MariBank Interest Rate 2026: How Does It Compare to Trust Bank, GXS & Fixed Deposits?
MariBank’s savings rate sits at 2.88% p.a. — one of the highest digital bank rates in Singapore. But is it really the best home for your idle cash? We break down the numbers versus Trust Bank, GXS Bank, Endowus Cash Smart, and traditional fixed deposits.
Digital banks have reshaped how Singaporeans park idle cash. MariBank — backed by Sea Limited (parent of Shopee and Garena) — launched in 2023 and quickly gained traction with competitive savings rates and a zero-fee model. As at April 2026, MariBank offers 2.88% p.a. on its savings account with no minimum balance and SDIC insurance up to S$100,000. But with Trust Bank, GXS, Endowus Cash Smart, and T-bills all vying for your savings, the landscape has never been more competitive.
This article is not financial advice. All rates are as at April 2026 and are subject to change without notice. Always verify the latest rates directly with each institution before making any decision.
Table of Contents
Contents — Click to expand
- MariBank Interest Rate 2026 — What You Get
- Rate Comparison Table: MariBank vs Competitors
- Trust Bank: 2.40% p.a. — Is Cashback Worth It?
- GXS Bank: 2.68% p.a. and Boost Pockets
- Endowus Cash Smart: Higher Yield, But Is It Safe?
- Fixed Deposits in 2026 — Still Worth It?
- Is MariBank Safe? MAS Licence & SDIC Cover
- Who Should Choose MariBank?
- Frequently Asked Questions
MariBank Interest Rate 2026 — What You Get
MariBank’s savings account currently pays 2.88% p.a. (as at April 2026). Unlike traditional banks that require salary crediting, minimum balances, or credit card spend to unlock bonus rates, MariBank offers its rate flat — no hoops to jump through. The rate applies to your entire balance (up to the SDIC insurance cap of S$100,000).
Here are the key features of MariBank’s savings account:
- Rate: 2.88% p.a. (no conditions)
- Minimum balance: None
- Fall-below fee: None
- SDIC insured: Yes, up to S$100,000
- MAS licence: Digital Full Bank (since January 2024)
- Overseas transfers: Zero fee to SEPA countries and selected corridors
- Interest frequency: Credited monthly
MariBank also offers a welcome bonus of up to S$80 for new users who sign up with a referral code and meet deposit milestones. You can grab your bonus via the MariBank referral code page.
Rate Comparison Table: MariBank vs Competitors (April 2026)
Here’s how MariBank stacks up against the key alternatives for parking idle cash in Singapore:
| Product | Rate (p.a.) | Conditions | SDIC? | Liquidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MariBank Savings | 2.88% | None | ✓ S$100k | Same-day |
| Trust Bank (NTUC) | 2.40% | NTUC card spend | ✓ S$100k | Same-day |
| GXS Bank (Grab-Singtel) | 2.68% | Boost Pockets (up to 3) | ✓ S$100k | Instant |
| Endowus Cash Smart Ultra | ~3.3–3.6% | Cash/CPF OA/SRS | ✗ Fund risk | T+1 to T+3 |
| Syfe Cash+ Flexi | ~3.1–3.4% | None (money market) | ✗ Fund risk | T+1 |
| DBS FD (12-month) | ~1.50% | Min S$1,000, locked | ✓ S$100k | Locked |
| Singapore T-Bill (6-month) | ~1.46% | Min S$1,000, locked | ✓ Government | 6-month lockup |
Rates as at April 2026. MariBank and digital bank rates are variable and may change. T-bill and FD rates approximate — verify at MAS.gov.sg and bank websites before investing.
Trust Bank: 2.40% p.a. — Is the NTUC Cashback Worth It?
Trust Bank — a joint venture between Standard Chartered and FairPrice Group — offers a 2.40% p.a. savings rate. However, this rate is partly contingent on using the Trust NTUC Link Card for eligible spend. If you’re a regular NTUC FairPrice shopper (as most Singapore households are), this is an attractive package: you get above-average savings interest plus LinkPoints on your grocery spend.
The headline rate requires no minimum salary crediting — just spend on the Trust card at FairPrice Group merchants. For families doing weekly grocery runs at FairPrice or Unity, Trust Bank effectively bundles savings interest with cashback into one product. It’s also SDIC-insured up to S$100,000.
On balance: MariBank’s 2.88% beats Trust Bank’s 2.40% on the pure savings rate. But if your household already shops frequently at FairPrice and you want cashback, Trust Bank’s bundled proposition is compelling. See our Trust Bank Singapore Review 2026 for a full breakdown, and grab your bonus via the Trust Bank referral code page.
GXS Bank: 2.68% p.a. and Boost Pockets
GXS Bank — backed by Grab and Singtel — offers 2.68% p.a. through its Boost Pockets feature. You can create up to three Boost Pockets with different savings goals and earn the higher rate on those buckets. The main savings account earns a lower base rate, but the Boost Pocket rate remains competitive.
GXS is also SDIC-insured up to S$100,000 and holds a Digital Full Bank licence from MAS. For Grab users who are already in the Grab ecosystem (GrabPay, GrabRewards), GXS integrates natively — making it convenient if you regularly top up GrabPay or use Grab services.
Verdict: GXS at 2.68% is below MariBank’s 2.88%, but the Boost Pockets goal-based structure appeals to savers who like ring-fencing money for specific targets (e.g., emergency fund, holiday fund). MariBank wins on the pure rate; GXS wins on Grab integration and goal-based savings UX.
Endowus Cash Smart: Higher Yield, But Is It Safe?
Endowus Cash Smart Ultra typically yields between 3.3% and 3.6% p.a. — meaningfully higher than MariBank’s 2.88%. It invests in money market and short-duration bond funds (Fullerton SGD Cash Fund, LionGlobal SGD Enhanced Liquidity Fund), not a savings deposit. This distinction matters: Cash Smart is not SDIC-insured.
That said, the underlying funds are MAS-regulated money market funds with very short duration and high credit quality holdings — the risk profile is significantly lower than equity or bond funds. The trade-off is T+1 to T+3 settlement (not instant like a bank account) and the theoretical possibility, however small, of net asset value fluctuations.
For CPF OA and SRS savers, Endowus Cash Smart is one of the few options that can invest idle CPF OA funds (beyond the 2.5% OA floor) and SRS balances productively. This is a genuine edge over digital bank savings accounts, which only accept cash deposits.
Check the latest Cash Smart rates and get started via the Endowus referral code page — new accounts get a fee rebate on first S$10,000 invested.
Fixed Deposits in 2026 — Still Worth It?
Fixed deposits from DBS, OCBC, and UOB have seen their rates compress significantly in 2026 as the Fed rate-cutting cycle and falling SORA have dragged short-term yields lower. As at April 2026, 12-month FD rates from major Singapore banks cluster around 1.50% p.a. — well below MariBank’s 2.88%.
The main advantage of a traditional FD is the locked rate — you know exactly what you’ll earn for the tenor. MariBank’s 2.88% is a variable rate and could be adjusted downward. If you’re the type to “set and forget” a lump sum for 6–12 months, a FD gives certainty. But at 1.50% vs 2.88%, the gap is wide enough that most savers should question the trade-off.
For Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs), the April 2026 issue (SBAPR26) pays 1.36% in Year 1 and an average of 1.99% over 10 years — better than FDs over the long run but still below MariBank for the short term. See our full Singapore Savings Bonds 2026 Guide for a deeper comparison.
Bottom line: In the current rate environment, MariBank’s 2.88% p.a. with full liquidity beats most bank FDs. The exception would be promotional FD rates (sometimes offered by foreign banks like RHB or CIMB) that briefly hit 2.5–3.5% — but these are time-limited and require minimum placement amounts.
Is MariBank Safe? MAS Licence & SDIC Cover
This is the question every prudent Singapore saver should ask — and the answer is reassuring. MariBank holds a Digital Full Bank (DFB) licence issued by MAS in January 2024. This is the highest-tier digital bank licence in Singapore, equivalent to a traditional bank licence in terms of regulatory oversight, capital requirements, and deposit protection eligibility.
MariBank deposits are protected under the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC) scheme up to S$100,000 per depositor per institution. This is the same protection that covers deposits at DBS, OCBC, and UOB. If MariBank were to fail (extremely unlikely given MAS oversight and Sea Limited’s S$5B+ balance sheet), SDIC would step in to make depositors whole up to the cap.
Sea Limited — MariBank’s parent — is a Nasdaq-listed consumer tech conglomerate with Shopee (Southeast Asia’s largest e-commerce platform), Garena (Free Fire), and SeaMoney (digital financial services) under its umbrella. It had net revenue of US$16.8B in FY2024 and a net cash position. The entity backing MariBank is significantly capitalised.
In short: MariBank is as safe as any MAS-regulated bank for deposits up to S$100,000. Beyond that cap, you should spread across institutions as you would with any bank.
Who Should Choose MariBank?
Based on our analysis, here’s a simple framework for deciding where to park your idle cash in April 2026:
| If you are… | Best option |
|---|---|
| Parking cash with no conditions, maximum rate | MariBank (2.88%) |
| A regular FairPrice/Unity shopper who wants bundled cashback | Trust Bank (2.40% + NTUC benefits) |
| Heavy Grab user, likes goal-based savings pockets | GXS Boost Pockets (2.68%) |
| Investing CPF OA or SRS idle cash (not just cash savings) | Endowus Cash Smart (~3.3–3.6%) |
| Wanting robo-advisor for the rest of your portfolio, parking short-term cash | Syfe Cash+ Flexi (~3.1–3.4%) |
| Need certainty on a locked lump sum (6–12 months) | Promotional FD (if available) or T-Bills |
A practical strategy for most Singapore savers: keep an emergency fund (3–6 months expenses) in MariBank for instant access at 2.88%, and invest anything above that via Endowus Cash Smart or Syfe Cash+ Flexi for a better yield — accepting the T+1 settlement trade-off. This two-bucket approach optimises both liquidity and return.
If you haven’t signed up for MariBank yet, use a MariBank referral code to earn a welcome bonus of up to S$80 when you meet the deposit milestones. Similarly, for FSMOne users managing a broader investment portfolio including unit trusts and ETFs, the FSMOne referral code unlocks commission rebates on your first trades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MariBank’s current interest rate in 2026?
MariBank’s savings account pays 2.88% p.a. as at April 2026. This rate is flat — no minimum balance, no salary crediting, and no card spend requirement. Interest is credited monthly. This rate is variable and may change; always verify the latest rate in the MariBank app.
Is MariBank better than Trust Bank for savings?
On the pure savings rate, yes — MariBank’s 2.88% p.a. beats Trust Bank’s 2.40% p.a. However, Trust Bank offers NTUC LinkPoints and FairPrice cashback via its NTUC Link Card, which may be more valuable for heavy FairPrice shoppers. If you only care about the savings rate with no conditions, MariBank wins.
Is MariBank safe? Is it covered by SDIC?
Yes. MariBank holds a Digital Full Bank licence from MAS and is a member of the SDIC (Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation) scheme. Your deposits are insured up to S$100,000 per depositor — the same protection as DBS or OCBC. Sea Limited, MariBank’s parent company, is a Nasdaq-listed conglomerate with strong financial backing.
How does MariBank compare to Endowus Cash Smart?
Endowus Cash Smart Ultra typically yields 3.3–3.6% p.a. — higher than MariBank’s 2.88%. However, Cash Smart invests in money market funds (not a bank deposit), so it is not SDIC-insured. Settlement is T+1 to T+3, not instant. Cash Smart also works for CPF OA and SRS money, which MariBank does not. For pure cash with instant access and deposit insurance, MariBank is simpler; for higher yield and CPF/SRS compatibility, Cash Smart wins.
Can I use MariBank with my CPF or SRS funds?
No. MariBank only accepts cash deposits. If you want to invest CPF OA or SRS idle funds at above-floor rates, Endowus Cash Smart is one of the few options that supports CPF OA (beyond the 2.5% floor) and SRS balances via MAS-approved money market funds.
How do I get a MariBank referral code bonus?
Visit The Kopi Notes’ MariBank referral code page for the latest promo. New users who sign up with a referral code and meet the deposit milestone (typically a first deposit of S$500–S$1,000) can earn a welcome bonus of up to S$80. Terms and conditions apply and may change — verify the current offer in the MariBank app at sign-up.
What happens if MariBank lowers its interest rate?
MariBank’s savings rate is variable. If it drops, you can move your funds out at any time with no penalty — there’s no lock-in. This is the key advantage of a digital savings account over a fixed deposit. If MariBank’s rate falls below competitors, switching to GXS Boost Pockets or Trust Bank takes minutes. Alternatively, Endowus Cash Smart and Syfe Cash+ Flexi are also worth considering for idle cash beyond your emergency fund.
How does MariBank compare to Singapore T-bills in 2026?
As at April 2026, Singapore T-bills (6-month) yield approximately 1.46% — significantly below MariBank’s 2.88%. T-bills are backed by the Singapore government (zero credit risk) and SDIC does not apply, but the full faith and credit of the Singapore government is its own form of safety. The trade-off is a 6-month lockup with no early exit. MariBank’s liquid 2.88% beats current T-bill rates by nearly 1.4 percentage points, making it a better home for short-term cash in the current environment. Use our T-Bill, SSB & Fixed Deposit Comparison Calculator to see how different options stack up for your specific scenario.
Is there a minimum balance or monthly fee for MariBank?
No minimum balance and no fall-below fee. MariBank also charges no fee for overseas transfers to SEPA countries and selected corridors. The savings account is completely free to maintain at any balance, including zero. Interest is only earned on balances held — so if your balance is S$0, you earn nothing, but there’s no penalty.
Make Your Idle Cash Work Harder in 2026
Don’t let your savings sit in a traditional bank at 0.05% when digital banks and robo-advisors are offering 2.88–3.6%. Start with MariBank for your liquid emergency fund, then level up with Endowus or Syfe for your longer-term idle cash.
The Kopi Notes may earn a referral commission if you sign up via our links. All rates are as at April 2026. This is not financial advice — please read the full terms on each platform before depositing. Compare with our free T-Bill & Fixed Deposit Calculator and Retirement Planning Calculator.