In today's ever-changing interest rate market, savvy savers are increasingly concerned about "which bank offers the best value for money on fixed deposits?" . As one of the fastest rising smart banks in Hong Kong in recent years, WeLab Bank has become a hot favorite among local and overseas users due to its digital operation, flexible deposit tenure and higher-than-average interest rates.(WeLab Bank Invitation Code FPA6RM) Fill in when registering.
So here's the question: are the fixed deposit rates of HBL really better than traditional banks in 2025? This article will provide you with a comprehensive analysis and make a detailed comparison with the data of mainstream banks in the market, so that you can see at a glance and choose the most suitable deposit option for yourself.
I. Hong Kong Time Deposit Market Overview, 2025
Starting from the second half of 2024, a number of banks in Hong Kong have lowered their fixed deposit rates as the Federal Reserve's interest rate reduction cycle kicked in. However, due to increased competition, some virtual banks have continued to offer high-interest deposit schemes to attract users.
According to first quarter 2025 data:
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The 1-year fixed deposit rates of large conventional banks (e.g. HSBC, BOC Hong Kong) are generally between 2.5%~2.8%
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Launched by small and medium sized banks or digital banksPromotional rates can be as high as 3.2%~3.5%but often comes with a new customer or minimum deposit requirement
II. List of Latest Fixed Deposit Rates for 2025 by Welly Bank
Welly Bank has updated its time deposit rates in the first quarter of 2025 as follows (in HKD):
Deposit Term | Interest rate per annum (HKD) | Minimum Deposit |
---|---|---|
1 month | 2.30% | HK$10,000 |
3 months | 2.85% | HK$10,000 |
6 months | 3.10% | HK$10,000 |
12 months | 3.50% | HK$10,000 |
✔️ No fee early termination (interest at call rate)
✔️ supports one-click renewals within the app
✔️ Deposits can be made in HKD, USD and RMB.
Compared to the average value of traditional banks, HELI BankSignificantly more competitive on 6-month and 12-month rates, particularly suitable for users who wish to preserve the value of their funds in the short to medium term.
III. Comparison with mainstream traditional bank rates
We have selected the data (as of March 2025) of three major banks in Hong Kong for comparison with Welly Bank:
Bank name | 12-month Fixed Deposit Rate (HKD) | Minimum Deposit Requirement | additional condition |
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Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) | 2.65% | HK$50,000 | In-branch visit required |
Standard Chartered Bank | 2.75% | HK$10,000 | Partial new customer qualification |
Bank of China Hong Kong (BOCHK) | 2.85% | HK$10,000 | App Account Opening Offer |
Banco Delta Asia S.A.R.L., Macau | 3.50% | HK$10,000 | Fully online, no handling fee |
As can be seen from the table.The interest rates at Hilux Bank are significantly higher than the three major traditional banks, and the account opening threshold is lower and the process is easier.
IV. What type of users is it suitable for?
The time deposit service of Welly Bank is particularly suitable for the following categories of people:
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✅ Savings customers looking for higher interest returns
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✅ Young users who do not want to run branches themselves and prefer cell phone operation
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✅ Middle-class families with short-term funds lying idle and unsure about long-term investment
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✅ Cross-border Hong Kong people or overseas Chinese who wish to manage their money remotely
Also, if you already have a remittance bank account, opening a fixed deposit through the app takes only 1 minute, with almost zero learning cost.(WeLab Bank Invitation Code FPA6RM) Fill in when registering.
V. Fixed deposits vs. financial products: how do you choose?
Many people will ask, "Should I put my money in a fixed deposit or buy a financial product?"
comparison term | Time deposits (e.g., Welly Bank) | Financial products (market average) |
---|---|---|
capital preservation risk | ✅ Capital Preservation | ❌ Possible loss |
Annualized rate of return | Medium (up to 3.5%) | Possibly higher (5%+) |
flexibility | Medium (supports early termination) | Depends on the product |
Difficulty of use | Simple (App operation) | Risk assessment required |
👉 If you areConservative investorsIf you have a clear goal of saving time, time deposits are still the first choice; if you are looking for a higher return, financial products can be used as a supplementary allocation.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will the interest rate of HBL be adjusted at any time?
A: Yes, interest rates are subject to market changes, but once a fixed deposit is opened, the interest rate is locked to the maturity date and is not subject to external influences.
Q2: Can I withdraw my time deposit at any time?
A: Early withdrawal is possible, but the return is calculated at the call rate, and it is recommended to hold the full deposit period as long as the liquidity of funds allows.
Q3: Do I need to go to the bank to sign the documents?
A: No need, all the process is done within the app, just upload your ID and complete the face recognition.
Q4: Are there high interest rates on foreign currency fixed deposits?
A: The interest rates for USD and RMB fixed deposits are slightly lower than those for HKD, but still higher than most traditional banks, so users with cross-border needs may pay attention to them.
VII. Conclusion: Interest rate times have changed and choices need to be smart
In the face of a volatile financial market, choosing a bank that offers both stability and high interest rates has become a common need for many Hong Kong people and overseas users.With its high fixed deposit rate of 3.5%, digitized operational processes and zero-run experience, HELI Bank has indeed delivered a glowing performance in the deposit market in 2025.
If you want to make more money, start with a small fixed deposit and experience the changes brought by financial technology.