Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Following the Central Bank of Egypt’s recent decision to cut interest rates by 200 basis points at the end of August 2025, Egyptian banks have begun reshaping their savings and investment products in response. Despite the general trend of lowering returns, many institutions are still offering highly competitive interest rates on certain accounts and certificates to retain depositors and attract new clients, particularly those with high balances.
Rethinking Savings: Adjusting to Rate Cuts
Most banks have reduced interest rates on savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) by 1–2%, depending on the type and duration of the product. However, several banks have maintained, or even introduced, interest rates exceeding 20% on select offerings, especially for tiered or long-term savings instruments.
A senior official in retail banking at a leading bank noted that the rate cuts were accompanied by a comprehensive restructuring of savings products, involving changes in maturity periods, payout schedules, and the introduction of more diversified options to suit different customer profiles.
“The drop in inflation has allowed for positive real returns on savings again,” the official explained. “Clients are now more financially aware and are actively seeking out the highest-yielding savings products that match their needs.”
Top-Yielding Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
A recent survey identified the highest-returning savings certificates and accounts currently available in Egypt:
- National Bank of Egypt (NBE):
Offers the highest tiered return through its Platinum Certificate:- Year 1: 23% (annual payout) or 21% (monthly payout)
- Year 2: 18.5% (annual) or 16.75% (monthly)
- Year 3: 14% (annual) or 13% (monthly)
- Banque Misr:
Continues to offer a strong rate on its “Ibn Misr” certificate:- Year 1: 20.5%
- Year 2: 17%
- Year 3: 13.5% (monthly payout)
- Next Bank (Bank NEXT):
Competing aggressively with:- 19% (monthly)
- 19.10% (quarterly)
- 19.20% (annual payout)
- Housing and Development Bank:
Offers an 18% fixed annual rate on its “Diamond Certificate”, with monthly returns. - Al Baraka Bank:
Offers 18% annually on its “Elite Certificate”, while the “Sanbula” (three-year step-up certificate) pays:- Year 1: 21%
- Year 2: 17%
- Year 3: 15%
- United Bank of Egypt:
Offers a similar 18% return on its “Nokhba” certificate, with a monthly payout.
Most Attractive Savings Accounts
Beyond certificates, several banks are offering highly competitive rates on savings accounts, a more flexible option that allows for easier access to funds:
- Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB):
Provides the highest expected return of up to 21.25% on its “Al-Ghani” and “Al-Ghani Plus” savings accounts. The return is calculated monthly, with a minimum balance requirement of EGP 250,000. - National Bank of Egypt (NBE):
Offers returns between 12.3% and 20%, depending on account balance. Interest is paid monthly based on the lowest balance during the month. - Al Baraka Bank:
Offers 15.75% to 19.5% on monthly savings accounts, with tiered interest based on deposit size. - Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB):
Offers 19% annually on its “Excellency Account”. - Banque Misr:
Savings account interest rates range between 12.75% and 17.15%, also paid monthly based on balance tiers.
Choosing the Right Savings Option
In a lower interest rate environment, bank customers in Egypt are increasingly comparing products based on yield, flexibility, and payout frequency. While short-term interest rates have declined, the real returns after adjusting for inflation remain attractive in many cases.
Financial experts advise savers to carefully assess the terms of each product, particularly the payout structure (monthly vs. annual), minimum balance requirements, and whether the interest rate is fixed or variable over time.
With inflation trending downward and competition intensifying between banks, savers in Egypt now have a rare opportunity to secure strong returns, if they choose wisely.
