For many Filipinos, the fear of losing money is enough to keep them from exploring anything beyond a traditional bank savings account. “Why risk my money when I can just keep it safe in the bank?” is a question that has probably crossed your mind at some point, and it’s a valid one. After all, no one wants to see their savings disappear because of a bad financial move. But while keeping your money in a standard bank account may feel safe, the low interest rates often fail to keep up with inflation, meaning your money will lose value over time.

The good news is that growing your money doesn’t always mean taking big risks. There are practical, low-risk financial options that offer better returns than letting your savings sit idle. One example is opening a high-interest bank account Philippines users can easily access through a trusted digital bank like Maya, which offers more competitive rates than traditional banks while keeping your funds secure and accessible. As the #1 digital bank in the Philippines, Maya’s goal is to help more Filipinos explore smarter ways to grow their money. With the right tools and strategies, even cautious savers like you can make your money work harder without losing sleep.

With that in mind, let’s explore some low-risk yet potentially rewarding avenues where you can confidently put your hard-earned money to work.

1. High-Interest Savings Accounts

A high-interest savings account is one of the easiest and safest ways to grow your money while keeping it accessible. Digital banks like Maya are leading the way in this area, offering interest rates that far exceed those of traditional banks. With Maya Savings, for example, you start with a base rate of 3.5% interest per annum that you can boost up to 15% simply by using the Maya app for everyday transactions such as paying bills, buying load, or making online and in-store purchases.

In addition to attractive interest rates, Maya also makes opening a high-yield savings account quick and hassle-free. With just one valid ID and no minimum balance required, it’s one of the easiest ways to open a bank account Philippine savers can rely on for both convenience and better returns. Meanwhile, if you’re saving for something specific like an emergency fund, a trip, or a big purchase, Personal Goals might be the better option. It allows you to create up to five separate goal-based savings accounts, each earning a guaranteed interest rate of 4% per annum, which you can even push to the max up to 8% per year. This will help you stay organized and motivated as you work toward your financial goals.

For added peace of mind, all Maya deposits are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) for up to PHP 1,000,000 per depositor. With this level of security, it’s easier to feel confident when you open bank account options that fit your saving and financial goals.

2. Time Deposits

Time deposits are ideal for those who prefer a disciplined, hands-off approach to saving. You agree to set aside your money for a fixed term, and in return, you earn a guaranteed interest rate typically higher than what a regular savings account offers. Since your funds are locked in, it also reduces the temptation to withdraw early, helping you stay committed to your savings goals.

A great example is Maya Time Deposit Plus, which offers a guaranteed base interest rate of 3.5% per annum, with the opportunity to earn even more by meeting simple savings targets. The interest rate increases up to 5%, 6%, or 5.5% for terms of 3, 6, or 12 months, respectively, as long as you meet your savings goal by the end of the term. It’s a smart option if you’re looking to grow your money faster than with a regular savings account and are comfortable keeping it untouched for a set period.

Just as important as growing your savings is knowing your money is safe. Maya is a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-supervised financial institution and offers robust security features such as Face ID and biometric logins, one-time passwords (OTPs), and real-time alerts. With these protections in place, you can grow your savings with confidence and reassurance every step of the way.

3. Government Bonds

Government bonds are among the most secure and reliable investment options, making them ideal for beginners or risk-averse investors. Issued by the national government, these bonds pay fixed interest over a set period. Options like Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs) start at minimum investments as low as PHP 5,000, making stable returns accessible to a wider range of savers.

Since they’re backed by the government, these bonds offer strong reliability with very low risk of loss. The interest you earn is guaranteed, and your principal is returned in full once the bond matures. For conservative savers looking for a long-term investment without the volatility of the stock market, government bonds are a strong, trustworthy choice.

4. Conservative Mutual Funds or UITFs

If you're interested in investing but want to keep your risk low, conservative mutual funds or Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) can be a great starting point. These pooled investment vehicles allocate most of their assets to fixed-income instruments such as bonds, government securities, and time deposits. Some may also include a small portion of equities to modestly boost returns while still maintaining a low-risk profile.

Offered by banks and other financial institutions, these funds are managed by professional fund managers and typically allow you to start with a low initial investment. While returns may fluctuate slightly, conservative funds focus on preserving capital while generating steady growth over time. They’re well-suited for long-term savers looking for a safe, passive way to build wealth without the need for active management.

5. Pag-IBIG MP2 Savings Program

The Pag-IBIG MP2 Savings Program is a voluntary, government-backed savings option that offers tax-free annual dividends, historically around 6% to 7% per annum. You can start with just PHP 500, and funds are locked in for five years, making it ideal for medium-term goals like education, home upgrades, or business capital.

The program is open to active and former Pag-IBIG members with at least 24 months of savings. Since it's managed by the Pag-IBIG Fund, your capital is secure and free from hidden fees. If you’re after low-risk growth with better returns than a typical savings account, MP2 is a smart and dependable alternative.

Saving and growing your money doesn’t always have to involve high risks or complicated strategies. With the right low-risk options, you can earn steady returns while maintaining a sense of security. Let the options above guide you toward smarter, safer financial decisions. With consistency and the right approach, you can build a more secure and rewarding financial future.