SA Savings Account Comparison Calculator
Compare compound interest returns across SA banks and investment providers with full tax treatment.
Last updated: May 2026
Your Details
Interest exemption: R23,800/year
Rate history
9.60%
R 157,273
net future value
Rate
9.6% p.a.
Gross Value
R 157,273
Tax Payable
R 0
Eff. Net Rate
7.6083%
Rate history
9.40%
R 156,075
net future value
Rate
9.4% p.a.
Gross Value
R 156,075
Tax Payable
R 0
Eff. Net Rate
7.4438%
Rate history
8.90%
R 153,123
net future value
Rate
8.9% p.a.
Gross Value
R 153,123
Tax Payable
R 0
Eff. Net Rate
7.0343%
Rate history
8.05%
R 148,250
net future value
Rate
8.05% p.a.
Gross Value
R 148,250
Tax Payable
R 0
Eff. Net Rate
6.3442%
⚠ Min. deposit R 100,000 not met
Rate history
7.20%
R 143,554
net future value
Rate
7.2% p.a.
Gross Value
R 143,554
Tax Payable
R 0
Eff. Net Rate
5.6618%
Rate history
7.20%
R 143,554
net future value
Rate
7.2% p.a.
Gross Value
R 143,554
Tax Payable
R 0 (TFSA)
Eff. Net Rate
5.6618%
Rate history
7.10%
R 143,013
net future value
Rate
7.1% p.a.
Gross Value
R 143,013
Tax Payable
R 0
Eff. Net Rate
5.582%
Rate history
6.90%
R 141,938
net future value
Rate
6.9% p.a.
Gross Value
R 141,938
Tax Payable
R 0 (TFSA)
Eff. Net Rate
5.4227%
Rate history
6.60%
R 140,342
net future value
Rate
6.6% p.a.
Gross Value
R 140,342
Tax Payable
R 0 (TFSA)
Eff. Net Rate
5.1846%
Rate history
6.50%
R 139,815
net future value
Rate
6.5% p.a.
Gross Value
R 139,815
Tax Payable
R 0 (TFSA)
Eff. Net Rate
5.1055%
Rate history
5.60%
R 135,171
net future value
Rate
5.6% p.a.
Gross Value
R 135,171
Tax Payable
R 0
Eff. Net Rate
4.3978%
Rate history
5.50%
R 134,666
net future value
Rate
5.5% p.a.
Gross Value
R 134,666
Tax Payable
R 0
Eff. Net Rate
4.3197%
Rate history
5.30%
R 133,663
net future value
Rate
5.3% p.a.
Gross Value
R 133,663
Tax Payable
R 0
Eff. Net Rate
4.1638%
Rate history
5.10%
R 132,668
net future value
Rate
5.1% p.a.
Gross Value
R 132,668
Tax Payable
R 0
Eff. Net Rate
4.0083%
Compares returns across different savings vehicles — fixed deposits, money market funds, 32-day notice accounts, and unit trusts — so you can see which offers the best real return after tax.
Key inputs explained
- Lump sum / monthly
- Starting amount and any regular additions.
- Term
- Investment horizon in years.
- Rate per product
- Each product's rate can be edited to reflect current market rates.
Interest income is taxable above R23 800/year (under 65) or R34 500/year (65+). After-tax returns on fixed deposits are often lower than they appear.
Frequently Asked Questions
A fixed deposit locks your money for a set term (e.g. 6 or 12 months) at a guaranteed rate — you cannot access funds early without a penalty. A money market account is more liquid (usually 24–48 hours notice) but the rate floats with the market and is typically slightly lower. Fixed deposits suit savings you won't need; money market suits your emergency fund.
Yes. Interest income is taxable. However, individuals receive an annual interest exemption of R23,800 (under 65) or R34,500 (65 and over). Interest above this threshold is added to your taxable income and taxed at your marginal rate. Interest earned inside a TFSA is completely exempt.
A 32-day notice account requires you to give 32 days' notice before withdrawing funds. In return, it offers a higher interest rate than an instant-access savings account. It's a popular middle ground between a fixed deposit (higher rate, locked in) and an instant-access account (lower rate, immediate access).
SA savings rates are closely linked to the SARB repo rate. When the SARB cuts rates, savings rates fall. When the SARB hikes, savings rates rise. Most variable savings products adjust within 30 days of a SARB decision. Fixed deposits lock in the rate at the time of investment, protecting you from future cuts.
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