KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- CPF interest rates will stay the same for all accounts in Q1 2026.
- Basic Healthcare Sum rises to S$79,000 from January for members under 65.
- HDB home loan interest rate remains unchanged at 2.6% per year.
If you’ve been checking your CPF balance and wondering whether interest rates will move next year, here’s the short answer: no change for now.
The CPF Board, together with HDB and MOH, confirmed that CPF interest rates will remain unchanged from Jan 1 to Mar 31, 2026. At the same time, the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) will go up, reflecting rising medical costs many families are already feeling.
From Jurong West kopitiams to Pasir Ris heartland flats, this update matters to anyone planning their housing loan, retirement savings, or MediSave top-ups.
What’s Staying the Same in Q1 2026
For the first quarter of 2026, all CPF accounts will continue earning interest at their current floor rates.
That means no surprises when you log into your CPF app.
CPF Interest Rates for Jan–Mar 2026
| CPF Account | Interest Rate |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Account (OA) | 2.5% per year |
| Special Account (SA) | 4.0% per year |
| MediSave Account (MA) | 4.0% per year |
| Retirement Account (RA) | 4.0% per year |
| HDB Housing Loan Rate | 2.6% per year |
These rates stay in place because the market-linked formulas are still below the guaranteed floor levels.
Ordinary Account and HDB Loan Rates Explained Simply
If you’re servicing an HDB loan, this part affects your monthly cash flow.
The OA interest rate stays at 2.5%, which means the HDB concessionary loan rate remains at 2.6%, pegged at 0.1% above OA.
For many families, especially younger couples juggling childcare and groceries, stability here is a relief.
No recalculation needed.
No change to instalments.
Special, MediSave, and Retirement Accounts: Still at 4%
The Special Account, MediSave Account, and Retirement Account will continue earning 4% per year.
This is because the long-term government bond yield used in the formula is still lower than the minimum guaranteed rate.
In simple terms: CPF is still giving you the better deal.
For those quietly building retirement savings in the background, this consistency helps long-term planning.
Extra CPF Interest: Still in Place
The government is also keeping the extra interest scheme, which gives a small but meaningful boost to lower balances.
Here’s how it works:
- Members below 55 earn an extra 1% on the first S$60,000 of combined CPF balances
(OA portion capped at S$20,000) - Members aged 55 and above earn
2% extra on the first S$30,000, and
1% extra on the next S$30,000
The extra interest from OA is credited into your Special Account or Retirement Account, helping compound your savings faster.
It may look small month to month, but over years, it adds up.
Basic Healthcare Sum Goes Up in 2026
Now, the key change many people are asking about: MediSave limits.
From Jan 1, 2026, the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) will increase from S$75,500 to S$79,000 for members below 65.
This adjustment happens every year to keep up with rising healthcare needs and costs.
Anyone who has paid hospital bills recently knows medical expenses aren’t getting cheaper.
Who Is Affected by the New BHS?
Let’s break it down clearly.
- Below 65 in 2026
Your BHS cap becomes S$79,000 - Turning 65 in 2026
Your BHS is fixed at S$79,000 for life - Aged 66 and above in 2026
No change. Your BHS was already locked in earlier
This matters if you’re planning MediSave contributions, top-ups, or CPF transfers.
What This Means for Everyday Singaporeans
For most people, this update brings stability, not shock.
- Homeowners get predictable housing loan repayments
- Workers keep earning steady CPF interest
- Healthcare savings limits rise gradually, not suddenly
At a time when hawker prices, utilities, and insurance premiums are inching up, having CPF rules stay steady helps households plan with less stress.
FAQs: CPF Interest Rates & BHS 2026
Will CPF interest rates change after March 2026?
They are reviewed every quarter. Changes depend on market rates, but nothing is announced yet.
Does the BHS increase mean I must top up MediSave now?
No. It only sets the maximum cap. You’re not forced to top up unless required under specific schemes.
Does this affect private housing loans?
No. These CPF rates mainly affect CPF savings and HDB concessionary loans.
Is the extra CPF interest guaranteed?
Yes. It is a government policy and continues for now, subject to future review.
Where can I check my CPF balances and limits?
Use the official CPF website or the CPF mobile app linked to Singpass.
Final Thoughts from the Ground
Sitting at a neighbourhood kopitiam, most people aren’t chasing higher interest — they want predictability.
For Q1 2026, CPF delivers exactly that.
No sudden changes.
No complicated rules.
Just steady savings and a small adjustment for healthcare reality.
Sometimes, boring news is actually good news.
