Fixed Deposit vs Savings Account in Nepal — Which Earns More in 2026?
A 2026 guide to savings accounts in Nepal — rates, minimum balance, tax, and how to choose.
This guide explains Fixed Deposit vs Savings Account in Nepal — Which Earns More in 2026? for Asar 2083 (June 2026). Savings rates in Nepal are low and closely bunched, so the smart choice is rarely the headline rate alone — it is the mix of rate, minimum balance, how interest is calculated, and free digital banking.
How savings accounts work in Nepal
A savings account pays interest on your balance — usually computed on the daily or minimum monthly balance and paid quarterly. Banks set a minimum balance; falling below it can forfeit interest or trigger a charge. Interest above the threshold is taxed at 5% TDS, withheld at source.
Normal vs remittance vs fixed deposit
Remittance and salary savings accounts often pay a little more than a normal savings account, while a fixed deposit pays far more if you can lock the money away. For idle cash you may need any day, a flexible savings account wins; for money you won't touch for a year, an FD is better.
How to choose
Look beyond the rate: the minimum balance, whether interest is on the daily or minimum balance, free mobile/ internet banking and card issuance, ATM access, and any salary- or remittance-linked perks. A higher rate with a high minimum balance can be worse for everyday use than a flexible account.
How we sourced these figures
Every rate on this page is taken from each institution's published rate sheet for the Asar 2083 (June 2026) period and cross-checked against Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) disclosures. We re-verify the numbers each Nepali month, and the comparison table and the figures quoted in the text are generated from the same dataset — so they always agree. You can explore the live, filterable data on the BFIS Compare comparison page.
Related comparisons
Rates are revised every Nepali month and can change. Figures are for Asar 2083; always confirm the current number on the BFIS Compare comparison page before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is savings account interest taxed in Nepal?+
Yes — 5% TDS on the interest, withheld by the bank.
How is savings interest calculated?+
Usually on the daily or minimum monthly balance, paid quarterly.
Savings or fixed deposit — which is better?+
Savings for money you may need any day; a fixed deposit for money you can lock away, since it pays much more.
What is a minimum balance?+
The lowest balance you must keep to earn interest and avoid charges; it varies by bank and account type.
Where can I compare savings options?+
On the BFIS Compare savings page, updated every Nepali month.
How often are these figures updated?+
Rates are revised every Nepali month. BFIS Compare refreshes them monthly, so always check the live comparison page before you decide.
Written by
Sandeep Kumar ChaudharyFounder of BFIS Compare, writing about Nepal's banks, deposit rates and loans. sandeepkumarchaudhary.com