Bank Loan vs Chit Funds vs RD.

Feature Bank Loan Chit Funds Recurring Deposit (RD)
Who can join? Only those with good credit Anyone Anyone
Purpose Only for borrowing Save & Borrow together Only for saving
Returns / Interest You pay 8–12% interest Earn up to 14% per year Fixed 5–7% per year
Funds Access Lump sum, once (immediate) Anytime via monthly auction Only after maturity
Eligibility Strict (paperwork, credit checks) Simple, flexible joining Flexible
Paperwork High Minimal Minimal
Flexibility Rigid terms High—borrow or save anytime Locked till maturity
Community Benefits No Yes—group support system No
Profitability Low (high cost) High (if planned smartly) Low (fixed returns)
📊 Returns on ₹1,00,000 Over 1 Year
Net Cost / Return ₹10,000 paid as interest (10%) ₹12,000 earned (12%) ₹6,000 earned (6%)
Effective Profit / Loss −₹10,000 +₹12,000 +₹6,000