Yes, I finally decided to move my cash from MariBank to Chocolate Finance. I did not use Chocolate Finance when it first started in 2024, mainly because I was apprehensive of it being a new platform and unsure if it could sustain the interest rate payout. Here's what changed my mind, plus a full risk and liquidity comparison so you're not just taking my word for it.
Firstly, my Mari Invest SavePlus is paying a lot less than it used to. It is paying around 1% for the past few months.
Secondly, Chocolate Finance is giving a higher rate of 2.0% on the first 20k and 1.8% after.
Thirdly, besides the higher rate of return, Chocolate Finance have also proven their worth after successfully navigating through the major "bank run" in March 2025.
On top of that, our funds being segregated and ringfenced, from Chocolate Finance own operational funds also gave me additional comfort.
This segregation structure was thoroughly stress-tested during the March 2025 "bank run". Even though the platform faced a massive wave of panic withdrawals, MAS quickly stepped in to verify that 100% of customer funds were safe, intact, and accounted for. Every single user who requested a withdrawal received their money and earned returns in full.
Finally to seal the deal, Chocolate Finance is running a limited-time booster of an additional 1% for 61 days. This takes the rate to 3% and more on that later.
MariBank vs Chocolate Finance Comparison
| Factor | MariBank (Mari Invest SavePlus) | Chocolate Finance |
|---|---|---|
| What it actually is | A unit trust / fund (managed by Lion Global Investors), accessed through the MariBank app | A managed cash/fund portfolio |
| Capital guaranteed? | No, it's a fund, returns and capital are not guaranteed | No, same, it's a fund-based return, capital are not guaranteed |
| SDIC deposit insurance? | No. SDIC only covers the separate Mari Savings Account (up to $100k). SavePlus is not a deposit, so it isn't SDIC-covered. | No. Not a bank product, so no SDIC coverage either. |
| Where the money sits | Held within the fund structure managed by Lion Global Investors | Custodian-held with HSBC, State Street, BNP Paribas and Citi, ring-fenced from Chocolate's own balance sheet |
| Regulatory status | MariBank is a MAS-licensed digital full bank; SavePlus itself is a regulated fund product distributed through it | Chocfin Pte Ltd is licensed and regulated by MAS (CMS101452) for fund management activities |
| Withdrawal timing | Instant withdrawal up to $10k per day. 1 business day for amount beyond $10k | Contractually up to 7 business days although it usually takes 30 hours or less. |
Due to the above considerations, I'm moving some money, $20k to be exact, out from Maribank into Chocolate Finance. I may move more and only leave the amount where i need the instant withdrawal in Maribank Invest Saveplus.
More on the SG61 Birthday Booster
Chocolate is running its SG61 Birthday Booster: an extra 1% p.a. on up to $20k, for 61 days, from 1 August to 30 September 2026.
Three conditions worth flagging clearly, since they're easy to skim past:
- You need to opt in during the promo window.
- You need to top up at least $5,000 above your starting balance. Your starting balance gets locked in before the boost applies, so sequencing matters.
- You need to hold that balance until 30 September 2026. Boosted returns are credited about 10 business days after the promo ends, not immediately.
Done right, that takes your first $20k to 3.0% p.a. during the promo. The booster itself is temporary and capped, so treat it as a bonus layered on the already-solid 2.0% base, not the whole reason to move.
If you want to try Chocolate Finance, you can use my referral link here
Full disclosure: I earn a small referral reward when you sign up and add money using my link. Use it if the math above makes sense for your own spare cash. Happy Savings.
Disclaimer: Not financial advice, just me moving my own money with a calculator open. Rates and promo terms move; verify current numbers on each platform before you act, and do your own due diligence. Note that both Chocolate Finance and Maribank Invest SavePlus are both investment and not savings and is hence not protected by SDIC.
Use my referral link (2HNL05JZ) and sign up for Maribank to get the promotional cash bonus! Find out more about the promotion here
Thanks for reading and do support me on my referral page.
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Reviewed by Valuewarrior
on
August 17, 2026
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