CPF extra interest is interest the Government pays on top of the base rates, on the first SGD 60,000 of a member’s combined CPF balances, of which no more than SGD 20,000 can come from the Ordinary Account. Below 55 it is 1% a year on the first SGD 60,000; from 55 it is 2% on the first SGD 30,000 and 1% on the next SGD 30,000. With the 4% base rate, that is up to 6% a year.
Key takeaways
- Members below 55 earn an extra 1% a year on the first SGD 60,000 of their combined CPF balances. Members 55 and above earn an extra 2% on the first SGD 30,000 and 1% on the next SGD 30,000. In both cases no more than SGD 20,000 of the counted balance can come from the OA, because OA savings are short-term and can be withdrawn for housing and education.
- Extra interest earned on SA, MediSave and RA balances stays in those accounts. Extra interest earned on OA balances goes to the SA for members below 55 and to the RA for members 55 and above, where it earns the long-term rate.
- Balances are counted in a fixed order: first the RA, including any CPF LIFE premium balance, then the OA up to SGD 20,000, then the SA, then the MediSave Account. Members 55 and above in CPF LIFE still earn extra interest on balances that include savings used for CPF LIFE; it is paid into the RA or pooled with the interest on all members’ CPF LIFE premiums.
- For 1 Oct – 31 Dec 2026 the OA earns 2.5%, its legislated minimum, because the banks’ average rate for May to July 2026 was 0.32%. The SA, MediSave and RA earn the 4% floor: the 12-month average 10-year SGS yield for August 2025 to July 2026 was 2.06%, and 2.06% plus 1% gives 3.06%, below the floor. On 22 September 2026 the Government extended the 4% floor to 31 Dec 2027.
- Interest is computed monthly, credited by the following year and compounded annually. Contributions and refunds received in a month start earning the next month; withdrawals and deductions stop earning from the month they are made. The SA closed for members 55 and above on 19 January 2025, so from 55 the extra interest works through the RA, OA and MediSave Account.
How does CPF extra interest work?
Each account earns its base rate, and the first SGD 60,000 of the combined balance earns extra on top. The tiers depend on age.
The RA is counted first, so for a member aged 55 and above with at least SGD 30,000 in the RA, the RA fills the whole 2% tier before any other account is counted.
What extra interest adds to each account
CPF Board’s base rates for 1 Oct – 31 Dec 2026, and the extra interest on balances within the first SGD 60,000 counted (OA up to SGD 20,000). From 55 the extra is 2% on the first SGD 30,000 counted and 1% on the next SGD 30,000.
| Account | Base, Q4 2026 | Extra, below 55 | Extra, 55 and above |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary | 2.5% | +1%, to the SA | +2% or +1%, to the RA |
| Special | 4% | +1% | closed at 55 |
| MediSave | 4% | +1% | +2% or +1% |
| Retirement | 4% | opens at 55 | +2% or +1% |
Aged 57: RA SGD 40,000, OA SGD 30,000, MediSave SGD 20,000
Money Snap’s illustration, with balances held all year and rates unchanged. The RA is counted first and fills the 2% tier; the OA counts only up to SGD 20,000; the SGD 60,000 limit is then reached, so the MediSave balance earns its base rate only.
Where extra interest shows up
Five things people get wrong
- CPF Board — Earning attractive interest — the Q4 2026 rates and the CPF LIFE point
- CPF Board — How much extra interest can I earn on my CPF savings? — the tiers, counting order and crediting
- CPF Board — How are CPF interest rates determined? — the Q4 2026 computation
- CPF Board — How is my CPF interest computed and credited? — monthly computation, annual crediting
- CPF Board — 4% floor extended to 31 December 2027 (22 Sep 2026) — the floor and the quarter’s rates
- CPF Board — Closure of the Special Account at 55 (19 Jan 2025) — what moved where
Official CPF Board rates and rules, for general information only. Not financial advice.
This page is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. All figures and worked examples are estimates for illustrative purposes, are subject to change, and do not reflect any individual’s circumstances. Always refer to the CPF Board and seek independent professional advice before making any financial decisions.