RBI Retail Direct: Available alternatives

In the first part of this series, we explored the usability of the new RBI Retail Direct portal. Here, we will compare it with the alternatives available that can substitute investing in G-secs directly through the RBI Retail Direct portal. Small-saving schemes By investing in government bonds, you are effectively lending to the government. The same goes for your investments in small-saving schemes. Given the government backing, both RBI Retail Direct and small-saving schemes are similar on the risk profile. However, the interest rates offered on small-saving schemes are pretty attractive if you look at the overall fixed-income domain. So, if liquidity is not a big concern for you, then these schemes definitely have an upper hand. The table 'Small-saving schemes vs G-secs' gives a comparison of the interest rates offered by a few of these small saving schemes vs the same tenured government bonds. The table also mentions where you can buy these small-saving schemes. Gilt funds Gilt mu