SimplyGo Credit Card Promotions That You'd Want To 'Tap' On

Melissa Chan

June 12, 2019

Since the middle of last month, Singapore commuters have been able to tap in and out of MRT and bus rides with their Visa and Mastercard contactless bank cards.

Under the SimplyGo programme launched by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the initiative saw an average of over 120,000 daily trips since its April launch. Then, it was only open to Mastercard cardholders.

SimplyGo users get to enjoy the same fares as those using regular EZ-Link and NETS FlashPay cards, but foreign-issued bank cardholders may be charged administrative and overseas transaction fees.

Users of the SimplyGo app are also able to view their travel history and fares, and receive push notifications for fares after every completed trip.

Every Tap You Take, They’ll Be Rewarding You

In a bid to get more on board (pun intended) the initiative, several credit card companies are offering promotions like rebates and free rides to cardholders who use their contactless cards for their commute.

Here’s a quick rundown of what they are.

DBS

No free rides here, but using a DBS card for SimplyGo entitles cardholders to perks like DBS Points, cashback, and even miles.

For example, those using the DBS Visa Debit Card will be able to receive 3% cashback on every commute, and those with a DBS Black Visa Card will earn 3x DBS Points for every $5 spent on rides.

Learn more about DBS’ promotions for SimplyGo here.

POSB

POSB cardholders using their cards for SimplyGo transactions will also get to enjoy reward points and rebates.

Those using the POSB Everyday Card will be able to enjoy up to 15% cash rebates, while ladies using the DBS Woman’s Card can get up to 10x DBS Points.

Learn more about POSB’s promotions for SimplyGo here.

OCBC

OCBC has a slightly different approach to promotions for SimplyGo.

Cardholders will be able to enjoy a $5 rebate on their train and bus fares with a minimum fare of $30.

Do note though, that this promotion is only valid from 6 June to 31 July 2019, and is limited to the first 30,000 registrants.

Learn more about OCBC’s promotions for SimplyGo here.

UOB

Other than being able to earn miles or rebates, UOB cardholders can also earn 10 free rides if they spend $40 on transit in a month.

Those who use pay with their mobile phones or wearable devices via Apple Pay, Fitbit Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay will also get an extra 2 free rides.

Do note that this promotion is only limited to the first 10,000 UOB Visa cardholders and the first 2,000 UOB Mastercard cardholders.

Learn more about UOB’s promotions for SimplyGo here.

Standard Chartered

The first 15,000 Standard Chartered cardholders will also get to enjoy up to $10 worth of free rides if they register for the service.

That promotion will last until 31 July 2019, but Standard Chartered cardholders can rejoice in the fact that their fares will be considered as retail purchase transactions and will thus be eligible for cashback and reward points.

Learn more about Standard Chartered’s promotions for SimplyGo here.

HSBC

HSBC is also offering their cardholders up to $10 worth of free rides until 5 July 2019.

The best part? There’s no minimum spend required to qualify.

Cardholders can similarly get to earn cash rebates or reward points on their daily commute, but perks vary for each card.

Learn more about HSBC’s promotions for SimplyGo here.

Maybank

Maybank isn’t offering any free rides, but cardholders will get a complimentary Spinelli Coffee when they tap and ride.

Like the other banks, cash rebates and rewards points are also up for grabs for SimplyGo users.

Learn more about Maybank’s promotions for SimplyGo here.

Citibank

While Citibank customers are able to tap in and out with their cards, it seems like there aren’t any promotions for Citibank cardholders.

According to their website, SimplyGo transactions on Citibank cards “will not earn Citi ThankYou^SMPoints / Citi Miles / Cash Back / SMRT$ / Citi M1 Rebate / Cash Rebate”.