Best Fixed Deposit (FD) Rates in Nepal — Ashwin 2083
The top 1-year rate slipped again this month, but the longer tenures did not. Here is who leads in Ashwin 2083, what changed since Bhadra, and how to time a deposit before Dashain.
- Highest 1-year FD right now: 5.50% at Janaki Finance — down from 6.00% a month ago. Narayani Development Bank is next at 5.15%.
- 2-year and 3-year deposits still pay 6.00% (Janaki Finance for 2 years, Pokhara Finance for 3) — the term premium is the only thing that has not fallen.
- Commercial banks: the best Class A 1-year rate is just 3.20% (Nepal SBI Bank); the market median is 3.00%.
- All NRB-licensed institutions are DCGC-guaranteed up to NPR 5 lakh. Confirm today's numbers on the live FD tracker.
Top 1-Year FD Rates in Nepal — Ashwin 2083
Published 1-year fixed deposit rates for individuals, as of Ashwin 5, 2083 (September 21, 2026), across the 48 banks and finance companies Byajdar tracks. Finance companies and development banks still lead by a wide margin; the ranking updates daily on the Byajdar FD rate tracker.
| # | Institution | 1-Year FD Rate | Bhadra |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Janaki Finance Co. Top rate | 5.50% | 6.00% |
| 2 | Narayani Development Bank | 5.15% | 5.40% |
| 3 | Salapa Bikas Bank | 5.00% | 5.00% |
| 4 | Multipurpose Finance | 4.75% | 4.75% |
| 5 | Nepal Finance | 4.50% | — |
| 6 | Corporate Bikas Bank | 4.25% | 4.75% |
What changed since Bhadra
Three of the top four cut their 1-year rate during the month. Janaki Finance trimmed 50 basis points, Narayani 25, Corporate Bikas 50. Nobody in the top six raised. The pattern matches the wider picture: the system is still carrying surplus liquidity, Nepal Rastra Bank's policy rate remains at 5.75%, and the 91-day treasury bill yields under 5% — so banks have no reason to bid for deposits.
The one thing that did not fall is the term premium. A 2-year deposit at Janaki Finance still pays 6.00%, and Pokhara Finance pays 6.00% for 3 years. If you can leave the money alone, the longer tenure now pays half a point more than the best 1-year rate — the widest gap we have recorded this year.
Commercial banks: the gap is now two full points
Among Class A commercial banks the best 1-year rate is 3.20% at Nepal SBI Bank, followed by Rastriya Banijya Bank (3.15%) and Machhapuchchhre Bank (3.00%). On a NPR 10 lakh deposit, choosing Janaki Finance over the best commercial bank is worth about NPR 23,000 a year before tax. Both sit inside the same DCGC guarantee up to NPR 5 lakh per institution, so for amounts under that limit the rate is the only real difference; above it, split across institutions. Our explainer on the four classes of banks covers what the class actually means.
Should you lock in before Dashain?
Dashain starts on Ghatasthapana, Ashwin 25 (October 11), and most rate changes this year have taken effect at the start of a Nepali month — the next reset lands on Kartik 1 (October 18), right in the middle of the holiday. With every move this cycle pointing down, a deposit opened in Ashwin locks today's 5.50% for a full year; waiting risks another cut. If you are receiving remittance for the festival, the money can go straight into an FD — see our guide to sending money home for Dashain.
How to lock in the best rate
- Compare every institution on the live tracker — the top-to-median gap is 2.5 points this month.
- Consider 2 years if you will not need the money: 6.00% versus 5.50% on the same institution.
- Run the maturity on the FD calculator, which applies quarterly compounding and the 5% TDS.
- Ask about senior-citizen rates, typically up to 1% extra for those aged 60+ — see senior citizen FD rates.
Tax and safety in one line
FD interest carries 5% TDS with a PAN (15% without), and deposits are guaranteed up to NPR 5 lakh per institution by the DCGC. Details in our guide to tax on FD interest.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best FD rate in Nepal in Ashwin 2083?
As of Ashwin 5, 2083, the highest 1-year fixed deposit rate is 5.50% at Janaki Finance, followed by Narayani Development Bank at 5.15% and Salapa Bikas Bank at 5.00%. For 2- and 3-year tenures the top rate is 6.00%. Rates change often; the Byajdar tracker is updated daily.
Did FD rates go up or down in Ashwin 2083?
Down. The top 1-year rate fell from 6.00% to 5.50% during Bhadra, and three of the top four institutions cut. Longer tenures held at 6.00%.
Which commercial bank gives the highest FD rate in Nepal?
Nepal SBI Bank at 3.20% for 1 year, then Rastriya Banijya Bank (3.15%) and Machhapuchchhre Bank (3.00%). For 3-year deposits Machhapuchchhre pays 4.50%.
Is a 2-year FD better than a 1-year FD right now?
On rate alone, yes: 6.00% versus 5.50% at the top of the market. The trade-off is liquidity — breaking an FD early usually forfeits most of the interest — so only choose 2 years for money you will not need.
Is it safe to put money in a finance company for the higher rate?
Every NRB-licensed institution, including finance companies, is covered by the DCGC guarantee up to NPR 5 lakh per depositor. Within that limit the higher rate carries no extra guarantee risk; above it, split the deposit across institutions.
See live, verified rates: rates change often — check today's numbers on the Byajdar FD rate tracker → or get matched to your best bank with Find My Bank →.