Can a minor open a fixed deposit?

Yes. There are no restrictions as to who can open a Term Deposit account. Let's say your grandpa gave you $1000 and you want to deposit $1000/- towards your college funds, you can visit your nearby bank branch and open a TD as a joint account between you and your father/mother. Since you are a minor, the bank would require a signature of your parents or atleast one adult member of your family before opening your fixed deposit account.