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Comparison of the Best Savings Accounts Base Interest Rate 2022

Here are the comparison of savings accounts in Singapore to help you enjoy the most benefit when you're looking to park your money.

What is a Savings Account?

A savings account is an interest-bearing deposit account used to easily store funds you wish to access. This makes savings accounts a good option for holding emergency funds or short-term savings.

What Are the Different Types of Bank Accounts?

Not all bank accounts are the same. Different bank account serves a different purpose. There are 3 main types of bank accounts and they are the Savings Account, Current Accounts and Fixed Deposit Accounts.

What Is a High-Yield Savings Account?

How does a high-yield savings account work? As its name suggests, a high-yield savings account is essentially a savings account that offers a higher interest rate than the expected base rate of interest. Most banks offer bonus interest rates when you fulfil certain criteria or categories, such as depositing a minimum required sum of money or spending a stipulated amount on your bank’s credit card.

How to Choose the Best Savings Accounts?

When choosing the best savings account most suitable for you, the base interest rate is the most basic thing to consider. However, there are plenty of other questions that you may ask. To help you answer these questions, here are some tools to help you figure them out:

1. Cheat Sheet: Best Savings Accounts in Singapore 
2. Best Fuss-Free Savings Accounts in Singapore with No Conditions

Other Things to Consider When Choosing a Savings Account

Apart from the base interest rates, you would need to consider numerous factors when choosing a savings account that best suits your lifestyle and personal spending habits. Here are some things you need to also consider when applying for a savings account:

1. Interest Rates: The interest rates are what's going to help your savings grow. Since you are already parking your cash in the bank, the least you can do is find one with a reasonable interest rate to help you grow your wealth.
2. Monthly Salary Credit: Do you have a stable income to earn the bonus interest rates?
3. Benefits of Bill Payments: What are your bill expenses every month? Is it enough to earn bonus interest rates?
4. Monthly Card Spend: It is generally better to own a debit or credit card from the same bank as your savings account as you are more likely to earn bonus interest on monthly card spending.
5. Investments Bonus: Do the products you invest in qualify for bonus interest rates?
6. Insurance Bonus: Do the insurance you own or plan to buy qualify for bonus interest rates?
7. Loan Bonus: Are you looking to get or service a loan? If yes, do the loans qualify you for bonus interest rates?'

Base Interest Rate and Bonus Interest Rate: Comparison of Savings Accounts in Singapore

The benefit you stand to earn is not only from the Base Interest Rates, but an account-holder can also earn bonus interest rates based on certain criteria.

Recommendations for the Best Savings Accounts for Different Types of Users

We have listed some recommendations to make it easier for you to choose the most suitable savings account.

Savings Account with the Highest Interest Rates: Bank of China Smartsaver Account

Bank of China Smartsaver account provides the highest base interest rates at 0.10%, but you have to be aware of the $1500 minimum initial deposit, which is one of the highest (though not by much) around for a savings account of its calibre.

Best Savings Account with No Minimum Balance: CIMB FastSaver Savings Accounts

The CIMB FastSaver Account requires no minimum balance. Therefore, you won't get charged a monthly fall-below fee even if your savings account balance is $0. Do take note that, to earn interest, you will have to have a balance of $1000.

The Most Flexible Savings Accounts for Earning Bonus Interests: DBS Multiplier Savings Account

The DBS Multiplier Savings Account offers 3 different options for users to earn bonus interests:

1. Option 1: You can earn bonus interest via Salary Credit, Dividends Credit or by connecting SGFinDex to Nav Planner on top of 2 of these categories Credit Card Spend, Home Loan Instalments, Insurance (for the first 12 consecutive months) and Investments (for the first 12 consecutive months) of spend.
2. Option 2: Only applicable for ages 30 and above, this option allows you to earn bonus interest from Salary Credit, Dividends Credit or connecting SGFinDex to Nav Planner plus a minimum spend of $500 or more.
3. Option 3: Only applicable for ages 29 and below. This option allows you to earn bonus interest from Salary Credit, Dividends Credit or connecting SGFinDex to Nav Planner. There are no minimum spend requirements for this option.

Best Savings Account for Personal Loans: Maybank SaveUp Account

The Maybank SaveUp Account allows you to earn bonus interest from a total of 4 types of loans (Home Loan excluding Equity Loan, Car Loan, Renovation Loan and Education Loan), on top of the other qualifying products.

Best Savings Account for Young Adults: Standard Chartered Jumpstart Savings Account

The Standard Chartered Jumpstart Savings Account is only available to those aged 18 to 26, but it allows you to earn 0.40 p.a. interest on your balances up to $20,000, with any incremental balance above that amount receiving only 0.10% p.a.

Best Savings Account for Unsteady Income Earners: UOB One Account

If you do not have a steady income to credit your monthly salary, you need to only make 3 Giro Debit Transactions a month to enjoy bonus interest rates.

Pros & Cons of Savings Accounts

Still unsure if a savings account is suitable for you? Here, we list down the pros and cons of a savings account to help you decide where to store your savings. 

There are a few benefits to parking your excess cash in a savings account:

• It is a low-maintenance method to help you save.
• Money in a savings account gives better interest than a current account.
• Money in a savings account can be easily accessible and gives one more liquidity than fixed deposits, stocks, bonds or other possible financial products.
• Some of them are also linked to your debit cards or credit cards.

Here are Some Disadvantages of Savings Accounts:

• Increased liquidity of savings accounts can discourage one from saving since the money is readily available for one to spend.
• Interest rates of savings accounts are usually lower than most of the other financial products available.
• Savings accounts that provide high-interest rates in Singapore usually have strict terms and conditions.
• Some savings accounts also have a fall-below fee that charges you a certain amount if you cannot maintain a set minimum balance.

How to Apply for Savings Accounts

If you are an existing customer with a bank, most banks allow you to open your savings account through their online iBanking system.

New customers can do so online by filling up an online application or simply heading down to any of the bank's branches. To save you time, follow these simple steps to open a savings account: 

1. Ready supporting documents

• If you are a Singaporean, simply log in to Myinfo via SingPass to retrieve your personal information. 
• If you are a foreigner working or studying in Singapore, prepare your (valid) work pass or student matriculation card, passport, and proof of residence.

1. Open an account via an online application

• Your information in Myinfo will be populated onto the online application form for Singaporeans – no paperwork or additional documents will be required.
• For foreigners, complete the online application form and upload the above documents to submit your application.
• Depending on the bank, an application for a savings account can be made within a week.

Savings Account 101

Still unsure which is the best savings account for you or whether you should even open one? Here is a curated list of guides to help you master all the ins and outs of a savings account: 

• The Seedly Money Framework: The Complete Guide to Winning Your Finances
• Best Savings Account in Singapore: Best Bank for Monthly Interest Rate?
• Best Fuss-Free Savings Accounts With No Conditions in Singapore
• Cheat Sheet: Best Savings Accounts With No Conditions
• Best Fixed Deposit Rate Singapore 2022: Low Risk, Capital Guaranteed Options
• Best Savings Accounts for Kids
• Best Savings Accounts for Students
• Best Savings Accounts for Working Adults in Singapore
• Which CDA Should You Open for Your Child?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much interest will I get on $1000 a year in a savings account?

The interest that you will accrue annually is dependent on the interest rate offered by your savings account. To calculate the interest earned on $1000 after a year of depositing your money with a financial institution, simply multiply the principle sum by the offered interest rate ($1000 x 0.3%).

How much money should you have in your savings account?

There is no hard rule for how much money you should keep in your savings account. While most financial experts recommend having enough to tide you through three to six months of expenses, this will eventually vary depending on your goals and situation.

How much should I be saving a month?

While there isn't a hard amount on how much you should be saving monthly, an often recommended 50/30/20 rule is a good guideline. That is, allocate: 50% of your salary for expenses, 30% for wealth accumulation, and 20% for savings.

Does your money grow in a savings account?

Yes, your money grows with time since you earn interest from depositing your money in a savings account.

What should I look for when choosing a savings account?

With so many savings accounts, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Features of savings accounts vary and so do their requirements. To find a savings account that matches your needs, it may be prudent to start by considering the following features to figure out what's right for you:

• Interest rates
• Minimum balance or deposit requirements
• Account fees
• Convenience and ease of us
• Rate tiers

How long does it take to open a bank account?

Now that you have gotten over the difficult part of choosing your preferred savings account, opening one is pretty simple! You can do so online or in-person to open a bank account. To ensure that the process is hassle-free, prepare the necessary documents ahead of time.

• Completing the application. This can be completed within the day. An online application can be made as quickly as within 15 minutes.
• Processing of application. This may differ between banks. However, it will typically take one to three working days to process your application.
• Activate your debit card. Expect to receive your debit card by mail within three to seven working days. Activate your card, and your savings account is now ready for use!

What does interest on incremental balance mean?

Interest on incremental balance refers to the interest earned from the difference between your account's present and the previous month's balance.

Can I change my personal savings account to a joint account?

Yes, converting an existing personal savings account to a joint account is possible. Both parties will need to visit your local bank branch to add a joint person to the existing account.

Is it possible to open a savings account online?

Yes, completing an online application is a fast and hassle-free option to open a savings account.

Can you get a Debit Card with your savings account?

 Yes, most savings account comes with a debit card to allow easy cash withdrawal. The debit card will usually be mailed to your address.

How do I close my savings account?

Like opening a savings account, most banks offer online and in-person options to close your savings account.

1. You may submit a closure request online or visit your local bank branch to complete a closure request form.
2. Ensure that all remaining funds are transferred out of your account before submitting your closure request. Otherwise, you may be unable to proceed with the account closure.
3. All facilities and services linked to the closed account (such as your ATM/debit card, passbook etc) will be terminated from the date of your account closure request.

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Seedly's Product Comparison Page Listing Guidelines
For Savings Accounts products to be listed on Seedly's Product Comparison Page, they have to fulfil the following criteria:

• Attainable interest rate at least 0.3%%
• Provides high liquidity (able to withdrawal and deposit anytime)