Guide
How to compare deposit interest across currencies
This guide explains the calculator inputs in ordinary language. It is written for users who want to compare two deposit scenarios without treating the result as a product recommendation.
1. Start with the currency you already hold
The base currency is the money you have today. Enter the amount, annual deposit rate and term in months. This creates the baseline result: how much interest the original currency deposit would estimate at maturity.
2. Add the comparison currency
The comparison currency is the alternative scenario. The calculator converts the base amount using the exchange rate you enter, applies the comparison-currency rate and term, then converts the maturity value back to the base currency for a like-for-like estimate.
3. Read the threshold rate carefully
The threshold rate is the exchange rate where the two estimated maturity values are equal. It is not a forecast. It simply answers this question: at what exchange rate would the comparison-currency result become equal to the base-currency result?
4. Understand exchange spread
Banks and platforms often quote different rates for buying and selling currency. The spread field lets users include a rough conversion cost. If you do not know the spread, leave it blank and treat the result as a cleaner but less complete estimate.
5. Use reference rates as a starting point
If the annual rate field is blank, DepositFX uses the reference rate listed for that currency. Reference rates are meant to reduce manual lookup, not replace the actual product quote from a bank. Product availability, minimum deposit amounts, fees and withdrawal rules may differ.
Before using a number outside the calculator
- Check the current official bank rate or product page.
- Check the actual exchange quote you can transact at.
- Confirm the term, minimum balance and early-withdrawal rules.
- Consider tax, fees and account eligibility rules that the calculator does not include.