“Earn 4.1% a year just by keeping money in GCash.” If you’ve seen a line like that, here’s the short answer: the GSave interest rate isn’t 4.1% as a standard rate. GCash’s help center says the base rate for GSave by CIMB is 2.30% a year as of June 1, 2026, down from 2.60%. A 4% rate is listed only for pre-selected users who upgrade to CIMB Grow. Let’s do the math, because the details matter.
What GSave is
GSave is a savings feature inside the GCash app. The money isn’t kept by GCash itself: you open a savings account with a partner bank. According to GCash’s help page on GSave rates and limits, the partner banks are CIMB, BPI, Maybank, UNO Bank, and Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank. This is not financial advice, and you should read each bank’s terms before you deposit money.
GSave interest rates by partner bank
| Partner bank (product) | Interest per year | Deposit limit | Earns interest from |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIMB (GSave) | 2.30% (CIMB Grow: 4% for pre-selected users) | ₱100,000 a year (basic); no limit if upgraded | ₱0.01 |
| BPI (#MySaveUp) | 0.0925% | ₱30,000 | ₱5,000 |
| Maybank (EzySave+) | 0.35% | ₱100,000 | ₱0.01 |
| UNO Bank (#UNOReady) | 3.00% up to ₱4,999.99; 3.50% from ₱5,000 to ₱4,999,999.99 | ₱100,000 if not upgraded | ₱0.01 |
| Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank (eC-Savings) | 3% | ₱50,000 a day; ₱100,000 a month | ₱0.01 |
No partner rate on that list is 4.1%. The closest is the 4% for CIMB Grow, and GCash says that applies to “pre-selected” users who can upgrade or open that account. GCash’s help page also notes that on iOS, the question mark on the My Savings Account dashboard may still show the old 2.60% rate, which is outdated.
Let’s do the math
GCash gives this sample computation for GSave by CIMB: interest is your average daily balance times the monthly rate, minus a 20% withholding tax.
- Average daily balance: ₱10,000
- Monthly rate: 2.30% ÷ 12 = 0.001917
- Gross interest for the month: ₱19.17
- After 20% withholding tax: about ₱15.33
So, at the current base rate, ₱10,000 earns roughly ₱15 a month after tax. At a hypothetical 4.1%, the same balance would earn about ₱27 a month before tax, but that isn’t what GCash lists. These numbers are an example, not a promise, and rates can change.
Other things to know
- Interest is credited monthly, and the interest is computed on your end-of-day balances.
- All banks have a dormancy fee of ₱30, according to GCash. For CIMB, an account is dormant after 24 months of no usage.
- Limits differ by bank. CIMB’s basic deposit limit is ₱100,000 a year on GCash’s page, and withdrawals are up to ₱500,000 a day.
- Deposit insurance: The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) insures deposits in member banks up to a set amount per depositor. Check the current coverage on pdic.gov.ph and in your bank’s product sheet.
How to check your rate in the app
- Open the GCash app and tap GSave.
- Choose your partner bank and open your savings account dashboard.
- Check the interest rate and the limits. If the app shows an old rate, compare it with GCash’s help page.
- Read the bank’s terms before you deposit.
- Set a reminder to review the rate every few months.
Official information is on GCash’s GSave page and the help center articles on the GSave by CIMB interest rate. For more, browse our money app guides and saving money picks.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 4.1% GSave rate real?
Not as a standard rate. GCash lists 2.30% for GSave by CIMB, with 4% for pre-selected users who upgrade to CIMB Grow.
Which GSave partner pays the most?
On GCash’s help page, UNO Bank lists 3.00% to 3.50% by balance, which is higher than CIMB’s 2.30% base rate. Compare limits and terms, not only the rate.
Is interest taxed?
GCash’s computation includes a 20% withholding tax. Your net interest is what’s left after that.
Can the rate change?
Yes. GCash says it changed on June 1, 2026. Always check the current rate.
My take
- For an emergency fund you want to keep handy: compare the rates, limits, and fees by bank.
- For bigger goals: talk to a licensed financial professional.
- If you see a “guaranteed 4.1%” ad: check GCash’s own page first.
Rates and rules change, so check the current GCash and bank pages before you deposit. This post is general information, not financial advice.
