We all have cash sitting idle — whether it’s for an emergency fund or the next holiday — and now is a great time to think about how to make that money work harder for you. Whether you’re saving for short-term goals or looking to earn a little extra on the side, understanding your options is key.
In this market overview, we’ll break down the best lower risk investment options outside of traditional bank savings accounts for your spare cash in Singapore right now — from fixed deposits to Singapore Savings Bonds and everything in between.
Aside from traditional savings accounts, which often come with complicated criteria and fine print, here are some of the best options for your cash in Singapore in 2025:
1. Fixed Deposits
Fixed deposits (FDs) are a popular choice for savers seeking stable returns. These accounts typically offer lower rates compared to more dynamic investments but come with the benefit of being SDIC-protected (up to S$100,000 per depositor per bank), ensuring the safety of your money even if the bank encounters issues.
Fixed deposits are ideal if you don’t need immediate access to your funds and want to secure a predictable return over a set period.
2. Cash Managed Accounts
Cash-managed accounts are becoming increasingly popular for those looking to earn better returns than traditional savings accounts while still maintaining relatively high liquidity.
These accounts typically invest in short-duration, investment-grade bonds, meaning you may experience fluctuations in returns, but the risk is usually low. They're a good middle ground between fixed deposits and more volatile investments.
3. Treasury Bills (T-Bills)
Issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) which is backed by the Singapore government, T-bills are one of the safest ways to park your money. These short-term securities typically mature in 6 months or 1 year and offer a guaranteed return backed by the government.
While T-bills are a very low-risk option, they don’t always offer the highest yields compared to other investment vehicles. However, they provide peace of mind with the government’s backing.
4. Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs)
Singapore Savings Bonds are another government-backed option. These bonds offer a guaranteed return that increases over a 10-year period.
While the yield in the first year is modest, it gradually improves over time, making SSBs a good option for long-term savers. There are limits on the amount you can invest, but they remain a low-risk, stable option for individuals looking for steady, government-backed growth.
Best places for your spare cash in Singapore
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the best returns for a S$20,000 balance across different savings options available in Singapore as of May 2025.
Which option is best for your cash?
There are plenty of options available in the market for your cash, but what you choose depends on your needs.
- If you want stability and low risk, and are not worried about lock in periods – fixed deposits or T-bills might be a great fit.
- On the other hand, if you’re looking for higher yields without locking up your funds for too long, cash-managed accounts or Singapore Savings Bonds could be better options.
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each option has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to evaluate your financial goals and your tolerance for risk before deciding where to park your cash.
Whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with your financial plans and provides you with the best return for your money in 2025.
Looking at higher returns alongside liquidity
In ‘Tim Phillips’ words’
On a purely objective basis, looking at the yield (i.e. your return), one of the highest-yielding options in the cash market is Chocolate Finance; with 3.3% p.a. on your first S$20,000 and 3% p.a. on your next S$30,000 – along with Chocolate top-up support for your balance up to S$50,000. This is done through their promotional “Top-Up Programme”.
With interest rates falling across the board, it’s becoming increasingly hard to find a higher-yielding solution for your cash but Chocolate Finance appears to offer one of the most competitive rates out there for a yield on your cash money.
Of course, to get these yields, there’s a slightly higher level of investment risk involved compared to, say, investing in Fixed Deposits. However, short-duration investment-grade (IG) bond funds are low-risk investments, and they typically rise in price when a recession is expected in the near future or when interest rates start getting cut.
Conversely, the prices of short-duration IG bond funds tend to fall in price if interest rates rise. But, due to the short-term maturity of the bond funds’ holdings, the price movements are usually relatively muted.
With the Federal Reserve looking like it might keep rates steady until its July FOMC gathering, we should also expect that interest rates in the US will be cut at least once or twice this year. As a result, squeezing more juice out of that “yield lemon” will become more of a challenge. “
Source: Chocolate Finance SGD Cash Managed Account
We think your spare cash deserves better
In the world of financial products, many options come with complex rules, hidden fees, or long lock-in periods. But with Chocolate Finance, you get happy returns, flexibility, and transparency — without any unnecessary restrictions.
So, whether you’re parking your emergency fund or looking for a better way to grow your spare cash, Chocolate Finance works hard to make the most of your money for you. No complicated terms, no minimums, and most importantly, no waiting around for your cash to grow - see your returns every single day.
It's time to stop leaving money on the table and start making your spare cash work harder for you. With Chocolate Finance, your spare cash is in good hands.
Disclaimer:
Chocolate Finance is a brand of Chocfin Pte Ltd (UEN 202347190R). Chocfin Pte Ltd is licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The views and opinions expressed on this post are solely those of the original authors and contributors as of the date of this post and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This is for information only and does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any of the investments mentioned. Neither Chocfin Pte. Ltd. (“Chocfin”) nor any officer or employee of Chocfin accepts any liability whatsoever for any loss arising from any use of this blog or its contents.
Please note that Chocfin does not guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of the information provided on this post. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. This post was prepared without regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, accounting or tax needs and does not constitute advice. Before applying you should consider carefully whether the product/service is suitable for you.
The 3.3% p.a. return on the first S$20k and 3% p.a. returns on the next S$30k provided by Chocolate FInance are currently supported by a promotional 'Top-Up Programme', valid during the Qualifying Period and subject to T&C’s. Returns are calculated on a compounded basis. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Terms and conditions apply. Please refer to our full disclaimer at www.chocolatefinance.com/#risk-and-disclaimer.
All investments involve risk, including the risk of losing all of the invested amount. Such activities may not be suitable for everyone. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
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