Where is it worth saving in 2026? - Short-term deposits for individuals "recover". Long-term deposits for businesses, more profitable
The year 2026 has started with unfavorable interest rates for citizens' long-term deposits. According to the monthly statistical report of the Bank of Albania, the average interest rate for individuals' lek deposits has reached 1.59%, mainly due to short-term deposits.
Interest rates on savings held in banks for up to one year increased slightly during January, but data show that long-term deposits, i.e. those with terms of 1-2 years and those over 2 years, which are usually the most preferred by citizens, are no longer appearing as attractive, due to the decrease in interest rates.
Thus, for deposits with a term of 1-2 years, the interest rate has decreased from 1.71% to 1.59%, while for deposits over 2 years, the interest rate decreased to 2.44% from 2.47% at the end of last year.
The opposite happens with business deposits in lek, especially long-term ones, which have brought a high average interest rate of 2.23%. Interest on savings of businesses connected to the bank for over two years has become more attractive in 2026, going from 1.74% to 2.75%, while those with shorter terms have resulted in a decrease.
Regarding the interest rates on euro deposits, the latter are historically lower than deposits in lek. The rates set by banks for citizens' euro savings appear to have started the year not very positively, while those for businesses appear more profitable.
What do these numbers mean in simpler words?
Unlike in the past, the interest income from citizens' deposits with a term of up to one year will be higher, as will that of businesses holding long-term deposits. Despite the upward trends, savings kept in lek and for many years, yield a higher interest income than short-term deposits in lek or in euros.
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