Savings account vs term deposit

First Option Bank Save Account vs term deposit

3.68% a year
vs
5.50% a year for 1 year
Compare on
Interest over 1 year on $50,000
$1,839
3.68% a year
$2,750
5.50% a year · paid at maturity

Over 1 year on $50,000, First Option Bank Save Account pays $1,839; First Option Bank's 12-month term deposit pays $2,750.

Worked out on $50,000 until you pick a balance
First Option BankSave Account
First Option BankTerm deposit
Interest over 1 year
on $50,000
$1,839
nothing to do each month
$2,750
paid at maturity
+$911 · More interest over the term
Rate over the term
a year, on $50,000
3.68%
5.50%
fixed for the term
+1.82 · Higher rate over the term
Asked of you each month
Nothing
Nothing
the money stays put
Getting the money out
Any time
no notice needed
Locked for 1 year
31 days’ notice to break it early, usually at a lower rate
Can the rate change?
Yes, at any time
the bank sets it
No
fixed for 1 year
Minimum to open
None
$1,000
up to $2,000,000
The same on both

Nothing to compare in these: both say the same.

  • AnyoneWho can open it

How they differ

  • A savings rate can change at any time. First Option Bank Save Account's figure holds today's rate for 1 year.
  • A term deposit's rate is fixed for the term, but the money is locked in: breaking it early needs 31 days' notice and usually costs some of the interest.
  • Both are covered by the Financial Claims Scheme, up to $250,000 per person at each bank. Money in both at First Option Bank shares that one $250,000.

First Option Bank Term Deposit at every term

The rate the balance above gets at each term, and the interest it pays over that term.

9 monthsPaid at maturity5.35%$2,006
1 yearPaid at maturity5.50%$2,750
Savings account
First Option Bank Save Account
Go to siteMore about this account
Term deposit
First Option Bank Term Deposit
Go to siteAll First Option Bank term deposits

As of 13 November 2026, over 1 year on $50,000, First Option Bank Save Account pays $1,839 with nothing to do each month; First Option Bank's 12-month term deposit pays $2,750 at 5.50%. Figures are the bank's published rates, worked out on the balance above as simple interest. Each row says which figure is higher; it doesn't say which one suits you.

Compare all 158 accounts
Compare all 299 term deposits

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