Fixed deposit or online savings: how to choose
The choice comes down to one question: when might you need the money? Everything else follows from the answer.
At a glance
- Fixed deposit: known rate, money locked for the term.
- Online savings: flexible access, rate can change.
- Many savers use both.
Side by side
| Feature | Fixed deposit (Festgeld) | Online savings (Tagesgeld) |
|---|---|---|
| Access to money | At the end of the term | At any time |
| Interest rate | Fixed for the term | Variable |
| Best for | Money with a known future date | Emergency fund, flexible saving |
| Rate risk | Miss out if rates rise | Earn less if rates fall |
| Deposit protection | Up to €100,000 per customer | Up to €100,000 per customer |
A simple way to split your savings
- Work out an emergency fund, often three to six months of essential spending, and keep it in online savings.
- List money you will need on a known date, such as a car in two years, and consider a fixed deposit with a matching term.
- Keep the rest flexible until you have a clear plan for it.
Anadi has its own explainer on the difference on its official website. Current rates for both products are in its savings calculator.
When rates are moving
If interest rates are expected to fall, locking in a fixed rate can pay off. If they are expected to rise, staying flexible keeps your options open. No one predicts rates reliably, so splitting between the two is a sensible default.
Questions readers ask
Can I hold both products at Anadi?
Yes, the two products are designed to complement each other. The deposit protection limit applies to your total deposits at the bank.
Figures, rates and conditions change. The binding information is on the official Anadi Bank website, which you should open by typing anadibank.com into your browser. Banoblog is independent and not affiliated with the bank.