If you have cash sitting in a low-interest savings account, three low-risk options in Singapore can put it to work: Singapore Savings Bonds (SSB), Treasury Bills (T-bills), and bank Fixed Deposits. All three are very safe — the difference is in yield, liquidity and effort.
Singapore Savings Bonds (SSB): flexible and safe
- Backed by the Government — your capital is effectively guaranteed.
- Fully flexible: a 10-year bond, but you can redeem in any month with no penalty and get your principal back plus the interest accrued.
- Step-up interest — the rate rises the longer you hold, averaging higher over time.
- From $500, up to a $200,000 total holding. Apply with cash or SRS.
Best for money you want to keep safe and accessible — an emergency buffer, or savings you might need at short notice. See the live ladder and history on the Singapore Savings Bonds page.
Treasury Bills (T-bills): short-term, auction-based
- 6-month and 1-year tenors, sold at a discount and redeemed at full face value.
- Bought via auction — the yield is set by the bids, so it isn't known in advance.
- From $1,000. You can use cash, CPF (via CPFIS) or SRS.
- Less liquid than SSB — your money is locked until maturity unless you sell on the secondary market.
Best for a lump sum you won't need for 6–12 months and want to squeeze a bit more yield from. Check the latest cut-off yields and the upcoming auction on the T-bills page.
Fixed Deposits: simple and predictable
- A bank product with a fixed rate for a fixed tenor (often 3, 6 or 12 months).
- Insured by SDIC up to $100,000 per bank, per depositor.
- Early withdrawal usually forfeits the interest, so only commit money you can lock away.
- Promotional rates come and go — sometimes they beat SSB and T-bills, sometimes they don't.
Which should you choose?
- Might need it early? SSB — penalty-free monthly redemption wins.
- Lump sum, fixed 6–12 months, want max yield? Compare the latest T-bill yield against bank FD promos.
- Want zero effort? A fixed deposit at your existing bank is the simplest.
Rates move, so the right answer changes month to month — compare the current numbers on the SSB and T-bill pages, and project your returns with the compound interest calculator.