UOB One Account Review [2025]: High Yield Savings Up to 1.9%

With the hike in GST to 9% in Singapore, the emphasis on savvy financial management and effective saving strategies has never been more acute. In this current climate where every dollar counts, the search for a savings account that not only safeguards but also grows your hard-earned money is paramount. 

The UOB One Account remains a popular choice for those seeking convenience and bonus interest, but its interest rate structure has recently changed and will be effective from 1 December 2025.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new rates, who’s eligible, and whether it still makes sense to keep your money here or if it’s time to look elsewhere.

What is the UOB One Account?

The UOB One Account positions itself as more than just a conventional savings account. 

For one, it's engineered for those seeking to elevate their saving game without the complications often associated with typical high-yield accounts. The UOB One Account previously offered up to 2.5% p.a., but after UOB's latest revision effective 1 December 2025, the maximum effective interest rate is now at 1.9% p.a., on balances up to $150,000 SGD.

You will still enjoy the same access such as easy online access via the dedicated UOB TMRW app, a minimal initial deposit of $1,000 SGD, and additional perks, such as 3% cashback on groceries and more, make it an attractive option for savvy savers.

Understanding the interest rate structure of the UOB One Account

Navigating the UOB One Account's interest rate landscape is refreshingly straightforward, making it an ideal choice even for those who shy away from complex financial calculations. 

Although recent revisions means that the returns are not as high as before, it still remains as a strong option for savers who prefer steady rewards tied to everyday banking habits

To earn bonus interest, you’ll need to complete the following each month:

1. A minimum expenditure of $500 SGD using eligible UOB credit or debit cards*.
2. Complementing this spend with either three GIRO/PayNow debit transactions OR a salary credit of at least $1,600 SGD.

*Eligible cards span across the UOB spectrum, including the UOB One Card, UOB Lady's Card variants, UOB EVOL Credit Card, and various UOB debit cards, such as UOB One Debit Visa Card, UOB One Debit Mastercard, UOB Lady's Debit Card, and UOB Mighty FX Debit Card.

What further sets the UOB One Account apart is its inclusive approach to bonus interest qualification. 

Here's a simplified breakdown of how your savings could grow based on the account balance and meeting the specified conditions:

Source: UOB

If you meet both the spending and salary criteria, you can earn up to $2,850 SGD per year on your $150,000 SGD balance.

Earn your best rate from the first dollar

With UOB's latest rate revision bringing its effective yield down to around 1.9% p.a., you might be wondering where else your cash can still work harder.

StashAway Simple Plus offers 3.6%* p.a. Yield to Maturity (YTM) on any deposit amount. It's a simple, flexible way to grow your cash especially if you prefer consistent returns without having to track multiple account conditions. 

Comparing UOB One Account with Fixed Deposits

When comparing the UOB One Account to fixed deposits both caters to individuals looking to optimise their savings but in different ways:

• With UOB’s recent rate revision, the account now offers up to 2.5% p.a. (EIR 1.9%) on balances of up to $150,000 SGD which is a decent return, but much lower than the previously advertised 5.3% p.a. To enjoy these rates, users must meet monthly requirements like spending $500 SGD on eligible UOB cards and crediting a $1,600 SGD salary or making 3 GIRO debits.

• On the other hand, fixed deposits offer a more traditional approach, providing a stable interest rate (in the range of 0.55% - 1.60%) for a predetermined period without the need for ongoing activities. 

For those exploring straightforward investment options, StashAway Simple Plus with its 3.6%* p.a. Yield to Maturity (YTM) emerges as a notable choice. Its defining feature is the assurance of competitive returns without the complexities typically associated with investment products. This accessibility is further enhanced by its lack of deposit minimums, maximums or lock-ins, allowing investors to contribute amounts that align with their financial capabilities and goals while maintaining liquidity. This makes StashAway Simple Plus a versatile and user-friendly option for those looking to manage their investments with ease.

StashAway Simple™ Plus

Comparing UOB One Account with DBS Multiplier Account & OCBC 360 Account

OCBC 360 Account offers a multi-tiered rewards system. Customers can earn up to 2.45% p.a. on their first $100,000 SGD by crediting their salary, saving, and spending.

Additionally, an extra 3.00% p.a. can be earned through insurance and investment. This amounts to a total potential interest rate of 5.45% p.a. Customers need to fulfill specific requirements for each category to qualify for the respective interest rates.

Similarly, the DBS Multiplier Account rewards customers for their entire banking relationship with DBS. Interest rates range from 1.8% to 4.1% p.a. depending on various factors such as salary crediting, transaction types, and investments. Customers can earn higher interest rates by transacting in multiple categories, with the potential to reach a maximum of 4.1% p.a..

Maximising returns with your UOB One Account

To truly harness the potential of the UOB One Account, savvy financial manoeuvres are key. 

For example, those earning a salary can consider directing their monthly income into the UOB One Account to fulfil one part of the criteria. Concurrently, leveraging GIRO transactions for regular bill payments can not only simplify your financial management but also ensure you're consistently hitting the interest rate sweet spots.

Consider the tangible benefits with this example:

For those with $150,000 SGD stashed away, fulfilling the straightforward criteria of a minimum monthly card spend of $500 SGD and salary credit of $1,600 SGD can unlock earnings of approximately $2,850 SGD annually compared to the old figure of $5,150 SGD. This sum could help cover recurring expenses, and is ideal for those who already use UOB for crediting their salary and spending routinely.

Eligibility criteria for opening a UOB One Account

Now, are you wondering if you're eligible to open a UOB One Account? 

Ensure you meet the requirements for this high-yield savings opportunity:

• Age Requirement: You must be 18 years old or older.
• Minimum Initial Deposit: A starting deposit of $1,000 SGD is required to open a UOB One Account.
• Monthly Average Balance: To keep your account running smoothly, maintain at least $1,000 SGD as your monthly average balance. Falling below this threshold will incur a $5 SGD fee, although this is waived for the first six months for accounts initiated online.
• Early Account Closure Fee: Deciding to close your account within six months of opening will result in a $30 SGD fee.

Opening a UOB One Account

If you have your heart set on opening a UOB One Account and unlocking its potential for higher savings returns, here's how you can get started:

For New and Existing UOB Customers:

1. Digital Application via MyInfo: Utilise your Singpass to swiftly apply through MyInfo. This convenient route is open to both new UOB customers and those already banking with UOB, including joint account applications.
2. Personal Internet Banking: Existing UOB customers can also apply through their personal Internet banking portal, ensuring a smooth transition for those already familiar with UOB's digital banking environment.
3. Card and PIN: If you're an existing customer aiming for a single account application, your credit or debit card number, along with its PIN, can be your key to a swift application process.

For Foreigners and U.S. Persons:

1. Branch Visit: If you're living in Singapore on an Employment Pass, S Pass, or Dependent Pass, or if you're a U.S. person, a visit to any UOB branch is your first step. Make sure to bring along:

• Your passport for identification.
• A document proving your residential address in Singapore.
• Relevant pass (Employment Pass, S Pass, or Dependent Pass)

Limitations of the UOB One Account

While the allure of the UOB One Account might be compelling with its attractive benefits, it's important to recognise its inherent limitations, as is the case with any financial product. 

For starters, the account's interest rate strategy sees a sharp decline to a mere 0.05% p.a. for any portion of your balance exceeding $150,000 SGD. This means that for substantial savings, the benefits plateau, limiting the rewards for growing your balance beyond this point.

Also, while including recurring insurance payments in the monthly card spend is convenient for streamlining financial chores, potential account holders should be mindful of excluded transactions. For instance, payments towards remittances, hospital bills, and EZ-link top-ups do not contribute towards meeting the minimum spend requirement.

Choosing the right account for your financial future

As you navigate the landscape of savings and short-term investment options, it's crucial to align your choices with your financial goals and lifestyle needs. 

Whether you're drawn to the UOB One Account for its competitive interest rates and cashback rewards or prefer the straightforward, high-yield opportunities offered by StashAway's Simple, Simple Plus, and Simple Guaranteed, the key is to make an informed decision based on unbiased comparisons. Consider not just the potential returns but also the ease of management, risk level, and how each account fits into your broader financial strategy.