Quick answer: A fixed deposit locks a lump sum for a set period (typically 1–36 months) at a guaranteed rate — but you forfeit most or all interest if you withdraw early. Deposits are SDIC-insured up to S$100,000 per bank. Rates have fallen through 2025–2026: expect roughly 1%–1.5% p.a. at major banks currently, though this varies by tenure and promotion.
Fixed deposits have a reputation for being a bit, well, predictable. But look closer and you’ll find a few wrinkles—from fleeting promotional rates to the quiet comfort of SDIC protection—that actually make the hunt feel a bit more interesting. It won’t turbocharge your savings (sian, but true), but for parking cash you’d rather not gamble on, it’s a surprisingly neat tool to know about.
Considering locking away savings for a guaranteed return? This guide covers how fixed deposits actually work, what to watch for, and how they compare to other low-risk options.
How fixed deposits work
- Interest rate: a fixed annual percentage yield locked in for the full tenure, unlike a savings account’s variable rate.
- Tenure: typically 1 to 36 months (a few banks offer longer). Longer tenures sometimes, but not always, offer higher rates — check the current rate schedule, since the relationship between tenure and rate shifts with the broader interest-rate environment.
- Minimum deposit: varies significantly by bank and by promotion — check the specific placement minimum for the rate you’re targeting.
- Early withdrawal: possible at most banks but costly — typically you forfeit some or all of the interest earned, and some banks charge an additional fee. Only commit funds you’re confident you won’t need before the tenure ends.
The current rate environment
Fixed deposit rates track the broader interest-rate environment, and Singapore rates have generally trended down through 2025–2026 — consistent with the decline seen across other deposit products — see our savings accounts guide, where bonus rates have fallen sharply too. Standard SGD fixed deposit rates at major banks currently run roughly 1%–1.5% p.a. for typical tenures, though promotional offers, deposit-size tiers, and finance companies (which sometimes post higher rates than the major banks) can vary meaningfully from this range. Given how much these figures move, always pull the current rate directly from the bank rather than relying on a fixed number from any article, including this one.
Rates aren’t exactly soaring right now, but that just turns the search into a bit of a treasure hunt. Promotional windows pop up, often tied to specific deposit amounts or digital-only applications. It’s the kind of thing where checking your banking app at the right moment can land you a noticeably better return for a few months—definitely worth a quick glance before you auto-renew.
Tax and safety
- Deposit insurance: SDIC-insured up to S$100,000 per depositor per bank, same protection as savings accounts.
- Tax: interest earned on fixed deposits is generally not taxable for individuals in Singapore, since Singapore doesn’t tax most forms of personal investment income.
For a lot of us, the real win with fixed deposits is the zero-fuss factor. Your money just sits there, swee and quietly insured, and for most personal savers the interest doesn’t even trigger a tax headache. It’s the kind of reassuringly boring detail that lets you sleep easy while other parts of your portfolio do the worrying.
Fixed deposits vs. Singapore Savings Bonds
Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs) are a common alternative for similar low-risk savers. The key difference: SSBs allow penalty-free early redemption any month (you simply stop earning that period’s step-up interest), while a fixed deposit locked before maturity typically forfeits interest entirely. Fixed deposits can offer a higher guaranteed rate for a known period; SSBs trade some yield for full flexibility. Many conservative savers use both — fixed deposits for money they’re confident they won’t touch, SSBs for funds that need to stay accessible.
Think of it as a commitment spectrum. Singapore Savings Bonds let you bail anytime without losing a cent, while fixed deposits reward you for going all-in on a set tenure. If you hate being locked down, the SSB’s flexibility will appeal. But if you’ve got a chunk of cash you genuinely won’t touch, locking in a higher FD rate can feel like a tiny victory.
Choosing a fixed deposit
- Match the tenure to your actual timeline — don’t lock funds you might need before the maturity date.
- Compare current rates across a few banks — the gap between the lowest and highest published rate can be meaningful, and promotional online-only rates are often better than in-branch rates.
- Check the minimum deposit — some promotional rates require a higher minimum placement than the bank’s standard rate.
- Understand the early-withdrawal terms before committing, not after you need the money.
Picking a fixed deposit turns out to be less about the advertised rate and more about your own timeline. Some of the most interesting placements come from banks you wouldn’t ordinarily visit—think digital-only players or smaller foreign banks with snappy promotional tenures. It pays to map out exactly when you’ll need the cash, then match it to an offer that feels almost custom-built.
FAQs about fixed deposits in Singapore
What’s the minimum tenure for a fixed deposit?
Most banks offer tenures starting from 1–3 months, up to 36 months or longer for some products. Shorter tenures offer more flexibility; longer ones lock in a rate for a longer period.
Is fixed deposit interest taxable in Singapore?
No — interest from fixed deposits is generally not taxable for individuals in Singapore.
What happens if I withdraw a fixed deposit early?
You’ll typically forfeit some or all of the interest earned, and some banks charge an additional fee — fixed deposits are designed for money you won’t need before maturity.
How do fixed deposits compare to Singapore Savings Bonds?
Fixed deposits typically offer a higher guaranteed rate but penalize early withdrawal; SSBs allow penalty-free redemption any month but usually at a lower yield. Many savers use both for different purposes.
Last updated July 2026. Rate ranges and mechanics checked against current Singapore fixed-deposit comparison sources on 22 July 2026 — given how much rates move, confirm the current figure directly with each bank before committing funds.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not financial advice. Compiled from publicly available sources; while we aim for accuracy, we do not guarantee completeness. Confirm all current rates directly with each bank before making decisions. Let us know if you spot anything that needs correcting.
