For many Singaporeans, CPF feels complicated — but it doesn’t have to be.
One of the most powerful things you can do for your future retirement income is to transfer your Ordinary Account (OA) savings into your Special Account (SA) or Retirement Account (RA).
This single action helps your savings grow faster, gives you a stronger retirement foundation, and builds long-term peace of mind.
Here, I’ll walk you through why people do this transfer, who should consider it, and how to complete the transfer step-by-step.
Why Transfer OA to SA or RA?
1. Higher Interest Rates
OA earns up to 2.5%
SA/RA earns up to 4% (and an extra 1% on the first $60,000). That difference compounds massively over the years.
If you leave $50,000 in OA for 10 years at 2.5%, you get about $64,000.
The same $50,000 in SA/RA at 4% grows to about $74,000.That is a $10,000 difference — just from interest.
2. Build a Stronger Retirement Base
SA and RA savings are meant for retirement. Transfers help you reach your Enhanced Retirement Sum (ERS) earlier, which translates into higher lifelong payouts in CPF LIFE.
For people who want long-term stability, this is one of the best steps you can take.
3. It’s a Once-In-A-Lifetime Decision
Transfers from OA → SA/RA cannot be reversed. This is good for those who:
Want stronger discipline ;
Don’t want OA money sitting idle; Prefer guaranteed interest over higher-risk investments.
If you know you won’t use your OA for property, transferring brings long-term benefits.
4.) Who Should Consider Transferring OA to SA or RA?
✔ 1. People who already have a home fully paid off
If you don’t need OA for housing, growing it in SA/RA makes more sense.
✔ 2. People above age 55
Your Retirement Account (RA) is already created.
Transferring OA → RA boosts your future monthly CPF LIFE payouts.
✔ 3. Anyone who wants stable, low-risk growth
CPF interest is guaranteed by the Singapore Government.
You never have to worry about market crashes or volatility.
Who Should NOT Transfer Yet?
✘ 1. If you still need OA for housing – Once transferred, you cannot take it back.
✘ 2. If you may buy a property soon – Keep enough OA for down payment and mortgage.
✘ 3. If you prefer liquidity – SA/RA monies are locked until age 55.
If you need flexibility, you might want to keep some money in OA.
Step-By-Step: How to Transfer OA to SA or RA
Here is the simplest, clearest guide for you to follow. —
STEP 1 — Log in to CPF Online Services
Go to: 👉 https://www.cpf.gov.sg
Click Login with Singpass.
Once inside, go to:
“My Requests” → “Building Up My CPF Savings”
STEP 2 — Select the Type of Transfer
You will see several options:
Transfer from Ordinary Account to Special Account (for age below 55)
Transfer from Ordinary Account to Retirement Account (for age 55 and above)
Choose the relevant one.
STEP 3 — Read the Conditions (Important)
CPF will remind you:
Transfers are irreversible
SA/RA interest is higher
RA transfers increase your CPF LIFE payouts
Tick the box to continue.
STEP 4 — Enter the Amount You Want to Transfer
You may transfer:
Any amount
Up to your Full Retirement Sum (FRS) for SA
Up to your Enhanced Retirement Sum (ERS) for RA
Some people transfer a fixed amount every month.
Some do it once a year when bonus comes in.
Some do a large one-time transfer.
It’s flexible — choose what suits your situation.
STEP 5 — Confirm & Submit
Click Submit, and the transfer is immediate.
You will see the updated balance in your SA or RA almost instantly.
CPF will also send you a confirmation email.
How Much Should You Transfer? (Practical Advice)
There is no perfect formula, but here are smart guidelines:
✔ If you’re below 55
Transfer until your SA reaches the Full Retirement Sum (FRS).
✔ If you’re above 55
Transfer until your RA reaches the Enhanced Retirement Sum (ERS) to maximise CPF LIFE payouts.
✔ If you still need OA for insurance or mortgage
Keep some buffer. Don’t transfer everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I transfer OA to SA after age 55?
No. After 55, transfers go into RA only.
2. Can I reverse the transfer?
No. It is permanent. That’s why it works for disciplined long-term growth.
3. Will my CPF LIFE payouts increase?
Yes — RA top-ups and OA→RA transfers increase your monthly lifelong payouts.
4. Is this better than OA interest?
Yes. SA/RA interest is significantly higher.
Should You Transfer? My Simple Conclusion
If you already have a home and don’t plan to use OA for anything else, transferring OA into SA or RA is one of the best financial decisions many Singaporeans make.
It gives you: Higher, guaranteed interest ; Peace of mind; Stronger retirement income ;A sense of control over your future
Small decisions made today can give you big freedom tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Growing CPF is not about being rich.
It’s about being safe — knowing that when you retire, you can live with dignity, stability, and confidence.
Whether you transfer a small amount or a large one, the most important thing is this:
Take control of your retirement early.
Your future self will thank you.
