National Savings Profit Rates October 2026: 12.72% Update
National Savings profit rates changed on 1 October 2026, with eligible welfare savers earning up to 12.72% and several mainstream products offering returns above 11%. This guide converts the official rates into practical rupee amounts.
By News Desk · Verified Pakistan News Desk
Published · 4 min read
For October 2026, National Savings profit rates reach 12.72%. Below are the current scheme rates, estimated returns on Rs100,000, tax rules, eligibility details and the safest way to invest.
Latest National Savings profit rates for October 2026
Official rate table
The highest published rate is 12.72% on Behbood Savings Certificates, Pensioners Benefit Accounts and Shuhada Family Welfare Accounts. Regular Income Certificates pay 11.76%, Defence Savings Certificates carry 11.80%, while the standard Savings Account pays 10.00%. Special Savings Certificates pay 11.60% for the first five six-month periods and 12.90% for the final period. Short Term Savings Certificates are 10.80% for three months, 11.08% for six months and 11.31% for one year. Sarwa Islamic products list 11.33% for the savings account, 11.33% for one year, 11.57% for three years and 11.70% for five years.
What Rs100,000 can earn
At 12.72%, Rs100,000 produces about Rs12,720 a year, or Rs1,060 a month where profit is paid monthly. Regular Income Certificates generate Rs980 a month for every Rs100,000 at 11.76%. A Rs1 million holding therefore produces about Rs10,600 monthly in an eligible welfare product or Rs9,800 through an RIC before any applicable deductions.
Which scheme fits each saver
Monthly income choices
Retirees and other eligible welfare investors may prefer Behbood or Pensioners Benefit Accounts because of the higher rate and monthly payment. Investors who are not eligible can consider the five-year Regular Income Certificate for predictable monthly cash flow.
Growth and shorter horizons
Defence Savings Certificates suit people who can leave funds invested for ten years; the official schedule shows Rs100,000 growing to Rs305,000 at maturity. Short Term Savings Certificates are more suitable when the money may be needed within three, six or twelve months. Special Savings Certificates sit between these options with a three-year term and six-monthly payments.
Tax eligibility and early encashment
Tax and Zakat
National Savings states that withholding tax on taxable products is 15% for people on the Active Taxpayers List and 30% for non-filers. Official product pages say Behbood, Pensioners Benefit and Shuhada Family Welfare returns are exempt from withholding tax and Zakat. Investors should confirm their status at the centre because personal circumstances can change the treatment.
Eligibility and limits
Behbood is available to senior citizens aged 60 or above, widows who have not remarried and people holding the prescribed disability identity card. The official product page lists a minimum of Rs5,000 and a maximum of Rs7.5 million for a single investor or Rs15 million jointly. Always use the current product page rather than an old brochure.
How to invest without avoidable mistakes
Before submitting funds
Compare the payment frequency, maturity, early-encashment rules and tax treatment, not only the headline percentage. Keep an emergency reserve outside a long-tenure certificate. Bring valid identity documents and ask the National Savings Centre for the product-specific checklist.
Digital and branch options
National Savings now provides digital account opening, a mobile app and internet banking alongside its branch network. Confirm that the web address ends in savings.gov.pk or nationalsavings.digital. Never share an OTP, financial PIN or password with a caller. For a Shariah-compliant route, review the Sarwa Islamic products and their declared profit method.
What changed and the practical verdict
Rates can move again
The October schedule applies from 1 October 2026 and may be revised when market conditions change. A certificate generally follows the rules and rate structure applicable to that product and purchase date, so retain the official receipt and terms.
Bottom line
The 12.72% welfare rate is attractive for eligible savers seeking monthly income. RIC remains the clearest mainstream monthly-income option, while STSC offers flexibility and DSC rewards a long holding period. The best choice depends on eligibility, access to cash, tax status and whether the return keeps pace with inflation.
Useful internal links
- How to Invest in Shariah-Compliant Mutual Funds in Pakistan as a Beginner
- How to Check Your CDC Investor Account Balance Online in Pakistan
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest National Savings rate in October 2026?
The highest listed rate is 12.72% for Behbood Savings Certificates, Pensioners Benefit Accounts and Shuhada Family Welfare Accounts.
How much monthly profit does Rs100,000 earn at 12.72%?
It earns Rs1,060 per month where the product pays monthly, before any product-specific adjustment.
What is the RIC monthly return on Rs100,000?
At 11.76%, the official RIC schedule shows Rs980 per month for every Rs100,000.
Are National Savings rates fixed forever?
No. New rates can be notified when market conditions change. Confirm the rate and terms on the purchase date.
Which option is Shariah-compliant?
National Savings offers Sarwa products including Sarwa Islamic Savings and Term Accounts.
Sources and fact checks
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