KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- CPF interest rates stay the same from 1 Jan to 31 Mar 2026.
- Special, MediSave and Retirement Accounts continue earning 4%.
- Basic Healthcare Sum rises to S$79,000 from 2026.
CPF interest rates from 1 January to 31 March 2026 will stay exactly where they are — and that matters for your savings, housing loan, and retirement planning.
If you were hoping for higher returns, or worried about a drop, here’s the straight answer.
CPF Interest rates stay unchanged for early 2026
| CPF Account / Item | Interest Rate / Amount | Effective Period |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Account (OA) | 2.5% p.a. | 1 Jan – 31 Mar 2026 |
| Special Account (SA) | 4.0% p.a. | 1 Jan – 31 Mar 2026 |
| MediSave Account (MA) | 4.0% p.a. | 1 Jan – 31 Mar 2026 |
| Retirement Account (RA) | 4.0% p.a. | 1 Jan – 31 Mar 2026 |
| HDB Concessionary Loan Rate | 2.6% p.a. | 1 Jan – 31 Mar 2026 |
| Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) 2026 | S$79,000 | From 1 Jan 2026 |
CPF Special, MediSave and Retirement Accounts: Still at 4%
The Special Account (SA), MediSave Account (MA) and Retirement Account (RA) will continue earning 4% per annum.
This applies from 1 January to 31 March 2026.
Why no change?
Because the market-based rate — pegged to the 12-month average yield of 10-year Singapore Government Securities plus 1% — is still below the 4% floor.
For most Singaporeans, this means:
Your long-term CPF savings remain stable and predictable.
CPF Ordinary Account and HDB Loan Rate: Also Unchanged
The CPF Ordinary Account (OA) interest rate stays at 2.5% per annum.
Same reason — the pegged rate is below the floor.
As a result, the HDB concessionary housing loan rate remains at 2.6% per annum, which is 0.1% above the OA rate.
If you’re servicing an HDB loan using CPF:
No impact to your monthly instalments — for now.
Extra CPF Interest: Who Gets What
The Government will continue paying extra interest to help boost retirement savings.
Here’s how it works:
For members below 55
- Extra 1% on the first S$60,000 of combined CPF balances
- OA portion capped at S$20,000
For members 55 and above
- Extra 2% on the first S$30,000
- Extra 1% on the next S$30,000
- OA portion capped at S$20,000
Important detail many miss:
Extra interest earned on OA balances is credited to your SA or RA, not OA.
If you’re already on CPF LIFE, the extra interest still applies to your combined balances, including the amount used for CPF LIFE.
Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) for 2026: Going Up
Healthcare costs keep rising — and CPF is adjusting for that.
From 1 January 2026, the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) will increase from S$75,500 to S$79,000.
Who is affected?
- Below 65 in 2026
Your BHS will be raised to S$79,000. - Turning 65 in 2026
Your BHS will be fixed at S$79,000 for life. - 66 and above in 2026
No change — your BHS was already fixed earlier.
Once your MediSave balance hits your applicable BHS:
Any extra contributions will be automatically redirected to your other CPF accounts.
And no, you don’t need to top up first before using MediSave.
Even if your MA balance is below BHS, you can still use it for approved medical expenses.
What This Means for Most Singaporeans
Honestly speaking, this is a status quo announcement.
But stability isn’t a bad thing.
- CPF savings continue earning solid, risk-free returns
- HDB loan holders get rate certainty
- Healthcare savings targets are adjusted realistically
No need to overthink — just plan with these numbers in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will CPF interest rates change after March 2026?
CPF interest rates are reviewed quarterly. Rates after March 2026 will depend on market conditions closer to the date.
Does the higher BHS mean I must top up more?
No. You can contribute up to your BHS, but you are not forced to top up if your balance is below it.
Should I still use CPF OA for housing in 2026?
For most Singaporeans, using CPF OA for housing remains practical — especially with the 2.6% HDB loan rate staying stable.
For more information on the BHS for the respective cohorts, please visit cpf.gov.sg/BHS.
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