Top 10 Best HKD Time Deposit Rates in Hong Kong May 2026

Our methodology: Promotional time deposit rates were collected directly from each bank's official Hong Kong website in May 2026. Rankings are ordered by effective annual return (highest first). We recorded the minimum deposit, eligible term length, and eligibility conditions (e.g., new funds only, salary credit required).

What does 'new funds only' mean? Most promotional rates require money that has not been held at that bank in the past 30–90 days. Confirm eligibility with your bank before transferring.

What happens if I withdraw early? Early withdrawal typically forfeits all accrued interest. Review your bank's specific terms before committing.

Are these rates guaranteed? Promotional rates are fixed for the agreed term length. Rates shown were accurate at time of publication — verify the current rate on each bank's official website before depositing.

What does 'new funds' mean? Most promotional rates require money that is not already sitting at that bank. Transferring savings from another bank counts as new funds; simply shuffling money between your own accounts at the same bank usually does not qualify.

What does 'p.a.' mean? 'Per annum' — the interest rate earned over a full year. A 4.8% p.a. rate on a 6-month deposit means you receive roughly 2.4% in interest for those 6 months.

What happens if I need my money back early? Most banks allow early withdrawal, but you typically forfeit all or part of the interest earned. Always check the penalty terms before locking in your deposit.

Which option has the lowest minimum deposit? ZA Bank's 3-month offer starts at just HK$5,000, making it the most accessible entry point on this list.

Are my deposits safe? Deposits held at Hong Kong licensed banks are protected up to HK$500,000 per depositor under the [Hong Kong Deposit Protection Scheme](https://www.dps.org.hk).

Almost every product on this list requires something beyond simply having money to deposit: most require 'new funds' transferred in from outside the bank rather than money already sitting in an existing account, several require an active salary credit or mortgage relationship, and the highest-tier offers require maintaining a broader relationship balance across deposits, investments, and insurance. Before comparing headline rates, check which of these conditions you can actually meet — a higher advertised rate you don't qualify for isn't a real option.

Every product here auto-renews at the bank's standard board rate once the promotional tenor matures, unless you actively give a counter-instruction — and board rates on ordinary time deposits are typically far lower than the promotional rate that attracted the deposit in the first place. The practical way to use a list like this is to calendar the maturity date and decide in advance whether you'll roll into a new promotion, move the funds elsewhere, or accept the lower standard rate, rather than letting it auto-renew by default.