Looking for ways to grow your money without the hassle of regular investments? One time investment plans are a smart choice for those who want to park a lump sum and watch it grow over time. Unlike SIPs or recurring deposits, these plans let you invest once and benefit from higher returns through compounding while keeping financial stress at bay.

The best one time investment plans in India offer not just security but also impressive long-term gains. Whether you’re saving for retirement, your child’s education, or a big financial goal, a well-chosen single investment can work harder for you. Ready to explore the top options? Let’s dive in!

What is a One Time Investment Plan?

A one-time investment plan means you put in your money just once – no need to keep adding funds every month. It’s perfect when you’ve got some extra savings and want to grow it without the hassle of regular payments. You can pick where to invest – like shares, mutual funds or property – based on how much risk you’re comfortable with and what you’re saving for.

The big difference from monthly investments? Here you invest all your money at one go. This way, your money gets more time to grow through compounding, which could mean bigger returns in the long run. The trick is to choose the right option that fits your needs and goals.

Also Read : 

• How to Track and Improve Your Mutual Fund Returns in India

• Understanding the Role of Mutual Funds in Financial Planning

How does a One Time Investment Plan Work?

A one-time investment plan lets you grow your money by investing a lump sum just once. Unlike monthly investments, you don’t need to add more money later. Your investment grows over time through compounding, where your earnings generate even more earnings.

Here’s how it works in simple steps:

• Pick the right investment – Choose between options like mutual funds, stocks, or bonds based on your goals and risk tolerance.
• Invest a lump sum – Put in a single amount upfront instead of small and regular payments. 
• Let your money grow – Over time, your investment earns returns, which get reinvested for faster growth.

For example, investing ₹2 lakh in a fund with 10% yearly returns can become ₹3.22 lakh in 5 years without adding another rupee. The longer you stay invested, the more your money multiplies.

This method works best for those who have savings ready and want hassle-free wealth creation. Just pick wisely, invest once, and watch your money work for you!

8 Best One Time Investment Plans Available in India For High Returns

Here are India’s top 8 one time investment plans that can deliver high returns with varying risk levels. Please continue reading to learn about them in detail.

1. Equity Funds

Equity funds let you invest a lump sum in stocks through mutual funds, offering higher growth potential than traditional options. While they carry market risks, they’re ideal for your long-term goals (5+ years) as they can outperform inflation. Also, professional fund managers handle stock selection, so you don’t need market expertise.

Top-performing equity funds have delivered 12-15% annual returns historically. They’re great for first-time investors seeking stock market exposure without directly buying shares. You can start with ₹5,000-10,000 and benefit from compounding. Just remember, returns fluctuate with market conditions.

2. Debt Funds

Debt funds invest your lump sum amount in safer options like government bonds and corporate debt that offer stable returns with lower risk than stocks. They’re perfect for conservative investors or short-term goals (1-3 years) since they’re less affected by market swings. Plus, you can start with as little as ₹5,000.

These funds typically deliver 6-9% annual returns with minimal volatility. While returns are lower than equity funds, they provide steady income with capital protection. Remember, holding debt funds for over 3 years gives you better tax benefits on returns.

3. Direct Equity

Direct equity means buying shares of companies directly from the stock market. It can give you higher returns than most investments, but prices go up and down daily. You make money when share prices rise or when companies pay dividends.

Big, stable companies (like Tata or Infosys) are safer but grow more slowly. Smaller companies can grow faster but are riskier. You should invest at least ₹10,000-15,000 across different companies to spread your risk. The best results come when you hold good stocks for many years without worrying about short-term ups and downs.

4. Unit Linked Insurance Plans

ULIPs combine insurance coverage with market-linked investments in one plan. You pay a single premium that gets divided between life insurance and investment in funds of your choice (equity/debt). While safer than pure equity funds, returns depend on market performance.

These plans offer tax benefits under Section 80C and allow switching between funds later. Partial withdrawals are permitted, which eventually makes them flexible. However, they come with a five year lock in period. This scheme is ideal for those wanting insurance plus wealth creation in a single investment.

5. Fixed Deposits

Fixed Deposits (FDs) are the safest one-time investment for guaranteed returns. You deposit a lump sum with banks for fixed periods at pre-set interest rates. Unlike other market-linked options, your money grows predictably without any risk.

Moreover, senior citizens get 0.25-0.5% higher rates than that of normal individuals, making FDs ideal for retirees. Most banks allow ₹10,000+ investments with flexible tenures (ranging from 7 days-10 years). While returns are lower than equities, your capital stays 100% protected. Overall, FDs are perfect for short-term goals or risk-averse investors.

6. Public Provident Fund

PPF is a government-backed savings scheme with tax-free, guaranteed returns. You can open an account with just ₹500, making it accessible to all investors. The current interest rate (7.1% for Q1 2024) beats most bank FDs while offering better tax benefits.

Your money grows safely for 15 years (extendable in 5-year blocks). With PPF, You enjoy triple tax benefits – deduction on deposits (80C), tax-free interest, and exemption on withdrawals. It’s perfect for long-term goals like retirement or children’s education.

7. National Pension Scheme

The National Pension Scheme (NPS) helps you build retirement savings with market-linked growth. You can make a one-time lump sum investment that gets allocated across equity, debt, and government bonds based on your risk preference. While returns aren’t guaranteed, they typically outperform traditional options over the long term.

NPS offers unique tax benefits under Sections 80C and 80CCD(1B). Your money stays locked in until age 60, ensuring disciplined retirement planning. At maturity, you must use 40% of the corpus to buy an annuity, while the rest can be withdrawn tax-free. Ideal for those wanting structured retirement savings with tax advantages.

8. Gold

Gold is a timeless investment that protects your money during tough economic times. You can buy physical gold (jewelry, coins), paper gold (ETFs), or Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs). Each option suits different needs – SGBs offer extra interest, while ETFs are easier to sell.

Gold prices move differently from stocks, making it a great asset for balancing your portfolio. While returns may be modest (8 – 10% annually), gold reliably holds value for decades. It’s perfect for conservative investors wanting stability plus growth potential.

Factors to Consider before Investing in One Time Investment Plans

Choosing the right one time investment plan requires careful thought. Since you’re putting in a lump sum, you want to maximize returns while matching your personal needs. Here are key factors to evaluate:

• Your risk appetite – Can you handle market swings or prefer stable returns?
• Investment duration – Need money soon? Pick liquid options. Planning long-term? Growth assets work better.
• Financial goals – Align investments with specific targets like retirement or education.
• Tax impact – Some options (like ELSS) offer deductions, while others (FDs) are taxable.
• Market trends – Check economic conditions as they affect different investments uniquely.

Additionally, consider:

• Your existing portfolio balance
• Any penalties for early withdrawals
• Inflation protection needs

Remember, even one-time investments need monitoring. Review performance annually and adjust if your situation changes.

Conclusion

Choosing the right one time investment plan depends on your goals, timeline, and risk comfort. While options like stocks offer high returns, safer picks like FDs provide stability. Remember, even lump-sum investments need occasional reviews. Start with what suits you best, stay patient, and let compounding work its magic. With the right pick, your single investment today can grow into substantial wealth tomorrow.