With the FNB Flexi Fixed deposit, you can save over a longer time period. An investment account with a fixed term, while giving you access to a portion of your money, within 24 hours. The maximum nominal interest rate over 12 months is 3.60%.
Account Type | Minimum Deposit | Interest Rate | APY |
---|---|---|---|
First Choice Account | $50 | .05% | .05% |
SuperNow (SNA)* | $2,000 | .05% | .05% |
Money Market (CMA)* | $3,000 | .10% | .10% |
Statement Savings* | $25 | .10% | .10% |
Christmas Club* | $5 | .25% | .25% |
Account Type | Minimum Deposit | Interest Rate | APY |
---|---|---|---|
3 month CD | $1,000 | .10% | .10% |
6 month CD* | $1,000 | .20% | .20% |
10 month CD | $1,000 | .25% | .25% |
12 month CD* | $1,000 | .25% | .25% |
18 month CD* | $500 | .30% | .30% |
24 month CD* | $500 | .35% | |
30 month CD* | $500 | .40% | .40% |
36 month CD* | $500 | .45% | .45% |
60 month CD* | $500 | .50% | .50% |
See Officer | $250,000.01 | -- | -- |
Account Type | Minimum Deposit | Interest Rate | APY |
---|---|---|---|
IRA (Traditional-Variable)* | $100 | .30% | .30% |
IRA (Roth-Variable)* | $100 | .30% | .30% |
IRA (Educational-Variable)* | $100 | .30% | .30% |
IRA (Guaranteed-Fixed)* | $500 | .10% | .10% |
Account Type | Minimum Deposit | Interest Rate | APY |
---|---|---|---|
3 month (13 wk)* | $250,000.01 | .15% | .15% |
6 month (26 wk)* | $250,000.01 | .25% | .25% |
1 year (52 wk)* | $250,000.01 | .30% | .30% |
2 year (104 wk)* | $250,000.01 | .40% | .40% |
3 year (156 wk)* | $250,000.01 | .50% | .50% |
In South Africa, where household savings remain a national priority, there is a dire need to instil a savings culture. While there are various savings vehicles you could investigate, opening a savings account is undoubtedly one of the simplest.
But which savings account offers you the best deal? And should you opt for an open or fixed savings option?
Tip: To save more consider opening a tax-free savings account, here is all you need to know.
Justmoney compared the basic current savings account offerings from the big five banks, i.e. Absa, First National Bank (FNB), Standard bank, Capitec, and Nedbank.
Here is a breakdown:
Open savings accounts
Account name | Minimum deposit | Interest rate | |
Absa | TruSave | R50 | 3.70% |
FNB | Savings account | R100 | 5.25% - 6.30% |
Capitec | Global One | R25 | 5.1 % - 9.25 % |
Standard | Pure Save | R50 | 2.85% |
Nedbank | Savings deposit | R50 | 0.76% - 2.05% |
Based on the comparison table above, the Capitec Global One account boasts with the best interest earning potential as the highest in their interest rate range is capped at 9.25%. his stands head and shoulders above the rest in the market as FNB’s range cap follows at 6.30% and Absa at 3.70%. Nedbank came in at the other end of the stick as its interest rates proved lowest at 0.76%.
In addition to Capitec offering the best interest rates, it also has the lowest minimum deposit fee at R25. This again is a stand-out as Standard Bank, Nedbank, and Absa came in with double the fee at R50. FNB on the other hand ranks the most expensive of the lot at a R100 minimum deposit.
From the above we can conclude that Capitec Global One account is the cheapest account with the best interest offering.
Fixed savings accounts
Account name | Minimum deposit | Interest rate | Fixed period | |
Absa | Fixed deposit | R1000 | 3.25% - 9 % | 8 days – 6 months |
FNB | Fixed deposit | R10 000 | 8.70% | 1 – 60 months |
Capitec | Fixed deposit | R10 000 | 9.25% | 6 – 60 months |
Standard | Fixed deposit | R1000 | 9% | 1 – 18 months |
Nedbank | Fixed deposit | R1000 | 5.5% - 8.16% | 1 month – 18 months |
Based on the fixed account comparison, Capitec once again offers the best interest-earning potential at 9.25%. This is closely followed by the upper end of the interest ranges of Absa at 9%, Nedbank at 8.16%, and FNB at 8.70%. What’s important to note is that the interest depends on the period you are fixing your money for. Certain accounts such as the Standard Bank fixed deposit account offer between 1 – 18 months whereas others such as Absa and Capitec offer fixed options for up to 60 months.
The minimum deposit amounts range from the cheaper minimum deposit amounts of R1000 at Absa, Standard Bank, and Nedbank. Whereas Capitec and FNB offer fixed deposit accounts at a minimum deposit of R10,000.
What’s key to note is that the Capitec Global One account does have the added benefit of a fixed savings pocket, which does not require a minimum deposit of R10 000, but instead allows you to tailor the amount to your need.
Based on the above, Capitec offers the best interest rates at 9.25% but requires one of the highest minimum deposits. Absa, Standard Bank, and Nedbank in turn offer the lowest minimum deposits, but also have the lowest interest-earning potential.
When considering the minimum deposit fees across the open and fixed savings account options we can conclude that fixed-term savings accounts offer the better interest rates. This, besides Capitec which offers the same interest rate of 9.25% with each account option.
The perks of a good savings account
“It is easier to withdraw money from savings accounts than from stock, bonds, and certificates of deposits, which results in penalties,” says Cowyk Fox, managing executive of Everyday Banking, RBB SA, Absa Group.
Savings accounts will usually accrue interest over time. This means your money has more earning potential than if you would have kept it in a safe at home.
Himal Parbhoo, CEO of FNB Retail Cash Investments offers the following tips:
What do you need to open a savings account?
If you don’t already have a savings account and are looking to open one, here are few general requirements:
It is always advisable to do your research before opening any account at any financial institution in deciding which is the best option for you and your pocket.