Tide, a leading business management platform for SMEs, has introduced Fixed Deposits (FDs) on its app, enabling small businesses to earn competitive returns in a fully digital, paperless process. With interest rates up to 8.84% per annum and tenure options from 7 days to 60 months, SMEs can now invest idle funds starting at ₹1,000 through RBI-regulated banks and NBFCs, including Suryoday Small Finance Bank, Bajaj Finance Ltd., and Mahindra Finance.
The feature aims to address gaps highlighted by RBI and CRISIL data, which show over 85% of SME funds lie in low-yield current accounts, while 60% of SMEs prefer fixed-return instruments due to low-risk appetite. “Helping small businesses unlock surplus funds is a step towards true financial empowerment,” said Gurjodhpal Singh, CEO, Tide India.
In Kolkata, where micro and small enterprises form the backbone of trading and services, market observers say the FD option could help entrepreneurs improve liquidity planning while earning steady returns. Local SME associations welcomed the move, noting it may encourage more disciplined investment habits in the city’s business clusters. The Tide app now allows SMEs to compare rates, choose issuers, and manage investments alongside payments, invoices, and expenses, reinforcing its position as a one-stop financial platform.