Singapore Regular Savings Plan (RSP) Guide 2026: DBS, OCBC, StanChart Compared
Last updated: June 2026 | SeaMoneyTips
What Is a Regular Savings Plan in Singapore?
A Singapore Regular Savings Plan (RSP) is an investment account you open with a bank in Singapore that allows you to invest a fixed sum of money at regular intervals, typically monthly. Rather than buying a large lump sum of investments at once, you invest smaller amounts consistently over time.
The core strategy behind RSPs is called dollar cost averaging (DCA). Instead of trying to time the market, you invest the same amount regardless of whether prices are high or low. When prices are low, your fixed amount buys more units. When prices are high, you buy fewer units. Over time, this smooths out the volatility of your average purchase price.
RSPs in Singapore are offered by the three main local banks: DBS, OCBC, and Standard Chartered (StanChart). Each bank has its own RSP platform with different ETFs, unit trusts, and fee structures.
DBS Regular Savings Plan
DBS offers one of the most popular RSP platforms in Singapore, particularly for beginners. The DBS RSP is available through the DBS myInvest platform and allows investors to start with as little as SGD 100 per month.
DBS RSP Key Features
- Minimum investment: SGD 100 per month
- Available ETFs: STI ETF (ES3), S&P 500 ETF (CFA), Nasdaq 100 ETF (C34), S-REITs ETF (CRPU), and more
- Platform fee: 0.05% per transaction (min SGD 1)
- CPFIS eligible: Yes, some funds are CPFIS-approved
- Management fee: Varies by ETF, typically 0.3% to 0.65% per annum
The DBS RSP is best known for its simplicity and the ability to invest in broad market ETFs with very low minimums. The STI ETF (DBS STI ETF) tracks Singapore’s top 30 companies, giving investors exposure to Singapore’s largest companies like DBS, OCBC, Singtel, and Keppel.
OCBC BCIP Regular Savings Plan
OCBC’s Blue Chip Investment Plan (BCIP) is one of the most comprehensive RSP platforms in Singapore. It offers the widest selection of ETFs and unit trusts among the three main banks, making it a preferred choice for more experienced investors who want diversification.
OCBC BCIP Key Features
- Minimum investment: SGD 100 per month
- Available ETFs: Over 20 ETFs including S&P 500 (CFA), STI ETF (ES3), Nasdaq 100 (C34), S-REITs ETF (CRPU), MSCI World ETF (J38), and many more
- Platform fee: 0.30% per transaction (min SGD 5)
- CPFIS eligible: Yes
- Management fee: Varies by ETF, typically 0.3% to 0.65% per annum
The OCBC BCIP is particularly popular because it includes access to global ETFs like MSCI World and S&P 500, giving Singapore investors the ability to diversify internationally from a single platform.
Standard Chartered RSP
Standard Chartered Bank Singapore offers its own RSP platform with a focus on their proprietary unit trusts and a selection of ETFs. The StanChart RSP is accessible through their online and mobile banking platforms.
Standard Chartered RSP Key Features
- Minimum investment: SGD 100 per month
- Available products: Mix of proprietary unit trusts and third-party ETFs
- Platform fee: 0.40% per transaction (min SGD 5)
- CPFIS eligible: Some products are CPFIS-approved
- Special feature: Access to StanChart’s curated selection of thematic unit trusts
Singapore Regular Savings Plan Comparison: DBS vs OCBC vs StanChart 2026
| Feature | DBS RSP | OCBC BCIP | StanChart RSP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum monthly investment | SGD 100 | SGD 100 | SGD 100 |
| Platform fee per transaction | 0.05% (min SGD 1) | 0.30% (min SGD 5) | 0.40% (min SGD 5) |
| ETF selection | 5-8 ETFs | 20+ ETFs | 5-10 products |
| S&P 500 access | Yes (CFA) | Yes (CFA) | Yes (via unit trusts) |
| MSCI World access | No | Yes (J38) | Via unit trusts |
| CPFIS eligible | Yes | Yes | Some products |
| Best for | Beginners, STI fans | Global diversification | Thematic unit trusts |
How to Start a Regular Savings Plan in Singapore
Opening an RSP in Singapore is straightforward. Here are the steps for each bank:
Step 1: Open a Trading Account
Before you can start an RSP, you need a trading account with the bank. For DBS RSP, you need a DBS cash management account (CMA) and a DBS myInvest account. For OCBC BCIP, you need an OCBC securities account. For StanChart, you need a StanChart trading account.
Step 2: Select Your Investment Product
Choose the ETF or unit trust that matches your investment goals. For beginners, the STI ETF is a popular starting point because it gives broad exposure to Singapore’s top 30 companies. For global exposure, the S&P 500 ETF is widely recommended by financial advisors in Singapore.
Step 3: Set Your Monthly Investment Amount
Decide how much you can invest each month. The minimum is SGD 100 for all three banks, but you can invest any amount above that in multiples of SGD 100. Consistency matters more than amount when it comes to dollar cost averaging.
Step 4: Set Up GIRO Arrangement
Link your bank account to the RSP for automatic monthly deductions. The bank will automatically invest your chosen amount on a designated date each month, typically the 15th or the next business day.
Step 5: Monitor and Review
Check your portfolio quarterly or semi-annually. Dollar cost averaging is a long-term strategy, so resist the urge to check your portfolio daily or react to short-term market movements.
Should You Use CPF or Cash for RSP?
One of the most common questions Singapore investors ask is whether to use CPF or cash for their RSP contributions.
The answer depends on your investment goals and risk tolerance. Using CPF OA funds to invest in RSPs can be attractive because:
- CPF OA interest rate is currently 2.5% per annum, which is higher than many savings accounts
- Returns from RSP investments may outperform the CPF OA rate over the long term
- CPFIS allows you to invest up to 35% of your OA in approved investments
However, using CPF OA for investments carries risk. If your RSP investments perform poorly, you lose both the potential CPF interest and the invested capital. Many financial advisors recommend using cash for RSP investments to preserve your CPF retirement funds.
Regular Savings Plan Singapore: Key Takeaways
- A Regular Savings Plan (RSP) is a monthly investment program offered by Singapore banks
- DBS, OCBC, and Standard Chartered all offer RSPs with a minimum of SGD 100 per month
- OCBC BCIP has the widest ETF selection including S&P 500 and MSCI World
- DBS RSP is the simplest and most beginner-friendly platform
- Dollar cost averaging through RSPs removes the need to time the market
- Consistency and long-term commitment are more important than the investment amount
- Consider using cash instead of CPF OA for RSP investments to preserve retirement funds
- All three banks offer CPFIS-eligible products for those who want to use CPF OA funds
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a Regular Savings Plan in Singapore?
A Regular Savings Plan (RSP) is a bank-based investment program that lets you invest a fixed amount monthly into ETFs or unit trusts. It uses the dollar cost averaging strategy, investing the same amount regardless of market conditions to smooth out purchase prices over time.
Which bank has the best RSP in Singapore?
OCBC BCIP offers the best overall RSP with over 20 ETFs including S&P 500 and MSCI World exposure. DBS RSP is the most beginner-friendly with low fees and the popular STI ETF. Standard Chartered RSP is best for investors interested in thematic unit trusts.
How much do you need to start an RSP in Singapore?
The minimum monthly investment for RSPs at DBS, OCBC, and Standard Chartered is SGD 100 per month. You can invest any amount above SGD 100 in multiples of SGD 100. The key to success is consistency rather than the amount.
Is RSP better than lump sum investing?
Research shows lump sum investing outperforms RSP about two-thirds of the time because markets trend upward over long periods. However, RSP provides psychological benefits and reduces regret risk. A hybrid approach works best: invest a lump sum immediately for existing savings, then set up an RSP for monthly contributions.
Can I use CPF for RSP investments in Singapore?
Yes, you can use CPF Ordinary Account (OA) funds for RSP investments through the CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS). However, this comes with risks. Using CPF OA for investments means you could lose both your investment returns and the CPF interest you would have earned. Many advisors recommend using cash instead.
What fees are charged for RSPs in Singapore?
RSP fees vary by bank. DBS charges 0.05% per transaction with a minimum of SGD 1. OCBC BCIP charges 0.30% per transaction with a minimum of SGD 5. Standard Chartered charges 0.40% per transaction with a minimum of SGD 5. In addition to platform fees, ETF management fees of 0.3% to 0.65% per annum also apply.
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Authoritative Sources: Monetary Authority of Singapore | Singapore Exchange (SGX) | DBS Bank | OCBC Bank
This article was written by the SeaMoneyTips Editorial Team, focused on personal finance education for Indonesia and Singapore readers. For inquiries, please contact us.