Understanding Payment Modes

Learn about PayNow, MEPS, and Direct Debit options for CPF payments in Officaid.

Choose how you pay your CPF contributions

When submitting CPF contributions via API in Officaid, you can choose how to pay the amount owed. Each payment mode has different processes and timelines. Understanding your options helps you select the most convenient method for your business.

Available Payment Modes

Officaid supports three payment modes for CPF API submission:

PayNow for instant payment using QR code.
Direct Debit for automatic deduction from your bank account.
MEPS (MAS Electronic Payment System) for electronic fund transfers.

Direct Debit and MEPS require prior setup with CPF Board before they become available. PayNow works immediately without any arrangement.

PayNow

PayNow is the fastest and most straightforward option. After submitting your CPF contributions, a QR code is displayed. Scan the QR code with your banking app and complete the payment instantly.

Instant Confirmation once payment is complete.
No Setup Required since you use your existing banking app.
Flexible as any authorized person can scan and pay.

PayNow is ideal if you want immediate confirmation without setting up recurring deductions.

Direct Debit

Direct Debit automatically deducts the contribution amount from your designated bank account. This requires prior setup with CPF Board and your bank.

When selecting Direct Debit, you must specify a deduction date. The processing time depends on when you submit:

Before 5:15 PM means deduction occurs 2 working days later.
After 5:15 PM means deduction occurs 3 working days later.

Ensure your account has sufficient funds on the deduction date to avoid failed payments.

MEPS

MEPS (MAS Electronic Payment System) is an interbank electronic fund transfer system that processes payments through the banking network. Like Direct Debit, MEPS requires prior setup with CPF Board before you can use it as a payment mode.

Choosing the Right Mode

Consider these factors when selecting a payment mode:

Immediate payment is only available with PayNow.
No setup is required for PayNow, while Direct Debit and MEPS need prior arrangement with CPF Board.
Scheduled deductions are available with Direct Debit for hands-off processing.

CPF requirements and payment processes may change over time. For the latest information, visit the official CPF Board website at cpf.gov.sg and check the Officaid News page for updates on how changes may affect your workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change payment modes each month?

Yes. When submitting via API in Officaid, you select the payment mode each time. You can choose different modes for different submissions based on your preference.

Which payment mode requires no prior setup?

PayNow works immediately using your existing banking app. Direct Debit and MEPS require prior setup with CPF Board before submissions using those modes can be processed successfully.

What information do I need to submit?

You'll need to enter your CPF Submission Number in the format UEN-Type-Sequence (e.g., 123456789A-PTE-01). If using Direct Debit, you'll also need to specify a deduction date.

What's Next?

Learn how to submit CPF payments:

Submitting CPF via API walks through the complete submission process.
Connecting CorpPass to Officaid explains how to authorize API submissions.
What is CPF Submission provides an overview of CPF obligations.

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