Where Should I Park My Spare Cash Now? Alternatives for Higher Yields

With OCBC revising its 360 Account interest rates, and the benefits shrinking for those who don’t use their credit cards, many of us are rethinking where to stash our spare cash.

I’ve moved most of my idle funds into near-cash investment alternatives that offer better yields while maintaining liquidity. Here’s why I made the shift and what I’m using instead. 

Why I’m Moving Away from OCBC 360

OCBC 360 used to be a solid choice for parking cash, but the latest changes mean:

Lower base interest unless you jump through hoops (salary crediting, credit card spending, etc.).

The incremental bonus rates aren’t worth the hassle if you’re not an OCBC cardholder. I am now a trust card user. 

Opportunity cost: There are better options now for near-instant liquidity with higher returns.

Where I’m Parking My Spare Cash Instead

I’ve shifted most of my spare cash into near-cash investment alternatives that balance liquidity and returns. TrustInvest Cash+ is one of my top choices, offering stability through short-duration, high-quality bonds and money market instruments, with redemptions typically processed within one business day. Another option I use is GXS Invest, a flexible cash management solution that provides daily interest and near-instant withdrawals, making it ideal for quick access to funds. Lastly, MARI Invest SavePlus serves as a conservative yet efficient option, with a slightly longer but still reasonable redemption period of about two business days. These products strike a good balance between accessibility and performance, making them strong alternatives to traditional savings accounts.

Why These Alternatives Work for Me

  • Higher yields than OCBC 360 (without jumping through hoops).
  • Daily interest compounding vs. monthly bonuses.
  • Fast access (1-2 business days)—good enough for emergencies or market downturns.
  • Low volatility—unlikely to lose principal even in a market crash.

But note:

These are not SDIC-insured (unlike bank deposits).

Yields can fluctuate (though they’re unlikely to drop drastically).

Why I’m Not Adding More to Stocks Right Now

While I remain heavily invested in equities (over 60% of my portfolio), I’m cautious about adding more at current market levels. The mood feels euphoric, valuations are stretched, optimism is high, and the "Fear Of Missing Out" (FOMO) is driving a lot of speculative behavior. History shows that markets tend to correct when sentiment becomes excessively bullish, and while timing the market is a fool’s errand, risk management isn’t. By parking spare cash in stable, liquid alternatives instead of chasing overextended stocks, I’m ensuring I have a bedrock to fall back on when the crash come. 

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Move for You?

If you’re okay with slightly higher risk for better returns, these options beat traditional savings accounts. But if absolute safety is your priority, sticking with SDIC-insured deposits (even at lower rates) may still make sense.

For me? I’ve moved 90% of my spare cash into these alternatives, as there are no better alternative for now. At least this is what i feel. 

What about you? Where are you parking your spare cash now? Let’s discuss in the comments!

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