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National Savings Bank FD Rates 2026

NSB fixed deposit rates - Sri Lanka's safest FD backed by a statutory guarantee. Updated 2026-09-01.

Quick answer

National Savings Bank (NSB) offers fixed deposit rates from 6.75% to 7.75% per annum. NSB deposits carry a statutory guarantee under the National Savings Bank Act, which is a stronger protection than the deposit insurance covering other banks.

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Statutory Guarantee

NSB deposits are protected by a statutory guarantee under the National Savings Bank Act - the highest level of deposit protection available in Sri Lanka.

NSB Fixed Deposit Rates - All Tenures

TenureInterest Rate (p.a.)Interest on LKR 1MMaturity Value
3 Months6.75%+LKR 16,875LKR 1,016,875
6 Months7%+LKR 35,000LKR 1,035,000
1 Year7.25%+LKR 72,500LKR 1,072,500
2 Years7.75%Best+LKR 155,000LKR 1,155,000

Rates as of 2026-09-01. Verify with NSB before investing.

How National Savings Bank FD rates have changed

Tracked from our own dated records between March 28, 2026 and September 1, 2026 - 39 snapshots.

National Savings Bank fixed deposit rates by tenure over time6%6.5%7%7.5%8%MarAprMayJunJulAugSep6.75%7.00%7.25%7.75%
3 months6 months1 year2 years
National Savings Bank rates by tenure, Mar 2026 to Sep 2026
National Savings Bank fixed deposit rate change by tenure between 2026-03-28 and 2026-09-01
TenureMar 2026NowChange
3 months6.25%6.75%+0.50pp
6 months6.50%7.00%+0.50pp
1 year6.75%7.25%+0.50pp
2 years7.25%7.75%+0.50pp

Over this period National Savings Bank adjusted 4 of its 4 published tenures. The largest single move was on the 3 months deposit, which went from 6.25% to 6.75% (+0.5 percentage points). See how this compares with every other bank on our full FD rate history page.

About NSB Fixed Deposits

The National Savings Bank (NSB) is a state-owned savings bank established under the National Savings Bank Act No. 30 of 1971. Unlike commercial banks, NSB operates specifically as a savings institution, meaning its primary mandate is to mobilise public savings. This focus makes NSB one of the most trusted financial institutions in Sri Lanka.

What makes NSB uniquely safe is its statutory guarantee - deposits at NSB are protected not just by the Sri Lanka Deposit Insurance Scheme, but by an explicit statutory guarantee under the NSB Act. This means NSB deposits carry the full backing of the Government of Sri Lanka.

NSB FD vs. Other Banks

NSB rates are competitive with other state banks but may be slightly lower than private commercial banks. The key advantage of NSB over all other options is the statutory guarantee, which provides an unmatched level of security. For risk-averse investors, retirees, and those saving for critical goals, NSB is widely considered the gold standard for FD safety in Sri Lanka.

Special NSB Schemes

  • Senior citizen rates: NSB offers preferential interest rates for depositors aged 60 and above.
  • Children's savings: NSB has specific savings schemes tailored for children and young adults.
  • Loan against FD: NSB allows loans against fixed deposits, letting you access liquidity without breaking the deposit.

How to Open an NSB Fixed Deposit

  1. Visit any NSB branch island-wide or an NSB Savings Centre.
  2. Bring your National Identity Card (NIC) or passport.
  3. Provide proof of address (utility bill, bank statement).
  4. Complete the FD application form.
  5. Deposit the required minimum amount.
  6. Receive your Fixed Deposit Receipt as proof of deposit.
Compare With All BanksCalculate NSB Returns

Rates are sourced from publicly available NSB information and updated regularly. Always verify current rates directly with NSB before making any investment decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current NSB fixed deposit interest rate?

National Savings Bank currently offers fixed deposit rates from 6.75% to 7.75% per annum depending on tenure. The highest NSB rate is 7.75% p.a. on a 2 Years deposit. Rates were last verified on 2026-09-01.

Has NSB changed its FD rates recently?

From our own tracked records since March 28, 2026, NSB's 12-month fixed deposit rate moved from 6.75% to 7.25% - a change of +0.5 percentage points. Like the other state banks, NSB moved more slowly than the private commercial banks over this period.

Why is NSB considered the safest bank in Sri Lanka?

National Savings Bank is unusual because its deposits carry an explicit statutory guarantee from the Government of Sri Lanka under the National Savings Bank Act, rather than the implicit backing that state-owned commercial banks rely on. That written guarantee is the strongest form of deposit protection available in the Sri Lankan market and is the main reason conservative savers choose NSB even when its headline rate is not the highest.

Is NSB better than BOC for a fixed deposit?

Both are state institutions and both are conservative choices. The distinction is that NSB's guarantee is explicit and written into its founding statute, while BOC's backing is implicit through government ownership. BOC, on the other hand, has a larger branch network and a broader range of banking services. If the deposit guarantee is your single priority, NSB has the stronger legal position; if you want a full-service bank, BOC is more convenient.

Should I choose NSB or a private bank for my FD?

It is a straightforward trade between rate and security. The best 12-month rate we currently track across all banks is 10.5%, against NSB's 7.25%. On a one-million-rupee deposit that difference is real money over a year. What you give up by chasing it is the statutory guarantee. Many savers split the difference by keeping a core amount at NSB and placing the remainder with higher-paying private banks.

Can I open an NSB fixed deposit online?

NSB has expanded its digital services, but availability of fully online FD opening depends on whether you are already an NSB customer and on the product you want. Existing customers with internet banking access can generally place a deposit digitally, while new customers usually need to complete identity verification at a branch first. Check the current position with NSB directly, as digital onboarding rules change.