Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
Chinese banks bring back large-denomination certificates of deposit
Banks across China have brought back large-denomination certificates of deposit, after cutting their issuance for a time.
These bank deposits generally require at least 200,000 yuan and offer fixed interest for terms ranging from one month to five years.
Some popular offers have sold out quickly, as savers look for predictable returns in a low-interest-rate environment and amid market swings.
The products are especially popular with older customers and cautious households, who often value the return of their savings more than high growth.
Deposit insurance covers up to 500,000 yuan in principal and interest, and some certificates can be transferred or withdrawn early under set rules.
Interest varies by bank: large commercial banks offer about 1.55% for three-year deposits, while some smaller banks offer higher rates on longer terms.
Banks are adjusting their offers to attract stable deposits, and some say they will continue issuing certificates regularly.
Financial experts advise savers to avoid promises of unusually high, guaranteed returns and to spread large sums across products and institutions.
Chinese banks have brought back large-denomination certificates of deposit after issuance had previously shrunk.
Products are being offered by major, smaller and foreign banks, and some popular issues have sold out quickly.
The certificates are deposits, generally require at least 200,000 yuan and often pay slightly more than regular deposits of the same term.
Banks say the products help meet demand for low-risk, predictable returns and provide banks with stable funding.
Interest rates vary by bank and term, with some five-year products from smaller banks paying more than those from major banks.
- Who
- Chinese banks, including major, smaller and foreign banks, are issuing the certificates. Savers seeking stable returns are among the buyers.
- What
- Banks have resumed offering large-denomination certificates of deposit across a range of terms. Some products have sold out.
- When
- The renewed issuance has been underway since early summer 2026.
- Where
- Banks across China are offering the products through branches and online channels.
- Why
- Banks want stable funding, while customers are seeking low-risk products with predictable returns.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bank of China began selling its first personal large-denomination certificate of deposit products of the year, covering seven terms from one month to five years.
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China issued two five-year products, with annual interest rates of 1.60% and 1.55%.
Bank of East Asia (China) issued a three-year yuan-denominated personal certificate of deposit.
Shanghai Commercial Bank (China) offered a three-year yuan-denominated personal certificate of deposit nationwide.
A 33-year-old doctor deposited 520,000 yuan in a three-year product at an annual interest rate of 1.55%.
China News Service found that some certificates listed by Bank of China and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China had sold out.
- Minimum deposit
- Usually 200,000 yuan
- Deposit insurance
- Principal and interest up to 500,000 yuan are fully covered under the deposit insurance system
- Major-bank five-year rates
- 1.55%–1.60%
- Some smaller-bank five-year rates
- 1.75%–1.79% at Minsheng Bank
- Agricultural Bank of China sales
- More than 300 billion yuan across 19 personal product issues since the summer
- Older customers
- Customers over 50 make up nearly 60% of Bank of Communications' buyers
1 source
What people are saying
The overall subscription interest is high, with funds mainly coming from existing customers' deposits and new funds transferred from other banks.
The current environment is one of low interest rates and low risk appetite, with greater volatility in wealth management, funds and equity markets.
The re-emergence of large-denomination certificates of deposit means people have another reassuring choice.
The continued improvement of supporting rules for large-denomination certificates of deposit, the lowering of the individual purchase threshold and a better transfer mechanism also make these products easier for investors to accept.