“A+” is a credit rating assigned to long-term debt instruments with a maturity exceeding 1 year. This rating may represent an adequate degree of safety and low credit risk. It could mean the issuer has enough financial strength + cash flow to meet its debt obligations without major difficulty.
However, please note that it’s not completely risk-free. If the economy weakens or the company faces pressure, its ability to pay could be affected comparatively more than that of higher-rated (AAA or AA) issuers.
If you are looking to invest, below is a list of A+ bonds you may consider:
(GoldenPi’s list of A+ bonds will be covered here)
What are A+ Rated Bonds?
When you see an “A+” on a bond, it may signal that the issuer has a strong ability to repay debt and meet its financial commitments. However, it sits in the middle of the investment-grade category and may not be entirely free of long-term risk.
In India, these ratings are assigned by agencies like CRISIL, ICRA, or CARE. Their ratings scale usually starts from the highest rating (AAA) and moves downward (AA+, AA, AA-, A+, A, A-, and so on).
What is the “+” (plus) Sign in A+ Rated Bonds?
The “+” sign in the “A+” credit rating is a modifier. It is used to show the relative strength within a rating category. Corporate A+ bonds may be at the upper or stronger end of the A category.
So, as an investor, you may interpret it as:
- A+ rated bonds carry comparatively lower credit risk than an A or A- rated bond.
- The issuer’s financial position may be stronger, but it hasn’t yet reached the higher AA range.
What Do You Mean By “Rating Outlook”?
Besides the “+” modifier, investors can also assess a bond issuer’s credit strength and future prospects through its “rating outlook”. This outlook is again assigned by agencies such as ICRA or CARE. It indicates how the issuer’s credit rating is expected to move over the next six months to two years.
Usually, these agencies assign four types of outlooks:
| Rating Outlook Types | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Stable | The rating is not likely to change soon. |
| Positive | The rating may be “upgraded” if the company continues to show strong financial or business performance. |
| Negative | The rating may be “downgraded” if the company’s financial situation or business performance weakens. |
| No Outlook | Used when the rating agency cannot clearly predict which way the rating might move. |
How to Make a Combined Interpretation of “A+” and “Rating Outlook”?
Now, while evaluating A+ bonds, you’ll often see ratings written as:
- A+ /Stable
- A+/ Positive
- A+ /Negative
- A+/ No Outlook
This is a combined rating, which may give a better understanding of the issuer’s current financial strength and the likely direction of its credit quality in the near future. Let’s understand what each scenario means:
| Combined Rating Scenarios | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| A+ /Stable |
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| A+/ Positive |
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| A+ /Negative |
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| A+/ No Outlook |
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So, A+ Bonds Are Riskier, But Still Investment-Grade Products!
Till now, you must have understood that A+ rated bonds fall in the middle of the credit rating scale. They represent the higher end of the “A category”. These financial products carry more risk than AAA or AA bonds, but this slightly higher risk is often compensated with better returns.
If we talk about the A+ bond rate, as October 18, 2025, investors can earn up to 14.50% per annum. Looking to invest? GoldenPi offers multiple options that you can purchase online. The entire process is 100% digital and can be completed from the comfort of your home!
A+ Bonds FAQs
Can I get a monthly income from A+ rated bonds?
Yes! A+ bonds are fixed-income securities that pay a pre-determined interest at regular intervals (until maturity). While buying the bond, you can choose the option of a monthly payout to serve your requirements.
Can the price of an A+ rated bond go higher than its face value?
Yes! This particularly happens if its coupon rate is higher than the current market interest rates. In these cases, investors are willing to pay a “premium for the higher returns”, which causes the bond’s market price to exceed its face value.
What do you mean by A+ bond yield?
A+ bond yield is the “effective return” you earn from an A+ rated bond. This return is dependent on your coupon rate and actual purchase price. Be aware that yield can differ from the stated coupon rate if you bought the A+ bond at a discount or premium.
Are A+ rated bonds an ETF?
No! Bonds are individual debt instruments, while a bond ETF is a fund that holds multiple bonds (say AAA, AA, or A) to provide diversified exposure.
What are tax-free bonds?
Tax-free bonds are debt securities issued by government-backed entities (such as NHAI, PFC, HUDCO, and more) where the interest earned is exempt from income tax.
Do A+ bonds offer returns higher than AAA-rated bonds?
Maybe, yes! A+ bonds carry slightly higher risk than AAA bonds, so they usually offer higher coupon rates or yields to compensate investors.
How to Buy A+ Bonds Online?
On the GoldenPi platform, you can easily invest in your preferred AAA, AA, or A+ bonds online. All you have to do is complete your KYC (Know Your Customer) verification, browse different bond options, and lastly make the payment.
Are A+ rated bonds covered under the DICGC insurance in 2025?
No, A+ bonds are not covered under DICGC (Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation) insurance. It applies only to deposits made with scheduled commercial banks. Even if A+ rated bonds are investment-grade, investors have to bear the credit risk of the issuer.
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Disclaimer:
This information is for general information purposes only. GoldenPi makes no guarantee on the accuracy of the data provided here; the information displayed is subject to change and is provided on an as-is basis. Nothing contained herein is intended to or shall be deemed to be investment advice, implied or otherwise. Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the offer-related documents carefully before investing.
Bonds or non-convertible debentures (NCDs) are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India and other government authorities. GoldenPi Securities Private Limited is a registered debt broker and acts as a distributor and not as a manufacturer of the product.
