Best fixed deposit rates in Singapore (May 2025): Minimum deposits from $500, rates up to 2.50%, Money News

AsiaOne

10-05-2025

If you think that fixed deposits are only for conservative cash-rich aunties and uncles, think again.
A fixed deposit (also known as a time deposit) account is a type of bank account that pays account holders a fixed amount of interest in exchange for depositing a certain sum of money for a certain period of time.
Although fixed deposit rates have been falling, there's a good number of rates that are still very decent and worth giving a shot if you have some money lying around. You don't even need a large stash of cash-these days, banks are offering fixed deposits starting from as low as $500! Overview of Singapore fixed deposit rates (May 2025)
Which bank in Singapore has the best fixed deposit rate? These are the best fixed deposit rates in Singapore this month for various deposit amounts and commitment periods.
Note: Most of these are promotional interest rates, and banks can change their rates anytime. Do check their respective websites for the latest rates. Fixed deposit rates by commitment period
When it comes to fixed deposits, do you have a time frame in mind? Whether you want to stash your cash for three, six or 12 months, we've worked out the best fixed deposit rates for you. Best fixed deposit rates for a 3-month commitment period
Looking for a short fixed deposit period? Here are the best fixed deposit rates in Singapore for a 3-month commitment period. Syfe Cash+ Guaranteed (2.50% p.a. — 3 months with no minimum amount)
StashAway Simple Guaranteed (2.40% p.a. — 3 months with no minimum amount)
Bank of China (2.35% p.a. — $500 for 3 months)
ICBC (2.3o% p.a. — $500 for 3 months)
CIMB (2.25% p.a. — min. $10,000 for 3 months)
RHB (2.20% p.a. — min. $20,000 for 3 or 6 months)
Citibank (2.00% p.a. — $10,000 for 3 0r 6 months) Syfe Cash+ Guaranteed Period Syfe Cash+ Guaranteed rate (no min. or max deposit amount) 1 month 2.40% p.a. 3 months 2.50% p.a. 6 months 2.35% p.a. 12 months 2.05% p.a.
Rates accurate as of May 6, 2025. Do check the Syfe Cash+ Guaranteed page for the latest rates.
If you're looking for a fuss-free, guaranteed way to grow your money, you might want to look beyond our traditional banks.
Syfe Cash+ Guaranteed isn't technically a fixed deposit, but invests your funds into fixed deposits by with banks that are regulated by MAS. Their rates are generally higher than traditional banks, and there's also no minimum or maximum amount.
As of May 6, 2025, Syfe Cash+ Guaranteed is offering up to 2.50 per cent p.a. with a 3-month tenure. It's taken a huge hit since last year, when it was offering up to 3.8 per cent. Still, 2.50 per cent is one of the highest rates this month on our list.
MoneySmart Take What we like: Higher rates than traditional banks, no minimum or maximum deposit amount.
What we don't like: No liquidity. You cannot withdraw the funds prematurely even if you're willing to pay a penalty. With traditional banks, you can prematurely withdraw your fixed deposit funds by paying an early withdrawal fee. StashAway Simple Guaranteed rate Period StashAway Simple Guaranteed rate (no min. or max. deposit amount) 1 month 2.45% p.a. 3 months 2.40% p.a. 6 months 2.30% p.a. 12 months 2.00% p.a.
Rates accurate as of May 6, 2025. Do check StashAway's Simple Guaranteed page for the latest rates.
StashAway offers a cash management solution called Simple Guaranteed that earns you interest on your money. StashAway Simple Guaranteed places funds in fixed deposits with MAS-regulated banks, and you get an interest rate that's slightly higher than what you'd get with a fixed deposit at a bank.
As of May 6, 2025, the highest StashAway Simple Guaranteed interest is 2.50 per cent p.a. for a 1-month period, with no minimum or maximum deposit amounts. It's just a little higher than Syfe's highest rates this month, and for a shorter time frame.
MoneySmart Take What we like: Relatively high rates compared to traditional fixed deposits. Plus, no minimum or maximum deposit amount.
What we don't like: Like Syfe's Cash+ Guaranteed, there's no way for you to withdraw your funds early, penalty fee or not. Once locked in, your cash is locked in tight. ICBC fixed deposit rates Deposit amount Period $20,000 to <$200,000 (over the counter) $500 to <$200,000 (via e-banking) 1 month 2.10% p.a. 2.20% p.a. 3 months 2.20% p.a. 2.30% p.a. 6 months 2.15% p.a. 2.25% p.a. 9 months 2.15% p.a. 2.25% p.a. 12 months 2.15% p.a. 2.25% p.a.
Rates accurate as of May 6, 2025. The rates above are promotional rates subject to change at any time by ICBC. Do check ICBC's website for the latest rates.
There are a few fixed deposits which have pretty low barriers to entry on this list, but Chinese bank ICBC takes the cake. If you set up your fixed deposit via e-banking, their minimum deposit is just $500 — nope, we didn't miss a zero there!
Even if you only have $500 to invest, you can still get a rate of 2.30 per cent p.a. with a commitment period of three months. You have to do this via e-banking to get this rate.
Set on doing it the old school way over the counter? Firstly, you'll have to hit a minimum deposit requirement of $20,000. And secondly, the highest interest rate you can get is slightly lower, at 2.20 per cent p.a. for a 3-month period.
There is a plus point for ICBC's fixed deposit — there's no penalty for early withdrawal. That means you fixed deposit isn't as fixed as you might think.
MoneySmart Take What we like: Ultra low minimum deposit amount of just $500 via e-banking and a low commitment period of anywhere between a month to a year, making ICBC very accessible. ICBC also doesn't penalise you for early withdrawals.
What we don't like: Rates are only slightly above average. And for older folk who want to open a fixed deposit account in person, their minimum deposit amount shoots up to $20,000 while the fixed deposit rates drop slightly.
[[nid:716339]] Citibank fixed deposit rates Deposit amount Period $10,000 to $5 million 3 months 2.00% p.a. 6 months 2.00% p.a.
Note: The promotional rates above are stated as valid until May 31, 2025. Do check Citibank's fixed deposit promotion page for the latest rates in case Citibank makes changes.
The best Citibank fixed deposit rate you can currently get is 2.00 per cent p.a. for a minimum deposit amount of $10,000 and a commitment period of three or six months. That's down by 0.20 per cent since their promotional rates in April 2025, which in turn was down another 0.20 per cent from their rates in Mar 2025.
Citibank's minimum deposit is $10,000, which is fairly accessible. This amount is lowered from the previous $50,000, which is a markedly much larger sum of money.
MoneySmart Take What we like: Short commitment period of just three months. For those with a lot of money to park in a fixed deposit account, there's also a high upper limit of $3 million.
What we don't like: High minimum deposit amount. Not everyone has $50,000 just lying around. HSBC fixed deposit rates Deposit period Personal Banking customers Premier and Premier Elite customers without investment holdings Premier and Premier Elite customers with investment holdings 3 months 1.55% p.a. 1.60% p.a. 2.00% p.a. 6 months 1.50% p.a. 1.55% p.a. 1.95% p.a. 12 months 1.35% p.a. 1.40% p.a. 1.80% p.a.
Promotional rates valid until May 31, 2025. Do check HSBC's website for the latest rates.
HSBC is offering anything from 1.35 per cent to 2.00 per cent p.a., depending on your banking relationship with them. For the bulk of us who are regular banking customers, the highest fixed deposit rate you can get with HSBC this month is just 1.55 per cent p.a.
The best case scenario is if you are a Premier or Premier Elite customer who also has investments with HSBC. If you fit the bill, HSBC will give you 2.00 per cent p.a. for a deposit period of three months.
No matter your banking relationship with HSBC, the minimum sum you have to put in is a hefty $30,000. Compared to other banks, it's a rather large sum for an average at best fixed deposit interest rate.
MoneySmart Take What we like: Short commitment period of just three months available.
What we don't like: High minimum sum. You're going to need at least $30,000 to place a fixed deposit with HSBC. Bank of China fixed deposit rates Period Fixed deposit interest rates Over the counter placement ($10,000 and above) Mobile banking placement ($500 and above) 1 month 2.20% p.a. 2.30% p.a. 3 months 2.25% p.a. 2.35% p.a. 6 months 2.25% p.a. 2.35% p.a. 9 months 2.10% p.a. 2.25% p.a. 12 months 2.10% p.a. 2.25% p.a. 18 months 1.95% p.a. 2.10% p.a. 24 months 1.80% p.a. 1.95% p.a.
The rates above were set on May 5, 2025 and are subject to change any time by the Bank of China. We noticed they change rates every few weeks or so. Check their website for the latest rates.
The Bank of China is currently offering 2.35 per cent p.a. for a placement of $500 for a period of three months — surprisingly easy to do, in terms of the minimum deposit amount and deposit period. Do note that you need to make this deposit via mobile banking to enjoy this rate.
Rates aside, the best part about the Bank of China's fixed deposit rates is the low minimum deposit and tenor period. Currently, even if you only have $500 to spare for only one month, you can still get a pretty decent interest rate of 2.30 per cent p.a.
MoneySmart Take What we like: Short commitment period of three months, and very low minimum deposit amount of $500.
What we don't like: Like ICBC, the Bank of China offers different rates depending on how you place your funds — online rates are better than rates at the bank branch. This may disadvantage older folks who want to open a fixed deposit account over the counter and find that their fixed deposit rates become 0.10% p.a. lower.
[[nid:715841]] Best fixed deposit rates for a 6-month and 12-month commitment periods
Looking to stash your cash in a fixed deposit account for sixmonths or one year? Here's a summary of the best fixed deposit rates in Singapore in 2025 for 6-month and 12-month commitment periods: Best fixed deposit rates in Singapore for 6 and 12 months (May 2025) Min. deposit amount 6 months 12 months No minimum 2.35% p.a. (Syfe); 2.30% p.a. (StashAway) 2.05% p.a. (Syfe); 2.00% p.a. (StashAway) $500 2.35% p.a. (Bank of China); 2.25% p.a (ICBC) 2.25% p.a. (Bank of China); 2.25% p.a. (ICBC) $10,000 2.10 – 2.15% p.a. (CIMB) 1.95 – 2.00% p.a. (CIMB) $20,000 2.45% p.a. (Maybank); 2.20 – 2.30% p.a. (RHB) 2.25% p.a. (Maybank); 2.10 – 2.20% p.a. (RHB) $30,000 – 1.85% p.a. (OCBC) $50,000 2.50% p.a. (State Bank of India) 2.40% p.a. (State Bank of India) CIMB fixed deposit rates Deposit amount: $10,000 and above Period Personal Banking (For regular CIMB customers) Preferred Banking 3 months 2.25% p.a. 2.30% p.a. 6 months 2.10% p.a. 2.15% p.a. 9 months 1.95% p.a. 2.00% p.a. 12 months 1.95% p.a. 2.00% p.a.
Promotional rates valid from May 1, 2025, subject to change anytime by CIMB. Do check CIMB's website for the latest rates.
Malaysian bank CIMB is offering relatively good fixed deposit rates in Singapore this month, at up to 2.25 per cent p.a. for regular CIMB customers and 2.30 per cent p.a. if you're a CIMB Preferred Banking customer.
This promo is for deposits of at least $10,000. To enjoy the highest rates, you need to lock up your money for three months and must apply and deposit your money online.
If you're looking to deposit smaller amounts of your savings into a fixed deposit account, CIMB's board rates apply from deposits of $1,000 and up. However, they are a measly 0.2 per cent to 0.3 per cent p.a. or so. In this instance, you would be better off placing your money almost anywhere else.
ICBC (2.30 per cent p.a. with a minimum deposit of $500 for three months) and the Bank of China (2.35 per cent p.a. with a minimum deposit of $500 for three months) are good options for small deposit amounts and small time frames.
MoneySmart Take What we like: Relatively short commitment periods of three and six months.
What we don't like: CIMB's best rates are reserved for their Preferred Banking customers — these are 0.05% p.a. higher than the rates for regular Personal Banking customers. So if they advertise their rates as up to a certain rate, know that those rates may not apply to you. RHB fixed deposit rates Deposit amount: $20,000 and above Period Personal banking Premier banking 3 months 2.20% p.a. 2.30% p.a. 6 months 2.20% p.a. 2.30% p.a. 12 months 2.10% p.a. 2.20% p.a.
Note: The rates above are correct as of May 6, 2025. They are promotional rates subject to change at any time by RHB. Do check RHB's website for the latest rates.
The easiest way to place your fixed deposit with RHB is on your phone via the RHB Mobile SG App. However, if that isn't possible for you, RHB's fixed deposit rates are the same whether you use mobile banking or head down to one of their branches.
The highest rate personal banking customers can get is 2.20 per cent p.a. with a minimum deposit requirement of $20,000 — slightly on the high side compared to other banks. Currently, this rate applies to two of the three available tenors — three or six months.
A big advantage to RHB's fixed deposit is that they don't charge you any penalty fee for early withdrawal. That means you can take your cash out early with no penalty in the event of an emergency.
MoneySmart Take What we like: No premature penalty fee if you want to withdraw your funds early!
What we don't like: RHB's minimum deposit amount of $20,000 is higher than that for other banks. HL Bank fixed deposit rates Period Fixed deposit rates 1 month 0.10% p.a. 3 months 0.20% p.a. 6 months 0.30% p.a. 12 months 0.40% p.a.
Do check HL Bank;s latest fixed deposit promotion; HL Bank may revise rates at any time at their discretion.
A member of the Hong Leong group, HL Bank currently doesn't have any fixed deposit promotion. That means their board rates apply instead — and these are quite miserable, maxing out at 0.4 per cent p.a.
You'll also need a large minimum deposit amount of $50,000. If you don't have this amount, HL Bank is not even an option for you.
MoneySmart Take What we like: High promotional fixed deposit rates — we've seen HL Bank hit 4% p.a. at its peak in 2023. This month, HL Bank's 2.8% is — in relative terms — also one of the highest.
What we don't like: Their promotional rates require a very high minimum deposit amount of $100,000. Maybank fixed deposit rates Deposit amount: $20,000 and above Period iSAVvy Time Deposit Promotion (Online Placement) Deposit Bundle Promotion (Placement in Branch) 6 months 2.05% p.a. 2.45% p.a. 9 months 1.90% p.a. 2.25% p.a. 12 months 1.85% p.a. 2.25% p.a.
Note: The rates above are promotional rates subject to change at any time by Maybank. Check the Maybank fixed deposit rate page for the latest rates.
Maybank is among one of the higher fixed deposit rates this month with up to 2.45 per cent p.a. (six months) under a deposit bundle promotion. Without the bundle, it's 2.05 per cent p.a. (six months).
To unlock the highest rate that's available under the deposit bundle promotion, you must have an eligible Maybank savings accounts or current account. For every $1,000 in the account (minimum of $2,000), you can put $10,000 into your fixed deposit (minimum $20,000).
For example, if I have $3,000 in my Maybank savings account, I can do a $30,000 fixed deposit and earn 2.45 per cent p.a. on it over six months.
While that's a relatively high rate this month, don't forget that you need to leave money in your current or savings account to unlock this rate.
This sum of money you stash away will come with an opportunity cost. In the example above, I face the opportunity cost of the interest I would be able to earn on the $3,000 even while I earn interest on the $30,000 fixed deposit.
MoneySmart Take What we like: We like that both online placements and placements in branch enjoy the same rates — those who can't access one or the other for whatever reason aren't disadvantaged. Their deposit bundle promotions also work well if you already have or intend to get a Maybank savings account.
What we don't like: Low rates, longer commitment periods, and quite a large deposit amount relative to other banks on this list. OCBC fixed deposit rates Period Deposit amount of $30,000 and above 9 months 1.80% p.a. (placement in branch) / 1.90% p.a. (online banking) 12 months 1.75% p.a. (placement in branch) / 1.85% p.a. (online banking)
Note: The rates above are promotional rates subject to change at any time by OCBC. See OCBC's fixed deposit rates for the latest.
OCBC's highest fixed deposit rate this month is 1.90 per cent p.a. for a 9-month deposit period. That's if you use internet banking. Going down to an OCBC branch to set up your fixed deposit account is going to yield an even lower rate of 1.80 per cent p.a.
While 1.90 per cent p.a. is not high, OCBC has maintained relatively low fixed deposit rates for the past few months anyway. Now that other banks have slashed theirs, OCBC's has gone from low to kinda average.
MoneySmart Take What we like: Short commitment period of six months.
What we don't like: Relatively high minimum deposit amount of $30,000. OCBC also has a pretty significant disparity in its in-branch rates versus online banking rates, which makes me think older folks who only can only access banking services in person are disadvantaged. Fixed deposit rates by minimum deposit amount
Is cash your limiting factor? Good news — the minimum amount for a fixed deposit account starts from as low as $500! Here are the best fixed deposit rates for deposits of the following amounts: $10,000 and under
$20,000 – $49,999
$50,000 and above Best fixed deposit rates for deposits $10,000 and under
These are the best fixed deposit rates in Singapore 2025 for deposits $10,000 and under: Bank of China (2.35% p.a. — min. $500 for 3 months)
DBS (2.45% p.a. — min. $1,000 for 12 months)
ICBC (2.30% p.a. — $500 for 3 months)
CIMB (2.25% p.a. — min. $10,000 for 3 months)
UOB (2.00% p.a. — min. $10,000 for 6 months) DBS fixed deposit rates Deposit amount Period $1,000 – $19,999 $20,000 – $999,999 1 month 0.30% p.a. 0.05% p.a. 3 months 1.00% p.a. 6 months 2.15% p.a. 9 months 2.35% p.a. 12 months – 60 months 2.45% p.a.
DBS kept their fixed deposit rates consistent throughout 2024, with rates of up to 3.20 per cent p.a. But in 2025, they took a big hit.
Currently, the best DBS fixed deposit rate is 2.45 per cent p.a. for those who put $1,000 to $19,999 into a fixed deposit for 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 or 60 months.
That's decent compared to other promotional fixed deposit rates this month from other banks, and of course is still miles better than having your cash parked in a regular savings account.
Additionally, one thing I have always liked about the DBS fixed deposit rates is their low minimum deposit amount of $1,000. Additionally, they're also pretty flexible with the deposit period. If you can only afford to lock in your cash for less than 12 months, DBS will let you choose any deposit period at 1-month intervals, from 1 - 12 months. Most other banks limit this to 3-month intervals.
However, if you're looking to put $20,000 or more into a fixed deposit, the current DBS rates are a flat, unimpressive 0.05 per cent p.a. for all lock-in periods. You'd be better off investing your money almost anywhere else.
MoneySmart Take What we like: Low minimum amount of just $1,000. We also like that you get so much flexibility in terms of how long you want to leave it in for — DBS offers deposit periods in 1-month intervals from 1 -12 months.
What we don't like: DBS doesn't have very high fixed deposit rates (and rarely change them too). Their rates only become worth looking at from deposit periods of 12 months onwards, and even then are only relatively attractive if other banks drop their rates. Also, DBS is a poor option for investing larger sums. If you want to put in $20,000 or more, DBS fixed deposit rates plummet to just 0.05% p.a. UOB fixed deposit rates UOB fixed deposit rates Period Minimum deposit amount: $10,000 6 months 2.00% p.a. 10 months 1.70% p.a.
Promotion valid until: May 31, 2025, subject to change by UOB. Do check UOB's website for the latest rates.
UOB's fixed deposit rate is currently 2-tiered — 2.00% p.a. for a deposit period of six months and 1.70% p.a. for a deposit period of 10 months. This rate applies as long as you deposit a minimum of $10,000.
If you want higher rates, consider the Bank of China (2.35% p.a.) or ICBC (2.30% p.a.) with just $500 for a 3-month tenor.
MoneySmart Take What we like: Commitment periods start from a relatively short six months.
What we don't like: UOB's current rate is below average. As aforementioned, you'd do better at other banks for the same deposit amount and period.
[[nid:716675]] Best fixed deposit rates for deposits $20,000–$49,999
If you have over $20,000 you want to stash away, here are your best fixed deposit rates in Singapore this month: Maybank (2.45% p.a.—min. $20,000 for 6 months)
Bank of China (2.35% p.a.—min. $500 for 3 months)
Hong Leong Finance (2.20% p.a.—min. $20,000 for 9 or 10 months)
ICBC (2.30% p.a.—$500 for 3 months)
CIMB (2.25% p.a.—min. $10,000 for 3 months)
RHB (2.20% p.a.—min. $20,000 for 3 or 6 months)
OCBC (1.90% p.a.—min. $30,000 for 9 months)
Standard Chartered (2.00% p.a.—min. $25,000 for 5 months) Standard Chartered fixed deposit rates Deposit amount: $25,000 and above Period Personal Banking customers Priority Banking customers Priority Private Banking customers 5 months 2.00% p.a. 2.05% p.a. 2.05% p.a.
Promotional rates valid until: May 8, 2025, subject to change by Standard Chartered. Do check Standard Chartered's fixed deposit rates for the latest figures.
With interest rates from 2.00% p.a. to 2.05% p.a., Standard Chartered's fixed deposit rates are on the lower end this month.
Plus, you only get the higher rates if you're a priority private banking customer, i.e. with a certain high net worth.
If you're a regular customer, you'll only be able to get a rate of 2.00% p.a. with a 5-month tenor at their current promotional rates.
In any case, you can get a better rate with the Bank of China with a smaller minimum sum — deposit $500 or more to lock in 2.35% p.a. over three months.
MoneySmart Take What we like: Relatively short commitment period of 6 months.
What we don't like: Standard Chartered doesn't have very high rates for the average Joe — you only get a decent one if you're a priority private banking customer. Best fixed deposit rates for deposits $50,000 and above
Have a fairly sizeable sum of money? If you have $50,000 or more that you want to put into a fixed deposit account, you've got a few good options. Here are the best fixed deposit rates in Singapore 2025 for deposits $50,000 and above: State Bank of India (2.50% p.a. — min. $50,000 for 6 months)
Bank of China (2.35% p.a. — min. $500 for 3 months)
ICBC (2.30% p.a. — $500 for 3 months)
RHB (2.20% p.a. — min. $20,000 for 3 or 6 months)
CIMB (2.25% p.a. — min. $10,000 for 3 months)
Hong Leong Finance (2.20% p.a. — min. $20,000 for 9 or 10 months)
Citibank (2.00% p.a. — $10,000 for 3 0r 6 months) State Bank of India Singapore fixed deposit rates
The State Bank of India is currently offering just two fixed deposit promotions with a minimum deposit of $50,000: Tenor Promotional interest rate Minimum deposit 6-month 2.50% p.a. $50,000 12-month 2.40% p.a. $50,000 Do check SBI's fixed deposit promotion page for the latest promotional rates, if any.
These rates are quite high this month compared to other banks. However, so is their minimum sum you need to deposit.
If we're looking at smaller sums, we're left with the board rates that only require a minimum of $5,000: SBI Singapore board rates Period Deposit amount: $5,000 to $1,000,000 1 month 0.35% p.a. 3 months 1.75% p.a. 6 months 2.25% p.a. 12 months 2.00% p.a. 24 months 1.50% p.a.
The highest board rate you'll get to enjoy is 2.25 per cent p.a., which is actually comparable to some promotional rates this month from other banks.
However, if you're planning to leave your $5,000 in a fixed deposit, you can still find better rates elsewhere. For just $500, you can enjoy 2.30 per cent p.a. with ICBC or 2.35 per cent p.a. with the Bank of China for a 3-month period.
MoneySmart Take What we like: Relatively short commitment periods available, with decent interest rates.
What we don't like: SBI asks for a high minimum deposit sum. Hong Leong Finance fixed deposit rates Deposit amount 9 months 10 months 11 months 13 months $5,000 to < $20,000 2.15% 2.15% 2.10% 2.05% $20,000 and above 2.20% 2.20% 2.15% 2.10%
The rates above were set on Apr 17, 2025 and are subject to change any time at the discretion of Hong Leong Finance. See Hong Leong Finance's fixed deposit rates for the latest.
Besides putting your money with banks, it's also worthwhile looking into other financial institutions which also offer competitive fixed deposit rates. Hong Leong Finance is one such institution. Don't get it confused with HL Bank, though. While the two share the same name, they offer entirely different fixed deposit rates.
With a lock-in period of 9 or 10 months, Hong Leong Finance is currently offering a fixed deposit rate of 2.20 per cent p.a. for a $20,000 minimum deposit. For slightly longer tenors of 11 or 13 months, you earn 2.15 per cent p.a. and 2.10 per cent p.a. respectively. These rates are comparable to other banks this month.
MoneySmart Take What we like: Short tenor periods for which you have to stash your cash with them.
What we don't like: Hong Leong Finance isn't coming out super strong in terms of their fixed deposit rates — average at best. They also require a minimum deposit of $20,000, which is not the most beginner-friendly.
Now that we've had a look at the interest rates banks have to offer, here's a quick and easy summary of what you need to know about fixed deposits. Fixed deposit vs savings account - what's the difference?
Anyone looking for a better alternative to their basic savings account will be faced with the same decision: fixed deposit or high-interest savings account? Both options beat the measly 0.05 per cent p.a. interest on a regular savings account, but looking at interest rate alone isn't enough to compare the two.
Here are the differences between fixed deposits and savings accounts at a glance: Fixed deposit Savings account Tenure As low as 1 month, but go for at least 6 months for better rates None Interest rate Usually, the longer the tenure, the better the interest rate Usually the same regardless of tenure Deposit amount Fixed amount, usually at least $5,000, but promotional offers can go as low as $500 with ICBC and the Bank of China Smaller initial deposit and minimum monthly balance ($500 to $3,000) Currency SGD by default, but some banks offer higher interest rates for foreign currency SGD by default. There are a few multi-currency accounts, but no difference in interest rate Can you withdraw? Contrary to popular belief, yes, you can withdraw prematurely. However, you lose the interest and may have to pay a penalty. Yes, no impact on interest, but don't fall below the minimum balance Interest payments Quarterly or annually Monthly Risk level Virtually risk-free, insured up to $75,000 by Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC) Compare fixed deposit vs Singapore Savings Bonds (SSB) vs T-bills
If you're looking for a virtually risk-free investment vehicle, you're bound to have come across fixed deposits, Singapore Savings Bonds (SSB) and Treasury bills (T-bills). Which is the right one for you? Here are some key differences you should consider. Fixed deposit SSB T-bills Tenure As low as 1 month, but go for at least 6 months for better rates 10 years 6 months / 1 year Current interest rate Up to 3.35% p.a. 2.56% p.a. (May 2025 SSB's 10-year average return) 2.38% p.a. (cut-off yield for 24 Apr 2025 6-month T-bill) Deposit amount Usually at least $5,000, but promotional offers can go as low as $500 with ICBC and the Bank of China $500-$200,000 $1,000, with a cap of $1 million in non-competitive bids at each auction. Currency SGD by default, but some banks offer higher interest rates for foreign currency SGD SGD Can you withdraw? Contrary to popular belief, yes—you can withdraw prematurely. However, you lose the interest and may have to pay a penalty. Yes, with no penalty. However, you must pay a $2 transaction fee each time you buy/redeem a bond. No, you cannot redeem T-bills early. Instead, you can try to sell it on the secondary market. Interest payments Quarterly or annually Every 6 months Upon maturity, full value of T-Bill refunded following initial sale at a discount Risk level Virtually risk-free, insured up to $75,000 by Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC) Virtually risk-free, backed by the Singapore government Virtually risk-free, backed by the Singapore government
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This article was first published in MoneySmart.