Where Does My CPF Money Actually Go?
Every dollar of CPF contribution is split across three accounts. The ratios change with age — understand exactly where your money flows at each stage of life.
OA / SA / MA Allocation Breakdown
How CPF contributions are split by age group
Total (employee + employer)
Allocation Proportions
62.17%
16.21%
21.62%
OASAMA
OA62.17%
Ordinary Account (OA)
$1,150/month
Interest2.5% p.a.
Housing, education, investments
SA16.21%
Special Account (SA)
$300/month
Interest4% p.a.
Retirement savings
MA21.62%
MediSave Account (MA)
$400/month
Interest4% p.a.
Healthcare, hospitalisation
Allocation Rates Across All Age Groups
| Age Group | OA | SA | MA |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 35 | 62.17% | 16.21% | 21.62% |
| 35–45 | 56.57% | 18.56% | 24.87% |
| 45–55 | 51.78% | 21.62% | 26.60% |
| 55–60 | 62.08% | 11.87% | 26.05% |
| 60–65 | 56.96% | 0.00% | 43.04% |
| 65+ | 24.07% | 0.00% | 75.93% |
Note: From age 55, SA is merged into Retirement Account (RA). OA allocation may be used to top up RA to FRS. After 65, significantly more goes to MA to cover healthcare costs.
The Three CPF Accounts
Ordinary Account (OA)
2.5% p.a.
- · HDB purchase & monthly mortgage
- · CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS)
- · Education loans
- · Insurance premiums
Special Account (SA)
4% p.a.
- · Retirement savings
- · Investment in approved instruments
- · Merged into RA at 55
- · Higher interest earner
MediSave Account (MA)
4% p.a.
- · Hospitalisation & day surgery
- · MediShield Life premiums
- · CareShield Life premiums
- · Approved outpatient treatments
CPF Account Allocation — Frequently Asked Questions
What are the CPF account allocation ratios for someone aged 35 and below?
For CPF members aged 35 and below, 62.17% of total contributions go to the Ordinary Account (OA), 16.21% to the Special Account (SA), and 21.62% to the MediSave Account (MA). The OA earns 2.5% interest and can be used for housing and education, while SA and MA earn 4% interest.
Why does the MA allocation increase significantly after age 65?
After age 65, MediSave allocation increases dramatically to 75.93% of total contributions. This is because healthcare costs typically rise with age, and the government ensures sufficient MediSave funds to cover hospitalisation, MediShield Life premiums, and other approved medical expenses for seniors.
What happens to the Special Account at age 55?
At age 55, CPF creates a Retirement Account (RA). Your SA balance is transferred to the RA first, followed by OA balances, until the Full Retirement Sum is met. After this transfer, the SA is effectively closed — which is why SA allocation drops to 0% for the 55–60 age band in the allocation ratios.
Can I move money from OA to SA to earn higher interest?
Yes, you can perform a voluntary transfer from OA to SA to earn the higher 4% SA interest rate instead of 2.5%. However, this transfer is irreversible — you cannot move money back from SA to OA. Funds in SA are locked until retirement, so only transfer if you do not need the OA funds for housing.
What is the MediSave Basic Healthcare Sum?
The MediSave Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) is the maximum amount you need in your MA. For 2024, the BHS is $71,500. Once your MA reaches the BHS, any further MA contributions will automatically overflow to your SA (or RA if you are above 55), then to OA. Effective interest earned is the same 4%.