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Bitcoin usd, cmc crypto 200, s&p 500, ftse bursa malaysia, jakarta composite index, ezlink card singapore guide: 7 nifty features you probably didn’t know about.

EZLink is just like GST. We don’t know how it works exactly, but it’s always there, slowly but surely sucking away our hard-earned money in small, painless increments.

It’s time to change that.

… Uh, sorry, I didn’t mean the part about being leeched. I meant the part about knowing how EZLink works.

Being aware of the… unique intricacies of EZLink can not only enrich your daily public transport commute, but also potentially help you save a bit of time and/or money.

7 Things you didn’t know about your EZLink card in Singapore

Are you ready? Let’s dive into the world of EZLink with these 7 fun (and sometimes useful) facts.

1. You can download the EZLink app to check balance & top up online

I’d start this article off with an explanation of how EZLink works, but I could not understand either the official EZLink website or the NLB encyclopedia entry .

All I know is that it’s a prepaid stored-value card with some kind of verification system, so you can’t hack your EZLink card and make it believe its balance is always $50.

Apparently, there are EZLink nerds who are so into it that they buy actual EZLink readers to check their own card balance and transaction history, but for the rest of us, it should be sufficient to download and use the EZLink app .

The EZLink mobile app is a pretty easy way for you to manage your EZLink card (or cards, you baller).

You need to register for an account with your NRIC and then add your EZLink cards to it by entering their 16-digit CAN number on the back. Cards that are linked to your NRIC should simply appear on the screen too.

Then you can do the following:

Perform a quick EZLink balance check

Check the transaction history of each EZLink card

Disable a lost EZLink card

Enable EZLink auto top up i.e. EZ-Reload

[Only for NFC-enabled phones] Top up your EZLink card

But the best feature of the app is….

2. Redeem rewards with every dollar spent on your EZLink

Unless you already have the EZLink app installed, you probably didn’t realise that you can actually earn rewards points every time you tap your EZLink card.

Link your EZLink card on the app to earn 1 point for every 10 cents spent. This includes non-transport spending too, like when you use your EZLink card to pay for ERP or Koi bubble tea (yes it’s accepted).

After you’ve accumulated enough points, you can redeem them for rewards. These are always rotating and some are kinda crap, but there are usually a few good ones.

Here’s a few I picked that are now available:

3. Need to top up your EZLink card urgently? You might be slapped with a “convenience fee”

While MRT commuters can simply top up their cards at the MRT station’s general ticketing machines, running out of money is a real headache for those of us who take the bus.

It means you have dash to the nearest 7-11 or ATM and top it up, otherwise you’ll be stuck with no way to get to work the next day. But convenience comes with a price tag of $0.20 to $0.50 per top up.

To prevent such charges, you should familiarise yourself with the different ways to top up your EZLink card and know which ones are free:

The most fuss-free way to top up your EZLink card is to register for EZ-Reload auto top up, where you link your EZLink card to a credit or debit card.

It used to cost $0.25 per top up, but in late 2018 EZLink finally decided to make it free for Visa, Mastercard and all debit cards. (You’ll still get charged if you use an Amex or Diners card, or if you link it via GIRO to your bank account.)

You need to download the EZLink app in order to apply for EZ-Reload . You’ll get an activation which you’ll need to manually punch in at a General Ticketing Machine, after which your stored value will automatically replenish and be charged to your card.

4. Apart from an EZLink card, you can also use EZLink charms or an NFC-enabled phone

Picture this: It’s Monday. You wake up tired, angry and hungry. You drag your sorry ass to the MRT station and attempt astral projection for the next 45 minutes while you stand cheek-to-jowl an unsavoury mouth-breather who is also alighting at Tanjong Pagar.

As you inch infinitesimally towards the MRT gantry, the crowd halts en masse as the gantry repeatedly screams “Beep-beep-beep-beep-BEEP! Beep-beep-beep-beep-BEEP!” while someone frantically fumbles with her wallet.

Horrible, isn’t it? The world would be a less homicidal place if EZLink cards didn’t exist, or if people thought to fish our their travel cards from their overstuffed wallets.

If you’re blushing because you’re a chronic card fumbler, consider switching to an attractive EZLink charm instead.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by EZ-Link Singapore (@ezlinksg) on Feb 6, 2019 at 5:00pm PST

EZLink charms function in exactly the same way as an EZLink card (including top ups and all), only you hang it from your bag/phone/septum piercing so as not to confuse the EZLink machines with the 37 loyalty and credit cards in your purse.

Unfortunately they’re not available all the time – you have to check EZLink’s Instagram to stay on top of the limited edition charms. They also cost a fair bit too – anything from $14.90 (Pokemon) to $28 (Hello Kitty) – and there’s no load value.

Another way to to avoid the EZLink card problem is with an NFC-enabled mobile phone .

You need to make sure you have one of these supported mobile phones , and request a NFC SIM card from your telco (usually $37.45, but you can try asking for it to replace your “lost” SIM card). Once you put your fancy NFC SIM card in your phone, you can tap your phone and use it as an EZLink card.

Unfortunately for iPhone users, this whole NFC thing is only for Android phones. But… Nothing’s stopping you from putting your EZLink card in your phone case.

5. Concession cards can only be purchased from TransitLink directly

Umm, I totally neglected to mention that all of the above only applies to you if you’re a regular adult EZLink card holder.

If you want to apply for or replace a bus/MRT concession card , you’ll have to go through TransitLink directly – either their website, app, or a TransitLink ticket office. You can’t buy or manage your concession card through the EZLink app.

For the uninitiated, concession cards function in much the same way as the usual EZLink cards, except they give you discounted fares. You can only get them if you’re a student, NSF, senior citizen, person with disabilities, or lower-income worker under the Workfare Transport scheme.

You can also buy monthly passes that give you unlimited rides on all MRTs and basic bus services. The adult pass isn’t really worth it , though.

6. EZLink cards do expire or get lost. Here’s how to get a refund

All EZLink cards expire after 5 years . You can bring your expiring/expired EZLink card to any TransitLink Ticket Office by 31 Dec 2019 to get a 1-for-1 replacement for $3 . They’ll also refund any leftover value inside the expired EZLink card.

To avoid having to pay $3 for absolutely nothing, you can try this hack from Redditor jieqint – apply for one of these credit or debit cards with an integrated EZLink function :

POSB PAssion Debit Card

POSB Everyday Card

DBS Live Fresh Card

Citibank SMRT Card

Standard Chartered Unlimited Card

ICBC EZ-Link Card

The bank should send you a replacement card before the EZLink expires, even if you haven’t gotten to the credit card’s expiry date yet.

You can also get a refund for unexpired EZLink cards at MRT station Passenger Service Centres and TransitLink Ticketing Offices.

On to lost EZLink cards . When you lose your EZLink card, whoever picked it up can use your stored value on a big McNuggets spree at McDonald’s or whatever, because there’s no verification needed to tap the card.

So if you lose the card, you should block it immediately on the EZLink app or call 64968300 (8am to 6pm) to report it. This is especially important if you’ve enabled EZ-reload ! You can claim up to $15 in unauthorised transactions after the card is reported as lost.

7. Yes, there are actually alternatives to EZLink: NETS FlashPay and TransitLink SimplyGo

If you’re completely sick and tired of EZLink’s buggy app and the fact that you can’t use your EZLink anywhere other than on public transport and at a few merchants – unlike the ubiquitous Octopus card in Hong Kong, for example – you might wonder if there are any alternatives to this stored value behemoth.

Well, there’s NETS FlashPay , of course, which has always tried to sell itself as an alternative to EZLink. But it’s not really an improvement. Like EZLink, it’s a stored value system, so it has the same risks. In fact it’s a little worse than EZLink because you can’t even earn rewards points when you spend on it!

The only way it seems slightly better is that you can use it in your IU to pay ERP and some carpark fees , but actually EZLink also has a pilot for EZ-Pay which lets you do the same. (Tip: Put your EZLink card in your IU if your CashCard runs out.)

Alternative #2 is TransitLink’s SimplyGo , which is the newly-launched iteration of their ABT (Account-Based Ticketing) pilot. It bypasses any stored value system and links straight to your credit card, no top ups needed. Just tap and go as per normal and you’ll be billed for your transport spending at the end of the month.

SimplyGo is great if you want to hit your minimum spend to get bonus cashback, but with most cards you can’t earn miles or rebates because TransitLink is on the “exclusions” list. You can use your mobile wallet (Apple/Google/Samsung Pay) if your card has that function though.

Bonus: 5 best credit cards for public transport rebates

While petrol credit cards are a dime a dozen, it seems that banks in Singapore aren’t so interested in offering benefits for those who are too poor to drive.

Here are the credit cards that let you get some kind of rebate on your public transport spending:

If you’re interested in any of the above-mentioned, you can apply for them through MoneySmart here:

Bank of China Qoo10 World Mastercard®

More Details

Key Features

Up to 15% Rebate on Qoo10 spend

20% Rebate on Public Transport Spend (SBS/SMRT buses & MRT)

5% Rebate on Public Taxi and Grab, Local Dining, Entertainment, Online and Overseas spend

All rebates in form of Qmoney where 1 Qmoney = S$1; Qmoney is Qoo10's virtual currency

To apply, SMS BOCCARD[space]Q10MS[space]Name to 79777

See all plan details

Maybank Family & Friends Card

*NEW* Up to 8% cash rebate on all resturant spends in Singapore and Malaysia

*NEW* Up to 8% cash rebate on and data communication & online TV streaming

Up to 8% cash rebate on petrol and groceries including online gorcery stores spend in Singapore and Malaysia

Up to 8% cash rebate on selected shopping stores, contactless bus and train rides, taxi and all passenger transportation servcies such as Grab and GOJEK

8% or 5% cash rebate with lowered minimum spend of S$800/S$500 per month respectively. Cash rebate cap at S$80 per month

0.3% cash rebate on all other spend with no cap on cash rebates

3 years annual fee waived; spend min. S$12,000 per year to get subsequent waiver

OCBC Frank Card

6% rebate on online shopping

Up to 5% rebate for entertainment

0.3% rebate on everything else

S$60 monthly capped rebate with monthly offline min. spend of S$400 (excludes online and NETS FlashPay Auto Top-Up spend)

2 years fee waiver, subsequent years waived with min. spend of $10,000 p.a.

UOB Delight Card

Up to 8% rebate at Cold Storage, Market Place, Jasons, Giant and Guardian

Up to 3% rebate on ALL contactless payments and selected recurring bills

10% discount on house brands at Cold Storage, Giant, and Guardian

Get up to $120 cash credit when you sign up for the Delight Card. Valid till 31 Dec 2018 for the first 1,000 new customers only. T&Cs apply.

Up to 5% savings on Groceries. 2.7% + 2% (for transactions above $50) + 0.3% (if monthly card spend is at least $300)

Up to 5% savings on Fast Food, Movies & Coffee. 4.7% + 0.3% (if monthly card spend is at least $300)

Up to 3% savings on Online Shopping. 2.7% + 0.3% (if monthly card spend is at least $300)

Up to 2% EZ-Reload Auto Top-up. 0.3% + 1.7% (If top-up more than $30. If $30 or less, 0.7% awarded instead)

Savings awarded in SMRT$. SMRT$ can be redeemed for cash rebate or vouchers

2 years fee waiver for Principal and two (2) Supplementary cards

See this article for more on these cards and how you can save more time and money on public transport .

If you sign up for Account Based Ticketing, however, you can theoretically put your spending towards any cash rebates or points your credit card offers. Just read the bank’s T&Cs to make sure that they haven’t excluded ABT transactions from the list of eligible expenditures.

Know of any other weird EZLink hacks? Share your secrets in the comments.

Related articles

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5 Chilling (Yet Probable) Consequences Of Hawker Centres Going Cashless

TransitLink’s SimplyGo (Formerly ABT) is Here. Should You Ditch Your EZLink Card?

The post EZLink Card Singapore Guide: 7 Nifty Features You Probably Didn't Know About appeared first on the MoneySmart blog .

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• SimplyGo App

Introduction

Formerly the “TL SimplyGo app”, the rebranded SimplyGo app integrates the key card-related features from the EZ-Link app and aims to provide commuters with a seamless experience for their transit ticketing needs and card-related services.

The former TL SimplyGo app was launched in conjunction with the SimplyGo initiative, which allows you to make contactless fare payments on buses and trains with your bank cards (Mastercard, Visa and NETS 2.0). With the new SimplyGo app, commuters can now access transit ticketing and card-related services on the go, anytime, anywhere.

Sign up for a SimplyGo account on the SimplyGo Portal or via the SimplyGo app. You may also refer to the FAQs and T&Cs on the SimplyGo initiative on the SimplyGo website for more information.

Scan the respective QR codes to download the app now!

Enjoy the following services with the simplygo app:, concession/stored value travel card-related services.

• Apply for a new/replace lost Concession card.
• Purchase concession pass for SimplyGo Concession cards.
• View and redeem electronic travel vouchers (e.g. Public Transport Vouchers) to your added SimplyGo travel cards.

Ticketing/Transit Services

• Receive alerts on low card balance.*
• Receive push notifications on your trip fares^ and claim approvals.
• Top up on the go.*
• View travel transaction history and expenditure of yourself and your loved ones (through “Share My Account” feature) in blocks of 30 days, up to the last 180 days.
• Block lost travel card* and transfer value to new card.
• View Non-Transit Area (NTA) transactions.*
• Submit and view your transit claim status.
• For those with Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled phones, you can now scan your stored value travel cards and SimplyGo travel cards for details on your card information and balance without adding them to your SimplyGo account.
• Make payment for penalty fees . (Note: From 17 July 2023, SimplyGo Ticket Offices will no longer be accepting cash payment for the settlement of penalty fee)
• Locate SimplyGo Ticketing Service Centres/Ticket Offices and self-help ticketing machines (SimplyGo Kiosks, Assisted Service Kiosks and Top-Up Kiosks) for your ticketing needs.

*Only applicable to SimplyGo EZ-Link & Concession cards ^Applicable to contactless bank cards and SimplyGo EZ-Link & Concession cards

Journey Planner and Travel Guide

• Plan your journey using the “Journey Planner” and save your preferred routes and locations.
• Check out bus routes, fares, estimated travel time and bus arrival timing using the “Travel Guide”.

Please click here for the user guide on the SimplyGo app.

Government agencies communicate via .gov.sg websites (e.g. go.gov.sg/open) . Trusted website s

Account-based EZ-Link cards available for use in Public Transport from 28 Jan

From 28 January 2021, EZ-Link adult cardholders will have the option to update their existing EZ-Link cards to account-based at ticketing machines or buy new account-based EZ-Link cards from TransitLink Ticket Offices.

2                 These cards come with a backend account that will allow commuters to top up their travel cards through a mobile application anytime, anywhere. This saves them the hassle of queuing to top up at ticketing machines, or having insufficient value on their travel cards with no ticketing machines nearby. Commuters can also top up their family members’ account-based travel cards. In addition, commuters will receive notifications when the balances in the account of their cards are low. If they misplace their cards, card holders can also use the mobile application to block further transactions.

3                 This move towards account-based ticketing is part of LTA’s commuter-centric efforts to make commuting more convenient. In the past, our public transport only had a card-based ticketing system. In 2019, a separate account-based ticketing system was set up. This system enabled commuters to pay for public transport fares using bank cards and mobile wallets, which saves the hassle of carrying a separate travel card. It currently supports contactless bank cards from Mastercard, Visa and NETS, as well as mobile wallets such as GooglePay.

4                 Like contactless bank cards and mobile wallets used for public transport, transactions using account-based EZ-Link cards are processed backend so commuters will not immediately see their fare deduction and card value balance at MRT fare gates and bus readers. Commuters who choose to use the account-based EZ-Link cards can download the TL SimplyGo app to view up to the last 180 days of fare transaction history as well as access other ticketing services such as claims submission.

5                 A pilot for concession cards that supports account-based ticketing will start later this year. The pilot will help us better understand potential concerns and make the necessary adjustments to enable a smoother transition for card holders as we progressively convert to account-based ticketing.

6                 We have also started and will continue to engage different groups of commuters through focus group discussions to gather feedback for improvement. For example, some participants shared that they would like a convenient means to view their transaction details at public transport nodes. To cater to this need, value-checking machines will be placed at some MRT stations and bus interchanges with high commuter traffic. We will also continue to explore additional means to make it more convenient for commuters to view their transaction details, including for those who might not have access to mobile applications.

7        With the introduction of the account-based systems, commuters can continue to use their existing EZ-Link cards. We will phase out the existing card-based ticketing system after commuters have become familiar with the new system. LTA will take feedback from commuters during the transition period, and work with operators to implement mitigating measures to address their concerns. 

Annex A: Infographic on modes for transit fare payment

Annex B: Frequently asked questions on SimplyGo

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5 things you need to know about ez-link cards

With recent news that ez-link will be replacing cards which are expiring this year, here are some things you may or may not not know about the card you casually flash every day:

1. Free replacements for expiring cards

From today till Dec 31, you can replace your ez-link cards expiring this year for free.

Check if your card is expiring by going to the website at www.ezlink.com.sg and entering the 16-digit number printed on the back. You can also do it at general ticketing machines, add value machines, SAM kiosks, OCBC automated teller machines and AXS stations. Replace your eligible cards at any TransitLink ticket office at no cost, while stocks last

There will also be roadshows every Friday, Saturday and Sunday this month at various locations, including Ang Mo Kio bus interchange and Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, to replace the cards. You can transfer any remaining value into the new cards.

2. You can soon use your card overseas

If you are heading to Taiwan, you can soon use the same card you use in Singapore, for public transport payment over there.

In June, ez-link and Taiwan's EasyCard Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a Cross Border Combi Card, or "shuang qian bao (double purse)" in Chinese, aiming to roll it out within a year. The cards can also be used at retail outlets and as electronic tickets at attractions.

Ez-link already has such a venture with Guangdong Lingnan Pass Company, which will be launched "soon".

3. Top up your card right on your smartphone

Did you know there exists an app that allows you to top up the value of your ez-link card on your smartphone? A world's first, the My EZ-Link Mobile app works only on Near Field Communications (NFC) enabled smartphones. NFC is a wireless transmission technology that allows mobile payment. To top up your ez-link card, just enter your personal and payment details into the app, before tapping your card on the device. Payment is automatically charged to your Visa and MasterCard debit or credit card. Goodbye long queues at ATMs and ez-link machines!

4. Ez-link cards are not just for public transport

Credit cards with ez-link functions, such as the POSB Everyday Card and Citibank SMRT Card, reduce the need for people to carry multiple cards in their wallets. They also offer cash rebates on transport expenses. Ez-link cards are nowadays used for businesses and organisations for their convenience. Notably, at the 2013 edition of popular beach party ZoukOut, party goers could use ez-link cards to pay for their drinks. Last year, a fundraising project saw the Community Chest set up advertisements at MRT stations, and people could simply tap their ez-link cards on the poster to donate a dollar.

5. The idea behind the name

The name "Ez-link" was picked from about 8,000 entries in a naming contest held by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in February 2000. Mr Wang Tong Wah, a then-50-year-old shipping coordinator, won $5,000 with his winning entry. He explained that since the card would be simple to use, he took the word "easy" and shortened it to "ez". It would also be linked to many other applications. And so, the name "Ez-link" was born!

The ez-link card was created to replace the magnetic farecards and increase public transport efficiency. As commuters only had to hold the card next to the card-reader for the fare to be deducted, it reduced bus boarding times and increased train station fare-gate transactions by 30 per cent, according to LTA.

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How EZ-Link Cards Let You Travel Cheaply in Singapore

Jon Hicks/Getty Images

Getting around Singapore is incredibly easy – and surprisingly cheap.

Singapore's MRT (light rail) system goes almost everywhere on the island. Its bus system is easy to understand and ride. And both bus and MRT use a single, contactless payment system: the EZ-Link card.

If you've used Hong Kong's Octopus Card before, using the EZ-Link is child's play: As soon as you step up on a bus, or before you can enter the MRT platform, just tap the card on a panel at the entrance. As you disembark from the bus or leave an MRT platform, you tap another panel to complete the transaction.

(Remember: If you neglect to tap out as you exit the bus or MRT platform, you will be charged the maximum trip fare.)

The EZ-Link card has a stored balance that is automatically debited as you tap the card on the panels. The card has an SGD 10 value in it when you buy it; you can periodically load ("top up") new value on it when you run low.

The EZ-Link is a contactless card, so you don't need to slot it into any receptacle for it to work - just hold the card against the panel and the balance is automatically deducted by the system.

Many Singaporeans don't even take the card out of their wallets anymore; the card can be "read" by the panel even if it's inside your wallet. (The card ought to be rather close to the surface of the wallet for this to work, though!)

Savings: The EZ-Link card comes out cheaper than using change, assuming you stay in Singapore long enough to make up for the SGD 5 non-refundable charge for the card. On average, using an EZ-Link card costs about SGD 0.17 less per trip compared to using cash; this adds up as you make more trips using Singapore's public transport system.

EZ-Link card users are also given an additional SGD 0.25 discount when they transfer between a bus and an MRT or vice-versa. These reasons are why getting an EZ-Link card is an essential part of surviving Singapore on a budget .

These savings aren't of much use if you don't stay long enough to use the public transport system on a regular basis; as SGD 5 of the card cost is non-refundable, you might save more money if you use cash during two to three days' stay in Singapore.

Convenience: With an EZ-Link card, you don't need to know how much the fare costs from place to place; the system just deducts the total from your card balance as you go along. If your card balance gets too low, the card reader will flash green-amber when you swipe the card over it.

Without an EZ-Link card, you'll need to carry plenty of spare change as you travel; buses accept only exact change, and you'll need to queue up for a ticket every time you enter an MRT station.

How and Where to Buy

You can purchase an EZ-Link card over the counter at any MRT station, bus interchange, or 7-Eleven in Singapore. The EZ-Link card costs SGD 15 - SGD 5 covers the cost of the card (and is non-refundable), and SGD 10 is a consumable amount that needs to be "topped up" as the card runs low.

The card will not work if the stored value drops to less than SGD 3; you can add value to the card at any MRT station, bus interchange, or 7-Eleven store. The card can store a maximum value of SGD 500.

Singapore Tourist Pass

For layovers or otherwise really short stays , a Singapore Tourist Pass is a suitable alternative to EZ-Link cards. It's a contactless stored-value card with two significant advantages over the EZ-Link card:

• Unlimited use, with a caveat: The Pass is an all-day pass: you don't get charged per trip, but you can use the card as often as you like around Singapore's public transport system, depending on the length of time allotted to your card. The Singapore Tourist Pass comes in one-, two-, and three-day variants, expiring when the last bus or train goes home at the end of the day. Here's the caveat: Rides on premium and niche bus services are not allowed.
• Returnability: You get charged a redeemable SGD 10 deposit per Tourist Pass, instead of the non-refundable SGD 5 charged by the regular EZ-Link cards. When you return the card within five days of buying it, you get the deposit back.
• Tourist freebies: Tourist Pass users get exclusive access to promos provided by select Singapore retailers, restaurants, and other Singapore tourist destinations .

The Singapore Tourist Pass costs SGD 18, SGD 26, and SGD 34 for a one-, two-, and three-day pass respectively. The price includes a refundable SGD 10 deposit that will be returned once you bring the card back within five days of issuance.

To figure out how to get from point A to B in Singapore, use GoThere.SG , input a plain-language search to get a breakdown of the combined train-bus trip (with a choice of fastest or cheapest route). 

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Follow our news, recent searches, simplygo timeline: how it came about and why the change of mind on ez-link, nets flashpay card replacement, advertisement.

The SimplyGo upgrade feature was "temporarily unavailable" at ticketing machines at Maxwell MRT station on Jan 20, 2024.

This audio is generated by an AI tool.

Ashley Tham

SINGAPORE: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Monday (Jan 22) U-turned on its decision to phase out the old ticketing system in favour of SimplyGo.

The move to discontinue the NETS FlashPay card and some adult EZ-Link cards for use on buses and trains was announced on Jan 9.

But the transition has not gone smoothly, with a public outcry over the decision and commuters facing difficulty upgrading their cards. 

Here's how events unfolded since LTA first announced the launch of SimplyGo five years ago. 

March 2019: SimplyGo launch

On Mar 7, 2019, LTA revealed that it would launch SimplyGo, starting with Mastercard in April.

This came after a "successful pilot of the Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) system", according to LTA.  

The ABT pilot, introduced in 2017, allowed commuters to travel with contactless payment instead of having a separate fare card. 

SimplyGo allowed commuters to use contactless bank cards on public transport, and also allowed commuters to keep track of their travel expenditure and history by registering for an account on the TransitLink SimplyGo Portal, said LTA in its press release. 

"SimplyGo widens the range of payment options available to commuters. Users will be able to tap in and out with their contactless cards, and also use mobile devices linked to Mastercard," it added. 

The initiative was expanded to include Visa and NETS contactless cards in June and November respectively. 

The EZ-Link and TransitLink Simply Go mobile apps will soon be merged into a single platform, as part of efforts to simplify ticketing and card-related services for public transport fares.

June 2023: EZ-Link, TransitLink merge under SimplyGo

LTA said that EZ-Link and TransitLink's transit and travel card-related services would be consolidated under the SimplyGo brand. 

"The SimplyGo app will be the one-stop app for all transit-related transactions by end-2023," said LTA, adding that the move included new features like instant card blocking and the refund of remaining balance into one's account. 

TransitLink’s customer service centres at MRT stations and bus interchanges were also rebranded to SimplyGo ticket offices and service centres. 

Jan 9, 2024: Non-SimplyGo EZ-Link, NETS FlashPay cards to be phased out

This was the announcement that sparked plenty of reaction from commuters online.

From Jun 1, 2024, non-SimplyGo EZ-Link adult cards and NETS FlashPay cards can no longer be used to pay public transport fares, said LTA. 

The agency attributed the transition to the "growing adoption of SimplyGo payment methods and the legacy card-based ticketing system for adult commuters nearing the end of its operational lifespan". 

It added that about two in three adult fare transactions on public transport were made using either SimplyGo EZ-Link or bank cards, so most commuters would not be affected by this transition.

Commuters no longer need to switch to SimplyGo as LTA U-turns on move to replace older ticketing system

Government spending S$40 million for hardware replacement, system maintenance to extend ticketing system: LTA

Commuters were encouraged to download the SimplyGo mobile application to access its services, including the viewing of fare transactions and remote card balance top-ups.

LTA highlighted the benefits of SimplyGo, such as topping up cards using its mobile app, blocking transactions if a card is misplaced, and receiving notifications on fares and card balances.

Public outcry; problems upgrading EZ-Link cards

The decision to completely migrate the system to SimplyGo has stirred up questions about whether it was even necessary in the first place, with  many commuters expressing their displeasure online . 

CNA’s Facebook post on the announcement alone drew hundreds of angry reactions and comments.

Some asked why a system that was not broken needed to be "fixed".

“The worst news ever ... Why does one need to be forced to download an app,” one commenter wrote.

Another said: “I feel sorry for the seniors who are not tech (savvy). They will end up struggling to keep up with basic (things) such as transportation.”

Commuters run into problems upgrading EZ-Link cards amid complaints over switch to SimplyGo

CNA Explains: Why some Singapore commuters are upset about moving from EZ-Link to SimplyGo

One of the biggest complaints was that under the SimplyGo system, the card balance is not displayed at the fare gate.

"As SimplyGo transactions are processed backend, similar to credit and debit card transactions, commuters using SimplyGo will not be able to view their fare deductions and card balances at station fare gates and bus readers," said LTA when it first announced the move.

Following the announcement, some commuters attempting to upgrade their EZ-Link cards faced problems , including long processing times and failed upgrades which led to invalid cards. 

One commuter told CNA she was unable to upgrade her card at two stations.

“I tried two cards at different machines, one here and one in Commonwealth, both failed.

“If you want us to upgrade, please make the machine better. Don’t waste time,” she said.

Jan 12, 2024: Fare display on SimplyGo "technically possible"

On Jan 12, LTA said that fare display for SimplyGo users was "technically possible" , three days after it had stated that SimplyGo users are unable to view fare information at station gates and bus readers because of the way such transactions are processed,.

In response to CNA queries, LTA said that upon tapping a SimplyGo EZ-Link card, it would take a "few seconds" for fare gates and bus readers to obtain and display the card balance and deduction information from the backend system.

"While this is technically possible, it will slow down the entry and exit for commuters," said LTA.

"Given the large numbers of commuters who are taking MRT and buses, this will lead to longer queues which is not desirable."

LTA added that the SimplyGo app allows commuters to "view this information and more", pointing to the app alerts on fares for each trip via push notifications on a user's phone. 

"SimplyGo users who prefer not to use the app can also view their trip details and card balance at ticketing machines located at every train station and bus interchange."

Fare display using SimplyGo EZ-Link cards 'technically possible' but would create longer queues: LTA

Commentary: The politics of reversal, does it signal a new approach for the 4G leadership?

Jan 22, 2024: The U-turn

On Monday, the plan to phase out the current ticketing system was shelved .

"LTA will be extending the existing adult card-based ticketing (CBT) system, to operate in parallel with the SimplyGo system," said the agency. 

"The extension will continue to give adult commuters the option of using the EZ-Link and NETS FlashPay cards or their SimplyGo-compatible cards on public transport."

It added that commuters who have purchased or converted their cards to SimplyGo EZ-Link cards between Jan 9 and Jan 22, can exchange them for a CBT EZ-Link card for free if they wish to do so. 

The same goes for concession cardholders with a SimplyGo-compatible card. This includes seniors, students, Workfare Transport Concession cardholders, and people with disabilities.

Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, who announced the move on Monday, acknowledged in a Facebook post the concerns of commuters who want to continue seeing their fare deductions and card balances at fare gates and bus card readers.

"I have discussed your feedback and concerns with the Transport Ministry and LTA," said Mr Chee. "We have decided to extend the use of the current CBT system for adult commuters, and not to sunset the system in 2024 as originally planned."

"We will spend an additional S$40 million (US$29.8 million), so that commuters can continue to use EZ Link cards and NETS FlashPay cards if they wish to."

Mr Chee also apologised for the delays in the card upgrade to SimplyGo.

"I apologise on behalf of MOT and LTA for the delays commuters experienced when they tried to convert their existing EZ Link cards," he said. "This could have been avoided with better preparation."

He added that he has tasked LTA to study ways to enhance the features and improve the user experience for account-based ticketing cards.

In response to CNA's queries, an LTA spokesperson said on Monday evening that the additional S$40 million allocated to support the continued use of EZ-Link and NETS FlashPay cards will be used for hardware replacements and systems maintenance needed to extend the adult card-based ticketing system.

LTA also said that it conducted market testing and focus group sessions with adult commuters and concession cardholders before the SimplyGo transition plan was finalised.

Account-based ticketing cards were issued to more than 1,000 concession cardholders in 2021 for them to test and report back based on their experience.

The group that had the most concerns were seniors who were worried about the absence of the fare and balance display at station gates and bus readers because of the way SimplyGo public transport transactions are processed.  

"This guided LTA’s decision to extend the card-based ticketing system for concession cards from the get-go so that concession cardholders, such as seniors, are not impacted by this round of changes," the spokesperson said.

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Dreams Taking Wings

EZ-Link Card: Ultimate Guide To Public Transport In Singapore

December 30, 2023 by Nitin Singhal Leave a Comment

Public transport in Singapore is cheap, efficient, and reliable. Singapore public transport includes buses, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) or metro, and Light Rail Transit (LRT). Bus and MRT networks are extensive and almost all the attractions are within walking distance from MRT stations or bus stops. The LRT network is limited and is only present in the northern and eastern parts of Singapore. If you are visiting Singapore as a tourist, you will not be using LRT.

Table of Contents

• 1 What Is EZ-Link Card
• 2 Where To Buy EZ-Link Card
• 3 EZ-Link Card Cost
• 4 How to Top Up EZ-Link Card
• 5 How To Use EZ-Link Card
• 6.1 Cost Saving
• 6.2 Convenience
• 7 Singapore Tourist Pass

What Is EZ-Link Card

The public transport in Singapore has an integrated payment system. That means you can pay on any public transport using a single contactless card. The most common contactless card used is the EZ-Link card. But there are cards from other operators also like Nets Flashpay card. Both the cards cost the same and work the same way. There is literally no difference between them.

All the details about the EZ-Link Card mentioned in the rest of the article also hold true for the Flashpay card unless specified otherwise.

Where To Buy EZ-Link Card

Both EZ-Link and Flashpay cards are available at TransitLink ticket offices at most of the MRT stations and convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Cheers.

Travelex Money Exchange counter at Changi Airport keeps only the Flashpay Card. If you are arriving in Singapore in the wee hours and want to use MRT or bus to reach the city centre, your only option is to buy a Flashpay card from the Travelex Money Exchange counter as the TransitLink ticket office generally remains open between 8 AM and 9 PM.

EZ-Link Card Cost

The card costs SGD 5 (~ INR 300) non-refundable fee and a minimum of SGD 3 (~ INR 180) balance need to be maintained to travel. 

You can save the SGD 5 non-refundable fee if you buy Singtel  $15 hi!Tourist 2-in-1 SIM Card . It is a sim card embedded in an EZ-Link card. The sim card has the same feature as SGD 12 priced sim card and the EZ-Link card has SGD 3 balance. So effectively you have got an EZ-Link card free with the sim card.

Also Read : How To Travel Singapore On A Budget

The card is valid for 5 years, so you may keep the card if planning to visit Singapore more than once in 5 years. Otherwise, take back the balance left on the card from the TransitLink office at the MRT station before leaving Singapore.

How to Top Up EZ-Link Card

The EZ-Link card can be easily topped up using General Ticketing Machines at MRT stations. Just place the card on the panel and wait for the machine to read the card. Enter the top-up amount and deposit the cash. And voila, the EZ-Link card is topped-up. You can top up in multiples of 10 using the machine.

You can also top up using a credit or debit card but currently, only Singapore cards are accepted. Alternatively, you can also get your card topped up at convenience stores but they will charge a convenience fee.

How To Use EZ-Link Card

Using an EZ-Link card or Nets Flashpay card is super easy. Tap the card on the panel before entering the MRT platform and tap again before exiting the platform. Similarly, on the bus, tap the card on the panel as you enter the bus and tap again before getting off the bus. Commuters are recommended to enter the bus through the front gate and disembark through the rear gate. The panel are placed at both ends but in some buses, rear panels cannot be used for entry.

If you forget to tap out before exiting, the maximum fare will get deducted.

Advantages of EZ-Link Card

Cost saving.

Using EZ-Link card is sometimes cheaper than cash. The fare is calculated according to the distance travelled. If you make a transfer from bus to MRT or bus to bus or MRT to bus, it is treated as a single journey instead of separate journies and fare is calculated accordingly. Up to a maximum of 5 transfers are allowed within a single journey. We were charged many times just SGD 0.01 on the EZ-Link card for the transfer.

Convenience

It is very convenient to use EZ-Link card. You don’t have to ask for the fare cost from place A to B. Just tap the card on entry and exit and the fare is deducted from the balance stored in the EZ-Link card.

If you want to pay using cash, you will have to keep lots of spare change and give the exact amount to the driver as no change is given back by the driver. Also, you may have to queue up for a ticket at the MRT station.

Buying an EZ-Link card is a no-brainer if you are going to board lots of buses and MRT as non-refundable fare will be recovered in a few transfers and it is super convenient to use. We would recommend buying an EZ-Link card if you are planning to use public transport at least 5 times as you will definitely lose some cents on paying by cash because it will be highly unlikely that you will have an exact change every time.

Singapore Tourist Pass

If you are staying in Singapore for less than 4 days, you may opt for  Singapore Tourist Pass  which offers unlimited travel on buses, MRT, and LRT. The Singapore Tourist Pass costs SGD 20 (~ INR 1200) for a one-day pass, SGD 26 (~ INR 1560) for a two-day pass, and SGD 30 (~ INR 1800) for a three-day pass. 

All three passes include an SGD 10 (~ INR 600) refundable deposit which gets refunded back if the pass is returned within 5 days of buying it. That means, effectively Singapore Tourist Pass costs SGD 10 (~ INR 600), SGD 16 (~ INR 960), and SGD 20 (~ INR 1200) for one-day, two-day, and three-day passes respectively. 

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EZ-Link Card: Your All-In-One Card

April 7, 2024

Source: ezlink.com.sg

Singapore is a small but vibrant city-state that offers a multitude of attractions, cuisines, cultures, and experiences. Whether you're on a short visit or a longer stay, you'll never run out of things to do and see. But how do you navigate this bustling metropolis without straining your budget? The solution is simple: obtain an EZ-Link card.

What Is An EZ-Link Card

The EZ-Link card is a versatile essential for navigating Singapore. It's your ticket for public transport, payments at shops, dining, and even online shopping. Enjoy seamless travel and convenience across the city with this all-in-one card.

The EZ-Link card is a contactless stored value card designed for convenient use on public transportation, including buses, trains, taxis, and some ferries. It's also accepted at numerous shops, vending machines, food courts, and attractions, making it a fast, hassle-free, and secure payment option.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the EZ-Link card and address some frequently asked questions about the EZ-Link card. So, let's dive in!

How To Get An EZ-Link Card

Source: cheers.com.sg

Several options are available for obtaining an EZ-Link card in Singapore based on your preferences. Here are some of the choices:

TransitLink Ticket Offices: Find these at most MRT stations and bus interchanges. You can purchase a standard EZ-Link card for SGD 10, which includes SGD 5 of stored value and SGD 5 as a non-refundable card cost. Concession cards for students, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities are also available.

7-Eleven Stores: Convenient 24/7 stores spread across Singapore. Purchase a standard EZ-Link card for SGD 10, which includes SGD 5 of stored value and SGD 5 as a non-refundable card cost. Themed cards featuring popular characters or designs are also on offer.

How To Use An EZ-Link Card

Source: sbstransit.com.sg/

Using an EZ-Link card is straightforward. Follow these steps:

• Tap your card on the reader when boarding a bus or entering a train station.
• Tap your card again on the reader when alighting from a bus or exiting a train station.
• The fare will be automatically deducted from your card balance.
• Enjoy your journey!

The EZ-Link card is contactless, so there's no need to insert it into a slot. Simply hold the card against the reader panel, and the system deducts the balance automatically. Many locals don't even remove the card from their wallets; it can be read even if inside a wallet.

How to Top Up an EZ-Link Card

Source: Wikipedia

Recharging your EZ-Link card in Singapore offers various options for convenience. Here are some choices:

• General Ticketing Machines: Available at all MRT stations and some bus interchanges. Top up using cash or the local debit card system, NETS.
• Add Value Machines: Found at selected MRT stations and bus interchanges. Top up using cash only.
• Top-Up Machines: Available at selected MRT stations and bus interchanges. Top up using NETS only.
• EZ-Link App: A mobile app enabling top-ups using credit/debit cards or e-wallets. Check balance, transaction history, rewards, and promotions via the app.
• AXS Stations: Self-service kiosks offering various e-services, including bill payment and ticket booking. Top up using cash, NETS, or credit/debit cards.
• 7-Eleven Stores: Open 24/7 across Singapore. Top up using cash only.

Checking The Balance Of An EZ-Link Card

Checking your EZ-Link card balance in Singapore provides several convenient methods. Here are some options:

• Card Readers: Found at MRT stations, bus interchanges, and selected bus stops. Tap your card to display the balance on the screen.
• General Ticketing Machines: Available at MRT stations and some bus interchanges. Insert your card to view the balance on the screen.
• EZ-Link App: A mobile app for checking card balance, transaction history, rewards, and promotions. Top up via credit/debit card or e-wallet using the app.
• EZ-Link Website: An online portal for checking card balance, transaction history, rewards, and promotions. Register your card, report lost cards, request refunds, and more via the website.

FAQs: EZLink Card

How long is an ez-link card valid, how much value can i store in my ez-link card, how do i get a refund for my ez-link card, how do i report a lost or stolen ez-link card, how can i protect my ez-link card from damage, ezlink card conclusion.

The EZ-Link card is more than a transportation pass; it's a lifestyle card facilitating easy exploration of Singapore. Obtain, use, top up, and check your card with simplicity. Customize it to match your style, and enjoy its versatility.

With an EZ-Link card, you can explore Singapore without worrying about cash. You can also shop online with selected merchants accepting the card as payment. Don't wait; get an EZ-Link card now and discover Singapore in a new light!

EZLink Card

• 1. What Is An EZ-Link Card
• 2. How To Get An EZ-Link Card
• 3. How To Use An EZ-Link Card
• 4. How to Top Up an EZ-Link Card
• 5. Checking The Balance Of An EZ-Link Card
• 6. EZLink Card Conclusion

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Ez-link card

Singapore infopedia.

The ez-link card is a contactless multi-purpose stored value card that is mainly used for transit payments on public buses and on the mass rapid transit (MRT) and light rail transit (LRT) networks in Singapore. It is also used for non-transit purposes such as making payments at retail shops and for Electronic Road Pricing (ERP). It was introduced in 2002 and more than 17 million cards have been issued. 1 History The idea of a contactless smart card that could speed up passenger flow on buses and at MRT fare gates was first explored by TransitLink in 1994. 2 Trials started in 1996 with 500 tertiary students using the card on selected buses and MRT stations. 3 In 2000, this contactless smart card was officially named the ez-link card. 4 Separate trials of the card on the MRT and LRT networks and on selected bus routes were also held that year. 5 On 8 January 2002, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) established a subsidiary, EZ-Link Pte Ltd, to manage the sale and distribution of ez-link cards and to process the clearing and settlement of ez-link card transactions. 6 In that same month, 45,000 commuters were invited for a six-week trial of the card on the MRT network and selected bus routes. 7 The card went on sale to the public on 13 April 2002 and it ran concurrently with the old magnetic farecard until a complete switchover was made on 1 December 2002. 8 The use of the ez-link card soon expanded beyond transit purposes. The card has been accepted as a mode of payment in many places in Singapore including retail shops, food beverage outlets, cinemas, schools, government services, community services, and so on. 9 In a move to be Contactless e-Purse Application (CEPAS) compliant, a new ez-link card was developed. The LTA conducted a trial from August to October 2008 for 10,000 public transport users to test the new card. The CEPAS compliant ez-link card would now enable consumers to use it for electronic road pricing (ERP) and carpark payments, as well as goods and services at places with payment systems that support CEPAS. 10 The new ez-link cards went on sale on 29 December 2008. 11 On 9 January 2009, the LTA started a mass one-for-one exchange of the old ez-link card with the CEPAS-compliant ez-link card. Commuters had until end September 2009 to exchange their existing ez-link cards with the new cards. After September 2009, only CEPAS-compliant ez-link cards could be used for travel on public transport. 12 Description The ez-link card is embedded with a chip microprocessor and antenna that enables it to communicate with the card reader via wireless communication. 13 In the past, commuters used a magnetic farecard that required them to slot it into a ticket validator on the bus or at the MRT fare gate. 14 With the ez-link card, all the commuters have to do is to tap the card on an electronic card reader, which will deduct the fare automatically. 15 The ez-link card can be used to pay for public transport fares and purchases at selected shops. 16 With the new ez-link CEPAS compliant card, it could also be used to pay for ERP charges and EPS carpark fees. The maximum stored value for the new card is S$500, up from S$100, and no longer require a S$3 travel deposit. As such, the balance reflected in the card is the actual stored value. 17 Value can be added to the ez-link card through various channels. Manual top-ups can be done at manned counters and general ticketing machines at bus interchanges and MRT stations, ATMs, and selected convenience stores. Top-ups can also be made from the home or office via EZ-Online, a service that enables users to top up the value in their cards online with the help of a special contactless card reader. In addition, there are automatic top-up services like EZ-Reload, which allows a pre-selected amount to be added to the card once it registers an insufficient value at any MRT fare gate or bus card reader. 18 Timeline 2000 : The contactless smart card was officially named the ez-link card. 19 8 Jan 2002 : EZ-Link Pte Ltd was formally incorporated. 20 13 Apr 2002 : The ez-link cards went on sale to the public at MRT stations and bus interchanges. 21 1 Dec 2002 : Magnetic farecards were phased out completely; switchover to ez-link cards was completed. 22 29 Dec 2008 Public sale commenced for ez-link cards that adhere to CEPAS. 23 9 Jan 2009 : One-for-one mass replacement of the old ez-link cards with the new CEPAS-compliant ez-link cards started. 24 Author Shereen Tay References 1. “ About ,” EZ-Link, accessed 28 April 2016. 2. Rav Dhaliwal, “ Smart Card for MRT, Bus? ”  Straits Times , 14 July 1994, 2. (From NewspaperSG) 3. Geraldine Yeo, “ Undergrads to Test “Contactless” Smart Card for Bus, MRT Fares ,”  Straits Times , 25 June 1996, 19. (From NewspaperSG) 4. “ LTA to Launch Contactless Smart Card ,”  Straits Times , 27 June 2000, 32. (From NewspaperSG) 5. Karamjit Kaur, “ 100,000 Commuters Needed for Smart Card Test ,”  Straits Times , 25 January 2000, 33; “ Try Out Contactless Farecard on Buses ,” Straits Times , 10 September 2000, 51. (From NewspaperSG) 6. EZ-Link, “About.” 7. “ Start Tapping Ez-Link Cards from Month-End ,”  Straits Times , 6 March 2002, 5. (From NewspaperSG) 8. “Ez-Link Cards Go on Sale to Public from April 13,” Channel NewsAsia , 8 April 2002 ; “Ez-Link Cards Replace Farecards from Dec 1,” Channel NewsAsia , 1 December 2002. (From Factiva via NLB’s eResources website)  9. EZ-Link, “About”; “ Schools Find Novel Ways to Use Card ,”  Straits Times , 17 June 2003, 6; “ EZ Way to Buy Tix ,” Straits Times , 9 September 2003, 20; “ Ez-Link Will Pay for Haircut and a Meal ,” Straits Times , 3 June 2004, 4; Wong Fei Wan, “ 7-Eleven Outlets Add Ez-Link Facilities ,”  Today , 22 December 2004, 6. (From NewspaperSG) 10. “ 10,000 to Trial New Ez-Link Card ,” T oday , 27 August 2008, 6. (From NewspaperSG) 11. Tan Weizhen, “ New Ez-Link Cards Let You Do More ,”  Straits Times , 27 December 2008, 38 (From NewspaperSG); EZ-Link Pte. Ltd, “ Commencement of Sales of the New CEPAS-Compliant Ez-Link Card ,” press release, 26 December 2008. 12. EZ-Link Pte. Ltd, “ Mass Ez-Link Card Replacement Begins ,” press release, 8 January 2009. 13. Chong Chee Seng, Smart Card Technology (Singapore: Prentice Hall, 2006), 1–3. (Call no. RSING 332.76 CHO) 14. Dhaliwal, “ Smart Card for MRT, Bus? ” 15. Kaur, “ 100,000 Commuters Needed for Smart Card Test .” 16. EZ-Link, “About.” 17. Tan, “ New Ez-Link Cards Let You Do More ”; “ 10,000 to Trial New Ez-Link Card .” 18. “ Top-Up and Refund ,” EZ-Link, accessed 28 April 2016. 19. “ LTA to Launch Contactless Smart Card .” 20. EZ-Link, “About.” 21. “Ez-Link Cards Go on Sale to Public.” 22. “Ez-Link Cards Replace Farecards.” 23. EZ-Link Pte. Ltd, “Commencement of Sales of the New CEPAS-Compliant Ez-Link Card.” 24. EZ-Link Pte. Ltd, “Mass Ez-Link Card Replacement Begins.” The information in this article is valid as of  2016  and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.

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App Features

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Check your card balance and track payment transactions on the go.

Auto Top-up

Automatically top-up your EZ-Link cards.

Card-Blocking

A security feature to block your EZ-Link card while on the move and recover the remaining value if you lose your card.

Express Top-up

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*For selected carparks

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Family Account

Manage & monitor top-ups and transactions of your family members’ SimplyGo EZ-Link cards!

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More bang for your buck

Get rewarded for every payment and transaction made through EZ-Link! Check out what’s in store for you.

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