Colombians seeking secure investment options may find renewed opportunity following the Banco de la república’s surprise decision to raise interest rates to 10.25%. The 100-basis-point increase,announced Friday,is a response to inflationary pressures fueled by a recent 23% hike in the minimum wage and marks the first rate increase since April 2023. This move is expected to especially benefit those considering Certificates of Deposit (CDTs), a popular savings vehicle in Colombia.
Colombia’s central bank’s recent interest rate hike to 10.25% presents a mixed outlook for the country’s financial landscape. While potentially increasing borrowing costs in the short term, the move could benefit savers looking for higher returns on their investments.
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CDT. Photo:iStock
The Banco de la República’s decision to raise its benchmark interest rate by 100 basis points, from 9.25% to 10.25%, comes amid heightened inflationary pressures stemming from a 23% increase in the minimum wage. This adjustment is expected to make fixed-income instruments, such as Certificates of Deposit (CDTs), more appealing to investors.
As the central bank increases rates, financial institutions are gradually passing those higher costs onto consumers, resulting in more attractive interest rates for CDTs.
CDTs are accessible to individuals with even small amounts of capital, requiring funds to be held for a specified period – typically 30, 60, 90, 180, or 360 days.
Returns on these deposits are influenced by factors including the deposit amount, the duration of the investment, and prevailing market conditions. Investors should also be aware that early withdrawals may be subject to penalties.
“The 100 basis point increase by the issuing authority took the market by surprise and boosts the attractiveness of CDTs at the start of 2026,” said María Elisa Ponce, Communications Manager at MejorCDT. “With this adjustment, the guaranteed return of CDTs exceeds investor expectations, directly competing with higher-risk assets.”
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CDTs can be opened jointly. Photo:iStock
Opening a CDT is now increasingly convenient, with many banks offering online access through mobile apps or computers. This shift reflects a broader trend toward digital banking services in Colombia.
According to the latest report from the Superfinanciera in November, the total balance of CDTs held by individuals in the country reached 334.1 trillion pesos, representing a 2.76% increase compared to the same period last year.
Currently, the largest share of funds is held in deposits with terms exceeding 18 months, totaling 107 trillion pesos. This is followed by deposits under six months (80 trillion pesos), those between six and 12 months (76.4 trillion pesos), and those between 12 and 18 months (69.1 trillion pesos).
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Banks with the Highest Returns
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While rates are expected to continue rising, here’s a look at the latest average effective annual rates offered by Colombian banks, according to the Superfinanciera.
It’s important to note that these rates were recorded on January 29th and serve as a reference point, not a commitment for current offerings.
CDT. Photo:iStock
Best 30-Day Average Rates
- Banco W 8.62%
- Itaú 8.55%
- Bancolombia 8.50%
- Banco de Bogotá 8.46%
- Davivienda 8.37%
- Banco Serfinanza 8.25%
- Banco Popular 8.17%
- Banco de Occidente 6.49%
- Banco Mundo Mujer 4.84%
- Bbva Colombia 4.24%
Best 60-Day Average Rates
- Banco de Bogotá 9.52%
- Nu 9.00%
- Banco de Occidente 8.74%
- Bancolombia 8.60%
- Banco GNB Sudameris 8.50%
- Banco Popular 8.35%
- Davivienda 8.32%
- Bbva Colombia 7.66%
Best 90-Day Average Rates
- Bold 11.00%
- Ban100 9.80%
- Banco W 9.74%
- Banco Contactar 9.64%
- Banco Falabella 9.53%
- Banco Santander 9.50%
- Bancamía 9.46%
- Bbva Colombia 9.41%
- Banco Serfinanza 9.22%
- Davivienda 9.07%
- Banco de Bogotá 9.07%
- Banco Unión 8.82%
- Banco Agrario 8.17%
