
Time Deposit Rates Singapore: Best 2026 Deals
If you’ve been watching your savings account interest creep up only to see it capped, a fixed deposit might seem like the obvious next step. But with promotional rates that change every few months and minimum deposits that range from S$500 to S$20,000, picking the best deal requires a closer look. Here’s how the current time deposit landscape in Singapore stacks up, and what really matters beyond the headline rate.
Highest promoted 12-month rate: 1.55% p.a. (Maybank) · Lowest promoted 3-month rate: 1.30% p.a. (HSBC) · Typical minimum deposit: S$1,000 to S$20,000 · Top 6-month rate found: 1.15% p.a. (HSBC)
Quick snapshot
- Maybank offers 1.55% p.a. for 12-month deposits (Maybank Singapore (promotional deposit page))
- HSBC offers 1.30% p.a. for 3-month deposits (HSBC Singapore (official time-deposit page))
- UOB board rates are up to 1.00% p.a. for 11-month to 36-month tenors (UOB Singapore (online rate table))
- SDIC deposit insurance covers up to S$100,000 per bank per depositor (SDIC (deposit insurance scheme))
- Whether a high-interest savings account can out-earn the best fixed deposit after meeting salary-credit and spending conditions
- Specific rate changes after August 2026 – promotional cycles can shift quickly
- If OCBC or UOB have internal promotional rates not listed on public rate pages
- August 2026: HSBC and Maybank publish current rate sets (HSBC; Maybank)
- 2025–2026: Interest rates in Singapore have stabilised; no bank offers 7% on fixed deposits
- Ongoing: Promotional “fresh funds” offers are limited to a fixed cycle, often 1–6 months
- Rates are likely to hold near current levels until the next Monetary Authority of Singapore policy signal
- Depositors with S$100,000+ in a single bank should split across institutions to stay fully insured
Here is a quick reference of the most important figures.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Top 1-Year Rate | 1.55% p.a. at Maybank (Maybank promotional page) |
| Top 6-Month Rate | 1.15% p.a. at HSBC (HSBC time-deposit page) |
| Minimum Deposit for Best Rates | S$20,000 (Maybank promotion) |
| Top 3-Month Rate | 1.30% p.a. at HSBC (HSBC time-deposit page) |
| Insurance Limit (SDIC) | S$100,000 per bank (SDIC official site) |
What is the best time deposit rate in Singapore?
Two rates stand out above the rest. Maybank’s 12-month promotional deposit offers 1.55% p.a., while HSBC’s 3-month tier pays 1.30% p.a. — the highest short-term return available among major banks as of August 2026. But the best choice depends on how much cash you can lock away and for how long.
Comparing top promotional rates
Eight banks compete for fixed-deposit dollars, but only a handful offer rates worth your attention. The table below shows the top advertised rates by tenor, along with the minimum deposit required to access them.
| Bank | Tenor | Promotional Rate (p.a.) | Minimum Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maybank | 12 months | 1.55% | S$20,000 |
| HSBC | 3 months | 1.30% | S$10,000 (est.) |
| HSBC | 6 months | 1.15% | S$10,000 (est.) |
| UOB | 11–36 months | 1.00% | S$5,000 (est.) |
The pattern: Short tenors (3–6 months) pay less but offer flexibility; longer tenors pay more but demand a larger commitment. For savers who can’t tie up S$20,000, HSBC’s 1.30% for three months is a competitive alternative with a lower entry point.
Understanding minimum deposit thresholds
Minimum deposit amounts can change which rate is actually achievable. Maybank’s best 12-month rate requires S$20,000. By contrast, some aggregators like StashAway (rate comparison platform) list fixed-deposit products starting as low as S$1,000 — but at lower rates (around 1.00% to 1.20% p.a.).
Why this matters: A headline rate that demands S$20,000 is meaningless if you only have S$5,000 to deposit. Always check the “minimum deposit” fine print before comparing figures.
Which bank in Singapore has the highest interest rate for savings accounts?
Savings accounts often advertise rates above 3% p.a., but those rates apply only to a limited portion of your balance and come with conditions like salary crediting or monthly card spend. Fixed deposits, by contrast, guarantee the stated rate on your entire deposit for the full tenor. The trade-off is liquidity.
Savings accounts versus fixed deposits
No bank in Singapore currently offers a flat 7% rate on an unlimited savings balance. Promotional “high-interest” savings accounts (e.g., from UOB, OCBC, or DBS) cap the bonus interest at a certain balance — often S$50,000 to S$100,000 — and require you to meet multiple criteria each month. Fixed deposits require no ongoing activity; the rate is locked from day one.
High-interest savings account limits
The best savings account rates are typically above 3% p.a., but only for the first S$50,000–S$100,000. For larger sums, the effective blended rate drops. A fixed deposit at 1.55% on S$200,000 may actually outperform a “high-interest” savings account on the same amount once caps are applied. The Seedly comparison (financial blog) notes that UOB’s board rate of 1.00% for 11 months still beats the fallback rate on many savings accounts after caps are hit.
The pattern: higher returns require larger commitments, but the trade-off is worth it for those who can lock in funds.
Which bank gives 7% interest on FD?
None. No bank in Singapore currently offers a 7% fixed deposit rate in Singapore dollars. Claims of 7% typically refer to promotional savings accounts with caps and conditions, or to foreign-currency deposits in high-inflation countries where currency risk can erase gains.
Assessing the reality of 7% promotional rates
Some overseas banks in countries like Argentina or Turkey offer nominal rates above 7%, but those are eroded by inflation and exchange-rate fluctuations against the SGD. Even if you could open such an account, the SDIC does not cover foreign deposits. “Promotional” rates in Singapore, such as those occasionally offered by smaller finance companies, rarely exceed 2% p.a. for SGD deposits.
Risks of chasing unrealistically high yields
The safest approach is to ignore any rate above 2% for SGD fixed deposits as probably misleading. Floating-rate notes or market-linked products may promise higher returns but carry capital risk. For depositors who simply want principal protection with a predictable return, the current top rate of 1.55% from a major bank like Maybank is a solid benchmark.
The implication: always verify the fine print before committing to any high-yield claim.
Is it safe to have S$500,000 in one bank?
Only up to S$100,000 is protected by SDIC. Any amount above that in a single bank is not insured. To protect S$500,000, you would need to spread the money across at least five different banks.
The implication: The best rate is irrelevant if you lose it to an uninsured bank failure. Always check your total exposure per institution. Spreading across multiple banks is the only way to keep large sums fully covered.
Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Maybank offers 1.55% p.a. for 12-month deposits (as of Aug 2026).
- HSBC offers 1.30% p.a. for 3-month deposits.
- UOB board rates for 11–36 months are 1.00% p.a.
- SDIC covers S$100,000 per bank per depositor.
What’s unclear
- Whether a high-interest savings account can yield more than the best fixed deposit after meeting all eligibility criteria.
- Specific rate changes after August 2026.
- If OCBC or UOB have internal promotional rates not publicly listed.
- Whether Maybank’s 1.55% will be extended beyond the current promotional cycle.
The bottom line: focus on the confirmed facts and remain aware of uncertainties when making your decision.
Key perspectives from the market
This promotional rate of 1.55% per annum is available for 12-month time deposits placed by individual customers through our branches and digital channels, subject to a minimum deposit of S$20,000.
Maybank Singapore, promotional terms (August 2026)
Enjoy 1.30% p.a. on your SGD time deposit for a 3-month tenor with no minimum deposit requirement when you apply online.
HSBC Singapore, time-deposit page (August 2026)
Each depositor is insured up to S$100,000 per bank under the Deposit Insurance Scheme.
SDIC, deposit insurance overview
Related reading: OCBC Bank Near Me: Find Branches, ATMs, and Opening Hours · UOB Bank Branch Code Singapore: 3-Digit Code Guide
singpromos.com, sslsecure.maybank.com.sg, sc.com, asiaone.com, moneysmart.sg, citibank.com.sg, growbeansprout.com
For the most competitive offers, check the latest current fixed deposit deals in Singapore, which include comparable rates from major banks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a fixed deposit and a savings account?
A fixed deposit locks your money for a set period (e.g., 3, 6, or 12 months) at a guaranteed interest rate. A savings account offers variable interest and instant access, but the best rates are often capped and conditional.
Can foreigners open a fixed deposit account in Singapore?
Yes. Most major banks allow non-residents to open a fixed deposit account with a valid passport and proof of address. Minimum deposit requirements may be higher for foreigners.
How many days do I need to lock my money in a fixed deposit?
Typical fixed deposits in Singapore range from 1 month to 36 months. Some banks offer odd tenors like 9 or 11 months. The shortest term available from major banks is usually 1 month.
What is the penalty for early withdrawal of a fixed deposit in Singapore?
You typically forfeit all interest earned and may be charged a fee of 1–3 months’ interest. Terms vary by bank, so check the product disclosure before depositing.
Are fixed deposit interest rates taxed in Singapore?
Interest earned on fixed deposits is not subject to tax in Singapore for individual depositors, as capital gains and interest from bank deposits are exempt from personal income tax.
For Singapore depositors, the choice is clear: lock in a guaranteed 1.55% with Maybank if you have S$20,000 to commit for a year, or use HSBC’s 1.30% short-term rate for smaller, flexible amounts. For sums above S$100,000, split across multiple banks to stay fully insured, or accept that part of your savings will be uninsured.