Fixed deposits (FD) are a financial instrument from banks providing FD holders with a higher returns than a normal savings/checking account.
Updated: Aug 2, 2018
Fixed Deposits
- FD rates in Malaysia are around 3-4% (at time of writing) and determined by the individual bank.
- FD rates are affected by BNM base rate which is different depending on the bank.
- FD can be placed on auto-renewal (see FAQ below).
- FD interest can be deposited into another account (i.e. savings account) OR included into the FD for renewal.
Types of Fixed Deposits
FD vs eFD
- FD: over the counter transactions
- eFD: most banks now allow you to place/uplift FD online via internet banking
Conventional vs Islamic FD
- Conventional: a predetermined interest rate given between depositor and bank.
- Islamic: following Shariah principles whereby there is no interest but based on profit sharing between buyer and seller.
- For wholesale returns, Islamic FD must be for a Shariah compliant business.
- Early withdrawal is allowed with rebate for Islamic FD and allowed with penalty for conventional FD.
- Returns are fixed and agreed upfront for both conventional and Islamic FD.
- Non-Muslims can use Islamic FD products.
- Generaly there are no distinct benefits for opting for Islamic or conventional FD.
Which Fixed Deposit to choose?
- Check what FD gives you the best rate for your duration. The longer the duration, the better the rates typically.
- Typically 12 months is a good duration and most promotional rates are for 12 months as well.
- If you may need your funds urgently, you may consider a shorter term duration (i.e. 1, 3 or 6 months).
Note: shorter duration may have higher minimum FD deposit requirements and lower returns - Suggested for eFD for increased flexibility and time savings versus over the counter.
- Conventional rates are guaranteed. Islamic rates are non-guaranteed but will you will not be penalized for early uplifting.
- If you have large sums (typically 100k and above), you can negotiate with your banker for better rates.
- If you are opening a joint account with your spouse, child or parent, check with your bank to make sure there is a survivorship clause which enables you to lay claim on a jointly owned asset.
Best FD Rates
- RHB: 4.38% 15 months | 4.25% 10 months (min 10k; until Sep 30, 2018)
- CIMB: 4.30% 12 months (min 10k; until Sep 30, 2018)
- Public Bank: 4.28% 12 months | 4.08% 6 months (min 10k; until Aug 31, 2018)
- Hong Leong eFD: 4.25% 12 months | 4.05% 6 months | 3.95% 3 months (min 10k; until Aug 31, 2018)
- Bangkok Bank: 4.25% 12 months | 4.15% 9 months | 4.05% 6 months | 3.90% 3 months (min 5k; until Aug 31, 2018)
- Bank Rakyat: 3.70% 12 months (min 500)
Private/Preferred Banking
- Hong Leong: 5.60% 3 months (min 100k + 50k UT PowerLink 8.88%)
- CitiGold: 4.88% 3 months (min 50k)
- HSBC Premier: 4.28% 6 months (with credit card/AmanahPerks application; min 50k)
- CIMB Preferred: 4.20% 12 months (min 100k)
- AmBank Priority: 4.08% 12 months (min 50k)
- RHB Premier: 4.05% 12 months (min 50k)
Senior Citizens
- MBSB 49’ners: 4.20% 12 months (min 1k)
- BSN Senior Citizen: 3.60% 12 months (min 5k)
- CIMB Big Plus for 50 Plus: 3.70% 12 months (min 1k)
- RHB Senior FD: 3.45% 12 months (min 10k)
- Public Bank: Base 3.45% 12 months (min 10k)
- Alliance FD Gold: 3.40% 12 month (min 30k)
High Yield Savings Accounts
Maybank General Investment Account (GIA)
Maybank’s GIA-i is an investment account which gives your profit sharing returns at approximately FD rates. No PIDM protection. GIA no longer offers no penalty withdrawals (wef Aug 1, 2017).
CIMB Unfixed Deposit
CIMB unfixed deposit allows partial withdrawals in multiples of 1,000 prior to FD maturity date. PIDM protected. Early withdrawal penalties still apply. (More info)
E&OE. Please contact bank to confirm rates and other details.
FAQ
- Q: Are there any concerns on FDs?
A: If your FD is on auto-renewal, it is considered as untouched money if passes 7 years and can be forfeited. (more info) - Q: What is the difference between a high yield savings account vs FD?
You can put in & take out funds from a savings account at anytime with no penalties or affecting your returns %. The monthly interest will be based on your average account balance. Some “unfixed” FDs work in a similar way (but do check the T&C). - Q: What happens if I uplift (end) my FD early?
For a short-term FD (3 months or less), you will lose all FD interest* for early uplifting. For longer term FD (above 3 months), you will lose ~50% of FD interest for early uplifting. (*Profit sharing for Islamic FD) - Q: Can non-Muslims use Islamic FDs?
A: Yes, no restrictions. - Q: Can Muslims use conventional FDs?
A: It is up to the individual.
More Info
- FD Calculator
- BNM base rates (bnm.gov.my)
Hi!
Can you share the highest interest rate for 12mths to 36mths pls ? Can be FD or private/preferred banking.
I can qualify for min amt and senior citizen and would like to make decision by today, latest tomorrow before noon on which bank to choose.
Possible to let me know today ?
TQ
Please let me know the best FD rates for tenure 3 months. I am a senior citizen
Why do not you include the fixed deposit rate of bank rakyat? I think Bank rakyat has the best rate in town.
Noted.
Go and nego with BR
Normally how far can we negotiate with the bank for a better fd rate if we have a significant fund > 100k?
Hi, I like your website,even the useful suggestions.
Now I have a question ,as a association,do you have any good suggestion for the FD(bank,interest rate ..) with min 100 k?
Thanks.
Can plse update FD rates, esp for new funds. Many promos highlighted already expired.
Hi, Thank you for the very useful tips and tricks. I like your website a lot. I have a request, could you include the online FD for banks in Malaysia? This is because a lot of time we do not have luxury time to go to the bank to queue up for hours to open the FD account over the counter, and some need CASA account etc. I had bad experiences where some banks told me they don’t have the kind of promotion as advertised on the internet after hours of waiting. Thank you and have a nice weekend.
Pls advice the best fd rates for 5 yrs with amt 10 millions. Prefer to have interest pay out in monthly basis. Thanks in advance
Your Am bank FD rate is incorrect. It is 4.2% for 12 months, monthly interest for senior citizen. They have other promo with shorter periods.
UOB is also offering 4.2% for 12 months. Monthly interest.
Are you sure Citi bank still offers 4.88% for 3 months?
Maybe you can include Hong Leong Bank 13 months online fixed deposit/-i at 4.20% p.a. Only from 1 – 7 December 2017. However, similar fixed deposit promotion available every early month after that.
Hi,
Very interesting website, thanks.
I want to ask about this point:
“Private/Preferred Banking
Hong Leong: 5.92% effective rate 2 months (min 100k FD + 50k UT PowerLink 8.88%)”
How can we apply and reach the 8.88%?
And what does private means?
Thanks
hlb.com.my
FYI, Current UOB FD Rate 4.08% for 12 months, 3.95% for 7 months and 3.7% for 4 months until end January.
Hi,
Can I ask you whether interest from bank fixed deposit taxable for non-resident/ foreigner?
Thanks.
Finally found what I was looking for ! Great article. Well done.
But would it is 8/1/18 now and would appreciate if you could update the latest FD rate as per today.
And also is there a penalty usually for early withdrawal of funds? If so how much?
Thank you!
Hi
If I would to have 2 Fixed Deposits
that would be expiring this 12th of January and 16th of February next month in Maybank. If I would to stick to the same Maybank;
1. Which FD can offer the best rates preferably for 12 months duration (but not fixed)?
2. Any new FD that has been newly launched recently that offers promotional rates or more attractive rates?
3 Is the rates negotiable if I invest a lot? Is there any difference if I am a Maybank Aspire member?
Please let me know your answer within these few days ya.
Happy New Year. Thanks
Link: OCBC 360
Thanks for your lightning fast reply.
1) Why this OCBC FD among all the banks FDs? Any other banks’ FD are offered at a higher rates?
2) Are you working in OCBC…haha?
Thanks and cheers 🙂
Link: CIMB unfixed deposit
1) I intend to invest more than RM 100K, so OCBC is out then 🙁 I am afraid (unless you say otherwise) I emailed Maybank customer service and they do have a FD rates that almost the same and shorter period which is GIA-i as shown here –> http://www.maybank2u.com.my/mbb_info/m2u/public/promoDetail.do?channelId=PRO-Promotions&cntTypeId=1&cntKey=PRO01.18&programId=PRO01-Accounts&chCatId=/mbb/Personal/PRO-Promotions
2) What’s the FD rates for CIMB Unfixed Deposit for 12 months?
By the way, your link for ‘CIMB Unfixed deposit’ above doesn’t seems to work –>
It said “Oops, the page can’t be found’
Maybe you can include Hong Leong Bank FD: 4.30% 12 months | 4.10% 6 months (until Feb 28, 2018).
UOB 4 months 3.70% 6 month 4.00% 12 months 4.20% till 31 January.
Can I know how mypf do the calculation in the event that the bank having step up rate say 3.2% for 1-3 months, 3.8% for 4-6 months and others? How do you list it? The bank marketing is quite impressive but I am unsure whether it is benefiting us.
Please comment.
On 21 February 2018, Sun Biz did provide the full list of latest FD rates. Hopefully, it will help your website.
May I know which bank now offer the best eFD rate?
Can u shared more the differences in Islamic FD versus conventional FD.
Hi, Pls recommend best rate Islamic FD for 3month, amount rm20k..
Recently some people say that non-residence Malaysians (Malaysians staying in other countries as permanent residence, for example Singapore Permanent Residence) are not entitled to promotional FD rate.
Is it true for all banks or certain banks only?