A fall below fee is a monthly charge Singapore banks apply when an account’s average daily balance dips below a minimum threshold set for that account type, typically ranging from about S$2 to S$5 a month for retail savings accounts.
Not financial advice. All figures for educational reference only. Data as at July 2026.
Last updated: July 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Fall below fees are calculated on the average daily balance over the month, not the balance on any single day, so a brief dip usually will not trigger the fee if the monthly average stays above threshold.
- Common retail thresholds sit around S$1,000 to S$3,000 average daily balance, though this varies by account type and bank, with bonus-interest or multiplier-style accounts often set higher.
- Many banks waive the fee for the first year after account opening, for younger depositors below a certain age, or for seniors above a certain age.
- Business and corporate current accounts carry much higher minimum balance thresholds and correspondingly larger fall below fees, sometimes S$20 to S$35 a month if breached.
- Digital banks such as GXS, MariBank and Trust generally do not charge a fall below fee at all, which is one of their clearest advantages over legacy retail accounts.
What Is a Fall Below Fee?
A fall below fee is a monthly penalty charge that Singapore banks apply to accounts, savings or current, when the account’s average daily balance for that calendar month falls under a specified minimum. Banks set this minimum to offset the cost of servicing low-balance accounts. The fee is distinct from other charges such as dormancy fees, which apply after a long period of no transaction activity, or general service fees that some accounts levy regardless of balance.
How Does the Fall Below Fee Work in Singapore?
Thresholds and fees vary meaningfully by bank and account type. The table below illustrates typical structures based on commonly disclosed account terms; always check the specific bank’s current fee schedule, since these are revised from time to time.
| Account Type | Typical Minimum Average Daily Balance | Typical Fall Below Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard retail savings account | ~S$1,000 to S$3,000 | ~S$2 per month |
| Bonus-interest / multiplier account | ~S$3,000 | ~S$2 to S$5 per month |
| Business / corporate current account | ~S$10,000+ | ~S$20 to S$35 per month |
| Digital bank savings account | None | Not applicable |
Source: Publicly disclosed Singapore bank fee schedules and comparison guides, 2026.
Fall Below Fee Example
Suppose an account requires a S$3,000 average daily balance. If the account holder’s balance averages S$2,400 across the month, because of a large withdrawal partway through, the bank charges the fall below fee for that month, even though the balance may have been above S$3,000 on most individual days. The average, not any single day’s balance, determines whether the fee applies.
Advantages of Understanding the Fall Below Fee
- Entirely avoidable. Unlike some bank charges, this fee can be sidestepped completely by maintaining the required balance or choosing a no-minimum account.
- Predictable and disclosed upfront. Thresholds and fee amounts are stated in the account’s terms and conditions, so there are no surprises if the terms are read.
- Digital banks offer a genuine alternative. GXS Bank, MariBank and Trust Bank generally do not charge this fee, giving Singapore depositors a real fee-free option.
- Often waived for eligible groups. Students, younger depositors, seniors, or new accounts within their first year commonly qualify for a waiver.
Risks and Limitations
- Easy to overlook on dormant or secondary accounts. Balances quietly drift below threshold on accounts that are not actively monitored.
- Fees compound over time. A small monthly fee left unaddressed adds up meaningfully over a year.
- Can catch high-yield savers off guard. Sweeping most funds into a higher-yield account elsewhere can inadvertently trigger a fall below fee on the account left behind.
- Some banks stack fees. A small number of accounts apply both a fall below fee and a separate low-balance or dormancy fee under different trigger conditions.
Traditional Bank Account vs Digital Bank Account
| Aspect | Traditional Bank Account | Digital Bank Account (GXS / MariBank / Trust) |
|---|---|---|
| Fall below fee | Commonly charged if under threshold | Generally none |
| Minimum balance | Often required | Generally none |
| Common waivers | First year, students, seniors | Not applicable, no fee to waive |
The Bottom Line
A fall below fee is a small but entirely avoidable cost that catches Singapore depositors who let their account balance drift under the required minimum. For anyone who finds this fee a recurring annoyance, moving to a digital bank account without a minimum balance requirement is a straightforward fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fall below fee?
A fall below fee is a monthly charge a bank applies when an account’s average daily balance for that month drops below the minimum threshold set for that account type.
How is average daily balance calculated?
It is typically the sum of the account’s closing balance on each day of the month divided by the number of days in that month, not simply the balance on any single day.
Which Singapore banks don't charge a fall below fee?
Digital banks such as GXS Bank, MariBank and Trust Bank generally do not charge a fall below fee on their savings accounts, which is a genuine differentiator from most traditional bank accounts.
Is the fall below fee the same as a service fee?
Not always. Some banks charge a fall below fee specifically tied to the average daily balance threshold, separate from other charges such as a dormancy or account service fee.
How can I avoid a fall below fee?
Keep the account’s average daily balance above the required threshold, consolidate funds into fewer accounts to hit minimums more easily, or switch to a no-minimum-balance account such as most digital bank offerings.
Do fall below fees apply equally to savings and current accounts?
Generally current and business accounts have higher minimum balance thresholds and correspondingly larger fall below fees than typical retail savings accounts.