New Delhi, Nov. 9 -- Looking for steady, predictable returns amid geopolitical volatility? Small savings schemes are a popular option. One of them, the Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (MIS), offers fixed returns without exposure to stock market fluctuations. Before putting Rs.15 lakh into it, though, you need to understand its investment limits, joint account rules, interest payouts and premature withdrawal conditions.

The Post Office MIS currently offers 7.4% annual interest, paid monthly. The rate in force when you open an account stays fixed for its entire 5-year tenure. The minimum deposit is Rs.1,000, in multiples of Rs.1,000.

Yes, but only through a joint account. A single-holder account is capped at Rs.9 lakh, while a joint acc...