your ordinary account (oa): your multi-talented bestie
Your OA does more than you think. ⋅ 3m read
06 Jun 2026
SOURCE: CPF Board
Your Ordinary Account is like that friend who’s good at everything. While growing your savings at 2.5% to 3.5% per year, it handles:
Housing:
Whether for HDB flat or private property, your OA savings help you to pay for housing. Over 80% of first-time BTO buyers fork out little to no cold hard cash, thanks to their OA savings. Down payments, month loans, property fees – your OA’s got it covered.
Life Insurance:
Your OA covers Dependants’ Protection Scheme premiums – life insurance that pays your family cash if something serious happens to you (death, terminal illness, or total permanent disability). It helps make sure your family is financially okay even when you can’t be there for them.
Investments:
Set aside $20,000 in your OA first, then you can explore investment options to grow the rest of the savings in your OA. Just remember – your OA already earns 2.5% to 3.5% per year and investments come with risks, so do your homework first.
Education:
Your OA can cover selected education fees through the CPF Education Loan scheme, but you’ll have to pay back (to your own OA) the original amount plus interest that keeps adding until it’s fully repaid. Compare with other options like the MOE Tuition Fee Loan or your Post-Secondary Education Account first, as these might let you keep growing your OA savings for other needs instead.
IN A NUTSHELL
Your OA is working overtime to get you the keys to your own place, keep you covered, and maybe even grow your wealth along the way.
The information provided in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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