Banks ·
What your bank charges you every month
Some banks charge K0 a month for a basic current account. Others charge K150. That is K1,800 a year, only to keep the account open.
K1,800a year at the most expensive banks
The Bank of Zambia publishes a table of bank charges every quarter. We took the latest one, as at 31 March 2026, and compared the monthly fee for a basic current account at 14 banks.
- Bank of ChinaPersonal accountsK0
- First Alliance BankK25 if your balance is below K250K0
- AB BankK20 to K75, depending on the accountK20 to K75
- FNBNew FNB prices from 7 September 2026K30
- ZICBK45
- AbsaK50
- EcobankK50
- UBAK50
- StanbicK65
- Access BankK70
- ZanacoPreferred accountK80
- Indo-Zambia BankK100
- CitibankKwacha accountsK150
- First Capital BankK150
Source: Bank of Zambia, Interest Rates and Bank Charges (as at 31 March 2026). Standard Chartered is not in the list because its retail business is moving to FNB.
Which bank costs you the least?
- Bank of China charges K0 for personal accounts. Keep K500 in the account, or pay a K150 penalty.
- First Alliance Bank charges K0 if you keep K250 in the account. If your balance is lower, the fee is K25 a month.
- FNB has the lowest fixed fee, K30. FNB has new prices from 7 September 2026, so check the current fee.
The lowest monthly fee is not always the lowest total cost. ATM, transfer and counter fees also count, so ask your bank for its full price list.
Keep the minimum balance
At some banks, a low balance costs you a penalty. Ask for the minimum before you open an account.
| Bank | Keep at least | Or pay |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of China | K500 | K150 |
| Access Bank | K20 | K50 |
| First Alliance Bank | K250 | K25 |
| Indo-Zambia Bank | K40 | K25 |
| Zanaco (Preferred) | K350 | K20 |
How to pay less
- Find the monthly fee on your statement. It is often called a maintenance or management fee.
- Ask for a cheaper account type. Most banks have more than one current account.
- Keep the minimum balance.
- Only need to save? A basic savings account without a cheque book cannot have a monthly fee. That is the law.
Before you compare
- The fees are as at 31 March 2026. Banks can change them.
- Each fee is for the bank’s basic current account in kwacha. Premium accounts cost more, up to K450 a month.
- Some fees may not include VAT.
- Standard Chartered is not in the list. Its retail business is moving to FNB.