Should I transfer OA to SA for higher interest before 55?

From my experience, the OA to SA transfer is powerful because SA earns 4 percent versus OA 2.5 percent, and compounded over 15 years that gap is huge. The big catch is that it is irreversible. Once money goes into SA you cannot use it for your housing loan, so only transfer what you are sure you won't need for property. I did partial transfers only after my flat was mostly settled, so my mortgage was safe. Also SA money can only be withdrawn under CPF rules, not freely, so treat it as locked-in retirement funds. It made sense for me because I wanted a bigger Retirement Sum later. Think hard about your housing plans first. This is a personal call, so consider speaking to a licensed financial adviser before doing anything irreversible.

I did the OA to SA shielding strategy but I want to warn people it's not for everyone. The higher interest is real and the compounding is great for retirement, but if you transfer too aggressively and then need OA for a property upgrade or loan repayment, you're stuck because it cannot be reversed. What I do is keep enough OA buffer for at least a couple of years of mortgage, then transfer the excess. Also note CPF rules change over time, so check the CPF website for the current SA rules and whether policies around the Special Account still apply as you approach 55. Don't blindly follow forum hype. Match the move to your own housing timeline and risk comfort, and get proper advice for a decision this big.