Fixed Deposit vs Savings Account: Which is better in Nigeria?

When it comes to growing your money, every little bit counts. One of the easiest ways to lose out on potential earnings is by parking your money in a savings account with a low interest rate. Many Nigerians save their money in traditional savings accounts, but these often offer low interest rates that struggle to keep pace with inflation. This can lead to a decrease in the buying power of your hard-earned Naira over time. Fortunately, alternative options exist to make your money work harder for you.

Understanding Interest Rates: What is APY and Why Should You Care?

APY, or Annual Percentage Yield, is a measure of how much you earn on your savings over a year, factoring in  compounding interest. Unlike simple interest, which only pays you on your initial deposit, APY considers both your principal and the interest it earns over time. This means your money grows faster with a higher APY. 

Are Your Savings Keeping Up with Inflation in Nigeria? 

Many Nigerians rely on traditional savings accounts to manage their money. While these accounts offer easy access to your funds, a crucial drawback exists low interests.  In essence, the interest rates your savings account offers might be so low that it struggles to keep pace with inflation.

Inflation is the gradual increase in prices of goods and services over time. Let's say your savings account offers a 0.25% Interest rate. If inflation is at 5%, the buying power of your money is actually decreasing by 4.75% each year! Essentially, your ₦10,000 today won't buy the same number of things in a year due to inflation.

Fixed Deposits: A Great Alternative

Fortunately, there's a way to make your money work harder for you. Enter fixed deposits (also known as Term Deposits in Nigeria). These accounts offer a great solution for Nigerians seeking to grow their savings and outpace inflation. 

Why a Fixed Deposit is Better than a Savings Account in Nigeria:

• Higher APY: Fixed deposits typically offer significantly higher APY rates than savings accounts. By locking your money away for a predetermined term (usually ranging from a few months to several years), banks are incentivized to reward you with a better return.
• Predictable Growth: With a fixed deposit, you know exactly what your interest rate will be for the entire term. This predictability allows you to plan your finances more effectively.
• Compound Interest: Like a snowball rolling downhill, interest earned on a fixed deposit can be compounded and added to your principal balance. This means you earn interest on your interest, accelerating your earnings potential

Here's a quick comparison:

 Savings vs Fixed Deposit

Let's see how much of a difference the interest rate can make using Bank A as an example. They offer a Savings Account with a 1.2% APY and a fixed deposit option with an 11% interest rate. But here's the thing to remember inflation is a sneaky thief!

Scenario 1: The Savings Account 

Imagine you save ₦100,000 in the Savings Account. With a 1.2% interest rate, after one year, you'd earn ₦1,200 in interest. This means your total account balance would be ₦100,000 (principal amount) + ₦1,200 (interest) = ₦101,200.

However, if inflation is, say, 5%, your ₦101,200 actually buys 5% less than it did a year ago. In real terms, you've lost purchasing power. It's like taking two steps forward (the interest) and one giant step back (inflation).

Scenario 2: The Fixed Deposit Advantage

Now, let's consider the Fixed Deposit. While rates can vary depending on the chosen term, let's assume a 1-year fixed deposit with an 11% APY. Over one year, you'd earn ₦11,000 in interest on your ₦100,000 principal amount. That means your account balance would grow to ₦100,000 + ₦11,000 = ₦111,000.

Even with inflation, you're coming out ahead! Your money grows at a rate that outpaces inflation, allowing you to maintain and even increase your buying power.

The Power of Compound Interest

Here's the kicker: If you choose to reinvest your earnings (interest) in a fixed deposit, you benefit from compound interest. This means you earn interest on both your original principal amount and the accumulated interest. Over time, this can significantly accelerate your savings growth and outpace inflation by an even greater margin.

Making the Switch: It's Easier Than You Think

Know Your Goals: Before you move your money, think about your financial goals. How much can you set aside for a fixed deposit, and for how long? Fixed deposits are great for funds you don’t need right away, letting you earn more interest over time.

Shop Around: Not all fixed deposits are created equal. Take the time to compare different options. Look for banks or financial institutions that offer competitive rates and favourable terms. Consider factors like the minimum deposit required, the length of the term, and any penalties for early withdrawal. Finding the best fixed deposit can be a daunting task, but this is where nairaCompare comes in. With us, you can easily compare fixed deposit accounts offered by different financial institutions and select the one that's best for you.

nairaCompare offers:

• Comprehensive Comparison: The website provides a comprehensive comparison of fixed deposit rates from various banks and financial institutions. This allows you to see all your options in one place without having to visit multiple websites or branches.
• Up-to-Date Information: The platform is regularly updated with the latest rates and terms, ensuring that you have the most current information to make an informed decision.
• Timesaving: Instead of spending hours researching and comparing rates, nairaCompare streamlines the process, saving you valuable time.

By using nairaCompare, you can quickly identify the best fixed deposit options that align with your financial goals, helping you maximize your returns with minimal effort.

Conclusion: Don't Leave Money on the Table

By avoiding low interest savings accounts and choosing fixed deposits, you can make your money work harder for you. With higher interest rates, guaranteed returns, and the benefits of compounding, fixed deposits are a smarter choice for growing your savings. Don't let your money languish in a low-yield account—make the switch today and watch your savings soar.

Remember, understanding the advantages of fixed deposits can help you make better financial decisions. Take action now and set yourself up for a brighter financial future! Compare and open a fixed deposit account now!