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Should You Grow Your CPF Through Investment?

  • Writer: Clara Shinta
    Clara Shinta
  • Sep 1
  • 3 min read

Did you know you can invest your CPF savings to grow them faster?


The CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS) lets you use your CPF OA and SA funds to invest in products like stocks, bonds, ETFs, and more.

Let's break it down in simple terms!


Evaluating Your Financial Goals


When considering whether to invest your CPF-OA money, take a step back and evaluate your financial goals. If you're saving for retirement, CPF-SA is a great way to build a stable foundation with its high guaranteed interest rates. But if you're looking to achieve higher growth over time and are prepared for potential market risks, investing the CPF-OA could help you accelerate your wealth-building journey

Always ensure that your investments align with your long-term financial objectives, and consider seeking advice from financial professionals to make informed decisions.

Singapore's inflation averaged 2.6% since 1961 and 3.9% in the past four years, outpacing the CPF OA's 2.5% interest, reducing its real value by 1.4% annually. Amid rising rates, CPF members shifted S$9.6 billion to CPFIS from 2022 to Q2 2024, pushing balances up 58% to S$27.2 billion.


Source: Endowus Research, CPF Board.        Graphic: Teoh Yi Chie, BT
Source: Endowus Research, CPF Board. Graphic: Teoh Yi Chie, BT

What is CPFIS?

CPFIS = CPF Investment Scheme


It's a scheme that allows you to invest your CPF Ordinary Account (OA) and Special Account (SA) savings to potentially earn higher returns.

Why invest?

💲CPF OA gives 2.5% interest, and SA gives 4.0%. But with CPFIS, you might earn more if you invest wisely!

📢 Remember: Investments come with risks. You could earn more, but you could also lose money.


Who is eligible for the CPF Investment Scheme?

Are you eligible for CPFIS?

Here's what you need to qualify:

Factor

Requirement

Age

18+ years old

Legal Status

Not bankrupt

CPF OA Balance (for CPFIS-OA)

At least $20,000

CPF SA Balance (for CPFIS-SA)

At least $40,000

CPFIS Self-Awareness Questionnaire

Must be completed

What Can You Invest In?

Here's a quick breakdown of what you can invest in with CPFIS:

Account

What You Can Invest In

CPF OA

  • Stocks (listed on SGX)

  • ETFS

  • Unit Trusts

  • Bonds

  • Gold (via approved funds)

CPF SA

  • Unit Trusts

  • Investment-Linked Insurance Products (ILPs)

How to Start with CPFIS

Ready to invest? Here's how to start:


1. Check your CPF OA/SA balance.

2. Research approved CPFIS products.

3. Open a CPFIS account with an approved bank or provider.

4. Start investing!

💡 Pro Tip: Use tools like CPF's Investment Dashboard to track your investments.

Is CPFIS Right for You?

"Should you invest your CPF savings?"

Yes, if:

  • You're comfortable with investment risks.

  • You have a long investment horizon (10+ years).

  • You've already set aside enough for housing and emergencies.

No, if:

  • You're risk-averse and prefer guaranteed returns.

  • You need the money soon (e.g., for housing or retirement).

  • You're not confident about managing investments.

Key Takeaways

CPFIS in a Nutshell 🥜


  • CPFIS lets you invest your CPF OA/SA savings.

  • You can invest in stocks, ETFs, unit trusts, and more.

  • Potential for higher returns, but risks are involved.

  • Fees can add up, so choose wisely!


Take Action Based on Your Financial Strategy


The key takeaway is that while CPF-SA money should be left to grow safely, CPF-OA money can be a useful resource for investment. The decision ultimately depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment experience. With the right strategy, you can make your CPF-OA money work harder for you in the long term, while ensuring that your retirement savings in the CPF-SA remain safe and growing steadily.


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Ready to grow your CPF savings?


If you meet the requirements and understand the risks, CPFIS could be a great way to grow your savings.

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