You wouldn’t buy a house without checking the documents provided by the builder – so why invest in a bond without knowing how safe it is? Many investors assume all bonds are safe, but that is not true. Some bonds carry low risk, while others come with higher risk. In this guide, you’ll learn how to quickly check a bond’s safety using simple indicators like its type and credit rating.
Understand the Different Types of Bonds
Bonds are broadly categorized into four types.
- Government Bonds
- PSU Bonds
- Corporate Bonds
- Municipal Bonds
Each type comes with a different level of safety and purpose. Here’s a quick look:
Government Bonds
Government bonds in India are issued by the Central or State Governments, but the entire process is managed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The RBI acts as the debt manager for the government, handling everything from issuing to repayment.
These bonds are considered one of the safest investment options, as they are backed by the government and carry very low default risk. Common types of government bonds include:
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G-Secs (Government Securities)
These are long-term bonds, usually with tenures ranging from 5 to 40 years. They offer a fixed interest rate, paid every 6 months, and are widely used by retail and institutional investors for secure returns.
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T-Bills (Treasury Bills)
T-Bills are short-term instruments with durations of 91, 182, or 364 days. T-Bills don’t offer interest directly. Instead, they are issued at a discount and redeemed at full face value, so the difference becomes your return.
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SDLs (State Development Loans)
SDLs are issued by various state governments to raise funds for infrastructure or development projects. SDLs work like G-Secs but are tied to the credit strength of individual states. The interest is paid every 6 months, and repayment is handled by the issuing state.
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RBI Floating Rate Savings Bonds
These bonds are issued directly by the RBI and are open to Indian residents. Unlike fixed-rate bonds, the interest rate on these bonds changes every six months, based on prevailing interest rates in the market. The tenure is 7 years, and interest is paid semi-annually. They are non-tradable but offer a secure way to earn a return that keeps pace with market trends.
PSU Bonds
PSU bonds are issued by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) – government-owned companies like IRFC (Indian Railway Finance Corporation), NHAI (National Highways Authority of India), and REC (Rural Electrification Corporation).
They are often backed by the Government of India, making them relatively safe. Though not as secure as central government bonds, many PSU bonds come with an implied sovereign guarantee, giving investors more confidence.
Corporate Bonds
Corporate bonds are issued by private companies or NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies) to raise money for their business activities. Unlike government bonds, the safety of these bonds depends mostly on the company’s financial health – which is reflected in their credit rating.
Here’s a quick view of the common ratings:
- AAA – Highest level of safety
- AA – Very high safety
- A – High safety, but slightly more risk than AA
- BBB – Moderate safety
- Below BBB – Higher risk; invest only after careful review
Now you may have this question – Can These Ratings Change?
Yes, credit ratings are not fixed forever. They are reviewed regularly and can go up or down:
If a company’s finances improve, the rating may rise (For example: A → A+ → AA). On the other side, if its performance declines or debt levels go up, the rating may fall (For example: AA → AA− → A+)
Municipal Bonds
Municipal bonds are issued by local governing bodies like municipal corporations or urban development authorities. These funds are typically used for infrastructure projects such as roads, water supply, or sanitation.
The safety of municipal bonds depends on:
- The financial health of the issuing authority
- Revenue sources (like taxes or government support)
- Overall governance and repayment history
Though still growing in India, municipal bonds can offer tax benefits and are seen as a way to participate in local development. As per pahleindia (pg 20), there has not been a single instance of default by any Indian municipal corporation to date.
| Bond Type | Who Issues It | Risk Level | Returns | Tradability | Best For |
| Government Bonds | Central/State Govts via RBI | Very Low (Safest) | Moderate, fixed | Tradable (G-Secs) | Long-term safety-focused investors |
| PSU Bonds | Govt-owned companies (e.g., IRFC, NHAI, REC) | Low to Moderate | Slightly higher than Govt bonds | Mostly tradable | Those seeking stable returns with govt backing |
| Corporate Bonds | Private companies / NBFCs | Varies (based on rating) | Can be high | Tradable | Return-seeking investors who do their research |
| Municipal Bonds | Local bodies (e.g., city municipal corporations) | Low to Moderate | Tax benefits + moderate | Limited tradability | Investors interested in local development |
Risks Involved in These Types of Bonds
While bonds are generally considered safer, they’re not risk-free. Every bond carries some level of risk that investors should understand before investing. The main risks include:
- Credit Risk
- Interest Rate Risk
- Liquidity Risk
- Reinvestment Risk
Credit Risk
Credit risk refers to the possibility that the bond issuer may fail to repay the principal or interest on time. This is most relevant for corporate and lower-rated bonds.
Bond safety is often judged by credit ratings:
- AAA = Highest safety
- Lower ratings = Higher risk
Always check the bond’s credit rating before investing to understand the level of risk involved.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk means the value of your bond may fall if market interest rates go up. This happens because new bonds may offer better rates, making older bonds less attractive.
This risk mainly affects long-term bonds. If you plan to hold the bond till maturity, the impact may be limited, but for trading or early exit, it matters.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the difficulty in selling your bond before maturity. Some bonds have an active secondary market, while others may not find buyers easily.
This means you might have to sell at a discount, or wait longer to exit. Government bonds are usually more liquid than corporate or municipal bonds.
Reinvestment Risk
Reinvestment risk happens when you receive interest payments or the full amount at bond maturity, but the new interest rates available in the market are lower than before.
In simple terms: you get your returns, but when you try to reinvest the money, you earn less because rates have fallen. For example, if you get ₹10,000 from a matured bond, but new bonds now offer a lower return, your future income may drop. This is especially relevant in declining interest rate environments.
Final Thoughts – A Quick Safety Checklist
Before investing in any bond, it’s important to do a basic safety check. Here’s a quick list to help you stay on track:
- Check the bond’s credit rating (AAA, AA, etc.) to understand the level of risk.
- Prefer government or PSU bonds if you’re looking for safer, more stable options.
- Invest only through SEBI-regulated platforms to ensure transparency and investor protection.
- Read the offer document or fact sheet carefully to know the terms, interest rate, and repayment details.
FAQs on Bond Safety
How do I check if a bond is AAA-rated?
To check if a bond is AAA-rated, you can look at its credit rating report issued by agencies like CRISIL, ICRA, or CARE Ratings. Most platforms that sell bonds – such as SEBI-registered investment portals – mention the credit rating clearly on the bond listing page. Always confirm that the rating is current, as ratings can change over time based on the issuer’s financial health.
Are PSU bonds safer than corporate bonds?
Yes, PSU bonds are generally considered safer than corporate bonds. PSU bonds are issued by government-owned companies like NHAI or REC and often come with an implicit sovereign backing. On the other hand, corporate bonds depend on the private company’s financial strength and may carry more credit risk, especially if the rating is below AAA.
Can bonds be as safe as fixed deposits?
Some bonds – especially Government Bonds and AAA-rated PSU Bonds – can be nearly as safe as fixed deposits, and offer better returns. However, fixed deposits are insured up to ₹5 lakh by DICGC, while bonds carry market risks like interest rate or liquidity risk. So while they can be safe, it’s important to check the issuer and credit rating before investing.
What does a bond rating mean for my returns?
A bond rating shows how safe your investment is. Higher-rated bonds (like AAA) are more stable but offer lower returns. Lower-rated bonds may offer higher interest to attract investors, but they come with higher risk of default. So, the bond rating helps you balance between risk and return, depending on your comfort level.
Can bond ratings reduce?
Yes, bond ratings can go down if the issuing company’s financial condition worsens. For example, a bond rated AA could be downgraded to A+ or A, which means the bond is now riskier than before. That’s why it’s important to check the rating regularly, especially if you’re investing for the long term.
Are ratings available for government bonds?
No, government bonds are not rated by agencies because they are backed by the sovereign power of the Indian government. These include instruments like G-Secs, T-Bills, and State Development Loans (SDLs). Since they are considered risk-free in terms of credit, credit rating agencies do not assign ratings to them.
