Updated 2 November 2026
Co-op Bank vs DTB: Diamond Trust Bank is the cheaper lender on average, at 13.97% against Co-op Bank’s 15.01% on the Central Bank of Kenya’s August 2026 table. On a KSh 1 million five-year loan at those averages, Co-op would cost about KSh 32,500 more in interest. Co-op wins on reach and Sacco links, a free Salary Account and cheaper counter withdrawals (KSh 100 against DTB’s KSh 300 below KSh 35,000), while DTB’s flat KSh 20 PesaLink fee is hard to beat for bank transfers.
Updated November 2026 from CBK weighted average lending rates (August 2026), the Co-op Bank Tariff Guide captured 9 September 2026 and the DTB Kenya Tariff Guide as at August 2026. Fees exclude excise duty.
Co-op Bank vs DTB: side by side
| Item | Co-op Bank | DTB |
|---|---|---|
| Average lending rate (CBK, Aug 2026) | 15.01% | 13.97% |
| Gap to market average (14.34%) | +0.67 pts | -0.37 pts |
| Lending reference | KESONIA + risk premium | Prevailing bank rate |
| Free account option | Salary Account (nil maintenance) | Account closure free; Zawadi Current needs KSh 1,000 balance |
| Current account running cost | KSh 300 a month + KSh 35 per entry | KSh 30 per entry on current accounts |
| Own ATM | KSh 30 | KSh 30 |
| Counter withdrawal | KSh 100 | KSh 300 below KSh 35,000; KSh 200 above |
| PesaLink | Tiered, KSh 0 – 140 | Free to KSh 1,000; KSh 20 flat above |
| Bank to M-Pesa | Tiered, KSh 0 – 50 | KSh 11 – 70 by band |
| Failed standing order | KSh 2,400 (external) | KSh 2,400 |
| Cheque refer to drawer | KSh 2,500 | KSh 2,400 |
| Paybill | 400200 | 516600 |
What the rate gap means in shillings
| Loan | DTB monthly | Co-op monthly | Extra interest at Co-op |
|---|---|---|---|
| KSh 200,000, 24 months | KSh 9,600 | KSh 9,698 | about KSh 2,365 |
| KSh 500,000, 36 months | KSh 17,082 | KSh 17,335 | about KSh 9,129 |
| KSh 1,000,000, 60 months | KSh 23,253 | KSh 23,795 | about KSh 32,549 |
Reducing balance, at each bank’s CBK average; your quote will differ. DTB adds a 2% appraisal fee on term loans (and 1% on each anniversary); Co-op’s digital E-Credit salary loan carries an 8% to 12% appraisal fee, and its branch loans have their own fees in the key facts document. Ask both for a total cost of credit.
Running an account: who is cheaper?
- Salaried, app-first customer: Co-op’s Salary Account has no opening balance or maintenance fee. DTB has no published monthly fee on its standard accounts but charges KSh 30 per entry on current accounts and requires KSh 1,000 on the Zawadi Current Account.
- Business current account: Co-op’s individual current account costs KSh 300 a month plus KSh 35 per entry; its MSME Bronze package costs KSh 300 a month, waived to KSh 100 if you keep KSh 50,000. DTB’s Elite (KSh 750 a month) and Titan (KSh 2,000) accounts suit larger balances.
- Cash at the branch: Co-op is far cheaper at KSh 100 per withdrawal.
- Paying other banks: DTB’s KSh 20 PesaLink beats Co-op’s tiered fee, which rises to KSh 140 at the top band.
Co-op Bank vs DTB for a small business
For a shop or small firm that banks daily takings, the choice between Co-op Bank vs DTB comes down to cash and payments. Co-op’s MSME packages and cheap counter withdrawals suit cash-heavy businesses, and agents under Co-op Kwa Jirani take deposits free of charge. DTB suits firms that pay suppliers by bank transfer: ten PesaLink payments of KSh 50,000 a month cost KSh 200 at DTB, and DTB’s trade-finance desk is strong for importers. Either way, register for internet banking so you avoid manual EFT (KSh 500 at DTB) and branch transfer fees.
How to switch banks without penalties
- Open the new account first and move your salary or till settlement.
- Cancel standing orders and direct debits on the old account; a failed one costs KSh 2,400 at either bank.
- Clear any loan or overdraft, or ask the new bank to buy it off.
- Close the old account in writing; DTB lists closure as free.
Credit cards
Co-op’s annual fees are KSh 3,500 (Classic), KSh 6,000 (Gold) and KSh 7,000 (Platinum), with interest of 3.5% a month on revolved balances and a 6% cash advance fee. DTB charges KSh 5,000 a year for Platinum and KSh 8,000 for World Reward, with 3.5% a month interest and a 5% cash advance fee. DTB’s card FX fee is 7%.
Co-op Bank in brief
Co-op Bank is the main banker for Kenya’s Sacco movement, with Kwa Jirani agents and FOSA links across the country, which makes it convenient for Sacco members and farmers. Estimate a loan with the Co-op loan calculator, or read the MCo-op Cash loan guide.
DTB in brief
DTB is a mid-sized, SME-focused bank in the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development group. It priced below the market average in August 2026 and runs a flat KSh 20 PesaLink fee from April 2026. See DTB loan interest rates and the DTB loan calculator.
Co-op Bank vs DTB: verdict
- Cheaper average loan: DTB.
- Transfers to other banks: DTB.
- Branch cash and Sacco banking: Co-op.
- Salary account with no monthly fee: Co-op.
Related: DTB vs NCBA, PesaLink vs RTGS vs EFT and bank vs Sacco loans.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Is Co-op Bank or DTB cheaper for loans?
DTB on average: 13.97% against 15.01% at Co-op on CBK’s August 2026 table.
Which has the cheaper counter withdrawal?
Co-op Bank, at KSh 100 per withdrawal for transactional accounts. DTB charges KSh 300 below KSh 35,000.
How much is PesaLink at DTB and Co-op?
DTB: free up to KSh 1,000, then KSh 20 flat. Co-op: tiered from KSh 0 to KSh 140 depending on amount.
What are the Co-op Bank and DTB paybill numbers?
Co-op Bank 400200; DTB 516600.
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