Fixed Deposit Calculator — South Africa
Calculate your fixed-deposit maturity value and interest in ZAR at current rates. No signup, no tracking.
Fixed deposit rates in South Africa (2026)
FD rates ≈ 8–9% p.a. for 12+ month terms. Tax-free up to R23,800/year interest exemption (under 65). Providers: African Bank, Capitec, FNB.
Reference figures, ~2026. FD interest is often taxable and rates vary by bank and tenure - verify the current rate before depositing.
Worked example
For every RÂ 100Â 000 deposited at 8.50% for 5 years (quarterly compounding):
- Maturity value: RÂ 152Â 279
- Interest earned: RÂ 52Â 279
Scale to your deposit amount. Longer tenures and higher rates grow the maturity value; compare banks before locking in.
How to get the best fixed-deposit return in South Africa
- Compare several banks - smaller and digital banks often pay more than the big high-street names.
- Ladder your deposits across different tenures so some matures regularly and you can reinvest at new rates.
- Check how often interest compounds; more frequent compounding grows the maturity value.
- Factor in tax on the interest, and compare against short-term government bills or bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is FD maturity calculated in South Africa?
Maturity = P × (1 + r/4)^(4n) for quarterly compounding, where P is the deposit, r the annual rate and n the years. fin·calc uses this standard method.
What is the current FD rate in South Africa?
As a 2026 reference, fixed-deposit rates are around 8.5% per year, varying by bank and tenure. FD rates ≈ 8–9% p.a. for 12+ month terms. Tax-free up to R23,800/year interest exemption (under 65). Providers: African Bank, Capitec, FNB.
Is FD interest taxable in South Africa?
In most countries FD interest is taxable as income; some offer tax-advantaged or senior-citizen options. Check your local rules - the calculator shows the pre-tax maturity value.
Is a fixed deposit safe in South Africa?
Fixed deposits carry no market risk and are often protected by a deposit-insurance scheme up to a limit. They trade higher safety for lower long-term returns than equities.
Should I choose a fixed deposit or invest instead in South Africa?
A fixed deposit gives a guaranteed return and suits money you cannot afford to risk. Investing targets higher long-term growth but can fall in value. Many people keep an FD for safety and invest separately for growth.