04 Sep, 2024

2024 Base Rate Comparison: A Comprehensive Guide to Commercial and Development Banks in Nepal

Introduction:The base rate is the minimum interest rate set by commercial & development banks, which forms the foundation for determining loan interest rates. In simple terms, a bank’s loan interest rate is calculated by adding a premium to its base rate. This premium varies depending on the type of loan, borrower profile, and other factors.Base rates fluctuate every month based on market conditions, and as per the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) regulations, banks are required to publish their updated base rates on a monthly basis. Moreover, the applicable loan interest rate for any given month is often derived as an

average of the base rates from the previous three months.This dynamic system ensures that interest rates remain reflective of current market conditions while offering transparency to borrowers. By understanding the trends in base rates, individuals and businesses can make more informed decisions when applying for loans or managing financial strategies.Navigating the financial terrain in Nepal requires a clear understanding of base rates across different commercial and development banks. These base rates, which form the foundation for loan interest rates, directly influence the cost of borrowing. In this article, we provide an extensive comparison of the base rates from leading banks in Nepal as of 2024, equipping you with the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions.Month-Wise Applicable Base Rate Trend Analysis of Commercial Banks in Nepal: (Average Base Rate of Last Three Months)Bank NameBhadra - 2081Shrawn - 2081Ashad - 2081Jestha - 2081Baishak - 2081Chaitra - 2080Falgun - 2080Magh - 2080Poush - 2080Mangshir - 2080Kartik - 2080Ashwin - 2080Siddhartha Bank7.93%8.20%8.31%8.51%8.71%8.98%9.22%9.41%9.50%9.63%9.71%9.83%Nepal Bank Limited7.54%7.87%7.88%7.96%8.08%8.27%8.57%8.83%9.05%9.39%9.65%9.89%Nepal Investment Mega Bank7.64%7.82%8.03%8.26%8.52%8.81%9.14%9.41%9.66%9.83%9.99%9.79%Prime Commercial Bank8.57%8.77%9.04%9.30%9.68%10.05%10.31%10.43%10.52%10.68%10.78%10.76%Global IME Bank7.77%8.09%8.40%8.59%8.84%9.09%9.38%9.6%9.8%10.01%10.07%10.09%Standard Chartered Bank6.22%6.38%6.36%6.74%7.01%7.36%7.52%7.73%8.01%8.22%8.47%8.67%Himalayan Bank8.86 %9.08 %9.28 %9.52%9.84%10.1%10.35%10.59%10.77%10.86%10.85%10.88%Sanima Bank7.83 %8.03%8.2%8.41%8.66%8.97%9.27%9.44 %9.59%9.77 %9.92%10.06%NIC Asia Bank9.22%9.24 %9.13%8.86 %8.86 %9.13 %9.67 %10.1%10.39%10.7%10.96%10.76%NMB Bank7.98%8.42%8.7%8.94%9.15%9.41%9.71%9.95%9.9%9.81%9.85%10.08%Prabhu Bank7.95%8.2%8.35%8.49%8.75%9.06%9.3%9.42%9.66%9.94%10.17%10.18%Citizens Bank8.42%8.57%8.85%9.07%9.29%9.58%9.85%10.16%10.39%10.64%10.68%10.68%Nabil Bank7.42%7.63%7.86%8.1%8.36%8.61%8.86%9.07%9.3%9.45%9.58%9.54%Agriculture Development Bank7.96%8.18%8.38%8.61%8.98%9.36%9.72%9.93%10.11%10.3%10.45%10.34%Notable Insights:Siddhartha Bank:  Siddhartha Bank shows substantial improvements in its interest rates, making it a solid choice for borrowers seeking competitive rates with reasonable flexibility. Over the past year, interest has been reduced from 9.83% (Ashwin, 2080) to 7.93% (Current).Prime Commercial Bank: Shows a gradual increase in its base rate, peaking at 10.78% in Kartik 2080. The consistent upward trend suggests a cautious approach to risk management.Global IME Bank: Demonstrates an upward trend, particularly notable from Shrawn 2081 onwards. This increase may indicate adjustments in response to market conditions or changes in the cost of funds.Himalayan Bank: Maintains a steady base rate slightly above the average, reflecting a balance between competitive pricing and risk management.NIC Asia Bank: With its base rate consistently above 8%, NIC Asia Bank targets a specific market segment that may be willing to pay slightly higher rates for specialized services or benefits.Citizens Bank: Shows a notable increase in its base rate over the months, reaching 10.68% in Ashwin 2080, reflecting its strategic adjustments in response to market conditions.Nabil Bank: Consistently offers a competitive base rate, maintaining a steady trend over the months. It remains one of the most stable options for borrowers.Agriculture Development Bank: Maintains a stable base rate with minimal fluctuations, indicative of consistent risk management.Month-Wise Applicable Base Rate Trend Analysis of Development Banks in Nepal:(Average Base Rate of Last Three Months)Bank NameBhadra - 2081Shrawn - 2081Ashad - 2081Jestha - 2081Baishak - 2081Chaitra - 2080Falgun - 2080Magh - 2080Poush - 2080Mangshir - 2080Kartik - 2080Ashwin - 2080Muktinath Bikas Bank8.81%9.09%9.38%9.69%10.04%10.4%10.69%10.98%11.25%11.47%11.52%11.52%Shangrila Development Bank9.08%9.33%9.62%9.94%10.28%10.52%10.79%10.99%11.25%11.51%11.65%11.84%Jyoti Bikas Bank9.41%9.51%9.62%9.62%9.98%10.39%10.78%11.13%11.36%---Garima Bikas Bank8.72%8.99%9.26%9.87%9.99%10.32%10.59%10.89%11.27%11.55%11.69%11.74%Mahalaxmi Bikas Bank8.96%9.39%9.54%9.7%9.87%10.11%10.36%10.71%10.89%11.16%11.23%11.39%Lumbini Bikas Bank9.46%9.77%10.1%10.4%10.72%11%11.25%11.4%11.58%11.7%11.83%11.88%Kamana Sewa Bikas Bank9.16%9.45%9.74%10.09%10.41%10.72%10.95%11.22%11.46%11.6%11.57%11.64%Notable Insights:Muktinath Bikas Bank: Demonstrates a significant increase, especially from Ashad 2081 onwards, with a peak at 11.52% in Ashwin 2080.Shangrila Development Bank: Exhibits a steady upward trend, particularly noticeable in the second half of the year, suggesting a shift in risk management or cost of funds strategy.Jyoti Bikas Bank: The base rate shows an upward trend, peaking at 11.36% in Poush 2080, which may indicate the bank's focus on maintaining competitiveness while managing risk.Garima Bikas Bank: Experiences a consistent upward trend, reflecting the bank's response to increasing costs or changing market conditions.Lumbini Bikas Bank: Maintains a relatively high base rate throughout, indicating a cautious approach to lending with an emphasis on managing risk.Kamana Sewa Bikas Bank: Shows a steady increase in base rates, reaching 11.64% by Ashwin 2080, indicative of a strategic approach to lending and risk management.Compare Base Rates Seamlessly with Saral Banking Sewa For an up-to-date and comprehensive comparison of base rates across all banks, visit Saral Banking Sewa. This platform allows you to compare base rates easily and make well-informed financial decisions tailored to your needs.Optimize Your Financial Strategy with Saral Banking Sewa As you navigate these base rate comparisons, it’s essential to streamline your banking and financial services to maximize convenience and efficiency. Saral Banking Sewa offers a one-stop solution for all your banking needs, ensuring you get the most out of your financial journey. From easy account management to seamless loan applications, Saral Banking Sewa integrates the services of major banks, allowing you to access the best offers and rates in one place.Why Choose Saral Banking Sewa?Comprehensive Banking Solutions: Access services from multiple banks through a single platform.Exclusive Offers: Benefit from exclusive deals and lower rates negotiated specifically for Saral Banking Sewa users.User-Friendly Interface: Manage all your banking activities with ease, no matter where you are.Start your journey with Saral Banking Sewa today! Explore MoreConclusion: When selecting a bank for your borrowing needs, the base rate is a critical factor to consider, but it should not be the only one. It's important to evaluate the overall package offered by the bank, including loan terms, customer service, and additional fees. This comprehensive comparison of base rates across Nepal's major commercial and development banks provides a valuable reference point, helping you to make well-informed financial decisions in 2081. Optimize your financial strategy today with Saral Banking Sewa and ensure you’re always getting the best rates and services available.