Fixed Deposits (FD) are a financial instrument from banks providing FD holders with higher returns than a normal savings/checking account.

Updated: Jul 25, 2020

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Fixed Deposits

  • FD rates in Malaysia are around 2-3% (affected by FD promotions) 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.
  • Generally 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.
  • Some fixed deposit promotions require placement into 2 separate accounts: part into a fixed deposit account, and part into a current or savings accounts (CASA). The effective returns will then be based on both the fixed deposit portion and CASA portion.
    E.g. 75% x 5.50% = 4.125% + 25% x 0.50% = 0.125% = Effective rate 4.25%

Best FD Rates

FD Promotions

  1. Bank Rakyat: 2.75% 11 months / 2.55% 7 months (min 10k; until Sep 15, 2020)
  2. Affin Bank: 2.60% 5 months / 2.55% 6 months / 2.48% 3 months (eFD; min 10k; until Jul 28, 2020)
  3. Hong Leong Bank: 2.50% 3 months (eFD; min 5k; until Jul 31, 2020)
  4. OCBC Bank: 2.30% 10 months (eFD; min 1k; until Jul 31, 2020)
  5. CIMB: 2.25% 12 months / 2.20% 6 months / 2.10% 3 months (eFD; min 5k; until Jul 30, 2020)
  6. Public Bank: 2.20% 3 months / 2.10% 2 months / 2.00% 1 month (eFD; min 5k; until Jul 31, 2020)

Senior Citizens FD Rate

  1. BSN Senior Citizen: 2.40% >12 months | 2.45% 12 months (min 50k) | 2.35% >12 months | 2.40% 12 months (min 5k)
  2. CIMB Golden Time 2 (Big Plus for 50 Plus): 2.35% 60 months | 2.25% 48 months | 2.15% 36 months | 2.10% 15-24 months (min 1k)
  3. Public Bank PB Golden 50 PLUS: 2.30% 9 months | 2.20% 6 months | 2.10% 3 months (min 30k)
  4. Am50Plus: 2.00% 48 months | 1.95% 36 months | 1.90% 12 months | 2.05% 6 months (min 5k)
  5. Hong Leong Senior: 2.00% 12 months (min 10k)

Private/Preferred Banking FD/Savings Accounts Rates

  1. CIMB Preferred: 2.55% *12 months | 2.50% 6 months (min 10k)
  2. UOB Privilege: 2.25% (min +100k top up requirement; min 250k)
  3. Hong Leong Priority Banking: 2.00% 12 months | 1.95% 6 months (min 50k)
  4. Public Bank Premier ACE Account: 1.78% (min 1m)

Junior Saving Accounts

  1. RHB Future Saver: 1.90% (above 100k) 0.60% (100k below)
  2. AmBank AmGenius: 2.20% (up to 100k) | 0.50% (above 100k)
  3. Affin Online: 2.10% (up to 50k) | 2.00% (50k – below 100k)
  4. Public Bank WISE Savings Account: 1.95% (up to 50k) | 0.35% (above 50k)
  5. Maybank Yippie: 1.90% (up to 50k) | 0.20% (above 50k)
  6. SCB Young Savers Account: 1.70% (up to 50k) | 0.25% (above 50k)

High Yield Savings Accounts

  1. OCBC 360: up to 2.75% (More info)
  2. Affin Esavers-i: 2.25% (50k above) | 2.00% (below 50k)
  3. Maybank M2U Savers/i: 1.00% (50k above) | 0.86% (below 50k) (More info)

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 (