Can you use credit card for buses and MRT in Singapore?
For first-time travelers who arrive in Singapore unprepared, navigating the MRT and buses might seem intimidating. You’ll notice that almost everyone is using a card or their phones to pay for fares, with very few people using physical cash. The good news is that if you have a credit card with a payWave feature, you don’t need to worry about purchasing bus or train tickets in advance.
To cut it short, yes, you can use your credit card for buses and MRT in Singapore. The best part is that you don’t need to register your card beforehand. Simply hover your card over the payment terminals, and you’re all set!
Q: What if I don’t have a credit card?
If you don’t have a credit card, you’ll need to purchase your tickets the traditional way. For buses, make sure you have coins or smaller denominations of cash. For the MRT, you can use the ticket-dispensing machines available at all stations, which accept both cash and cards.
Q: Does it have to be a credit card?
No, it doesn’t have to be a credit card. Debit cards with payWave features can also be used for the same seamless experience. For Filipino travelers, if you don’t want to use your debit card for safety reasons, you may want to get Maya or GCash-linked card instead which links to your wallet. That way, you have an alternative that does not directly connect with your savings or payroll account.
In addition to debit cards, you can also use mobile payment options such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. These platforms work similarly to payWave-enabled cards. Just ensure your mobile payment method is linked to a compatible card. This however is a more complicated process, which I’ll not discuss for now in this article.
Q: I'm staying in SG for a longer period of time, what can you recommend?
For travelers planning an extended stay, consider getting an EZ-Link card or a NETS FlashPay card, which are stored-value cards specifically designed for public transport in Singapore. These cards can be easily topped up via convenience stores and MRT stations, offering a convenient alternative to using credit or debit cards.
Q: How do I make sure that I am charged fairly when I tap my card?
Singapore has a SimplyGo app that you can install on your phone and be able to track down the fares you are swiping with your payWave-enabled card. You may use the information there to match with your bank statement. Do note that there is about a 1-2 days of delay before such transactions appear.
