Paying your helper by bank transfer is the simplest way to meet MOM's salary rules and to keep a clear record. MOM encourages it, and you must use it if your helper asks.
MOM's salary rules in brief
- Pay her salary every month, no later than 7 days after the last day of the salary period. The salary period cannot exceed one month.
- Pay at least the salary you declared to MOM.
- MOM encourages paying directly into her bank account, and you must pay by bank transfer if she requests it.
- Her account should not be a joint account with you.
- You must not keep her salary, bank book or bank card, even if she asks.
Setting it up
- Help her open a bank account in her own name. MOM suggests employers help with this.
- Add her as a payee in your banking app and use a clear reference, such as "Salary Sept 2026".
- Schedule a recurring transfer a day or two after the end of each salary period, well within the 7-day limit.
- Pay extras separately, such as rest-day compensation or a bonus, with their own reference.
Record keeping
With bank transfer, your bank statement is the core record. Many employers also keep a simple monthly sheet showing:
- The salary period and payment date.
- The declared salary and any rest-day compensation.
- Any agreed loan repayment and the remaining balance.
- The transfer reference.
Keep the records for the whole employment and a while after it ends. They help settle questions quickly if there is ever a dispute.
Why bank transfer helps both sides
- You never miss the deadline if the transfer is scheduled.
- She has her own record and can check her balance anytime.
- Her money is safer than cash kept in her room.
- It removes the need for signed cash receipts each month.
Changing her salary
If you plan to reduce her salary, MOM requires her written consent and an update in FDW eService first. Increases do not need to be reported to MOM. MOM also suggests considering periodic raises and a contract gratuity to reward good work.
Related: our guides to cash salary payments and annual bonuses.
Official source: MOM's salary guidelines page.
A worked example
Her salary period runs from the 1st to the last day of each month. You schedule a transfer on the 2nd of every month for the full declared salary, with the reference "Salary" and the month. In a month where she agreed to work one rest day, you send the compensation as a second transfer with the reference "Rest day comp". At year end, your bank statements show twelve on-time payments and every extra, with no paperwork to chase.
Common questions
Can I send her salary directly to her family overseas?
Pay her salary to her own account, and let her decide how much to send home. This keeps a clear record that she was paid.
What if she does not have a bank account yet?
Help her open one as soon as possible. Until then, pay in cash and keep a record signed by both of you for each payment.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Procedures change, so confirm the current steps on mom.gov.sg or with your licensed employment agency.
