UOB Foreign Currency Fixed Deposit: Rates & Minimum Deposit

If you’ve been eyeing foreign currency fixed deposits to diversify your savings, UOB’s offering deserves a close look. With minimum deposits starting at 5,000 units and tenors from 1 to 12 months, it’s a flexible tool for earning interest on currencies like USD, AUD, and EUR. We’ll compare UOB’s rates and terms with OCBC’s, highlight what’s clear and what’s still murky, and walk you through the setup process.

Minimum deposit: 5,000 units (HKD: 200,000) ·
Tenor range: 1 – 12 months ·
Currencies offered: AUD, CAD, CNY, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD, NOK, SEK, SGD, USD ·
Account type: Foreign Currency Fixed Deposit (Time Deposit)

A quick reference of the most important parameters across currencies and tenors.

What is the UOB foreign currency fixed deposit interest rate?

Current rates for major currencies (USD, AUD, SGD)

• UOB’s listed USD fixed deposit rates: 3.14% p.a. for 6 months and 2.84% p.a. for 12 months as of June 2026, according to Beansprout (Singapore deposit rate aggregator).
• For comparison, ICBC offered 3.85% p.a. for 12-month USD, higher than both UOB and OCBC.
• Rates vary significantly by currency; AUD and NZD often have different rate profiles due to local monetary policy.

How UOB sets its foreign currency fixed deposit rates

UOB adjusts its foreign currency fixed deposit rates based on interbank rates, market demand, and central bank policies in the currencies’ home countries. Official rates are updated on the UOB Group online rates page, but the displayed figures may require a login to see the live rate for a specific deposit.

Comparing UOB rates with other Singapore banks

• Beansprout lists OCBC’s 12-month USD rate at 2.69% p.a., below UOB’s 2.84%.
• Standard Chartered ran a limited USD promotion in June 2026 (5–16 June) offering a higher rate for fresh funds of USD 25,000 (Standard Chartered Singapore).

The implication: UOB’s rates are competitive for standard amounts, but promotional offers from other banks can temporarily beat them. Checking multiple sources before locking in a tenor is wise.

What is the minimum deposit for UOB foreign currency fixed deposit?

Minimum deposit for standard currencies

For most currencies, the minimum placement is 5,000 units. This applies to USD, AUD, GBP, CAD, EUR, NZD, SEK, NOK, SGD, and CHF, across 1- to 12-month tenors, as confirmed by UOB Group’s regional rate page.

Special minimum for Hong Kong Dollar

HKD requires a higher minimum of HKD 200,000 for all tenors, including 1- to 2-week options (UOB Group).

Minimum deposit for UOB Malaysia

Note: UOB Malaysia may have different minimums. However, the focus of this guide is UOB Singapore, which uses the rates and minimums listed on its foreign currency fixed deposit page.

The catch: While 5,000 units sounds low, HKD and JPY (JPY 500,000) require significantly more capital. Make sure your deposit currency matches your available funds.

How does UOB foreign currency fixed deposit compare to OCBC?

Interest rate comparison (USD, AUD, EUR)

Based on Beansprout’s June 2026 data, UOB’s 12-month USD rate of 2.84% beats OCBC’s 12-month USD rate of 2.69% by 15 basis points. For AUD, rates from both banks tend to track similar market benchmarks, but official figures require login.

Minimum deposit and fees

UOB generally requires 5,000 units; OCBC’s minimums are similar but may differ for some currencies. Both banks do not charge a separate account fee for opening a foreign currency fixed deposit, but conversion spreads apply when you deposit a foreign currency using SGD.

Currency options and flexibility

Both UOB and OCBC offer a wide range of currencies. UOB explicitly lists AUD, CAD, CNY, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD, NOK, SEK, SGD, and USD on its official page (UOB Singapore). OCBC’s list is comparable, but exact offerings should be verified on its site.

Three banks, one clear pattern: UOB sits in the middle of the pack for 12-month USD rates, while ICBC leads.

The trade-off: UOB offers a moderate rate with a well-established brand and easy online setup. If maximum yield is your only goal, consider ICBC or promotional offers from Standard Chartered, but factor in the extra paperwork and potential transfer delays.

What currencies and tenors are available for UOB foreign currency fixed deposit?

List of supported currencies

• AUD, CAD, CNY (offshore CNH), EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD, NOK, SEK, SGD, USD — as confirmed by UOB Singapore.

Tenor options from 1 to 12 months

Standard tenors are 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months. The UOB Group page also mentions 1- to 2-week tenors for select currencies with a higher minimum of 25,000 units.

Special considerations for less common currencies

For JPY, the minimum is 500,000 units; for CNH (offshore Chinese yuan), it’s 250,000 units. These higher thresholds reflect the lower liquidity of these currencies in Singapore’s deposit market.

The pattern: UOB tailors its minimums to currency liquidity. If you’re looking to deposit smaller amounts, stick to major currencies like USD, AUD, or EUR.

How to open a UOB foreign currency fixed deposit account?

Eligibility and required documents

• Existing UOB savings or current account holder.
• Documents: NRIC (Singaporeans) or passport (foreigners), proof of address, and initial deposit funds.

Step-by-step application process

1. Log in to UOB Personal Internet Banking or UOB TMRW app.
2. Navigate to Deposits → Fixed Deposits → Foreign Currency Fixed Deposit.
3. Select the currency, tenor, and deposit amount (minimum 5,000 units).
4. Fund the deposit from your existing account.
5. Confirm and receive a confirmation notification.

Online vs branch opening

Online is fastest for existing customers. New customers may need to visit a branch to open a savings account first, then apply online. Branch opening may require an appointment.

What this means: If you already bank with UOB, the process takes under 10 minutes online. New customers should budget an extra day for account setup. If you’re also interested in UOB’s local currency bonus rates, check our guide on UOB One Bonus Interest: Earn Up to 5.65% p.a. Rates Guide.

How to use the UOB foreign currency fixed deposit calculator?

Where to find the calculator on UOB website

The fixed deposit calculator is embedded within the Foreign Currency Fixed Deposit page on UOB Singapore. Look for the “Calculate” button under the rate display.

Inputting principal amount, currency, and tenor

1. Enter the principal amount you wish to deposit.
2. Select the currency from the dropdown.
3. Choose the tenor (e.g., 6 months).
4. Click “Calculate” to see the estimated interest and maturity value.

Interpreting the interest and maturity amount

The calculator shows total interest earned in the deposit currency and the final maturity amount (principal + interest). Note that the rate used is the current board rate, which may change if you don’t finalise the placement immediately.

The upshot: Use the calculator as a quick estimate, but lock in the rate by completing the placement on the same day to avoid rate changes. For understanding currency exchange fees, see our DBS Foreign Exchange Rate: Fees, SWIFT Codes, and Best Rates guide.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

For 1-12 month tenors, a minimum deposit of 5,000 units of the deposit currency is required. For Hong Kong Dollar, the minimum deposit is HKD200,000.

— UOB Singapore official website

You can open a UOB foreign currency fixed deposit in the following currencies: Australian dollar (AUD), Canadian dollar (CAD), Chinese yuan…

— Wise blog (financial services guide)

For Singapore savers looking to diversify into foreign currencies, UOB’s fixed deposit offers a solid middle ground: competitive rates for major currencies, straightforward online setup, and a reputable bank behind it. The catch is that you’ll need to compare current rates manually, as the official site doesn’t publish them upfront. For those willing to shop around, ICBC and promotional offers from Standard Chartered can provide better yields, but UOB remains the most convenient option for existing customers. The choice is clear: if convenience matters more than the last few basis points, go with UOB; if every dollar of interest counts, check alternative banks first.

For those who prefer a more flexible approach to managing foreign currency, the UOB Ladys Solitaire card offers rewards on spending that can complement a fixed deposit strategy.

Frequently asked questions