Vietnamese bank interest rates have bounced back to attractive levels in 2026. After years of declining returns, depositors across Southeast Asia are rediscovering Vietnam as a practical destination for term deposits. With rates now at 7% to 8% per year and a stronger banking system than ever before, Vietnamese savings accounts deserve a fresh look from regional savers seeking better returns than their home markets can offer.
Good news for savers in Southeast Asia: Vietnamese bank deposits are offering attractive rates once more.
In 2019, we wrote “End of a Financial El Dorado: Vietnamese Savings Accounts” when interest rates dropped sharply. Now in 2026, things have changed. Vietnamese banks are paying competitive rates again, and the banking system is stronger than before.
Note: This is not financial advice (NFA). We’re sharing information about current rates and trends. Please do your own research before making any investment decisions.
The Numbers That Matter
Let’s talk about what banks are actually paying:
Current Vietnamese deposit rates (early 2026):
- 6-month term deposits: 7.0% to 7.5% per year
- 12-month term deposits: 7.5% to 8.0% per year
- Some promotions: up to 8.5% for longer terms
Compare this to other countries in the region:
- Singapore: 2.5% to 3.5%
- Thailand: 1.5% to 2.5%
- Malaysia: 2.8% to 3.5%
- Indonesia: 4.5% to 5.5%
Vietnamese rates are notably higher, especially for 12-month deposits.
What Makes This Different From 2019?
The Vietnamese banking sector has improved in important ways:
Stronger banks: The major banks now have better capital levels and follow international standards. Many have partnerships with banks from Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
Better technology: Mobile banking in Vietnam is now very good. You can manage accounts easily from your phone, just like in Singapore or Bangkok.
More transparent: Banks report their financial results more clearly. Several major banks now have international credit ratings.
More stable: The wild fluctuations of the past have decreased. The banking system handled COVID-19 well and continues to grow steadily.
Why This Matters for Regional Savers
You get more than just interest rates. Vietnam’s economy grew an impressive 8% in 2025, one of the fastest rates in Asia. The country has 100 million people, young population, and continues to attract manufacturing from China and other countries.
Your money works harder. If you have savings sitting in accounts earning 2% to 3% in Singapore, Thailand, or Malaysia, Vietnamese deposits can offer significantly better returns while keeping your money accessible.
Diversification option. Putting some savings in Vietnam adds geographic variety to your portfolio.
Understanding the Risks (Important!)
Currency movement: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) typically loses 1% to 3% against the US Dollar each year. This is normal and controlled by Vietnam’s central bank. You need to factor this into your returns.
Example: If you earn 7.5% interest but VND drops 2%, your real return in USD terms is about 5.5%, still much higher than most regional rates.
Access to your money: Once you put money in a term deposit, early withdrawal usually means losing some interest. Plan accordingly.
Moving money in and out: Transferring funds to/from Vietnam takes more steps than domestic banking. You’ll need proper documentation.
Regulations can change: Government policies may adjust, though Vietnam generally welcomes foreign deposits.
Who Might Find This Interesting?
This makes sense if you:
- Have cash savings earning low rates in other Southeast Asian countries
- Don’t need immediate access to all your money
- Are comfortable with some currency fluctuation
- Want to diversify where you keep your savings
- Can deposit for at least 6 to 12 months
Which Banks Are Good Options?
The safest choices are major Vietnamese banks:
State-owned banks (largest and most stable):
- Vietcombank (VCB)
- VietinBank (CTG)
- BIDV
- Agribank
Strong private banks (often higher rates):
- Techcombank (TCB)
- MB Bank (MBB)
- VPBank (VPB)
- ACB
All these banks have good digital banking and millions of customers.
Practical Tips
Start small. Don’t put all your savings in Vietnam at once. Try a smaller amount first to see how it works.
Choose 6 to 12 month terms. These give you good rates while keeping your money available within a reasonable time.
Use major banks. Stick with the well-known names listed above.
Keep records. Save all your documentation and transaction confirmations.
Check current rates. Rates change regularly. Compare several banks before choosing.
The Positive Outlook
Vietnam’s banking sector has matured significantly. The days of chaos are largely behind us. What you see now is a growing economy with professional banks offering genuine value to savers.
The fundamentals look good:
- Economy growing strongly at 8% in 2025
- Inflation relatively controlled (3% to 4%)
- Foreign investment continuing to increase
- Banking sector well-capitalized
- Digital infrastructure improving rapidly
For regional savers, this is a practical opportunity. You can earn better rates than most Southeast Asian countries while supporting your money in one of the region’s most dynamic economies.
Bottom Line
Vietnamese savings accounts are interesting again. Not because of extremely high rates like the old days, but because they offer solid, competitive returns from increasingly professional banks in a fast-growing economy.
If you have savings earning minimal interest elsewhere in Southeast Asia, it’s worth researching Vietnamese options. The combination of attractive rates (7% to 8%), improved banking quality, and strong economic growth (8% in 2025) creates a good environment for savers.
Just remember: understand the currency risk, use major banks, and don’t invest money you’ll need soon.
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice (NFA). We are providing information about current interest rates and trends in Vietnamese banking. Interest rates change frequently. Currency exchange rates fluctuate. Please do your own research and consider consulting a financial advisor before making any decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Information current as of January 2026.