Best Bank for Fixed Deposit in Nepal 2082/83
Rates have softened from the highs of 2080. Here is a clear, ranked breakdown of which Nepali banks offer the best combination of interest rate, safety, and minimum deposit right now.
- Highest 1-year FD rate: NMB Bank and Prabhu Bank consistently offer top-tier rates among commercial banks — around 6.00–6.65% p.a. in Ashadh 2083.
- Safest option: Rastriya Banijya Bank (government-owned) + DCGC guarantee up to NPR 5 lakh per bank.
- Best for large deposits: Split across 2–3 banks to stay within DCGC coverage per institution.
- Best for senior citizens: Several banks offer 0.50–1.00% extra on FDs for citizens aged 60+.
- Live rates: Always verify on Byajdar's live FD rate tracker — rates update daily.
Why FD Rates Have Changed in 2082/83
Nepal Rastra Bank's (NRB) monetary policy in 2082 prioritised credit expansion to stimulate an economy that had slowed through 2081. The policy rate was adjusted to encourage banks to lend more, which eased deposit rates from the 10–11% peaks seen in 2079–80. By Ashadh 2083, commercial bank 1-year FD rates had settled in the 4–6.65% range — lower than recent highs but still well above the 2–3% seen pre-2076.
For depositors, the implication is this: the window of very high rates has passed, but rates remain historically reasonable. The priority now is identifying which banks offer the best rates while maintaining safety.
Top Commercial Banks for FD in Nepal 2082/83
The table below reflects indicative 1-year FD rates as of Ashadh 2083. For live rates updated daily, see the Byajdar FD rate tracker.
| # | Bank | 1-Year FD Rate | Min. Deposit | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NMB Bank Top Rate | ~6.65% | NPR 10,000 | Commercial |
| 2 | Prabhu Bank | ~6.55% | NPR 10,000 | Commercial |
| 3 | Global IME Bank | ~6.25% | NPR 10,000 | Commercial |
| 4 | Nepal Investment Mega Bank | ~6.00% | NPR 10,000 | Commercial |
| 5 | Nabil Bank | ~5.90% | NPR 10,000 | Commercial |
| 6 | Rastriya Banijya Bank Govt. | ~5.50% | NPR 10,000 | Govt-owned |
| 7 | Everest Bank | ~5.25% | NPR 10,000 | Commercial |
| 8 | Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Premium | ~4.50% | NPR 25,000 | Commercial |
Best Bank for FD: Our Top 5 Picks
1. NMB Bank — Best Rate
NMB Bank has consistently offered one of the highest 1-year FD rates among Nepal's Class A commercial banks. With a rate around 6.65% in Ashadh 2083, NPR 10 lakh deposited for 1 year earns approximately NPR 66,500 in interest (before 5% TDS). NMB is a publicly listed commercial bank with strong capital adequacy ratios and widespread branch access.
Best for: Depositors who prioritise the highest guaranteed rate over brand recognition.
2. Prabhu Bank — Consistently Competitive
Prabhu Bank has been among the most aggressive pricers on deposit rates. With a 1-year rate near 6.55%, it offers near-top returns with the reassurance of a large, merged bank (born from the integration of multiple financial institutions). Prabhu has strong digital banking infrastructure and a wide remittance network, making it popular with both domestic depositors and NRN investors.
Best for: Depositors who want near-highest rates from a well-established institution.
3. Rastriya Banijya Bank — Safest Option
Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB) is fully government-owned, making it the safest destination for deposits in Nepal — it is implicitly backed by the Government of Nepal. While its FD rate (~5.50%) is lower than private commercial banks, depositors who prioritise capital safety over rate maximisation often prefer RBB for large deposits. It has the largest branch network of any bank in Nepal, including in remote hill and mountain districts.
Best for: Risk-averse depositors, rural depositors, and those placing large sums where government backing matters.
4. Nabil Bank — Best Overall Track Record
Nabil Bank, Nepal's first private commercial bank (estd. 1984), has one of the longest and most consistent track records in the industry. It is one of the most profitable banks in Nepal and maintains excellent capital adequacy and non-performing loan (NPL) ratios. While its rate (~5.90%) is not the absolute highest, it combines strong returns with decades of stability and a premium digital platform.
Best for: Depositors who want a proven institution with solid returns and premium service.
5. Standard Chartered Bank Nepal — Best for Large Deposits
Standard Chartered Bank Nepal, the local arm of the global Standard Chartered group, offers the strongest international backing of any bank in Nepal. FD rates are lower (~4.50%) than domestic private banks, but the minimum deposit is higher (NPR 25,000) and the bank is preferred by MNCs, embassies, and high-net-worth individuals who need SWIFT, trade finance, or international banking services alongside FDs.
Best for: Depositors who also need international banking services or want a globally-backed institution.
The Deposit and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DCGC) guarantees up to NPR 5 lakh per depositor per bank across all NRB-licensed commercial, development, and finance companies. If you are depositing more than NPR 5 lakh, consider distributing across multiple banks to maximise protection — each bank gives you a separate NPR 5 lakh guarantee.
FD Rates in Nepal: Which Tenure Pays Most?
In most banks in Nepal, the 1-year FD offers the highest interest rate. Shorter tenures (3 months, 6 months) typically offer slightly lower rates as banks cannot commit capital for as long. For tenures beyond 1 year (2 years, 3 years), some banks match the 1-year rate while others lower it slightly.
| Tenure | Typical Rate Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 3.00–5.50% | Emergency liquidity buffer |
| 6 months | 4.00–5.75% | Short-term parking of funds |
| 1 year | 4.50–6.65% | Highest rate — most popular |
| 2 years | 4.00–6.00% | Long-term savings goals |
| 3 years | 3.75–5.75% | Very long-term savings |
If you believe interest rates will rise in the next 12 months, opt for a 6-month FD so you can reinvest at a higher rate at maturity. If you believe rates will fall (as they did from 2080 to 2082), locking in a 1-year or 2-year FD now protects you from future rate cuts.
FD for Senior Citizens in Nepal 2082/83
Many Nepali banks offer a senior citizen FD premium of 0.50% to 1.00% above the standard rate for depositors aged 60 and above. This brings the effective rate to 7.00–7.65% at some banks. Senior citizens should specifically ask about this scheme when opening an FD. Both public and private banks are required by NRB to offer preferential rates to senior citizens under NRB's consumer protection directives.
How FD Interest Is Calculated and Taxed in Nepal
FD interest in Nepal is calculated on a simple interest basis for most tenures under 1 year. For 1-year and longer FDs, most banks credit interest quarterly or at maturity. A 5% TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is automatically deducted from all interest payments to resident individual depositors. This means: if you earn NPR 66,500 in FD interest on NPR 10 lakh at 6.65%, you receive NPR 63,175 after TDS (5% = NPR 3,325).
You must still declare this interest income in your annual Income Tax Return (ITR) with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). The TDS deducted counts as advance tax and reduces your final tax liability.
Can I Take a Loan Against My FD?
Yes — all major Nepali banks offer loans against fixed deposits (FD-backed loans), typically lending up to 90% of the FD value. The interest rate on such a loan is usually 1–2% above the FD interest rate. This means if you have a 6.50% FD, you might pay 7.50–8.50% on the loan — still cheaper than a personal loan (12–20%). Crucially, your FD continues to earn interest even while you have a loan against it, making this one of the most cost-effective emergency financing options in Nepal.
See Live FD Rates from All Nepali Banks
Rates updated daily from Nepal Rastra Bank data. Compare all commercial banks side by side.
Compare FD Rates Now →Frequently Asked Questions — FD in Nepal 2082/83
Which bank gives the highest FD interest rate in Nepal in 2082/83?
Among commercial banks in Nepal, NMB Bank and Prabhu Bank have consistently offered some of the highest 1-year FD rates in 2082/83, with rates above 6.00% per annum. Always verify the current rate directly with the bank before investing, as rates can change monthly.
What is the maximum FD interest rate in Nepal in 2082/83?
As of Ashadh 2083, the highest 1-year fixed deposit interest rates among commercial banks in Nepal are approximately 6.50–6.65% per annum. Development banks may quote rates up to 7–8%, and finance companies higher still, but these come with elevated risk compared to NRB-licensed commercial banks.
Is fixed deposit safe in Nepal?
Fixed deposits at Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)-licensed commercial banks are generally considered safe. Depositor protection is provided by the Deposit and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DCGC), which guarantees up to NPR 5 lakh per depositor per bank. For amounts exceeding NPR 5 lakh, distributing across multiple banks adds an extra layer of safety.
What is the minimum deposit for FD in Nepal?
Most commercial banks in Nepal require a minimum of NPR 10,000 to open a fixed deposit account. Some banks accept as low as NPR 5,000 for short-term FDs, while Standard Chartered and some premium banks require NPR 25,000 or higher. Development banks and finance companies often accept NPR 5,000 or lower.
What is the best tenure for FD in Nepal?
The 1-year tenure typically offers the highest FD rates among commercial banks in Nepal. If you anticipate interest rates rising, shorter tenures (3–6 months) let you reinvest at higher rates sooner. If rates are expected to fall, locking in a 1-year or 2-year FD protects your rate.
Can I get a loan against my FD in Nepal?
Yes. All major Nepali banks offer loans against fixed deposits, typically up to 90% of the FD value. The interest rate on such loans is usually 1–2% above the FD rate itself. Your FD continues to earn interest while the loan is outstanding — making this one of the cheapest financing options available.
How is FD interest taxed in Nepal?
FD interest income in Nepal is subject to a 5% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) for Nepali resident individuals. TDS is deducted automatically by the bank when interest is credited. You must declare FD interest in your Income Tax Return filed with the Inland Revenue Department.
Which is better — FD or savings account in Nepal?
Fixed deposits offer significantly higher interest than savings accounts in Nepal — typically 4–6.65% for FD versus 3–4% for savings. The trade-off is liquidity: FD funds are locked in for the tenure with a penalty for premature withdrawal. A practical strategy: keep 3–6 months of expenses in savings and invest the rest in FDs.