Updated 1 November 2026
Prime Bank vs Standard Chartered: Prime Bank’s published averages are lower for personal loans (14.5% against 16.84%), mortgages (14% against 15.27%) and business loans (15% against 16.38%), while Standard Chartered is far cheaper for large corporate borrowers (9.26% against 14%). The catch is age: Prime Bank’s figures on the Kenya Bankers Association’s Total Cost of Credit (TCC) site were last updated on 31 March 2026, while Standard Chartered’s date from 2 October 2026.
Updated November 2026. All rates from costofcredit.co.ke, checked 1 November 2026.
Prime Bank vs Standard Chartered rates side by side
Each rate is the Central Bank Rate (shown as 8.75% on the TCC site) plus the bank’s premium (K).
| Loan category | Prime Bank average (min–max) | Standard Chartered average (min–max) |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | 14.5% (13%–16%) | 16.84% (15.75%–20.25%) |
| Mortgages | 14% (12.75%–15%) | 15.27% (15.21%–16.71%) |
| Business (MSME + trade finance) | 15% (14.5%–16%) | 16.38% (15.63%–17.13%) |
| Asset Finance | 14.5% (13%–16%) | Not published |
| Corporate | 14% (13%–15%) | 9.26% (8.8%–13.25%) |
| Digital loans | Not published | Not published |
Source: KBA Total Cost of Credit average, minimum and maximum interest rate reports, costofcredit.co.ke/site/interest-rate. Prime Bank figures dated 31 March 2026; Standard Chartered figures dated 2 October 2026.
Why the update dates matter
Banks file new figures on the TCC site when their pricing changes. Prime Bank’s last filing is seven months old, so its current pricing could differ from what is shown. Treat Prime’s numbers as a guide and ask the bank for a written quote. Standard Chartered’s are recent.
Personal loans: Prime Bank lower on paper
Prime Bank’s personal loan band runs from 13% to 16%, with an average of 14.5%. Standard Chartered’s runs from 15.75% to 20.25%, averaging 16.84%. Even Prime’s maximum (16%) is barely above Standard Chartered’s minimum. Prime Bank is a mid-sized bank with a strong base among business owners and professionals, so check whether its personal loans need an existing account relationship.
Compare repayments with the Prime Bank loan calculator and the Standard Chartered loan calculator.
Mortgages: Prime 14%, Standard Chartered 15.27%
Prime’s mortgage rates run from 12.75% to 15%, averaging 14%. Standard Chartered’s run from 15.21% to 16.71%. The 1.27-point gap in averages is significant over a 15 to 20 year loan; run both through the mortgage calculator, and read how to get a mortgage in Kenya before applying.
Business and corporate loans
For SMEs and trade finance, Prime averages 15% (14.5% to 16%) against Standard Chartered’s 16.38% (15.63% to 17.13%). For large companies, Standard Chartered’s corporate average of 9.26% is almost five points below Prime’s 14%, with a floor of 8.8%. Prime also publishes asset finance rates (14.5% average); Standard Chartered does not.
Who should pick which?
- Individuals and SMEs: Prime Bank’s published pricing is lower across personal, mortgage and business loans, subject to a current quote.
- Large corporates: Standard Chartered is much cheaper on the TCC data.
- Vehicle and equipment finance: only Prime publishes a rate.
- Borrowers who want up-to-date published pricing: Standard Chartered’s figures are more recent.
Look at the total cost of credit
The headline rate leaves out fees. Before you sign, ask for the TCC statement for your amount and term, which adds arrangement, legal, valuation and insurance costs and excise duty, and gives an annual percentage rate. Our best banks for personal loans guide compares lenders this way. Contacts: Prime Bank and Standard Chartered Kenya.
Frequently asked questions
Is Prime Bank cheaper than Standard Chartered?
For personal, mortgage and business loans, Prime Bank’s published averages are lower. For corporate loans, Standard Chartered is cheaper. Prime’s figures date from March 2026.
What is Prime Bank’s average personal loan rate?
14.5% on the KBA cost of credit site, in a range of 13% to 16%, last updated 31 March 2026.
What is Standard Chartered’s mortgage rate in Kenya?
Its published average was 15.27% (15.21% to 16.71%), updated 2 October 2026.
Are these the rates I will be offered?
Not necessarily. Banks price each borrower on risk. The published averages and ranges show where most borrowers land; your quote can sit anywhere in the range.
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