Guide to CPF withdrawal in Singapore (2026)

For most Singaporeans, age 55 is the first time their CPF savings become accessible in cash. From that point onwards, members can choose to withdraw a lump sum, leave the money to compound at CPF's risk-free interest rates, or do both. A second set of withdrawal rules begin at age 65.

The rules around how much can be withdrawn, when, and how depend on a member's retirement sum, whether they own a property, and which age band they are in. This guide explains how CPF withdrawals work in Singapore—how much CPF savings can be withdrawn at age 55 and 65, and what to consider before deciding if a withdrawal is the best use of retirement savings.

What is CPF withdrawal?

CPF withdrawal is the process by which members take out their CPF savings in cash, subject to age and balance conditions set by the CPF Board.

A member's CPF savings sit across three accounts: the Ordinary Account (OA), MediSave Account (MA), and Special Account (SA, for members below 55) or Retirement Account (RA, for members from 55 onwards). Each account has different stipulated uses. 

The OA can be used for housing, education, and investments, MA is for healthcare, and lastly, SA and RA are reserved for retirement. Cash withdrawals as a lump sum are generally only allowed from age 55 onwards, with limited exceptions for medical, emigration, and other special circumstances.

At what age can you withdraw your CPF?

The standard CPF withdrawal age in Singapore is 55. Members may be able to withdraw a larger amount with a more generous criteria at age 65. Before 55, withdrawals are not allowed except in specific circumstances such as serious medical conditions, permanently leaving Singapore, or terminal illness.

When a member turns 55, the CPF Board automatically creates an RA and transfers savings from the SA, then the OA, up to the Full Retirement Sum. From this point onwards, members can apply to withdraw savings in cash, subject to retirement sum and property pledge rules.

At age 65, two things happen. Members become eligible to make a further lump sum withdrawal from their RA savings, and eligible members can start receiving CPF LIFE payouts (which can also be deferred up to age 70 for higher amounts).

Members can continue to withdraw any remaining withdrawable balances after age 65, though most savings by then are committed to CPF LIFE annuity payouts.

*Note: Members born before 1958 follow different withdrawal rules. The rules in this article apply to members born in 1958 or later.

How much CPF can you withdraw?

The amount a member can withdraw depends on age, retirement sum achieved, and whether a property is pledged. The general rules are: at least $5,000 from age 55, any excess above the FRS from age 55, and up to 20% of RA savings (less amounts already withdrawn) from age 65.

How much can you withdraw at age 55?

At age 55, a member can withdraw up to $5,000 from their OA and SA, regardless of whether they have met any retirement sum.

If a member has set aside the FRS of $220,400 (for the 2026 cohort) in their RA, they can also withdraw any savings above the FRS. If they own a property in Singapore with a remaining lease that lasts them until at least age 95, they can set aside the Basic Retirement Sum (BRS) of $110,200 in cash instead of the full FRS, and withdraw the difference. This is known as the property pledge option. 

Withdrawals can be made any time after 55, in full or partial amounts, and as frequently as the member chooses.

How much can you withdraw between 55 and 64?

Between 55 and 64, members continue to have access to the same withdrawable amount calculated at age 55, plus any new OA inflows above the FRS from ongoing employment.

CPF contributions continue while a member works, and contribution rates step down progressively from age 55 onwards. New contributions are allocated across the OA, MA, and RA according to age-banded allocation rates. Any OA balance that pushes total RA + OA above the FRS becomes withdrawable.

How much can you withdraw from age 65?

From age 65, members born in 1958 or later can withdraw up to 20% of eligible RA savings, which excludes voluntary cash top-ups, CPF transfers, and government grants*. 

For instance, for someone who has $220,000 in their RA, of which $20,000 comes from voluntary cash top-ups made by the individual, only 20% of $200,000—not $220,000—can be withdrawn. If they made a withdrawal at age 55, the amount withdrawable at age 65 is 20% of RA savings, minus the amount withdrawn at age 55. 

The withdrawal can be taken in one go or spread over multiple transactions. The trade-off is a reduction in monthly CPF LIFE payouts—which can start anytime from age 65 to 70—since RA balance directly influences the payout amount.

*Note: Members born before 1958 follow different withdrawal rules. The rules in this article apply to members born in 1958 or later.

CPF withdrawal limits at a glance

When can you withdraw your CPF before age 55?

Members under 55 can only withdraw their CPF savings in specific exceptional circumstances that cause them to be permanently unfit for work, permanently lack mental capacity, or reduced life expectancy.

Withdrawal for medical or life expectancy reasons

Members with reduced life expectancy, permanent incapacity for work, and permanent lack of mental capacity can apply for early withdrawal of their CPF savings. Eligibility requires certification by an accredited medical practitioner. Depending on the condition, the member may withdraw all or part of their CPF savings, in line with the eligibility criteria.

Withdrawal when leaving Singapore permanently

Members who are leaving Singapore permanently can withdraw their CPF savings in full. Eligibility requires renunciation of Singapore citizenship or Permanent Residency. 

The average processing time for CPF account closure and disbursement is about 12 weeks.

How do you withdraw your CPF savings?

CPF withdrawals are applied for online through the Retirement Dashboard at cpf.gov.sg, using Singpass to log in. Funds are paid out via PayNow (instantly to NRIC-linked bank accounts) or by direct credit to a registered bank account.

How to apply for a CPF withdrawal online

The application process for members aged 55 and above takes a few minutes online:

1. Log in to the CPF website using Singpass
2. Update your contact details
3. Update your bank account details
4. Update your preferred Daily Withdrawal Limit (DWL)
5. Past the 12-hour cooling period, you may submit your withdrawal application here.

How long does it take, and how will you be paid?

To receive withdrawals via PayNow, the registered bank account must be linked to the member's NRIC. For non-PayNow withdrawals, the CPF Board credits funds via GIRO to the bank account on file. The CPF Board sends an SMS or email notification once the withdrawal is processed.

PayNow withdrawals are typically credited almost immediately. Withdrawals to a regular registered bank account are usually credited within 1–3 working days.

How can you control your CPF withdrawal limits?

The CPF Board offers two controls that members can adjust to manage how much they can withdraw online and to safeguard their CPF savings: the Daily Withdrawal Limit and the CPF Withdrawal Lock.

What is the Daily Withdrawal Limit (DWL)?

The DWL is the maximum amount that can be withdrawn online from a CPF account in a single day. It is set at $2,000 by default and can be adjusted between $0 and $50,000 per day.

Members can change their DWL via Account settings on the CPF website using Singpass. Changes take effect after a 12-hour cooling period, so it is worth setting the DWL before planning a larger withdrawal. For withdrawals above $50,000 in a single day, members need to spread the amount over multiple days or make an appointment at a CPF Service Centre.

What is the CPF Withdrawal Lock?

The CPF Withdrawal Lock is a security feature against scam that disables all online CPF withdrawals by setting the Daily Withdrawal Limit to zero. If you are not planning to withdraw in the near-term, it is recommended to keep this lock on.

Members can activate it via Account settings on the CPF website at any time. Once active, no online withdrawals can be made. 

To deactivate the lock, members need to remove it through Account settings, subject to a 12-hour cooling period and authentication. If members wish to make a CPF withdrawal without deactivating the CPF Withdrawal Lock, they have to book an appointment to visit a CPF Service Centre to withdraw their preferred amount in-person.

What should you do with your CPF after withdrawing?

The opportunity cost of withdrawal is the risk-free interest that one could earn within CPF. For members who do not have an immediate need for the cash, leaving the savings in CPF is often the most efficient choice.

Pro tip: CPF computes interests monthly, based on the lowest balance amount within the month. Any amount withdrawn will not be eligible to earn any interest within the month. Hence, it is better to make your withdrawal earlier in the month than later.

Members who withdraw for planning reasons, such as supplementing retirement income or diversifying assets, may consider parking the savings in instruments that match their time horizon and risk tolerance. 

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Frequently asked questions about CPF withdrawal

Can you withdraw all your CPF at 65?

No. At age 65, members can withdraw up to 20% of their RA savings as a lump sum, inclusive of the $5,000 already withdrawable from 55. The remainder is used to fund CPF LIFE monthly payouts for life.

How many times can you withdraw from CPF after 55?

There is no limit. Members can make as many withdrawals as they want from their withdrawable savings, in any amounts, after age 55. Each withdrawal is subject to the Daily Withdrawal Limit set on the member's CPF account.

Are CPF withdrawals taxable?

CPF withdrawals are not subject to income tax in Singapore. This applies to lump sum withdrawals at age 55, age 65, and monthly CPF LIFE payouts.

Can you reverse a CPF withdrawal?

No. Once a withdrawal is processed and the funds are credited, the transaction cannot be reversed. However, members can voluntarily top up their RA later, up to the prevailing Enhanced Retirement Sum (ERS), which translates to higher CPF LIFE payouts.