If you’ve got funds sitting in a regular Dutch savings account quietly losing ground to inflation, a fixed-term deposit might be exactly what your money needs.
With lower returns on your cash, locking in a competitive fixed rate through a fixed-term deposit is a move well worth considering.
This guide covers everything you need to know, including:
- what a fixed-term deposit is,
- the best rates available to residents of the Netherlands right now,
- how to open a spaardeposito,
- the tax implications,
- and answers to any burning questions you may have.
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What is a fixed-term deposit account?
A fixed-term deposit (known in Dutch as a termijndeposito or spaardeposito) is a savings account where you lock away a lump sum for a set period, in exchange for a guaranteed fixed interest rate (rente).
READ MORE | Dutch savings accounts: Best interest rates in the Netherlands in June 2026
Depending on your bank, these terms typically range from one month to five years. The most common options you’ll encounter are 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. As a general rule, the longer you’re willing to lock your money away, the higher the rate on offer.
How is a fixed-term deposit different from a regular savings account?
A regular Dutch savings account (spaarrekening) lets you deposit and withdraw freely, but the interest rate is variable. This means that your bank may lower your rate at any time, offering you no real guarantee on how much interest you’ll earn.
Unlike flexible savings accounts, the rate for fixed-term deposits doesn’t change during the term, so you know exactly what you’ll earn from day one. However, there’s a catch: you generally can’t access your money until the term ends without incurring a penalty.
Are you trying to decide if a fixed-term deposit is right for you? These generally suit people who:
- have a lump sum they won’t need in the short term,
- want certainty over their return,
- and want to protect their savings from volatile or falling interest rates.
The best fixed-term deposit rates in the Netherlands right now
We’ve found the highest interest rates, best banks, and best fixed-term deposit accounts to earn interest on your money.
All of the companies below are regulated financial institutions, so your money (up to €100,000 per person, per bank) is guaranteed.
Overview: our top picks
| Bank | Interest rate |
|---|---|
| Raisin | 3% (12 months, via BluOr Bank) |
| Klarna | up to 3% |
| Trade Republic | Varies by bond |
| Santander | up to 2.6% |
| bunq | 2.11% (12 month) |
| ABN Amro | up to 2.70% |
| Brand New Day | up to 2.90% |
Raisin: best for the highest rates in Europe
Raisin is a savings platform that offers you access to fixed-term deposits from partner banks across Europe, all through a single account.
Currently, their best fixed-term rates reach 3% via BluOr Bank for a 12-month term. Want a shorter term? You choose from dozens of partner banks across the EU, each offering different rates and term lengths.
📈 Best fixed rate: 3% (12 months, via BluOr Bank)
💶 Early withdrawal: Not permitted in most cases
🇬🇧 Available in English: Yes
Klarna: best for choosing your term length
Most people know Klarna as a buy-now-pay-later service, but the Swedish bank has built a solid savings product for Dutch residents.
Fixed savings rates go up to 3% depending on how long you’re willing to lock your money away, with flexible accounts starting from 1.85% per year. Term length is variable; you can select from a range of options that work for your timeline.
📈 Best fixed rate: up to 3% (term-dependent)
💶 Early withdrawal: Not permitted
🇬🇧 Available in English: Yes
Trade Republic: best for bond-based fixed income
Trade Republic is an investment platform that pays up to 3% per year on instant-access savings — and their Fixed Income portfolio lets you lock in returns through Bond ETFs or individual bonds.
You just pick your duration, lock in your rate, and unlike a traditional term deposit, you can sell at the current market price if you need out early. There are no withdrawal fees, and you can start from just €1.
📈 Best fixed rate: Varies by bond; check the app for current rates
💶 Early withdrawal: Sell anytime; market prices may fluctuate
🇬🇧 Available in English: Yes
Santander: best for a welcome boost on your savings
Spanish multinational bank Santander currently offers some of the most competitive welcome rates available to Dutch savers, with no monthly costs and a minimum deposit of €1,000.
You can lock in 2.6% for 3 years with no maximum deposit cap, making it a great way to put a lump sum to work before reassessing at the end of the term.
📈 Best fixed rate: up to 2.6% (term-dependent)
💶 Early withdrawal: Not permitted during fixed term
🇬🇧 Available in English: No (Dutch only)
bunq: best for digital-first expats
The Netherlands’ very own neobank bunq makes opening a term deposit as easy as it gets, with no fussy paperwork, and an account opened in minutes. Access up to 2.11% with a 12-month plan.
Their term deposits are available in terms of 3 to 24 months, with deposits from €1,000 to €100,000, and your savings are protected by the Dutch Deposit Guarantee Scheme.
📈 Best fixed rate: 2.11%
💶 Early withdrawal: Yes, full withdrawal only; fee applies
🇬🇧 Available in English: Yes
ABN Amro: best for existing Dutch bank customers
While ABN Amro’s rates won’t exactly top the charts, they offer the reassurance of a major Dutch bank alongside fixed deposits you can manage right alongside your everyday account.
Their rates increase with term length: 1.80% for 1 year, 1.95% for 2 or 3 years, 2.30% for 5 years, and 2.70% for 10 years. Interest is paid annually, and you’ll need an existing ABN Amro account to open a savings deposit.
📈 Best fixed rate: up to 2.70% (10 years)
💶 Early withdrawal: Possible, but a penalty applies
🇬🇧 Available in English: Yes
Brand New Day: best for pension savings
Brand New Day is built specifically for pension savings (pensioensparen), combining competitive fixed rates with tax-deductible contributions.
A fixed-term deposit within a Brand New Day pension account currently earns up to 2.90%, above the 2.20% variable rate you’d earn on the standard account. The minimum deposit is €1,000, but you’ll need an existing account to make a deposit.
📈 Best fixed rate: up to 2.90% (10 years)
💶 Early withdrawal: Not permitted; funds reserved for pension
🇬🇧 Available in English: No (Dutch only)
How to open a fixed-term deposit in the Netherlands
The good news is that most fixed-term deposit accounts (including those from foreign EU banks) can be opened fully online.
Here’s what the typical process entails:
- Compare rates: Use an online comparison tool or check providers directly. Certain platforms even let you compare multiple EU banks in one place.
- Check your eligibility: Most providers require Dutch residency and a Dutch bank account (IBAN) for ID verification and fund transfers.
- Verify your identity: This is usually done via an online ID check (passport or ID card) and sometimes a small verification transfer.
- Transfer your funds: Once your account is up and running, you can transfer a lump sum to your deposit account.
- Wait for your term to complete: Your interest will typically be paid annually or at maturity, depending on the provider you’ve chosen.
What to know about Dutch fixed-term savings accounts
Before you open a fixed-term deposit, there are a few practicalities worth understanding. While none of them are dealbreakers, they’re all worth knowing before you lock away your cash for months or years.
You can’t withdraw your money freely
Unlike a regular savings account, fixed-term savings lock your money away for the duration of the term.
Most providers don’t allow early withdrawal at all, and those that do may charge you a penalty (generally in the form of denying you some or all of the interest you may have earned).
You’ll want to treat a fixed-term deposit as untouchable until your savings reach maturity. If there’s any chance you’ll need the funds before the term ends, you’re better off opening a flexible savings account.
Your deposit may be auto-renewed
When your term ends, don’t assume that your money automatically lands back in your current account.
Many providers will silently roll your deposit into a new term (likely at a different rate), unless you actively opt out.
Always check your bank’s auto-renewal policy before you open an account, and set a calendar reminder for a week or two before maturity so you’re not caught off guard.
Some providers require minimum deposits
Sadly, not all fixed-term deposits are open to any amount, and minimum deposit requirements can vary quite widely.
Some providers start from as little as €500, while others may require €5,000, €10,000 or more.
Always check the minimum before comparing rates, since the best headline rates sometimes come with the highest entry thresholds.
Your savings will be taxed (even if the rate looks good)
Any interest you earn on fixed-term deposits will fall under Box 3 of the Dutch income tax system.
What this means is that your actual interest income is taxed at a flat rate of 36% on assets above the tax-free threshold (€59,357 per person in 2026). A headline rate of 3% may actually translate to a real after-tax return closer to 1.9% once your Box 3 taxes are factored in.
However, the good news is that if your total Box 3 assets stay below the threshold, you owe nothing. And if you’re an expat on the 30% ruling, you’re exempt from Box 3 tax entirely.
The longer the term, the higher the rate
As a general rule, locking your money away for longer earns you a better interest rate.
A 3-year deposit will typically offer a higher rate than a 1-year one (which in turn beats a 6-month term).
That being said, there are some exceptions. When banks expect further ECB interest rate cuts, some offer relatively competitive, shorter-term rates to attract deposits.
How was your experience opening a fixed-term deposit savings account? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Fixed-term deposit savings in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions
What is a fixed-term deposit?
A fixed-term deposit (also known as a termijndeposito or spaardeposito in the Netherlands) is a savings account where you lock away a lump sum for a set period in exchange for a guaranteed fixed interest rate.
Unlike flexible savings accounts, the rate doesn’t change during the term. However, the downside is that you generally can’t access your money until the term ends.
Are fixed-term deposits safe in the Netherlands?
Yes, deposits at Dutch-licensed banks are covered by the Dutch Deposit Guarantee Scheme (Depositogarantiestelsel) up to €100,000 per person, per bank.
Meanwhile, for accounts at foreign EU banks, the relevant EU deposit scheme applies.
What happens when my fixed-term deposit matures?
When your deposit reaches maturity, both your original deposit plus accumulated interest are returned to you.
Some providers will automatically renew your term unless you opt out, so it’s worth checking the auto-renewal policy before you open an account.
Can I withdraw my money early from a fixed-term deposit?
In most cases, you won’t be able to.
While some providers do allow early withdrawal in exceptional circumstances, they will typically apply a significant penalty, usually in the form of reduced or forfeited interest. Certain providers may even charge additional fees on top of that.
Is a fixed-term deposit better than a regular savings account?
It depends entirely on your situation. A fixed-term deposit will almost always offer a higher interest rate than a flexible account, but you won’t have access to your funds for a set period of time.
If you have a lump sum you won’t need for a year or more, and you want a guaranteed, predictable return, a fixed-term deposit is usually the better choice.