14th April 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal’s commercial banks have made fresh interest rate adjustments for the month of Baisakh. Some banks raised their fixed deposit rates while others reduced them. Most, however, kept rates unchanged.
Nepal Commercial Banks Interest Rates
Out of 20 commercial banks, three increased their one-year personal fixed deposit interest rates. Two banks decreased them. The remaining 15 banks maintained the same rates as in Chaitra.
The average maximum rate for one-year personal fixed deposits now stands at 6.025%. The minimum is 4.061%. In Chaitra, the average maximum was 6.014% and the minimum was 4.051%.
Mixed Trends in Savings Interest Rates
Banks also changed savings account interest rates. One bank increased its rate while another reduced it. The average maximum savings rate in Baisakh is 4.414%. The average minimum remains 3.013%, the same as last month. In Chaitra, the average maximum was 4.464%.
Banks have been slowly cutting interest rates in recent months. These changes reflect better liquidity in the banking sector, according to analysts.
Banks That Reduced Rates
Nepal Bank, Sanima Bank, and Kumari Bank lowered their personal fixed deposit rates.
Nepal Bank cut its rate from 5.5% to 5.15%, and its institutional rate from 5.15% to 4%.
Sanima Bank reduced personal rates from 6.05% to 5.95% and institutional rates from 4.3% to 4.2%.
Kumari Bank dropped its rate from 6.01% to 5.92% and institutional from 5.01% to 4.92%.
These reductions suggest banks are under less pressure to attract deposits.
Everest Bank Raised Rates
Everest Bank was the only bank to raise its interest rates significantly. It increased its personal fixed deposit rate from 6% to 6.61%. The institutional rate rose from 5% to 5.61%. This move appears aimed at staying competitive in deposit collection.
Most Banks Held Rates Steady
Other banks kept their interest rates unchanged from Chaitra.
NMB Bank and NIC Asia are offering 6.6% on personal and 5.6% on institutional deposits.
Nepal Investment Mega Bank provides 6.5% and 5.1%.
Prime Commercial Bank gives 6.25% and 3.5%.
Standard Chartered stays at 6.25% and 3.25%.
Prabhu Bank offers 6.1% and 5%.
Other banks like Global IME, Machhapuchchhre, Siddhartha, and Rastriya Banijya Bank continue to offer 6% for personal deposits. Their institutional rates range between 3% and 5%.
Himalayan Bank and Nepal SBI pay 5.5% on personal deposits, and 4.5% and 4% on institutional ones.
Laxmi Sunrise and Nabil Bank both offer 5.75% on personal deposits. Their institutional rates are 4.5% and 4.05%, respectively.
Citizens Bank gives 5.65% and 4%. Agricultural Development Bank offers 5.51% for personal and 3.25% for institutional deposits.
Outlook
Interest rate trends suggest banks are balancing competition with improved liquidity. Some banks remain aggressive, while others focus on maintaining stability.
For more: Nepal Commercial Banks Interest Rates