RDA vs NPC: Which Is Better for Overseas Pakistanis in 2026?
A comprehensive comparison of Roshan Digital Account and Naya Pakistan Certificates for overseas Pakistanis — returns, risks, and liquidity.
RDA Overview
Roshan Digital Account (RDA) lets overseas Pakistanis open PKR / USD / EUR / GBP bank accounts remotely and invest in Pakistan — equities, mutual funds, Naya Pakistan Certificates, the PM Apna Ghar (MGMA) mortgage, and more.
NPC Overview
Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPC) are government-backed savings instruments offered exclusively to overseas Pakistanis through RDA, with rates revised periodically by SBP.
Comparison (rates per SBP's 27 March 2026 NPC revision)
| Feature | RDA (bank deposit) | NPC |
|---|---|---|
| Return (PKR) | ~10-11% term deposit | Up to 11.50% (5-yr) |
| Return (USD) | 5-6% term deposit | Up to 7.75% (5-yr) |
| Liquidity | High (savings or term) | Medium (3mo – 5yr lock; early encashment penalty) |
| Tax | 10% WHT for filers, 15% non-filers | Tax-free for overseas Pakistanis |
| Min Investment | PKR 1,000 | USD 500 / PKR 100,000 |
| Government Guarantee | No (bank deposit only) | Yes (sovereign-backed) |
Verdict
Choose RDA if: you want liquidity, plan to invest in PSX stocks or mutual funds, need banking services, or plan to take out a subsidised mortgage under PM Apna Ghar — now open to overseas applicants.
Choose NPC if: you want guaranteed tax-free returns, prefer government-backed safety, have a longer time horizon (5-year locks compound nicely).
Best approach: Use both — RDA for liquidity, equity, and mortgage access; NPC for the safe fixed-income core. Most overseas Pakistanis open an RDA first and then buy NPC through the same portal.
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