Deposit rates are rising: where you can get 17%

In August 2026, several major banks in Kyrgyzstan simultaneously raised rates on fixed-term som deposits — the top rate reached 17% per year. That is the highest level in several years, and for depositors with sizeable savings the difference in income is noticeable: on a deposit of 500,000 som it means an extra 10,000–15,000 som per year compared with rates a year ago.

Who offers the best terms

As of early September 2026, the maximum som rates look like this:

• Optima Bank — up to 17% per year for terms from 12 months and amounts from 300,000 som
• KICB — 16.5% on the "Classic" deposit with an 18–24 month term
• Bakai Bank — 16% with monthly interest capitalization
• Kompanion Bank — 15.5% for accounts opened online through the app
• Dos-Credobank — 15% with partial withdrawal allowed after six months

It's important to understand that the highest rates almost always come with strict conditions — a minimum amount of 100,000–300,000 som, a term of at least a year, and no top-ups or early withdrawal without losing interest. If a bank doesn't state these restrictions clearly, ask the manager before signing the contract.

Why rates rose right now

The NBKR's key rate stands at 9%, while inflation in the country is 5.8% per year and the economy is growing at 8.1%. Banks need depositors' long-term money to grow their loan portfolios — and cash loans are currently issued at 16–32% per year, mortgages at 14–22%. The gap between the rate banks pay depositors and the rate they charge borrowers remains profitable for banks, so competition for deposits is intensifying specifically in the one-year-plus segment.

It's also worth factoring in inflation separately: the real return on a deposit at 17% per year with inflation at 5.8% is roughly 11 percentage points — noticeably better than keeping money at home or in an ordinary current account with no interest.

What to look at when choosing a deposit

Besides the bare rate, several other parameters matter: how interest is capitalized (monthly is better than a lump sum at the end of the term), the terms for early termination, and the bank's reputation and license. All banks in Kyrgyzstan operate under NBKR supervision, and individuals' deposits are insured by the Deposit Protection Agency (DPA) for up to 200,000 som per depositor per bank — worth keeping in mind when splitting a large sum between several banks.

Don't chase the maximum percentage alone: a bank offering a more modest 15% but with flexible top-up and withdrawal terms often turns out more convenient for everyday needs than a maximum-rate deposit that locks your money for two years.

Before opening a deposit, it makes sense to compare current bank offers by rate, term and conditions on FinMarketKG — it takes a few minutes but can help you avoid missing a better deal or getting caught out by hidden conditions in the contract.