Sarwa is one of the most well-known UAE fintech names, licensed by both ADGM and DFSA, and built specifically for UAE expats. But if you're using Sarwa Save+ for the rate, it's worth knowing the current numbers.
As of March 2026: Sarwa Save+ pays 3.7% gross — or approximately 3.2% net after the 0.5% annual management fee. That rate has been declining since 2024 as the US Federal Reserve cut rates. More cuts are expected in 2026.
There are alternatives — here's how they compare.
Why Sarwa's rate has been declining
Sarwa Save+ holds institutional money market instruments — short-term US government debt and commercial paper. This structure is conservative and regulated, but it means the rate tracks the Federal Reserve.
The Fed cut rates three times in 2025. Sarwa's Save+ rate fell from 5.1% (June 2024) → 4.3% → 3.7% (March 2026). As long as the Fed continues cutting, Sarwa's rate will likely continue declining.
Sarwa alternatives: ranked by rate
1. Vault (vlt.money) — ~5.4% current
Rate: ~5.4% current, variable Fee: Zero Regulation: Pursuing ADGM regulation — not yet licensed Lock-in: None Status: Waitlist open
Vault earns from fees paid by institutional borrowers in regulated lending markets — not from money market instruments. The rate doesn't move with the Federal Reserve in the same way.
Gap vs Sarwa Save+ net: ~220bps. On AED 100,000, that's approximately AED 2,200/year more.
The trade-off: Vault is not yet ADGM-regulated. Sarwa has been licensed since 2018 and has a long track record. If regulatory status is your priority, Sarwa remains the safer choice.
2. StashAway Simple — ~3.6%
Rate: ~3.6% projected Fee: Zero management fee Regulation: Licensed by MAS (Singapore) and DIFC (UAE) Lock-in: None
StashAway Simple invests in money market funds with a higher weighting toward global corporate bonds alongside US government paper. This gives it slightly better returns than pure government-debt products like Sarwa.
No fee makes the gross and net rate the same — unlike Sarwa's 0.5% drag.
3. Wio Bank Flexible Savings — 3.25% (AED)
Rate: 3.25% AED flexible savings Fee: Zero Regulation: CBUAE-licensed digital bank Lock-in: None
Wio is a UAE digital bank with CBUAE licensing. The flexible savings rate (3.25% AED) is lower than Sarwa, but Wio offers full banking — current account, debit card, international transfers — alongside the savings rate.
Note: some comparison sites show Wio at 4.5% — this is incorrect. The flexible savings rate confirmed at wio.io in March 2026 is 3.25% AED. The higher rates require salary routing.
4. Sarwa Halal — ~3.5% net (Islamic option)
Rate: ~3.5% net Fee: 0.5% annual fee Regulation: ADGM + DFSA licensed Lock-in: None
If Sharia compliance matters, Sarwa's Halal product currently pays ~3.5% net — slightly higher than the conventional Save+ product. Both charge the same 0.5% fee.
5. Nexo — ~5.5% base (USD)
Rate: ~5.5% base on USD deposits Fee: Zero Regulation: Multiple EU licences; UAE VARA (Dubai) Lock-in: None Minimum: $5,000+ total portfolio to earn this rate
Nexo offers a comparable headline rate to Vault but with conditions: you need a minimum portfolio and the product is built around digital assets (platform tier requirements, etc.). Not designed for people who want a simple savings account.
Summary comparison
| Provider | Net Rate | Fee | Regulated UAE | Lock-in | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vault | ~5.4% | 0% | Pursuing ADGM | No | Waitlist |
| Nexo | ~5.5% (base) | 0% | VARA only | No | $5K+ minimum |
| StashAway Simple | ~3.6% | 0% | DIFC-licensed | No | — |
| Sarwa Halal | ~3.5% net | 0.5% | ADGM + DFSA | No | Islamic |
| Sarwa Save+ | ~3.2% net | 0.5% | ADGM + DFSA | No | Declining rate |
| Wio Flexible | 3.25% (AED) | 0% | CBUAE | No | Full bank |
When to stay with Sarwa
Sarwa's strengths remain:
- Dual licensing (ADGM + DFSA) — regulated in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai
- Track record — operating since 2018, $828M+ AUM
- UAE Pass onboarding — fast and local
- Halal option — for Sharia-compliant savers
If regulatory assurance is your primary concern, Sarwa is the established choice. The rate is lower, but the regulatory infrastructure is in place.
When to consider alternatives
If you're primarily trying to maximise the return on idle cash:
- Vault offers ~220bps more than Sarwa Save+ net, with no fee
- StashAway Simple offers ~70bps more with no fee and DIFC licensing
- Both have no lock-in
Sarwa Save+ rate confirmed March 26, 2026 at sarwa.co/en/product/save. All rates subject to change. Vault rate is variable and not guaranteed. Not ADGM-regulated yet.
Comparing your options? Join the Vault waitlist at vlt.money.
