by Leira Mananzan, Reporter
If you’re looking for the best place to grow your savings in 2025, the spotlight is firmly on digital banks. With higher yields, fewer fees, and easy access through mobile apps, these players not only match but often surpass traditional banks — especially for mid-range depositors with balances between ₱100,000 and ₱500,000. Here’s a closer look at the top options this year, plus a quick guide on what depositors need to know about insurance and regulation.
Best bank interest rates for ₱100k–₱500k depositors
In 2025, digital bank interest rates have become the new battleground in Philippine banking news. With inflation pressures still present, depositors are laser-focused on who can provide the highest return for their savings.
Gone are the days when a 0.25% annual yield from a traditional bank was acceptable. Today, digital banks such as RCBC, UnionDigital, Tonik, and Maya are rolling out competitive savings and time deposit products that directly challenge established institutions.
For many Filipinos, especially those with deposits in the ₱100 – ₱500,000 range, the difference between a 1% rate and a 5% rate could mean thousands of pesos in extra earnings each year. Let’s break down the updated rates from the leading digital banks and see how they stack up.
Digital bank interest rates 2025: Savings vs. Time deposits at a glance
If you’ve got ₱100,000–₱500,000 to park, these are the best savings and time deposit picks for 2025 (a side-by-side look at the current rates from four players):
| Bank | Savings Account Rate* | Time Deposit Rate / Term | Minimum Deposit |
| RCBC (iSave & Time Deposit Products) | ~0.150%–0.200% p.a. for ₱5,000 to < ₱500,000 balances | 0.50%–1.375% (30 days–1 year); 1.625%–2.250% (2–4 years); 2.250%-2.500% (5 years +) | ₱5,000 for basic TDs; ₱25,000–100,000 for higher tiers |
| UnionDigital Bank | ~3.00% p.a. below ₱100M; up to 3.75% p.a. for larger balances | Time deposit tiers reaching ~3.75% p.a. depending on balance and tenor | Flexible; targeted toward retail & SMEs |
| Tonik Bank | ~4.00% p.a. for “Solo Stash” / “Group Stash” savings | Up to 6.00% p.a. for time deposits, depending on tenor | As low as ₱5,000 |
| Maya Bank | 3.5% base, with bonus boosts up to 15% p.a. on ₱100,000 balances with qualifying activity | Time Deposit Plus: 5.5% (3 months), 6.0% (6 months), 5.75% (12 months) | ₱20,000+ depending on tenor |
* Savings rates shown are for easy-access deposit accounts. Time deposits require locking in funds for fixed periods.
RCBC Digital Bank interest rate: Stability with traditional strength
As a universal bank with decades of experience, RCBC provides a full spectrum of products, from iSave digital accounts to multi-year time deposits. The RCBC digital bank interest rate for savings (0.150%–0.200% p.a.) is lower compared to digital-only competitors.
However, RCBC compensates with breadth and reliability, offering long-term deposit options with rates climbing as high as 2.5% for five years or more.
For depositors who prefer security, branch accessibility, and established banking services, RCBC remains a solid — though less aggressive — choice in the digital interest rate race.
UnionDigital interest rates: Solid returns with flexible access
UnionDigital, the digital arm of UnionBank, continues to stand out with savings rates of around 3.00% p.a., climbing to 3.75% p.a. for larger balances. While its time deposit products are less aggressively marketed than those of Tonik or Maya, they still compete well, especially for mid-range depositors in the ₱100–500k bracket.
UnionDigital’s digital-first platform makes it easy to move funds in and out, giving users flexibility without sacrificing yield. This balance makes it attractive for individuals and SMEs seeking straightforward but rewarding deposit products.
Tonik Digital Bank interest rates: Leading with high-yield time deposits
Known as the “neobank” that shook up Philippine savings, Tonik Bank continues to lead with high-yield products. Its 4.00% savings accounts (via Solo Stash or Group Stash) already beat most traditional banks, but the real highlight lies in its time deposits, offering up to 6.00% p.a. on select terms.
For savers with ₱100 – ₱500,000 who don’t mind locking in their money for several months, Tonik presents one of the strongest opportunities for wealth growth. Its combination of competitive yields and fully digital onboarding makes it one of the Top Savings Accounts 2025 contenders.
Maya Digital Bank interest rate: Flexibility and bonuses up to 15%
Maya remains one of the most aggressive players in the market. Its Maya digital bank interest rate starts at a base of 3.5% p.a., already higher than many traditional banks. But what captures attention is its bonus program, where active users can unlock up to 15% p.a. on balances up to ₱100,000 — provided they meet certain requirements like spending with Maya’s e-wallet or using Maya credit.
On the time deposit side, Maya Time Deposit Plus offers 5.5% (3 months), 6.0% (6 months), and 5.75% (12 months), making it one of the most competitive mid-term products in the market. For users who want both everyday accessibility and the option to lock in higher rates, Maya provides one of the most flexible setups among digital banks.
InstaPay vs PESONet guide: Why transfers matter as much as rates
When evaluating digital bank products, depositors should consider not only the interest rates but also how easy it is to move funds. This is where the Instapay vs PESONet guide becomes relevant:
- Instapay: Real-time transfers within minutes, best for smaller amounts.
- PESONet: Ideal for larger transfers, with clearing times by end of day or next business day.
Maya and Tonik frequently waive transfer fees, while UnionDigital encourages seamless transfers across its ecosystem. RCBC’s DiskarTech app also offers free PESONet and Instapay transfers under certain conditions.
Without free transfers, even the best digital bank interest rate can lose value if fees eat into savings. That’s why transfer perks now rank alongside interest rates as part of the Top Savings Accounts 2025 evaluation.
Comparing digital vs. traditional banks in 2025
So, how do these digital banks stack up against traditional players?
- Traditional banks: Most savings accounts yield under 1% p.a. Time deposits can go slightly higher but often require larger balances (₱500,000+) and come with branch visit requirements.
- Digital banks: Tonik and Maya offer 5–6% p.a. time deposits, easily outpacing traditional banks, especially for depositors in the ₱100–500k range. UnionDigital delivers consistent savings rates at 3–3.75%, while RCBC focuses on long-term deposit stability.
The verdict? Digital banks are now offering rates that not only match but often surpass traditional banks, particularly for mid-range depositors.
Best bank interest rates for ₱100 – ₱500,000 depositors
For those with ₱100,000–500,000 to set aside in 2025, the best picks are:
- Maya time deposit plus (6 months at 6.0%) – best short-term option.
- Tonik time deposit (up to 6.0%) – great for flexible mid-term lock-ins.
- UnionDigital savings (3–3.75%) – stable, easy-access account for liquidity.
- RCBC time deposits (up to 2.5% for 5 years) – better suited for long-term savers seeking stability.
Deposit insurance and BSP oversight
One thing that makes these products reliable: they’re all regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Deposits are also insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ₱500,000 per depositor per bank.
NOTE: All interest rates quoted are gross; a 20% final withholding tax applies to peso-denominated interest income.
The future of digital bank interest rates in PH
The banking news for 2025 is clear: digital banks are setting the pace for deposit growth in the Philippines. From RCBC’s stable but conservative digital bank interest rate to Maya’s innovative bonus-driven offers, Filipinos now have more choices than ever before.
For depositors with balances in the ₱100–500k range, the Top Savings Accounts 2025 belong to digital players — Tonik and Maya lead in yields, UnionDigital in stability, and RCBC in long-term security.
In 2025, digital banks aren’t just competing on rates. They’re reshaping the way Filipinos save. And that’s good news for every saver looking to make their money work harder.
