Last Updated: April 2026 ·
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· By MoneyKH Research Team
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Cambodia loan interest rates 2026: Cambodia’s lending market is split into two tiers — commercial banks (12–18% p.a.) and microfinance institutions (18–30% p.a.) — with a meaningful rate gap that every borrower must understand before signing any loan agreement. The difference between a commercial bank personal loan at 14% and an MFI loan at 22% on a $5,000 three-year loan is approximately $1,100 in additional interest. This page is MoneyKH’s master reference for loan rates across every major lender in Cambodia — commercial banks, specialised banks, and microfinance institutions — covering personal loans, SME loans, home loans, agricultural loans, and the KHR vs USD rate differential. Bookmark this page. It is updated as NBC data and lender schedules change.
🇰🇭 Cambodia Loan Rates 2026 · Banks · MFIs · USD · KHR · Personal · SME · Home · Agricultural
⚡ Jump to Section:
- How Cambodia’s Loan Market Works →
- Commercial Bank Loan Rates →
- MFI Loan Rates →
- Rates by Loan Type →
- USD vs KHR Loan Rates →
- EIR — The Rate That Actually Matters →
- How to Qualify for the Lowest Rate →
- FAQ →
| 12–18% Commercial bank loan rate range p.a. (USD). The floor is available only to salaried employees with hard-title collateral at top-tier banks. |
18–30% MFI loan rate range p.a. NBC introduced a partial rate cap in 2017 but effective rates including fees can still exceed 30% at smaller institutions. |
+2–4% The KHR premium. Loans denominated in Cambodian riel carry 2–4% higher rates than equivalent USD loans at most lenders — NBC policy to incentivise KHR use. |
EIR Effective Interest Rate — the only accurate measure of total borrowing cost. Always ask for EIR before signing. Required by NBC to be disclosed on request. |
How Cambodia’s Loan Market Works — What You Must Understand First
Cambodia operates a dual-currency lending market. Most loans are denominated in US dollars (USD), reflecting the country’s long-standing dollarised economy. The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has actively promoted KHR-denominated lending since 2019 through preferential reserve requirements and a policy rate structure designed to make KHR loans cheaper to originate — but in practice, USD loans still dominate, and KHR loans carry higher stated rates despite the NBC policy intent.
The two-tier structure
Every borrower in Cambodia sits within one of two lending tiers, and the tier determines the rate range available to them:
Tier 1 — Commercial Banks (12–18% p.a.)
Full commercial banks licensed by the NBC — including ABA Bank, ACLEDA Bank, Canadia Bank, Maybank Cambodia, and FTB (Foreign Trade Bank). Commercial banks offer the lowest rates but have the strictest eligibility requirements: formal employment documentation, MOC registration for businesses, hard-title land collateral, and established credit history through the Credit Bureau Cambodia (CBC).
Tier 2 — Microfinance Institutions (18–30% p.a.)
NBC-licensed MFIs serve borrowers who cannot meet commercial bank requirements — rural households, informal economy workers, agricultural borrowers, and first-time credit users. Rates are significantly higher. The largest MFIs — Prasac, LOLC Cambodia, AMK, and HKL — have rates at the lower end of this range. Smaller rural MFIs and credit co-operatives can charge closer to 30%.
The practical implication is binary: if you can qualify for a commercial bank loan, always take it. The rate saving is 6–12% per annum — on a $10,000 loan over five years that is $3,000–$6,000 in interest saved. The question of which tier you sit in should be the first thing any Cambodian borrower determines before approaching any lender.
For a full assessment of personal loan options across both tiers, see our best personal loans in Cambodia 2026 guide.
Commercial Bank Loan Rates 2026 — Master Table
Rates below are indicative ranges based on NBC published data and MoneyKH field research as of April 2026. The rate any individual borrower receives depends on loan size, tenor, collateral quality, employment status, and CBC credit score. Always request a personalised quote and the full EIR disclosure from any lender before applying.
| Bank | Personal Loan (USD p.a.) | SME Loan (USD p.a.) | Home Loan (USD p.a.) | Collateral Required | MoneyKH Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABA Bank | 14–18% | 12–16% | 8.5–11% | Hard title land / property | ABA Review → |
| ACLEDA Bank | 14–18% | 12–16% | 9–12% | Hard title land / property | ACLEDA Review → |
| Canadia Bank | 15–18% | 13–17% | 9–12% | Hard title land / property | Canadia Review → |
| Maybank Cambodia | 13–17% | 11–15% | 8–11% | Hard title land / property | Maybank Review → |
| FTB (Foreign Trade Bank) | 14–18% | 12–16% | 9–12% | Hard title land / property | FTB Review → |
| Other commercial banks | 15–20% | 13–18% | 10–14% | Hard title land / property | — |
Notes on commercial bank rates:
- Home loan rates are consistently the lowest product category — secured against property with long tenors, they carry the lowest risk and therefore the lowest rate
- SME loans typically sit between personal and home loan rates — collateral and business documentation quality determine where in the range a business lands
- Personal loans without collateral (unsecured) attract the highest rates within any bank’s product range — some banks do not offer unsecured personal loans at all
- Maybank Cambodia tends to offer marginally lower headline rates, targeting ASEAN-connected professionals and regional businesses — but eligibility criteria are correspondingly stricter
- For a complete breakdown of SME lending, including eligibility criteria across all commercial banks, see our SME loans in Cambodia guide
MFI Loan Rates 2026 — Master Table
MFI rates in Cambodia are governed by NBC guidelines but are not subject to a hard universal cap for all product types. The 18% cap introduced in 2017 applies to specific product categories; in practice, effective rates including fees at many MFIs remain above this level. The EIR — not the headline rate — is the number every MFI borrower must demand in writing.
| MFI | Typical Rate Range (USD p.a.) | Primary Products | Licence Type | Rural Coverage | MoneyKH Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prasac MFI | 18–26% | Agricultural, business, home, salary | NBC DTMI | All 25 provinces, 180+ branches | MFI Guide → |
| LOLC Cambodia | 18–24% | Agricultural, business, home improvement, salary, group | NBC DTMI | All 25 provinces, 200+ service points | MFI Guide → |
| AMK Microfinance | 20–28% | Group loans, individual loans, agricultural | NBC MFI (non-deposit) | Deep rural, village banking model | MFI Guide → |
| HKL (Hattha Kaksekar) | 18–26% | Business, agricultural, home improvement | NBC DTMI | Strong provincial coverage | MFI Guide → |
| Other licensed MFIs (60+) | 20–30% | Varies by institution | NBC MFI or DTMI | Localised / provincial | — |
The critical MFI warning MoneyKH repeats on every loans page: If you qualify for a commercial bank loan, the rate difference over a 3-year $5,000 loan between 14% (ABA) and 22% (typical MFI) is approximately $1,100 in additional interest. MFIs serve an essential role for borrowers who cannot access commercial banks — but they are never the cheaper alternative for those who can. For the full picture on Cambodia’s MFI sector including over-indebtedness risks, see our microfinance loans guide.
Cambodia Loan Rates by Loan Type — 2026
Personal Loans
Personal loans in Cambodia are primarily salary-backed — most commercial banks require proof of employment and a regular salary before approving an unsecured personal loan. Rates range from 14–20% p.a. at commercial banks for salaried borrowers with strong credit history. Borrowers without formal employment documentation are typically directed to MFI products.
For the full lender-by-lender comparison of personal loan products, see our best personal loans in Cambodia 2026.
| Borrower Profile | Best Lender Tier | Indicative Rate (USD p.a.) | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salaried employee, formal employer, hard title collateral | Commercial bank | 14–16% | Payslip + employment letter + collateral |
| Salaried employee, no collateral | Commercial bank (unsecured) | 16–20% | Payslip + employer letter — not all banks offer this |
| Self-employed, informal income, soft title land | MFI | 18–24% | Income assessment + soft or hard title land |
| No documentation, group guarantee only | MFI (group loan) | 22–28% | 5+ community co-borrowers |
SME Loans
SME loan rates in Cambodia track closely to personal loan rates at commercial banks, with the added complexity that eligibility is heavily driven by MOC business registration status, financial record quality, and collateral. Registered businesses with 2+ years of operating history and hard-title property collateral access the lowest rates. Unregistered businesses are directed to MFI products.
For a detailed breakdown of SME lending criteria and lender comparison, see our SME loans in Cambodia 2026 guide.
| Business Profile | Best Lender Tier | Indicative Rate (USD p.a.) | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered company, 2+ years trading, hard title collateral | Commercial bank | 12–15% | MOC registration + audited accounts + collateral |
| Registered company, limited financials | Commercial bank | 15–18% | MOC registration + bank statements + collateral |
| Unregistered small business, informal income | MFI | 18–26% | Collateral (soft or hard title) + income assessment |
| Micro business, no collateral | MFI (group or small business loan) | 22–30% | Group guarantee or movable asset |
Home Loans & Mortgages
Home loans carry the lowest rates of any secured lending product in Cambodia — reflecting long loan tenors (15–25 years), high collateral values, and low default rates in Cambodia’s property-owning population. Commercial bank home loan rates range from 8–14% p.a. depending on the bank, loan size, LTV ratio, and borrower profile.
MFIs do not offer true mortgage products — they provide home improvement loans up to $10,000–$20,000 but not long-tenor property purchase financing. For property purchase, commercial banks are the only regulated option.
For a complete guide to home loan eligibility, required documents, and lender comparison, see our Cambodia home loan & mortgage guide 2026.
| Bank | Home Loan Rate (USD p.a.) | Max Tenor | Max LTV |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABA Bank | 8.5–11% | 20 years | 70% of assessed value |
| ACLEDA Bank | 9–12% | 20 years | 70% |
| Canadia Bank | 9–12% | 20 years | 70% |
| Maybank Cambodia | 8–11% | 25 years | 70–80% (for qualifying profiles) |
| FTB Cambodia | 9–12% | 20 years | 70% |
Note for expats: Foreign nationals face additional eligibility restrictions for home loans in Cambodia, tied to Cambodia’s foreign property ownership rules. See our Cambodia expat finance guide for the full picture.
Agricultural Loans
Agricultural lending in Cambodia is dominated by MFIs rather than commercial banks, reflecting the rural geography and informal income documentation of most farming households. Prasac and LOLC are the two largest agricultural lenders. Loan structures are typically cycle-based — repayment timed to harvest — rather than monthly, which is a meaningful structural advantage for seasonal income earners.
| Lender | Agricultural Loan Rate (USD p.a.) | Loan Size | Repayment Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prasac MFI | 18–24% | $300–$30,000 | Monthly or harvest-cycle |
| LOLC Cambodia | 18–22% | $500–$15,000 | Monthly or harvest-cycle |
| AMK Microfinance | 20–28% | $100–$5,000 | Monthly or group schedule |
| ACLEDA Bank | 14–18% | $1,000–$50,000+ | Monthly (strongest rural commercial bank) |
USD vs KHR Loan Rates — What the Premium Means for Borrowers
Cambodia’s lending market is denominated primarily in USD, but the NBC has introduced policy incentives to encourage KHR-denominated lending as part of its de-dollarisation strategy. The practical result in 2026 is a consistent rate premium on KHR loans of 2–4 percentage points above equivalent USD loans at most lenders.
| Loan Type | Typical USD Rate (p.a.) | Typical KHR Rate (p.a.) | KHR Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial bank personal loan | 14–18% | 16–22% | +2–4% |
| Commercial bank SME loan | 12–16% | 14–20% | +2–4% |
| MFI business loan | 18–26% | 20–28% | +2–3% |
| MFI agricultural loan | 18–24% | 20–26% | +2–3% |
Why does the KHR premium exist? KHR loans carry currency risk for lenders — if the riel depreciates against the USD, the real value of loan repayments falls. Lenders price this risk into KHR rates. The NBC has attempted to offset this by lowering reserve requirements on KHR deposits and providing subsidised refinancing for KHR lenders, but the market premium persists.
Should you borrow in KHR or USD? If your income is primarily in KHR — agricultural sales, local retail, government salary — borrowing in KHR eliminates currency risk. A USD loan repaid from KHR income means your effective repayment cost rises if the KHR weakens. If your income is primarily in USD — factory wages, expat salary, export revenue — USD borrowing is natural. The currency of your income should match the currency of your debt where possible. For the full analysis of Cambodia’s dual-currency economy, see our Cambodia dollar vs KHR guide.
EIR — The Rate That Actually Matters
The single most important concept for any Cambodian borrower is the Effective Interest Rate (EIR). The stated annual interest rate on a loan offer is not the same as what you actually pay once processing fees, insurance premiums, and other charges are included. The EIR captures all costs and converts them into a single annualised rate — the only accurate basis for comparing two loan offers.
A real example of why EIR matters:
| Lender A | Lender B | |
|---|---|---|
| Stated rate | 18% p.a. | 20% p.a. |
| Processing fee | 2% of loan amount (upfront) | None |
| Insurance premium | 1% p.a. | None |
| Effective Interest Rate (EIR) | ~21.5% | 20% |
| Cheaper loan? | Lender B — despite the higher headline rate | |
The NBC requires all licensed lenders — both banks and MFIs — to disclose the EIR on request before a loan agreement is signed. If any lender refuses to provide the EIR in writing, treat this as a serious red flag. Always compare EIRs, not headline rates.
What to include in your EIR calculation:
- Annual interest rate
- Upfront processing or origination fee (typically 0.5–2% of loan amount)
- Compulsory insurance premium (credit life insurance may be required on larger loans)
- Compulsory savings balance requirement (common at MFIs — reduces effective loan amount received)
- Late payment fee structure (affects the cost if repayment timing is uncertain)
- Prepayment penalty (relevant if you may repay early)
How to Qualify for the Lowest Loan Rate in Cambodia
The rate you receive is not fixed by the lender’s schedule — it is determined by your borrower profile. These are the factors that move you toward the lower end of any lender’s rate range.
1. Build and protect your Credit Bureau Cambodia (CBC) record
Every NBC-licensed lender checks the CBC before approving a loan. A clean CBC record — no defaults, no late payments, no outstanding judgments — is the single most important factor in securing a competitive rate. Start with a small loan, repay it perfectly, and your credit profile strengthens for the next application. A default at any licensed lender stays on your CBC record and will increase your rate or result in rejection at every subsequent lender.
2. Formalise your income documentation
A payslip from a registered employer — or for business owners, two years of bank statements and MOC registration — unlocks commercial bank rates. The jump from MFI rates (18–26%) to commercial bank rates (12–18%) is driven almost entirely by documentation quality. If you are currently unregistered, the cost of formalising your business pays back in lower borrowing costs within 12–18 months. See our SME loans guide for the documentation required at ABA and ACLEDA.
3. Secure your collateral with a hard title
Lenders reserve their lowest rates for loans secured against hard-title (formally registered) land or property. Soft-title land is accepted by MFIs but not commercial banks, and even at MFIs, hard-title collateral typically produces a lower rate offer. If you have soft-title land, the process of converting to hard title through the Ministry of Land Management is a one-time investment that permanently reduces your cost of borrowing.
4. Borrow for a longer tenor where possible
Within any lender’s rate schedule, longer-tenor loans on secured products (particularly home loans and large business loans) often carry lower rates than short-tenor unsecured products, because the lender’s risk is spread over a longer period with strong collateral. For large capital investments — property, equipment, vehicle — a longer-tenor secured loan is typically cheaper than a short-tenor unsecured one.
5. Compare across multiple lenders before signing
There is no obligation to borrow from the first lender you approach. Getting competing EIR quotes from ABA, ACLEDA, and one MFI costs nothing and takes two visits. The difference between the best and worst rate for the same borrower profile at different lenders can be 2–4 percentage points — meaningful money over a multi-year loan. Use this page as your starting framework, then get written EIR quotes.
For a full walkthrough of the loan application process in Cambodia from start to finish, see our best personal loans guide and the bank account opening guide — a bank account is the prerequisite for any formal loan application.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cambodia Loan Interest Rates 2026
What is the average loan interest rate in Cambodia in 2026?
The average depends entirely on the lender tier. Commercial banks charge 12–18% p.a. on USD loans. MFIs charge 18–30% p.a. The overall market average, weighted across both tiers, is broadly 18–22% p.a. — but this average is not meaningful for individual borrowers. What matters is which tier you qualify for, since the difference between tiers is 6–12 percentage points.
Does Cambodia have a loan interest rate cap?
The NBC introduced a partial interest rate cap of 18% p.a. for MFIs on certain product types in 2017. However, this cap does not cover all MFI products, does not apply to fees, and does not cover commercial bank lending, which is governed by individual bank credit policies. Effective rates including fees at some MFIs can still exceed 18% once all charges are factored in. Always request the EIR.
Are loan rates higher in KHR or USD in Cambodia?
KHR loan rates are consistently 2–4 percentage points higher than equivalent USD loan rates at most Cambodian lenders. This KHR premium reflects the currency risk that lenders bear on riel-denominated loans. Despite NBC policy incentives to promote KHR lending, USD loans remain cheaper in headline rate terms. Borrowers whose income is in KHR should still consider KHR loans to avoid currency risk — see our USD vs KHR guide for the full analysis.
What is the cheapest way to borrow money in Cambodia?
The cheapest formal borrowing in Cambodia is a commercial bank home loan — rates from 8.5% p.a. at ABA and Maybank Cambodia for strong profiles with hard-title collateral. For unsecured personal borrowing, the lowest rates are SME loans at commercial banks for registered businesses with strong credit history — from 12% p.a. The cheapest MFI rates start at 18% p.a. at Prasac and LOLC. There is no legitimate formal lender in Cambodia charging less than 8% p.a. on any product in 2026.
How does the Credit Bureau Cambodia (CBC) affect my loan rate?
The Credit Bureau Cambodia (CBC) holds credit histories for all borrowers who have ever had a loan with an NBC-licensed institution. Every lender checks CBC before approving a loan. A clean CBC record — no defaults, on-time repayments — strengthens your application and can move you to the lower end of a lender’s rate range. A default on CBC record can result in rate increases of 2–5 percentage points or outright rejection. Protect your CBC record by never missing a payment on any existing loan.
Can foreigners get loans in Cambodia?
Some commercial banks offer loans to foreign nationals with valid long-term residency, documented income in Cambodia, and qualifying collateral. Eligibility and rate treatment vary significantly by bank and nationality. ABA Bank and Maybank Cambodia are among the more accessible options for expats. Home loans are more restricted for foreigners due to Cambodia’s property ownership rules. See our Cambodia expat finance guide for full details.
What happens if I miss a loan repayment in Cambodia?
Missing a repayment triggers late fees as specified in your loan agreement (NBC caps late fee rates but individual amounts vary by lender). More significantly, late payments are reported to the Credit Bureau Cambodia (CBC) and remain on your credit record — affecting every future loan application across all licensed lenders. For secured loans, persistent default can ultimately result in collateral enforcement — the lender initiates proceedings against the pledged land or property. Take any repayment difficulty to your lender immediately: restructuring is available at most banks and MFIs and is always preferable to default.
Is it safe to borrow from an MFI in Cambodia?
Borrowing from an NBC-licensed MFI is legally and regulatorily safe — licensed MFIs are supervised by the National Bank of Cambodia. The risk is financial, not legal: MFI rates are significantly higher than commercial bank rates, and Cambodia has documented problems with over-indebtedness among rural MFI borrowers who took multiple concurrent loans. Borrow only what you need, from a single lender, with a clear repayment plan matched to your actual income cycle. Full risk detail is covered in our microfinance loans guide.
MoneyKH · Cambodia Personal Finance Authority Platform
Article 47 · Loans Category · April 2026
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The MoneyKH Research Team comprises independent financial researchers, market analysts, and editorial professionals with direct on-ground knowledge of Cambodia’s banking, fintech, and financial services sector. All rates, fees, and product data published on MoneyKH are verified directly with each institution before publication. MoneyKH operates as an editorially independent platform with no affiliate partnerships — see our editorial policy for full disclosure.
