How CPF Interest Works
CPF pays a base rate on each account: currently 2.5% a year on the Ordinary Account and 4% on the Special, MediSave and Retirement Accounts. Interest is worked out every month on your balance and credited once, at the end of the year. A contribution starts earning interest the month after it arrives.
On top of that, the Government pays extra interest on the first $60,000 of your combined balances, of which at most $20,000 can come from the Ordinary Account. Below 55, the extra is 1% a year. From 55, it is 2% on the first $30,000 and 1% on the next $30,000.
Extra interest earned on Ordinary Account savings is not paid into the Ordinary Account. It goes to your Special Account, or your Retirement Account from 55. That is why the Special or Retirement column grows a little faster than its own rate suggests.