through gold.

How can you pay for Sovereign Gold Bond?

Investing in the Sovereign Gold Bond scheme is easy and can be done online. You only need your PAN and basic KYC documents for gold loan to invest in the scheme. The payment can be made with cheque, cash, or digital payment modes.

Sovereign Gold Bonds are a great way to invest in gold and receive returns, but it's also important to understand the link between gold bonds and loans. These bonds are not only one of the best ways to invest, but also a great way to get access to quick funds. These bonds can also serve as collateral for loans taken out to meet your financial needs.

If you need a loan to cover some urgent expenses, you may look at the gold loan offered by Bajaj Finance. Benefit from low gold loan interest rates and receive the best value for a loan secured by your gold jewellery, with loan amounts ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 2 crore.

Visit the Bajaj Finance website to apply for a gold loan today.

Frequently asked questions

Is the interest on sovereign gold bonds taxable?

Yes, the interest on Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) is taxable. The interest earned is added to your income and taxed according to your applicable income tax slab. However, the capital gains tax arising from the redemption of SGBs is exempted for individual investors. Additionally, indexation benefits are provided to long-term capital gains arising from the transfer of bonds.

What is Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) and who is the issuer for it?

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are government securities issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of India. They are denominated in grams of gold and offer an alternative to purchasing physical gold. Investors receive the market value of gold at maturity along with periodic interest payments. SGBs provide a safe and cost-effective way to invest in gold without the risks of storage and purity associated with physical gold.

Why should one buy SGB rather than physical gold? What are the benefits?

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) offer several advantages over physical gold. First, SGBs provide an annual interest of 2.5%, offering additional returns beyond gold price appreciation. There's no need to worry about storage or security, as SGBs are held in digital or certificate form, eliminating storage costs and theft risk. They also offer tax benefits, including exemption from capital gains tax if held until maturity. Additionally, buying and selling SGBs is straightforward, with no making charges or purity concerns. In contrast, physical gold incurs storage costs and lacks the added benefits provided by SGBs.

Can a Minor invest in SGB?

Yes, a minor can invest in Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) in India, but the investment must be made on their behalf by a parent or legal guardian. The bonds are issued in the name of the minor, with the guardian managing the investment. All application forms and transactions are signed by the guardian. The minimum investment is 1 gram of gold, and the bonds mature after 8 years, with interest paid semi-annually. At maturity or redemption, the proceeds are credited to the minor's account. This provides a secure and government-backed way to invest in gold for a child's future.

Can an investor hold more than one investor ID for subscribing to the Sovereign Gold Bond?

No, an investor cannot hold more than one investor ID for subscribing to the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB). The rules stipulate that each investor is allowed only one unique investor ID, which is linked to their Permanent Account Number (PAN). This ensures proper identification and prevents multiple subscriptions under different IDs by the same person. The PAN serves as a key identifier for all investments, making it easier to track holdings and comply with regulatory requirements. Therefore, investors must ensure they subscribe to SGBs using only their designated investor ID associated with their PAN.

What is the interest rate for loans against sovereign gold bonds?

The interest rate for loans against sovereign gold bonds (SGBs) typically ranges between 9% and 14% per annum, depending on the lender. These rates are lower than unsecured loans due to the secure nature of the loan, as the SGB acts as collateral. The exact rate varies based on the lender’s policies, the loan-to-value ratio, and your creditworthiness. Borrowers can still earn the 2.50% annual interest from the SGB while using it as collateral. It’s advisable to compare rates from banks and NBFCs like Bajaj Finance to secure competitive terms before opting for such a loan.

What is the process to get a loan against sovereign gold bonds?

To get a loan against sovereign gold bonds (SGBs), approach a bank or NBFC that accepts SGBs as collateral. Submit your SGB certificate or demat account details for ownership verification. The lender assesses the bonds' value and offers up to 75% of their market value as a loan.

What is the interest rate for loans against sovereign gold bonds?

The interest rate for loans against sovereign gold bonds (SGBs) typically ranges between 9% and 14% per annum, depending on the lender. These rates are lower than unsecured loans due to the secure nature of the loan, as the SGB acts as collateral. The exact rate varies based on the lender’s policies, the loan-to-value ratio, and your creditworthiness. Borrowers can still earn the 2.50% annual interest from the SGB while using it as collateral. It’s advisable to compare rates from banks and NBFCs like Bajaj Finance to secure competitive terms before opting for such a loan.

Show More Show Less

Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.

2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.