Investment schemes like the Bank Fixed Deposit, and Public Provident Fund, among others, have a lock-in period. Even the best investment plans for 5 years and up to 20 years have a lock in period. This means that the investor can only withdraw their returns after a stipulated time period. The schemes either do not allow the encashment of the investment altogether or they do not payout the promised return, in case the investor wants to withdraw before completion of the lock-in period depending upon the investment terms and conditions.