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T-bills in Singapore: What it is, how to buy and the latest cut-off yield (16 April 2024)
All about Singapore government T-bills and how they work.
SINGAPORE — The latest six-month Treasury Bills (T-bills) issued on 16 April 2024 had a cut-off yield of 3.75 per cent per annum, with a cut-off price of 98.13.
The total amount applied was S$16 billion, with a total amount allotted of S$6.3 billion. The total amount allotted to non-competitive applications was S$2.5 billion.
According to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announcement, the latest T-bills will mature on 15 October 2024.
Previous six-month T-bills, in an auction on 27 March, offered a cut-off yield of 3.8 per cent per annum. Approximately 94 per cent of the non-competitive bids were allotted.
What are T-bills and how do they work?
T-bills are short-term Singapore Government Securities (SGS) issued at a discount to their face value with a fixed interest rate. The Singapore government issues six-month and one-year T-bills with a minimum bid amount of S$1,000 – bids will be in multiples of S$1,000.
Investors will receive the full face value at maturity. So, for instance, if an investor buys a six-month T-bill worth S$10,000 with a yield of three per cent per annum, he needs to pay only S$9,850 upfront. At the end of the tenor, he will receive the full S$10,000 and therefore earn S$150.
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T-bills are fully backed by the government and have an AAA credit rating. As such, T-bills are considered a very low-risk, short-term investment option that you can use to diversify your portfolio.
You can invest with cash, Central Provident Fund (CPF) funds or Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) funds without an overall limit.
How do I buy T-bills in Singapore?
You may bid for T-bills at primary auctions that typically take place three business days before issuance and are announced on the SGS website five business days before the auction. Check the issuance calendar for scheduled auctions, announcements and results.
The first thing you must do is to ensure that you have sufficient funds in your account. For applications for new issues funded using cash, the full bid amount will be debited from your account at the point of application. You'll also need to have an account with one of three local banks: DBS/POSB, OCBC, or UOB.
Applications through ATMs, Internet banking and mobile banking apps may close one to two business days before the auction. So, you should check with your bank for the exact cut-off time for the different application channels.
If you buy them using SRS funds, you will need an SRS account with any one of the three SRS operators (DBS/POSB, UOB, and OCBC). You can apply for T-bills through your SRS operator's Internet banking portal.
You will see the transaction reflected in the statement issued by your SRS operator if it went through successfully.
When using CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS) funds, you will need a CPF Investment Account with any one of the three CPIF agent banks (DBS/PSOB, UOB, or OCBC).
However, unlike the two options above, you will need to submit an application in person at any of the CPFIS bond dealers' branches. If it went through successfully, you'll see the transaction reflected in your CPFIS statement issued by your agent bank.
If your bid is unsuccessful or invalid, the money will be refunded into the account used to make the application. The refund will be reflected in your account one to two business days after the auction.
What is competitive and non-competitive bidding?
There are two bidding options available when you apply for T-bills: competitive bid and non-competitive bid.
A competitive bid is submitted if you wish to invest in the T-bills only if they yield above a certain level. You can specify the yield you are willing to accept in percentage terms, up to two decimal places. A lower yield means a more competitive bid. This type of bid is typically for institutional or savvier investors.
If you only specify the amount you want to invest, not the yield, then submit a non-competitive bid. Choose this if you wish to invest in the T-bill regardless of the return or are unsure of what yield to bid.
Non-competitive bids will be allotted first, up to 40 per cent of the total issuance amount. If the amount of non-competitive bids exceeds 40 per cent, the bond will be allocated to you on a pro-rated basis.
What’s the difference between T-bills and SSB?
T-bills | SSB | |
Available tenor | 6 months or 1 year | Up to 10 years |
Method of sale | Uniform price auction - competitive or non-competitive bids | |
Frequency of issuance | Fortnightly or quarterly, according to the issuance calendar | Monthly, for at least five years |
Minimum investment amount | S$1,000, and in multiples of S$1,000 | S$500, and in multiples of S$500 |
Maximum investment amount | None; up to the allotment limit for auctions | S$200,000 overall |
Buy using SRS and CPF funds? | Yes | SRS: Yes |
Type of interest rate payment | No coupon; issued and traded at a discount to the face value | Fixed coupon; steps up each year |
How often interest is paid | At maturity | Every six months, starting from the month of issue |
Secondary market trading | No | |
Transferable | Yes | No |
Maturity and redemption | No early redemption. Investors receive the face value at maturity. | Can be redeemed in any month, with no penalty. |
Are T-bills taxable in Singapore?
There is no capital gain tax in Singapore. For individuals, interest income earned on T-bills is tax exempt.
Non-residents without a permanent establishment in Singapore do not have to pay taxes on interest income.
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