Singapore is the most expensive city in the world to live in. This is extremely daunting for the average person who is struggling to make ends meet. With the rising cost of living, unexpected expenses can easily throw off anyone’s budget.
When emergencies pop up, needing cash right away can feel super stressful. This is why many people think of using their home as security for a loan. However, that option is extremely risky since you can lose your property.
Before you go down that road, it’s recommended to check out other ways to get a loan quickly. Thankfully, Lion City has lots of loan options, and one that’s worth exploring is CPF personal loan.
Deciding on loans can be confusing, especially when you’re in a rush. In this article, we’ll discuss the CPF personal loan in Singapore including what it is, how it works, and its eligibility and requirements.
What is a CPF Personal Loan?
A CPF personal loan in Singapore taps into the money you’ve been saving in your CPF account. It’s a great fix if you have sudden expenses since it gives you access to cash when you need it the most.
With these loans, you can borrow up to six times your monthly income. Interest rates are also competitive, ranging from 1% to 4% per month. Borrowers can select between 6 to 12 months to pay back this loan, and there’s also an option to repay up until you reach 55 years old.
How Will Your CPF Personal Loan Affect Your Credit Score?
Applying for a CPF personal loan won’t directly impact your credit score since no credit score is needed for the application process. However, your application will be thoroughly assessed, and your credit history will be considered to confirm your ability to repay the loan. Keep in mind that defaulting on the CPF personal loan can significantly impact your credit score and overall rating.
Eligibility Criteria of CPF Personal Loan
Although the CPF personal loan in Singapore is extremely beneficial, it has a strict set of eligibility criteria. To qualify for a CPF personal loan, you must meet the following requirements:
- At least 54 years old or just about to turn 55 years old
- Can withdraw at least $5,000 from Special or Ordinary Account Savings
- Must have a minimum salary of S$2,000 for Singaporean Citizens and PRs
So, what sets a CPF personal loan apart from a regular personal loan? Based on the eligibility criteria, the CPF personal loan is not a viable option for everyone.
Considering this, personal loans are a better choice for most individuals in Singapore since anyone over 21 years old can usually apply.
Requirements for CPF Personal Loan
Keep in mind that only Singaporean citizens and PRs are permitted to apply for a CPF personal loan. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you must also provide the necessary documents to complete your application. These requirements include:
- NRIC/identity card
- Proof of employment (could be employment letter of contract, certificate of employment, pay slips)
- SingPass (to log in to the CPF, HDB, and IRAS website)
- Proof of residence (utility bills, tenancy contract)
How to Get a CPF Personal Loan
Getting a CPF personal loan is a straightforward process. Here’s what you need to do to apply for this loan.
Check if you’re eligible.
First, see if you meet the criteria for getting the CPF personal loan in Singapore. If not, you won’t be able to proceed with the application.
Figure out how much you need.
Estimate the amount you want to borrow based on what you’ve saved in CPF, your income, and your age. Take into consideration the repayment terms and the interest rates to determine a suitable loan amount for your needs.
Gather your documents.
Get together all the documents you’ll need for your application such as your NRIC, CPF statements, and proof of income.
Apply
Fill out the CPF personal loan application form and hand in all the necessary documents.
Get your money
If you are approved for the CPF personal loan in Singapore, you will receive the cash in your bank account within a few business days. You can then use it to cover your immediate expenses and relieve the financial burden that was weighing you down.
The time it takes for this whole process can vary, but the CPF Board usually works to get things processed quickly. Many borrowers have been approved in as short as 30 minutes.
Tips to Repay Your CPF Personal Loan
Repaying your CPF personal loan is crucial to maintaining a good credit score and financial stability. Here are some actionable tips to help you manage your repayment effectively.
Create a budget.
Start by assessing your monthly income and expenses. Then, determine how much you can allocate towards loan repayment without stretching your budget too thin. If you fail to repay your CPF personal loan, it could have serious consequences, so it’s important to prioritise it in your budget planning.
Pay on time.
Late payments can result in additional fees and penalties, and they can also negatively impact your credit score. If possible, set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure that you don’t miss any due dates.
Cut back on unnecessary expenses.
If you’re taking out a CPF personal loan in Singapore, chances are, you’re already facing some financial strain. To effectively manage your repayment, consider cutting back on your expenses. Take a close look at your monthly budget and identify areas where you can make cuts. Maybe it’s eating out less frequently or lowering your utility bills. Every dollar saved counts.
Consider increasing your income.
If you find it challenging to meet the monthly loan repayments, the solution may be to find ways to increase your income. You could take on a part-time job, freelance work, or explore other avenues for earning additional money. Doing this will give you more financial flexibility.
What If You’re Not Qualified for A CPF Personal Loan in Singapore?
CPF personal loan is only available for individuals at least 54 years old or about to turn 55 years old. Also, they need to be eligible to withdraw at least $5,000 from Special or Ordinary Account Savings.
So, if you can meet the eligibility requirement, you can opt for an unsecured personal loan from licensed money lenders. This is easier to apply for, and it also has a high approval rate.
Personal loans from licensed money lenders are more accessible to a wide range of people. You can apply for a personal loan even if you’re at least 21 years old.
Applications for these loans can be done online in just a couple of minutes. It’s also completely safe since these moneylenders are regulated by MAS. Regardless of your income and whether you’re taking out an unsecured or secured loan, licensed moneylenders can only charge a maximum of 4% interest per month (excluding late fees).
Just ensure that you’re dealing with a licensed moneylender. Steer clear of businesses that:
- Use abusive or threatening language
- Ask you to sign a blank contract
- Don’t do a face-to-face verification
- Ask for upfront fees
- Don’t have a physical address
- Use advertising tactics via flyers, WhatsApp, email, or SMS
Also read: How to Protect Yourself from Personal Loan Scams
Final Thoughts
Taking out a CPF personal loan is one of the most viable options for Singaporean citizens and PRs who meet the eligibility criteria.
On the other hand, there’s no need to worry if you can’t qualify for a CPF personal loan in Singapore, getting a personal loan from a licensed moneylender can be a quick solution. Licensed moneylender have less stricter requirements and you can be approved in minutes. For instance, it only takes 8 minutes with Crawfort when it comes to loan application approval.
Are you short in funds and need a quick loan option? Apply for a personal loan with Crawfort today!