Malaysia best fixed deposit rates [Oct 2024]: Maximise your savings

01 October 2024

Share this

  • linkedin
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • email

Want more?

We thought you might.

Join the hundreds of thousands of people who are taking control of their personal finances and investments with tips and market insights delivered straight to their inboxes.

In 2024, savers and investors in Malaysia are on the lookout for opportunities to maximize their returns in a financial landscape where the Overnight Policy Rate stands at a notably high 3.00%. This prevailing rate environment not only impacts loan repayments but also hints at potentially higher yields for fixed deposits. 

Fixed deposits are a cornerstone of conservative investment strategies, offering higher interest rates compared to regular savings accounts, with the added advantage of fixed terms that help in planning your financial future with greater certainty. 

Given the plethora of fixed deposit products offered by banks across Malaysia, selecting the most suitable option can be a daunting task. Each bank tailors its fixed deposit accounts to attract different types of savers, from those looking for short-term parking spots for their cash to those aiming for longer-term growth. 

Recognizing the need for a guide through this maze of choices, especially at a time when every percentage point in interest rate can make a significant difference, we have meticulously analyzed the market to bring you the best fixed deposit rates in Malaysia for Oct 2024. 

Summary:

  • (non promotional) 12-month fixed deposit rates offered were between 2.35% - 3.45%
  • (non promotional) 9-month fixed deposit rates offered were between 2.35% - 3.40
  • (non promotional) 6-month fixed deposit rates offered were between 2.30% - 3.30%
  • (non promotional) 3-month fixed deposit rates offered were between 2.25% - 3.05%
  • (non promotional) 1-month fixed deposit rates offered were between 2.00% - 2.90%
  • Earn a projected 3.6% p.a. with StashAway Simple with no minimum or maximum deposit amount, no lock-ins, no cap on earnings and low fees.

Best Malaysia Fixed Deposit Promotions Oct 2024

Kicking off our guide, we spotlight the standout fixed deposit promotions of the season that you won't want to miss. These special offers not only provide rates that soar above the average but typically require a higher minimum deposit. 

BankMin depositTenureInterest RatePromo Until
Alliance Personal Welcome OfferRM10,000 (max RM100,000)6 months3.80%31 March 2025
Bank Islam TDT EXTRA Campaign)  RM 10,0006,9,12 months3.75% - 4.00%31 December 2024
Bank Islam (MaxCash Campaign)  RM 10,0009,12 months5.62% - 5.68%31 December 2024
CIMB eFD-i campaignRM 1,0003, 6 months3.45% - 3.60%31 October 2024
Public Bank Term Deposit-i and eTerm Deposit-i (fresh funds)RM10,0003, 6, 7, 12, 13, 15, 18, 24 months3.25% - 3.80%31 December 2024
Public Bank PowerInvest Fixed Deposit Campaign(Ration 5:1)  RM10,0003 months8.95% 31 December 2024
8 months5.50%
Public Bank PowerInvest Fixed Deposit Campaign(Ration 2:1)RM10,0003 months4.55%31 December 2024
8 months3.85%
PB Premier High Yield Fixed Deposit Campaign (Ratio 5:1)RM50,0003 months12.95%  31 December 2024
8 months7.00%
PB Premier High Yield Fixed Deposit Campaign (Ratio 2:1)  RM50,0003 months6.15% 31 December 2024
8 months4.45%
RHB Unit Trust & Fixed Deposit/Commodity Murabahah Deposit-i (UTFD/CMD-i)RM30,0001 month15.20% p.a.31 December 2024
3 months7.50%
RHB Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad Variable Price (ASNB VP)RM10,0001 month9.20%31 December 2024
3 months5.50%
RHB FD/CMD-i (FD/ CMD-i 1:1 ratio)RM10,0003 months 7.88%31 December 2024
6 months5.88%
RHB FD/CMD-i (FD/ CMD-i 1:1 ratio)RM50,0003 months10.88%31 December 2024
6 months6.88%
Standard Chartered Fixed Deposit Fresh FundsRM30,000 in fresh funds6 months3.80%31 December 2024
Maybank  Fixed Deposit/Islamic Fixed Deposit, with 30% placed in your Current/Savings/Daily Fund-i accountRM 100,0006 months5.08%30 November 2024
OCBC Fixed Deposit/-i (fresh funds)RM 1,0006 months3.65%31 October 2024

Best Malaysia Fixed Deposit Oct 2024

Let's look into the most popular fixed deposit tenures and the attractive rates offered by various banks in Malaysia. These fixed deposits are favored for their safety and predictable returns, providing savers with options ranging from as short as 1 month to as long as 12 months. Whether you're planning a short-term saving strategy or looking for a longer commitment with a higher yield, the below plans would serve your purpose.

Best 1-month Fixed Deposit Rates in Malaysia

Bank NameProduct NameMinimum DepositRates per annum
MaybankMaybank Fixed Deposit AccountRM5,0002.30%
CIMBCIMB Fixed DepositRM5,0002.40%
Public BankPublic Bank eFixed DepositRM1,0002.30%
MBSB BankMBSB Term Deposit-iRM5002.40%
Bank of ChinaBank of China Fixed Deposit AccountRM1,0002.90%
AgrobankAgrobank Fixed Return Investment Account-iRM5,0002.75%
India International BankIndia International Bank Fixed DepositRM5,0002.70%
Al Rajhi BankAl Rajhi Term Deposit-iRM1,0002.65%
Bank RakyatBank Rakyat Term Deposit Account-iRM5,0002.55%
Bank MuamalatBank Muamalat Fixed Term Account-iRM1,0002.40%
Hong Leong BankHLB Fixed Deposit AccountRM 5,0002.15%
RHB BankRHB Ordinary Fixed DepositRM 5,0002.40%
AmbankAmbank Conventional Fixed DepositRM 5,0002.00%
AFFIN BankAFFIN Fixed Deposit (FD)RM 5,0002.00%
Alliance BankAlliance Bank Fixed DepositRM 5002.55%

Best 3-month Fixed Deposit Rates in Malaysia

Bank NameProduct NameMinimum DepositRates per annum
MaybankMaybank Fixed Deposit AccountRM1,0002.45%
CIMBCIMB Fixed DepositRM1,0002.55%
Public BankPublic Bank eFixed DepositRM1,0002.45%
MBSB BankMBSB Term Deposit-iRM 5002.55%
Bank RakyatBank Rakyat Term Deposit Account-iRM5002.65%
Bank Simpanan NasionalBSN Term DepositRM5,0003.05%
Bank of ChinaBank of China Fixed Deposit AccountRM1,0003.00%
Bank MuamalatBank Muamalat Fixed Term Account-iRM1,0002.55%
AgrobankAgrobank Fixed Return Investment Account-iRM1,0003.05%
India International BankIndia International Bank Fixed DepositRM1,0002.95%
Al Rajhi BankAl Rajhi Term Deposit-iRM5002.75%
Hong Leong BankHLB Fixed Deposit AccountRM 5002.25%
RHB BankRHB Ordinary Fixed DepositRM 5002.55%
AmBankAmbank Conventional Fixed DepositRM 5002.40%
AFFIN BankAFFIN Fixed Deposit (FD)RM 5002.25%
Alliance BankAlliance Bank Fixed DepositRM 5002.75%

Best 6-month Fixed Deposit Rates in Malaysia

Bank NameProduct NameMinimum DepositRates per annum
MaybankMaybank Fixed Deposit AccountRM1,0002.50%
CIMBCIMB Fixed DepositRM1,0002.60%
Public BankPublic Bank eFixed DepositRM1,0002.50%
Bank RakyatBank Rakyat Term Deposit Account-iRM5002.80%
MBSB BankMBSB Term Deposit-iRM5002.60%
Alliance BankAlliance Bank Fixed DepositRM5002.85%
Affin BankAffin Bank Fixed DepositRM5002.80%
Bank of ChinaBank of China Fixed Deposit AccountRM1,0003.05%
AgrobankAgrobank Fixed Return Investment Account-iRM1,0003.30%
India International BankIndia International Bank Fixed DepositRM1,0003.05%
Al Rajhi BankAl Rajhi Term Deposit-iRM5002.85%
Bank MuamalatBank Muamalat Fixed Term Account-iRM 1,0002.60%
Hong Leong BankHLB Fixed Deposit AccountRM 5002.30%
RHB BankRHB Ordinary Fixed DepositRM 5002.60%
AmBankAmbank Conventional Fixed DepositRM 5002.55%
AFFIN BankAFFIN Fixed Deposit (FD)RM 5002.30%

Best 9-month Fixed Deposit Rates in Malaysia

Bank NameProduct NameMinimum DepositRates per annum
MaybankMaybank Fixed Deposit AccountRM1,0002.50%
CIMBCIMB Fixed DepositRM1,0002.60%
Public BankPublic Bank eFixed DepositRM1,0002.50%
MBSB BankMBSB Junior Term Deposit-iRM5002.60%
Bank Simpanan NasionalBSN Term DepositRM5003.15%
Bank of ChinaBank of China Fixed Deposit AccountRM1,0003.10%
Alliance Islamic BankAlliance Islamic Term Deposit-iRM5003.05%
Al Rajhi BankAl Rajhi Term Deposit-iRM5002.90%
Bank RakyatBank Rakyat Term Deposit Account-iRM5002.85%
AgrobankAgrobank Fixed Return Investment Account-iRM1,0003.40%
India International BankIndia International Bank Fixed DepositRM1,0003.05%
Bank Muamalat Bank Muamalat Fixed Term Account-iRM 1,0002.60%
Hong Leong BankHLB Fixed Deposit AccountRM 5002.35%
RHB BankRHB Ordinary Fixed DepositRM 5002.60%
AmBankAmbank Conventional Fixed DepositRM 5002.55%
AFFIN BankAFFIN Fixed Deposit (FD)RM 5002.35%
Alliance BankAlliance Bank Fixed DepositRM 5002.85%

Best 12-month Fixed Deposit Rates in Malaysia

Bank NameProduct NameMinimum DepositRates per annum
MaybankMaybank Fixed Deposit AccountRM1,0002.50%
CIMBCIMB Fixed DepositRM1,0002.60%
Public BankPublic Bank eFixed DepositRM1,0002.50%
Bank RakyatBank Rakyat Term Deposit Account-iRM5003.00%
MBSB BankMBSB Term Deposit-iRM5002.60%
Bank Simpanan NasionalBSN Term DepositRM5003.35%
Bank of ChinaBank of China Fixed Deposit AccountRM1,0003.15%
AgrobankAgrobank Fixed Return Investment Account-iRM1,0003.45%
India International BankIndia International Bank Fixed DepositRM1,0003.10%
Al Rajhi BankAl Rajhi Term Deposit-iRM 5002.95%
Bank MuamalatBank Muamalat Fixed Term Account-iRM 1,0002.60%
Hong Leong BankHLB Fixed Deposit AccountRM 5002.35%
RHB BankRHB Ordinary Fixed DepositRM 5002.60%
AmBankAmbank Conventional Fixed DepositRM 5002.60%
AFFIN BankAFFIN Fixed Deposit (FD)RM 5002.35%
Alliance BankAlliance Bank Fixed DepositRM 5002.90%

Key Considerations When Choosing a Fixed Deposit Account

Beyond the interest rates and promotions, there are key factors to consider when selecting a fixed deposit account. Here are some critical points to bear in mind:

Tenure Options

Different banks offer a variety of fixed deposit tenure options that can range from as short as a week to several years. Assess what length of time aligns with your financial plans and look for banks that offer the flexibility you need.

Minimum Deposit

Each bank will have a minimum deposit requirement for fixed deposit accounts. Ensure that you're comfortable with the amount you must lock in and that it doesn't compromise your short-term financial requirements.

Interest Rates

The interest rate is a pivotal factor in calculating your returns. Keep an eye on both the base rates and any promotional rates, evaluating how these can help grow your savings over time.

Access to Funds

Consider if you may need to access your funds before the fixed term ends. Some banks offer partial withdrawal options, while others may not. Understand the terms and potential penalties for early withdrawal before committing to an account.

Additional Benefits

Many banks offer additional benefits with their fixed deposit accounts, such as insurance coverage, credit card tie-ins, or loyalty program bonuses. These add-ons can significantly enhance the overall value of the fixed deposit and should be taken into account when deciding.

By keeping these considerations at the forefront, you can make a well-informed choice regarding your fixed deposit account selection in Malaysia.

Alternatives to Fixed Deposits

Fixed deposits, while a staple in traditional saving strategies, come with their own set of limitations. Primarily, they require locking in funds for a fixed term, during which access is restricted without incurring penalties. The interest rates, although stable, may not always keep pace with inflation, potentially diminishing the real value of savings over time. Given these constraints, many savers and investors are exploring alternative investment instruments that offer flexibility, potentially higher returns, and other benefits that fixed deposits lack.

Cash Management Solutions

Cash management solutions stand out for their high liquidity and the potential for higher yields compared to traditional fixed deposits. By investing in money market funds, these solutions offer a safe investment avenue with returns that can outpace those of fixed deposits. The flexibility to withdraw funds without penalties makes them an attractive option for investors seeking both safety and accessibility.

One such option for savvy investors who want more from their idle cash is StashAway Simple. StashAway Simple offers investors a projected rate of 3.6% p.a. without needing to lock up your money. StashAway Simple also does not impose a minimum or maximum deposit to earn the projected rate of 3.6% p.a..

Flexi Home Loan Account

A flexi home loan account allows for the prepayment of home loans, reducing the interest cost over the loan's tenure. Any excess payments can be withdrawn, providing a unique blend of savings and liquidity. 

This option effectively uses the interest-saving mechanism as an indirect investment return, appealing to homeowners looking to reduce their mortgage costs while maintaining access to their funds.

National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN)

The SSPN is tailored for parents and guardians aiming to save for their children's higher education. It offers competitive dividends and is backed by the Malaysian government, ensuring a high level of security. 

Contributions to SSPN qualify for tax relief, making it a financially savvy choice for families planning for educational expenses. This scheme highlights the importance of targeted savings with specific long-term goals in mind.

Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB)

ASNB funds, particularly appealing to Malaysian Bumiputera investors, offer a range of fixed and variable price funds. These funds have historically provided returns that are competitive, if not superior, to fixed deposits. 

The stability of fixed-price funds, combined with the potential for higher dividends, makes ASNB an attractive option for investors looking for more dynamic and potentially rewarding investment opportunities compared to the fixed nature of FDs.

Diversify Your Investments for Better Returns

While fixed deposit accounts offer secure and assured growth, diversification is key to maximizing your financial returns. Consider integrating your fixed deposit strategy with other investment avenues, such as unit trust funds, stocks, or real estate investment trusts (REITs), to create a balanced portfolio that can yield higher returns over the long term.

Financial advisors often recommend the 50/30/20 rule, where 50% of your income goes to necessities, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to savings and investments. Within this 20%, a portion can be directed to fixed deposits, with the rest allocated to a mix of other investment vehicles.


Share this

  • linkedin
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • email

Want more?

We thought you might.

Join the hundreds of thousands of people who are taking control of their personal finances and investments with tips and market insights delivered straight to their inboxes.