Investing your savings in a fixed deposit (FD) is one of the most secure ways to grow your money with guaranteed returns. In Malaysia, major banks like Malayan Banking Berhad and Public Bank Berhad offer FD accounts — but their interest rates and features can differ. In this guide, we compare their typical rates, what you can expect, and how to choose the best one for your goals in 2026.

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📈 What Is a Fixed Deposit?

A fixed deposit (FD) is a savings product where you lock in a sum of money for a fixed period — typically from 1 month up to 60 months — and earn fixed interest at a guaranteed rate. FD accounts usually offer higher interest than regular savings accounts but don’t allow you to withdraw funds early without penalties.

Maybank’s standard FD rates are often set based on the prevailing Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) from Bank Negara Malaysia and may be slightly lower than some competitors. As of the latest published rates:

📌 Typical Board Rates at Maybank (non-promo)

• Approximately 1.80% – 2.15% p.a. for tenures from 1 month to 60 months, increasing slightly with longer durations.

📍 Example rates (effective late 2025 / early 2026):

• 1–3 months: ~1.80% – 1.95% p.a.
• 6–12 months: ~2.05% p.a.
• Longer tenures (36–60 months): ~2.10% – 2.15% p.a.
  These rates may vary and are subject to change without notice.

📌 Promotional Offers

Occasionally, Maybank offers higher promo rates — for example, up to about 3.50% p.a. on e-Islamic Fixed Deposits during limited campaigns (e.g., seasonal or festive offers).

Public Bank also provides fixed deposit solutions with slightly different rate structures.

📌 Standard Board Rates

According to recent listings, Public Bank’s conventional FD rates may be slightly lower than some competitors, generally:

• Around 1.75% – 2.05% p.a. depending on tenure and product (standard FD, PLUS FD, Golden 50 PLUS, etc.).

📌 Special Campaign Rates

Public Bank periodically runs fixed deposit promotions where you can find improved rates — for example, promotional tenures offering around 3.25% – 3.55% p.a. for short to mid-term placements.

Examples include:

• Public Bank eFD campaign offering higher interest for deposits of selected tenures.

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🔎 Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s a simple comparison between Maybank and Public Bank’s typical FD offerings in 2026:

Feature	Maybank FD	Public Bank FD
Standard Interest (1–12 months)	~1.80% – 2.05% p.a.	~1.75% – 2.05% p.a.
Long-Term (36–60 months)	Up to ~2.15% p.a.	Up to ~2.05% p.a.
Promotional Rates	Up to ~3.50% p.a. (seasonal)	Up to ~3.55% p.a. (special FD campaign)
Early Withdrawal	Possible (standard FDs)	Depends on product/campaign
Special Products	e-Fixed, Islamic FD promo	eFD & PLUS FD campaigns

👉 In summary, Public Bank and Maybank standard FD rates are relatively close, often hovering around 2.0% – 2.15% p.a. for common tenures, with Maybank slightly higher on some long-term tenures and Public Bank occasionally catching up during promotional cycles.

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💡 Tips When Choosing a Fixed Deposit

✔ Compare board vs promotional rates: Promo rates may be higher but time-limited.
✔ Check early withdrawal terms: Some FDs don’t allow payouts before maturity.
✔ Factor inflation: Fixed rates lock your return, so consider inflation in real terms.
✔ Diversity: Spread FDs across tenures for better cash flow management.

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📌 Final Thoughts

Both Maybank and Public Bank offer solid fixed deposit options in Malaysia for 2026. Maybank’s standard rates tend to be slightly higher on longer placements, while Public Bank often catches attention with special campaign rates or promotions. Most typical FD rates today sit around 2.0% – 2.15% p.a. for regular, non-promotional tenures.

If you’re aiming simply to preserve capital with predictable returns, fixed deposits from either bank are a low-risk choice. Choosing between them often comes down to current promotional offers, tenure your funds will be locked up, and how flexible you need early access to the money.

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