When it comes to owning a car in Singapore, bidding and paying for the dreaded COE is not the only thing that’ll take a hefty chunk out of your bank balance. There are maintenance costs, parking fees, and road taxes to factor into your monthly vehicular expenditure, but most importantly, petrol.

How else is your hunk of metal supposed to move from point A to B? But, with political unrest happening elsewhere across the globe, gas prices have been on the rise lately, so a full top-up now is no doubt costly. Here are some of the best places to pump petrol in Singapore, along with the best petrol station brand, credit card, and loyalty programme “combos” to get the most mileage out of your money.

Where to get the cheapest petrol in Singapore?

Image credit: Esso Singapore

If you’re a frequent driver on Singapore’s roads, you would already be familiar with the common petrol station brands. There are 5 main ones to choose from – Shell, Esso, Caltex, SPC, Sinopec – and each comes with its own perks when refuelling with them. There are also smaller names with just a handful of stations peppered around the island too, like Cnergy and Smart Energy.

We’re cutting straight to the chase; here’s how the listed pump prices by each petrol station brand stack up against each other price-wise, without any discounts applied:

Do note that the prices are accurate as of writing; as such, do expect these listed fuel rates to fluctuate. You can download the Consumer’s Association of Singapore’s Price Kaki app (App Store | Google Play) to stay up to date with listed pump prices across the major petrol station brands in Singapore.

Image adapted from: Price Kaki

Simply hit the “Fuel” tab on the home page, and you’ll be shown tables comparing the prices of the different grades of fuel across the various petrol station brands. Tap on “Search stations” at the top, and you can see which stations are near you, along with listed pump prices; super handy for planning your next refuelling trip.

However, the prices for newer petrol station brands like Cnergy and Smart Energy are a little trickier to find; they’re not listed on the Price Kaki app. You can visit the Smart Energy website for updated pump prices, but as for Cnergy, your best bet is to keep tabs on their Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest rates and promotions, or head down to one of their stations to see for yourself.

Where & how to get the cheapest petrol rates in Singapore?

Now, for the million-dollar question: where and how can drivers find the cheapest petrol rates in Singapore? For starters, you can sign up for the various loyalty or membership programmes that these petrol station brands offer.

Image credit: SPC: SIngapore Petroleum Company

These come with a whole host of perks, ranging from exclusive deals and vouchers for F&B items at their stations’ convenience store, discounts on car servicing products, and a fuss-free method to pay for your gas. Most importantly, they come with upfront discounts on petrol. Here’s a quick round-up on all of them:

Best petrol station, credit card & loyalty programme pairings

Image credit: OCBC

The base discount rates on fuel that the above loyalty and membership programmes are nice, but for maximum savings, you’ll want to pair them with certain partnered credit cards. The final fuel prices for most of these petrol station brands are quite attractive once you’ve stacked the right discount, rebate, and cashback rates, so here are the best combinations to have under your belt.

For more details on other credit card options and tips on how to score even more savings on refuelling, do refer to our article on the best petrol station discounts and promotions.

Get the most out of your gas money at these petrol stations

It doesn’t hurt to be on the lookout for the best deals to get the most out of our money, especially in this economy. As such, keep these credit card and loyalty programme combinations in mind to save a pretty penny the next time you find yourself running on empty.

For more money-saving tips:

• Free budgeting apps
• Guide to buying a second-hand car in Singapore
• Best credit cards to earn airline miles

Also read: 16 Ways To Save Money On Petrol Amid Rising Fuel Prices, Sorted By Petrol Stations

Cover image adapted from: Sgcarmart, @xiaohong.civic via Instagram

The post Cheapest Petrol Pumps In Singapore & How to Check Live Prices appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Getting your first job? Check. Getting your first paycheque? Check. Achieving all these firsts can be exciting but adulting becomes very real when you have to start paying your dues. Apart from footing bills, working adults have one more important annual payment – income tax returns.

It might sound daunting but it’s a pretty straightforward process for most. To make things easier, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file your income tax in Singapore. Btw, you’ll be filing this for income earned in the preceding calendar year from 1st January to 31st December.

Who needs to file income taxes in Singapore?

The long and the short of it is, if you’re earning an income and living in Singapore, you need to file taxes. These are the 3 basic criteria:

• Your total chargeable income for the preceding year was more than $22,000.
• You are self-employed and have received income with a net profit of over $6,000.
• You are a non-resident who has earned income from Singapore, regardless of the amount.

If you are working for a Singapore employer but are based overseas for work or largely travel for work, you still have to pay income tax in Singapore.

Just to be clear, this isn’t limited to folks working under an employer; even self-employed individuals earning income from gig work and freelance jobs are required to pay income tax. Other individuals who may need to file taxes include those receiving director’s fees, government grants, and trading gains from cryptocurrencies.

Anyway, you won’t be kept guessing because the government will inform you via a letter or SMS, sent by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) to your registered address and phone number.

Having said that, there are some exceptions, so if you’re not sure whether you’re eligible or not, use the IRAS online filing checker.

What are the income tax rates in Singapore for 2026?

The amount of tax you need to pay will depend on your tax residency status. Let us explain. All Singapore citizens and PRs living in Singapore for the majority of the time are considered tax residents.

Foreigners who have worked in Singapore for at least 183 days of the previous calendar year or 3 continuous years are also considered tax residents.

As long as you don’t fit any of the criteria above, you are considered a non-resident taxpayer. These include:

• Expats temporarily staying in Singapore for work assignments or projects for less than 183 days.
• Business owners who own Singaporean businesses but do not reside here.
• Investors who earn income from investments made in Singapore such as from rental properties and dividends from Singaporean companies.
• Foreign students working part-time jobs in Singapore but do not meet tax resident requirements.

Tax rates for resident taxpayers

Singapore follows a progressive tax rate system. This means that the more you earn, the more you pay – capped at 24%. On the flip side, if your chargeable income, which is the remainder of your assessable income after deducting personal reliefs, falls under $22,000, you won’t have to pay any tax

Here are the tax rates for anything over $22,000:

Tax rates for non-resident taxpayers

There are 2 different tax rates for non-resident taxpayers, depending on the type of income earned:

Non-residents are also not eligible to claim any personal tax relief. However, you can claim tax deductions on donations to local registered charities and approved overseas emergency humanitarian assistance causes. It’s also worth noting that there are tax exemptions for certain foreign-sourced income, such as foreign-sourced dividends and service income; head over to the IRAS website to see if you’re eligible for these exemptions.

– How do I file my income tax return? –

Step 1: Wait for a message from IRAS in early March

In the first week of March, you should receive a message from IRAS, either via SMS or letter, informing you to file your taxes before mid-April. This gives you about a 6-week window to file your taxes. And for most people, the process only takes about 15 minutes.

If you don’t receive either of these, it means you most likely don’t need to pay any income tax for the previous year. However, just to make sure, you can log into IRAS to find out. This notification is also dependent on the fact that you have updated your personal information such as mobile number and address in Singpass (App Store | Google Play).

Image adapted from: Aditi Kashyap

There are some individuals who will instead receive an SMS stating that they have been selected for No-Filing Service (NFS). In such cases, you don’t need to file any taxes but can still log in to the portal to view your tax bill.

Step 2: Log in to myTax Portal & fill out personal details

Screenshot from: IRAS

To declare your income for the preceding year, you’ll need to log in to myTax portal via Singpass. If doing so on mobile, it should be as easy as tapping on the QR code if you have the app installed.

Those who prefer to do this on the desktop need to have their phones nearby to scan the QR code or have their Singpass password handy if logging in using their NRIC.

Step 3: Fill out income earned

Screenshot from: IRAS

Once you’re in the portal, your tax filing status is the first thing you’ll see on the homepage. Form B1 is the one you need to fill out. Simply click on the “E-FILE” button to begin.

If you’re under NFS, the screen might look like this instead.
Screenshot from: IRAS

At any point, if you’re not sure how to go about computing the numbers, use the IRAS tax calculator to help you.

What if my employer is a part of the AIS?

The process is really smooth if your employer is a participant in the Auto-Inclusion Scheme (AIS). In this case, there’s nothing you need to prepare in advance as all your employment income details will automatically be keyed into the system.

Screenshot from: IRAS

All you have to do is click into the form and verify that the information is accurate. Assuming all is well, you can preview your final tax bill before confirming that there will be no further changes.

However, if there is a discrepancy in the information provided by your employer, you will not be able to make any changes manually. Instead, you’ll have to inform your employer that the numbers are inaccurate and get them to amend the info on your behalf.

You can, however, add further information about income earned outside of your full-time employment such as from side hustles or renting out property.

What if my employer is not a part of the AIS?

Those who don’t see their employer’s name in the system have to manually enter their salary details. Your HR representative should have provided you with Form IR8A, stating all the information you’ll need during the tax filing process. Do check with your employer if you haven’t been given this form.

Form IR8A is a document prepared by your employer containing information on the remuneration you’ve received in the preceding year. It should look like an income statement consolidating all 12 months’ salary as well as performance and annual bonuses, if any.

Screenshot from: IRAS

Self-employed individuals

Now, if you are your own boss, then hopefully you’ve kept a record of all your earnings and expenses throughout the year. These include invoices, receipts, and bank statements. Consolidate these and add up the numbers to declare how much you’ve earned in the preceding year under the section “Trade, Business, Profession or Vocation”.

Screenshot from: IRAS

Although you don’t have to submit any documents when filing your income tax, authorities can call on you anytime to view the records as part of their auditing process.

Declaring extra income such as from property rental

Screenshot from: IRAS

Apart from employment income, if you are getting extra income from other sources, these will have to be declared within the same form too. These include earnings from property rentals, dividends, royalty fees, and interest earned on deposits with non-approved banks in Singapore.

Checking personal tax deductions, reliefs & rebates

Only tax residents are qualified to claim for tax relief.

This last section of the form is where you might get to save some money by checking your eligibility for personal tax relief. There are 18 different reliefs one may be able to claim depending on whether you meet the criteria.

Screenshot from: IRAS

Some common ones are NSman Relief, CPF Relief, and Foreign Domestic Worker Levy Relief. One thing to note is that Earned Income Relief is automatically granted based on your age, so there’s no need to input anything for that column.

Full list of tax reliefs

Step 4: Make payment

You’ve finally reached the end of the filing process. Once all income has been declared, the system will automatically calculate your income tax payable and allow you to preview your tax bill.

At this stage, you can still make any changes in case you forgot something or made a mistake. If you think that the final tax payable amount is incorrect, you may also file an Object to Assessment to dispute your case. However, if everything has been finalised, then click on “Request Tax Bill” to view your tax payable.

Screenshot from: IRAS

This is where you’ll receive a breakdown of each section of the form for you to keep for your records. Now that you know how much your tax bill is, you have until 26th May 2026 to make the payment.

Screenshot from: IRAS

Doing so online is probably the fastest way and there are several modes of payment including GIRO, PayNow, PayLah!, and Internet Banking. However, those who find apps and online systems a hassle, can also physically pay their taxes through AXS stations, SAM kiosks, ATMs, and SingPost branches.

Once that’s done, just sit tight and wait for an acknowledgement from IRAS which will be sent through the myTax Portal under the tab “Notices/Letters”.

– All your tax-related FAQs answered –

What happens if you don’t file income tax or forget to?

Take note of this date – 18th April 2026 – which is the deadline for filing your income tax. If you miss this deadline, IRAS will issue an estimated NOA based on your previous year’s income tax which you must pay within 1 month. If the NOA is incorrect, you’ll then need to file an objection within 2 months of the issue date.

In case you’ve just missed the deadline for filing, you can request for an extension for up to 14 days through the myTax portal.

The consequence for late payment or not paying your taxes is a 5% penalty fee. You can appeal for a waiver of this penalty fee for authorities to consider, provided you’ve already paid your taxes in full.

Should you fail to pay your taxes for 2 years or more, you may be summoned to court and ordered to pay up to twice the amount of tax assessed and up to $5,000 in fines.

What is not taxable in Singapore?

Well, there are certain personal earnings that you don’t need to declare during this filing process. These include:

• Winnings from buying TOTO and 4D
• Gains from the sale of a property
• Profits from buying and selling of shares or other financial instruments for investment purposes
• Payouts from insurance policies

How can I reduce my taxes in Singapore?

No, we’re not referring to tax evasion here; there are numerous legal ways to reduce your income tax. For example, do some good by making cash donations to registered charities in Singapore and this will make you eligible for a tax deduction.

You can also donate valuable artefacts and artwork to the National Heritage Board that will be displayed for public viewing. Particularly wealthy folks with spare properties can donate buildings to welfare groups such as animal shelters.

Voluntary top-ups to your Medisave account or family members’ CPF accounts, as well as contributions to your retirement fund also grant you tax relief.

File your income tax before the deadline

We know, we know. Filing taxes doesn’t sound like the most fun activity but let us assure you that the myTax portal makes it pretty easy. As long as you follow the steps closely, the process should be a breeze. In any case, if you still need further help, you can pick the brains of IRAS’ chatbot on their website.

File your income tax on IRAS

Contact: 1800 356 8300

More adulting guides:

• What to do when you are laid off
• HDB cleaning tips
• How to choose a mattress
• Important home renovation questions

Originally published on 22nd March 2024. Last updated on 8th April 2026

The post A Step-By-Step Guide On How To File Your Income Tax In Singapore For First-Timers appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Receiving angbaos every CNY is fun, but giving them is a different kind of stress. If you’ve officially “graduated” from collecting red packets and are now on the giving end, we have an angbao guide to help you decide how much to give. But we all know, the real struggle is getting your hands on notes to fill those red packets with.

So we’ve done the legwork for you, breaking down how to book and collect both fit and new notes – especially handy if this is your first year handing out CNY angbaos.

What are fit notes?

Image credit: Atlas Handcrafted

Fit notes are notes that aren’t brand new, but are still acceptable for angbao-giving. They’ve been strongly encouraged in recent years, since printing fresh notes creates unnecessary carbon emissions.

To put things into perspective, around 90 to 100 million new notes are issued every year for festive gifting, but most of them only get used once before being returned. When these returned notes exceed replacement needs, the extras are destroyed, which only adds to the carbon footprint.

So even though fit notes might come with a fold line or two, or the occasional stain, they aren’t anything that makes them paiseh to give. And honestly, we’re not about to reject money just because it isn’t pristine. Cash is still cash.

Turns out, many people feel the same way. A 2025 survey by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) found that 2 in 3 people didn’t mind receiving fit notes – rest assured that you won’t be alone if you decide to go the more eco-friendly route this CNY.

Why do some people still prefer new notes?

For some, and especially the older generation, the practice comes down to CNY tradition. Crisp, new notes symbolise a fresh start, and are believed to usher in good fortune and prosperity for the year ahead.

We say you do you – whether you’re team new notes or fit notes, it’s all still part of the festive spirit. But if you can, doing a small part for the planet by opting for fit notes is always a win in our books.

When can I start booking fit & new notes for CNY online?

Mark your calendar – it’s almost time to stock up on notes for your angbaos.
Image credit: @thesmartlocalsg via Instagram

Pre-booking starts from 27th January 2026. DBS, OCBC, UOB, and Standard Chartered customers can reserve both new and fit notes. Take note that Maybank Singapore and CIMB Singapore only allow pre-bookings for new notes.

Here’s a breakdown of the online reservation dates and collection period for different banks:

For the rest of the banks in Singapore, there’s no online pre-booking for either fit or new notes.  As for walk-in exchanges, most banks do allow them, with a few exceptions.

There will also be pop-up or selected ATMs where you’ll be able to withdraw new and/or fit notes. We’ll get into those below.

Where can I go to collect, withdraw, or exchange notes for CNY?

For collection

Image credit: marcus woon via Google Maps

If you’ve pre-booked your notes online with any of the banks mentioned above, just head down to the branch you selected during booking for collection. Make sure you go on your assigned date and time slot – this helps keep queues short and the entire process smoother.

For withdrawal

Some banks will roll out pop-up ATMs or designate selected ATMs where you can withdraw fit and/or new notes. These are usually set up closer to CNY, and it’s a convenient option if you didn’t manage to snag an online booking.

Here’s when to swing by:

Beyond these banks, Standard Chartered and Citibank will also offer fit notes at selected ATMs – you don’t need a prior reservation to walk in to one of the branches to get fit notes.

For walk-in exchanges

Image credit: Flo Yeow via Google Maps

Many other banks in Singapore still allow walk-in exchanges for those who prefer the old-school way of taking a queue number and heading to the counter to exchange cash. But take note that walk-in exchanges are subject to availability.

Furthermore, most major banks like DBS, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered, and CIMB Singapore are only opening their counters to customers aged 60 and above, as well as persons with disabilities. This move is meant to make it easier for the elderly and more vulnerable groups to get their fit or new notes for CNY.

Don’t fight them for a queue number – just pre-book online if you can, or head to one of the selected ATMs to get your notes instead.

What are the denominations available for CNY notes?

To keep things straightforward, we’ll be covering the major banks that offer pre-booking and ATM withdrawals in this section.

DBS

Online reservation

Screenshot from: DBS

For DBS customers, fit notes are capped at $1,400, while new notes are limited to $800.

Pop-up ATM withdrawals

Image credit: DBS Bank

Each customer is limited to 3 withdrawals of fit and/or new notes at DBS pop-up ATMs. These ATMs dispense $2, $10, and $50 notes in the following options:

OCBC

Online reservation 

Screenshot from: OCBC

OCBC offers the same denominations across the board – $2, $10, and $50 – but the amount you can reserve varies.

BTW, if you happen to be a Premier Private client, you can opt to collect your notes at any Premier Banking Centre, instead of being limited to a Premier Private Client Centre.

ATM withdrawals

Image credit: Isaac Wong Jun Yi (Bpghs) via Google Maps

Head to selected OCBC ATMs to withdraw up to $1,800 worth of fit or new notes per customer. There are 4 options available:

UOB

Online reservation 

Screenshot from: UOB

UOB customers can reserve new notes capped at $800, and fit notes capped at $1,400 per person.

ATM withdrawals

Image credit: H P Lim via Google Maps

You’ll be able to make a maximum of 3 withdrawals at selected UOB ATMs.

Standard Chartered

Online reservation 

Screenshot from: Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered offers different denominations for fit and new notes when you make an online reservation.

For new notes:

For fit notes:

Note that only $5 new notes are available, so if you’re set on stuffing your angbaos with those green notes, new ones are your only option.

Maybank Singapore

Online reservation

Screenshot from: Maybank

Each Maybank customer can reserve 1 Lunar New Year Fortune Bundle online.

Walk-in exchanges

Image credit: Xin Hao via Google Maps

New $2 and $10 notes are limited to customers aged 60 and above, as well as persons with disabilities. If you don’t fall under these categories, you can still exchange new $5 and $50 notes, along with fit $2 and $10 notes instead.

Walk-in exchanges are subject to availability, so it’s best to go early if you’re planning to try your luck. That said, the 1st operating hour of each branch is set aside for elderly customers aged 60 and above and customers with disabilities.

CIMB Singapore

Online reservation

Screenshot from: CIMB Singapore

CIMB Singapore offers the same denominations across the board, but the amount you can reserve varies.

Are there any alternatives to using notes for CNY angbaos?

Image credit: DBS Bank

If dealing with notes feels like too much of a hassle, there are cashless alternatives. Many banks now offer QR angbaos and e-gift options, letting you send money digitally without the mad rush for physical notes.

For example, DBS lets you choose between gifting a physical QR angbao or sending a personalised digital red packet via eGift. Those keen on the QR angbao route can request one at any DBS/POSB branch.

You’ll see more banks actively encouraging these cashless options – some even sweeten the deal with cash prizes or freebies when you use them. These alternatives are also perfect for serial procrastinators or anyone who’s left their angbao prep to the very last minute. We know some of you are guilty of that.

Everything you need to know about fit & new notes for CNY

Are you Team Crisp or Team Fit? Either way, your recipients will appreciate the thought, so don’t sweat it. Instead, focus on the practical stuff, such as planning which option works best for you by checking collection dates and ATM locations.

More CNY guides:

• Cute CNY-themed merch
• CNY markets in JB
• Advanced CNY greetings

Cover image adapted from: DBS Bank

The post How To Book & Collect Notes For Your CNY Angbaos – Online Reservation, ATM Locations & Walk-In Exchanges appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

It’s been called many things, ranging from jokes such as “Everyday Rob People” and “Every Road Pay” – anything but its actual name: Electronic Road Pricing. 

Whichever one you like to use, it is no doubt that the easily recognisable blue and white ERP gantries situated all over our island and the harrowing beep of a deduction are the stuff of Singaporean motorists’ nightmares.

Depending on your commuting routine, passing through these gantries can be quite costly without some prior planning or adjustments to your schedule. Here’s a handy overview of the ERP rates in Singapore, as well as our recommendations on how to adjust your commute to save on those charges.

When does ERP operate?

Image credit: Wikipedia

To give a quick background, the ERP system was introduced over 20 years ago as a means to ease and manage traffic congestion on popular roads and highways. 

They are operational usually during peak hours, such as when people travel to work or back home at the end of the day. There are over 75 ERP gantries situated on 3 types of routes: expressways, roads leading into the city/central business district, and arterial roads.

On a daily basis, ERP operates only from Mondays to Saturdays, starting from as early as 7am until 8pm. There is no ERP on Sundays as well as public holidays. In addition, operating hours stop at 1pm on the eve of major public holidays, namely Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

When are ERP rates reviewed?

ERP rates are usually reviewed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) every quarter, and adjusted where necessary. Historically, the LTA usually reduces ERP rates during the June and December school holiday periods, because there would usually be less traffic around Singapore – presumably because families would be travelling overseas for the holidays. 

The most recent ERP rate adjustment was on 2nd January 2026.

ERP charges as of January 2026

If you’re interested, the LTA website has a pretty handy tool – OneMotoring traffic.smart – to show all ERP charges on each individual gantry. Or if data is your thing, LTA also provides a full list of ERP charges for cars and ERP charges for bikes you can download.

Image adapted from: LTA One Motoring

The last time ERP rates were revised was on 2nd January 2026, when 4 locations had their rates increased by $1:

• AYE (After North Buona Vista towards Tuas)
  • From 5pm-5.30pm, the ERP rate at this gantry will be $1 (U.P. $0)
• Northbound CTE before PIE
  • From 5.30pm-7pm, the ERP rate at this gantry will be $1 (U.P. $0)
• KPE (ECP) after Defu Flyover
  • From 8am-8.30am, the ERP rate at this gantry will be $5 (U.P. $4)
• The 2 gantries along PIE (Kallang Bahru & Slip road into Bendemeer)
  • From 7.30am-8.30am & 9.30am-10am, the ERP rate at this gantry will be $1 (U.P. $0)
  • From 9am-9.30am, the ERP rate at this gantry will be $2 (U.P. $1)

ERP car charges currently range anywhere from $0.50 to $6 per gantry and $0.25 to $1.75 for motorcycles. The great news is that most of the ERP gantries islandwide are not operational, and only 7 gantries are actively charging at specific times.

For these gantries, if you really have no choice and have to pass through them for your regular commute, then we would suggest the following timings to incur the lowest charges:

Tips to save money on ERP

If you commute to & from the CBD for work

The fantastic news is that there are no longer any CBD ERP charges, so feel free to head in and out of the CBD whenever you want.

If you have to travel along the North-South of Singapore (via CTE) for work

If possible, try to avoid highways during the peak periods on weekdays (8am-9.30am and 6pm-7pm) as these would generally incur the highest charges. 

Depending on your route to work, you might also go through multiple gantries which can really rack up your commuting costs. One tip would be to try and find alternative routes – they may be slightly longer distance-wise but can save you up to $6 on ERP costs.

For example, if you stay in the North and work in the South, travelling along the CTE to AYE would make you pass through at least 2 gantries, which can be costly on a regular basis. 

As an alternative, you can consider travelling through the Thomson – Lornie – Farrer Road – Queensway stretch. This might add on another 15 mins to your travel time but would otherwise not incur any ERP charges, so take this into consideration before you leave your home.

Use a route-finder app to find routes without ERP charges

On our point of finding alternative routes, it would help to use route planners such as Google Maps, Waze, gothere.sg, or GPS hardware like Garmin to plan your route. These apps usually have options to either avoid tolls or minimise ERP charges.

Other things to note

New ERP On-Board Units

The new OBU in a car.
Image credit: LTA

Aside from refreshing the ERP rates, LTA announced in 2023 the rollout of ERP 2.0 and the installation of the new ERP On-Board Units (OBU) for all vehicles. OBUs are basically an upgraded version of the IUs that we currently use; aside from its usual function, it can also provide live traffic alerts, speed camera zones, and payment information available. 

For motorcycles, the OBU will be installed on the handlebar.
Image credit: LTA

There are 3 pieces in total to be installed in most vehicles: an antenna, a processing unit, and a touchscreen display. The touchscreen display will be disabled when your vehicle is travelling at above 15km/h, so you won’t be distracted while you’re on the road.

Of course, a motorbike doesn’t have enough space to accommodate all these pieces. LTA has created a 1-piece OBU which includes the processing unit and touchscreen. Motorists are also given the option to opt out of having the touchscreen. You’ll still be able to access the provided information on mobile apps, including ERP 2.0, Galactio, and Breeze. 

If you’re wondering why these OBUs are being introduced, here’s why: this new tool can track the vehicle’s location and process the respective ERP charges without the physical ERP gantries. This means that the gantries, which have pricey maintenance fees, will no longer be needed.

ERP Violations

If it hasn’t been clear already, not paying for ERP is an offence. If you pass through a gantry without a CashCard in your OBU, or if it was not inserted properly or has insufficient value, brace yourself for the cursed long beep, meaning you’ve not paid for ERP.

You’ll then receive a notification from LTA to pay for your original charge, plus a $10 fee within 2 weeks of the offence. You can do so at AXS stations, S.A.M. or iNETS kiosks, but we find that the most hassle-free is to just do it online via the oneMotoring website.

We hope you won’t ever reach this stage, but if you don’t pay up within 2 weeks, you will be fined an additional $70 as well as be issued with a Notice of Traffic Offence. If you still haven’t paid up after that, you’ll be asked to attend a court hearing. In short? Don’t be a deviant – just pay for your mistake.

Given that ERP is time-based where 1 minute might be the difference in you not having to pay at all, some of us might have thought of a big brain move to wait at nearby road shoulders, especially if it’s seconds to the end of ERP operation. However, take note that this is an offence too and that you can be fined between $130–$160 on top of getting 4 demerit points.

How to avoid ERP fines

Of course, the easiest way to avoid fines is to ensure that your CashCard is inserted properly in your IU and that it’s regularly topped up.

But if you have a knack for forgetting things, one recommendation that we have is to sign up for an EZ Pay account. Basically, it links your credit or debit card* to your vehicle’s IU, and will forward all ERP and carpark barrier charges to your linked card. So, there’s almost a little to no chance that you’ll ever get an ERP violation.

Another option is to get yourself a NETS Motoring Card, which functions as a CashCard but has the added feature of being able to be topped up online via an app, or even automatically if it falls below a certain value. This will allow drivers to skip the hassle of finding a top-up machine or ATM, especially in ulu locations

*Only for selected cardmembers for now. For more information, check out EZ Pay’s website.

ERP system in Singapore

And that’s it – a handy overview of the ERP rates in Singapore, as well as our recommendations on how to adjust your commuting schedules to save on those charges. 

More on cars and motorcycles:

• Cheapest ways to own a car in Singapore
• Guide to buying a second-hand car
• Guide to COE bidding
• Guide to getting a motorbike license in Singapore

Image credit: Wikipedia, LTA One Motoring
Originally published on 3rd January 2022. Last updated by Josiah Neo on 5th January 2026.

The post ERP Rates in Singapore At A Glance And The Best Timings To Avoid Charges appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

For those of you kicking off the year with fresh resolutions, whether it’s signing up for a gym membership to get those gains or picking up side hustles to earn a little extra, everything comes down to one thing: managing your budget.

Knowing where your money goes isn’t just adulting 101 – it also helps you see if you’ve got extra cash to invest or tuck away a little more savings. To make things easier, we’ve rounded up a list of free budgeting apps that can make reaching your financial goals a whole lot easier.

What is a budgeting app?

A budgeting app is a digital tool that helps you manage your finances in one place. It works by keeping a record of your income, spending, and savings without any messy spreadsheets. Depending on how detailed you want your financial records to be, some apps even link directly to your bank accounts for a full picture.

How does a budgeting app work?

Most budget tracking apps let you see exactly where your money goes, making it easier to spot overspending. You can set monthly budgets for things like food, transport, and bills, while keeping track of your income and savings.

Many apps also use charts and graphs to help you understand spending patterns at a glance, support shared expenses with others, and even automate tracking if that’s what you prefer.

All of these features work together to support your financial goals, whether you’re saving up, paying off debt, or working towards longer-term investment targets.

Overview of free budgeting apps

1. Dobin 

Automate tracking by linking your bank accounts

Image credit: Dobin via Google Play

If you like the idea of budgeting without having to log every POP MART purchase or MRT ride manually, you can try using Dobin (App Store | Google Play). It’s a free budgeting app that became popular thanks to its ability to link with many of our local banks.

This app gives you a clear overview of where your money goes each month, making it easier to customise budgets and cut back on areas where you might be overspending.

Beyond tracking spending, Dobin also helps you compare credit cards, loans, and exclusive deals based on your spending habits, so you can make smarter financial decisions and maximise rewards.

How it works: You link your bank accounts and credit cards to Dobin, and the app automatically pulls in your transactions. These are categorised into spending types, like food, transport, and shopping, allowing you to review monthly trends and adjust your budget planner settings accordingly.

2. Spendee

Beginner-friendly app that supports multiple currencies

Image credit: Spendee

Spendee (App Store | Google Play) is a popular money manager with a clean, beginner-friendly interface that keeps things simple and visual. It even sends you alerts when you’re nearing your budget limit, making it ideal if you’re new to budgeting, or if you just want to build better saving habits.

On the free plan, you can manually log expenses and income, and create simple budgets to keep your finances in check. It supports multiple wallets and currencies, which is especially handy for those who travel often or juggle different accounts and cash sources.

How it works: You manually input your expenses and income into Spendee, assigning each transaction to a category. The app then shows you how much you’ve spent versus your budget, helping you stay aware of your spending habits over time.

3. Dime

Set up recurring expenses

Image credit: Dime via App Store

Dime (App Store) might be for you if you prefer a clutter-free app that doesn’t have unnecessary features or distractions like complicated charts or ads.

This app lets you track income and expenses, create category-based budgets, and review your spending daily, weekly, or monthly. You can also set recurring expenses such as rent or subscriptions, so your budget stays realistic. Your data syncs across Apple devices via iCloud, and features like widgets and biometric lock add convenience and privacy.

How it works: You enter your income and expenses into Dime, set up budget categories, and define recurring costs. The app automatically organises everything into timelines and summaries, giving you a clear financial snapshot across different periods.

4. Buddy

Coordinate group budgets & spending

Image credit: Buddy via App Store

Splitting bills with friends, your partner, or travel buddies can be a bit messy – this is where Buddy (App Store) comes in to keep everyone on the same page, so no one ends up stuck footing someone else’s tab.

You can set up a budget plan, track spending together, and see detailed breakdowns of income, expenses, and savings, helping everyone stay accountable. This is especially useful for group travels, so if you’re planning a trip this year, you might want to check this app out.

How it works: You create a shared budget or trip within the app, invite others to join, and log expenses as they happen.

5. DAAK 

Customisable finance tracker

Image credit: Daak via Google Play

DAAK (App Store | Google Play) makes managing your money a lot more enjoyable with its fun, customisable design – you can pick your own spending categories and themed icons to match your style.

And it’s not just for tracking everyday expenses; use it to manage multiple ledgers and keep tabs on any debts for a clearer picture of your overall finances. The cute visuals make budgeting feel less like a chore, so if traditional finance apps feel dull or intimidating, this one keeps you engaged and motivated to stay on top of your money.

How it works: You set up your own categories, ledgers, and financial goals, then manually record transactions. DAAK organises everything visually, allowing you to track spending, debts, and balances in a way that suits your personal style.

6. EMMO

Log spending quickly on the go

Image credit: bunnimoochi via Lemon8

EMMO (App Store | Google Play) offers a simple, no-nonsense ledger-style approach if you want to log expenses quickly and intuitively.

You can jot down your daily spending on the go without worrying about complicated features. The app also provides clear charts and reports that help you visualise your spending patterns over time, making it easier to spot trends, identify areas where you might be overspending, and adjust your habits – all without overthinking your finances.

How it works: You manually enter expenses as they occur, and EMMO records them in a digital ledger. Over time, the app generates reports and charts for you to review your spending patterns at a glance.

7. Money+

Clear & straightforward graph overview

Image credit: Money+ via Google Play

Calling all visual learners – Money+ (App Store | Google Play) makes budgeting easier by consolidating your finances into clear, easy-to-read charts and graphs. This lets you instantly see where your money is going and spot patterns over time.

You get daily, weekly, and monthly breakdowns, plus insights that help you adjust your spending or savings strategies in kawaii layouts and designs.

On top of that, Money+ is flexible enough for freelancers or small businesses, as it allows you to track multiple cash flows by creating separate accounts for personal expenses, side hustles, or business income, and even assign categories and budgets to each one.

How it works: You input your income, expenses, and assets into Money+. The app consolidates everything into visual reports, giving you a broad overview of your financial health across different time frames.

8. bless

Encourages mindful spending

Image credit: bless.

bless (App Store | Google Play) isn’t your typical budgeting app. Instead of focusing purely on numbers, it encourages mindful shopping and conscious spending. The app prompts you to pause before making a purchase, log your decision, and reflect on whether the item is necessary. It also tracks your buying habits over time.

There’s also this feature you can install called “Bless Shield” that lets you choose specific apps or websites to block while you’re working on mindful spending, helping you reduce temptation and become more intentional with your money.

How it works: bless encourages reflection before purchases by prompting you to log and review buying decisions. Over time, it helps you identify impulse patterns and build healthier spending habits rather than just sticking to strict budgets.

Start saving & spending wisely in 2026 with these budgeting apps

Managing your finances doesn’t have to be complicated. By choosing a budgeting app that fits your lifestyle and needs, you’ll get to kick off 2026 with a clearer view of your finances.

Hitting your financial goals this year will feel a lot less stressful and more doable.

Read our other articles on managing your money:

• Investment apps & platforms in Singapore
• Personal finance tips
• Finance tips for people in their 20s

Cover image adapted from: Dobin via Google Play

The post 8 Free Apps To Track Your Spending & Help You Hit Your 2026 Financial Goals appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

We all know that it’s good financial sense to start investing early on in life. However, getting started can be difficult when there are so many cheem terms to learn and your hard-earned money is on the line. If you’ve been itching to get started on your investment journey, these 11 best investment app and platform options in Singapore can help you kick-start your financial journey.

1. Endowus

Flat, all-in access fee of 0.4%/year for CPF investments

Image credit: eleken via Dribbble

When it comes to important purchases like housing, education and hospital bills, CPF can come in mighty handy. But for those looking for other ways to grow your SRS funds for a comfier retirement, Endowus offers a flat 0.4% fee per year for full access to the service. It’s the best investment app option in Singapore for those with more funds, with a minimum required deposit of $1,000.

Management fees: From 0.25% to 0.60% p.a. for cash, 0.4% p.a. for CPF/SRS
Minimum deposit: $1,000
Ease of use: Advanced

Learn more about Endowus.

2. StashAway Simple

Best beginner-friendly investment app in Singapore with super-low fees

StashAway is one of the most intuitive and easy-to-use platforms available in Singapore

StashAway is one of the most highly-rated investment apps in Singapore, and for good reason. For beginners, their StashAway Simple cash management portfolio is ideal with no minimum deposit amount, and you can withdraw your investment whenever you want.

You simply have to fill in a questionnaire and the robo-advisor puts together a portfolio that suits your specific needs. Even with low returns of 2.4% per annum, Stashaway Simple will beat leaving your cash in a bank – although it is an investment and has risk. With low management fees of 0.15%, you pay $1.50 but gain up to $24 per year on a $1000 dollar investment.

Bonus: Once you’ve gained enough investment EXP, you can upgrade to the main StashAway service, which in exchange for higher management fees, grants you access to more advanced features like:

• More investment products to choose from
• Higher returns of up to 8.8%
• Accepts Supplementary Retirement Scheme investments via CPF

Management fees: 0% + 0.15% external ETF management fee
Minimum deposit: $0
Ease of use: Beginner

Learn more about StashAway Simple.

3. Kristal.AI

0 fees for investments under US$10,000

Another best investment app for beginners  in Singapore is Kristal, which charges 0 fees for investments under US$10,000 (~S$12,971.05). It’s a unique service that uses artificial intelligence to allocate investors based on their financial goals and risk appetite to individual plans, also known as “Kristals”.

However, unlike most other robo advisories, the AI doesn’t perform rebalancing. Rebalancing involves small adjustments to the composition of your portfolio to ensure alignment with your financial goals.

Management fees: From 0%
Minimum deposit: US$100 (~S$129.71)
Ease of use: Beginner

Learn more about Kristal.

4. Syfe

Free comprehensive risk assessment

Syfe lets you personalise your investment portfolio according to a comprehensive and free risk assessment.

Syfe is the ideal beginner-friendly investment app in Singapore for those who want expert advice on their finances, by offering a free over-the-phone assessment even before you begin. The platform offers REIT and bonds in addition to ETFs, delivering up to a 3.9% return per year.

Like other robo advisors, Syfe provides unlimited and free withdrawals and does not charge trading and brokerage fees.

Management fees: 0.65% + 0.15% ETF management fee
Minimum deposit: $0
Ease of use: Beginner
Rebalancing available: Yes

Learn more about Syfe.

5. DBS digiPortfolio

Easiest option for Singaporeans with DBS accounts

Image credit: DBS

If you’re born and bred in Singapore, there’s a very high chance you have a DBS bank account. This means that if you’re looking to get your feet wet investment-wise, you’re just steps away from getting access to the DBS digiPortfolio robo-advisor service.

With a minimum deposit of $1,000, DBS digiPortfolio gives you a choice of Asian and global portfolios of ETFs with quarterly rebalancing. Apart from ease of registration for DBS bank account holders, DBS digiPortfolio can be seen to be more stable as it is run by a large, reputable local bank.

Management fees: From 0.25% to 0.75%
Minimum deposit: $1,000
Ease of use: Beginner

Learn more about DBS digiPortfolio.

6. FSM Mobile

Lowest fees for regular savings plans amongst investment apps in Singapore

Image credit: Fundsupermart.com

If saving money is a constant struggle for you, a regular savings plan like FSM Mobile might be the best investment platform in Singapore to fit your financial goals. Just like an insurance policy that requires monthly premium payments, a regular savings plan will make it easy for you to invest regularly and develop better financial discipline.

With regular savings plans like these, cost is the deciding factor and with transaction fees starting from just $3.80, it’s amongst the lowest of the investment apps in this list, especially when dealing with larger transactions.

Management fees: From $3.80/transaction
Minimum deposit: $50
Ease of use: Intermediate

Learn more about FSM Mobile.

7. OCBC Bank

Lowest fees on small investments for those under 30

Another regular savings plan is OCBC’s Blue Chip Investment Plan, which is especially attractive if you’re under the age of 30 and planning to invest small monthly amounts or in specific stocks.

The OCBC BCIP offers a decent range of options of 7 ETFs and 14 individual blue-chip stocks, along with free Young Investor Programme youth seminars to get educated.

Management fees: 0.88% under 30 years old, from $5 per trade
Minimum deposit: $100/month
Ease of use: Intermediate

Learn more about OCBC Blue Chip Investment Plan.

8. PhillipCapital

Automatic dividend reinvestment, most investment options

With their $25,000 minimum investment amount, PhilipCapital has the highest barrier to entry when it comes to starting your trading journey, but offers the widest range of investment options with over 3,000 ETFs across 24 global exchanges. It also allows you to automatically reinvest dividends to increase your overall yield without fuss.

Management fees: 1.5%
Minimum deposit: $25,000 initial investment, subsequently minimum $500/month
Ease of use: Advanced

Learn more about PhillipCapital.

9. MoneyOwl

Pay only if you need advice

As Singaporeans, a sizeable amount of our salaries are allotted into our mandatory CPF accounts. If you’re earning a considerable sum, you might want to consider voluntarily contributing salary to your Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) account for tax rebates.

With platforms like MoneyOwl, you will then be able to invest your SRS for additional returns. MoneyOwl customers can enjoy a free 2-hour comprehensive financial planning session to better understand their options, or top up 0.65% per annum for personalised advisory service.

Management fees: 0.4%
Minimum deposit: $50/month
Ease of use: Beginner

Learn more about MoneyOwl.

10. AutoWealth

Best investment app in Singapore for larger investments

With a unique fee structure comprising a yearly subscription fee of US$18 (~S$23.36) on top of a 0.5% annual commission, AutoWealth makes for one of the best investment app options in Singapore for those intending to invest large sums.

The service differentiates itself with highly-personalised service, with a financial advisor allocated to each investor that can be contacted easily over WhatsApp or in person. Each investor’s money is also held in separate custodian accounts on the exchange, which means that your money is technically safer.

Management fees: 0.5% commission, US$18 (~S$23.36) subscription per annum
Minimum deposit: $3,000
Ease of use: Intermediate

Website

11. SquirrelSave

Gamified questionnaire to determine risk appetite

Image adapted from: SquirrelSave

For those unsure of the kind of investor they are, Squirrelsave outdoes the other robo-advisors with a fun and engaging activity to determine your financial goals and risk appetite.

A user-friendly UI, no lock-in and no minimum deposit make it easy for beginners to get the hang of the platform. In return, SquirrelSave charges a 0.5% annual fee, and only charges 10% commission on the difference in records whenever it hits a new all-time high.

Management fees: 0.5% per annum, 10% high-watermark commission
Minimum deposit: $0
Ease of use: Beginner

Learn more about SquirrelSave.

Bonus: investment apps in Singapore to best familiarise yourself with investing

SGX Mobile – the best source of information for local portfolios

Keep updated with local market trends with SGX Mobile

SGX Mobile (App Store | Google Play) is a great source of real-time information on local stocks and shares. If your portfolio has many Singaporean stocks or if you are keen on familiarising yourself with local market conditions, this app would be an indispensable tool in your arsenal.

Learn more about Singapore Exchange.

Invstr – learn to invest by playing

Invstr is a stock market simulator that allows you to invest real money if want

Learning about investing can mean sacrificing your valuable time or even making mistakes with your hard-earned money. Invstr solves this by gamifying investing, making it fun and easy to take your first step in this weird and wonderful world.

In-game share prices reflect real-world conditions, and players can compete to build the most robust portfolios and generate the most returns.

Management fees: $3.99/month for premium
Minimum deposit: $0
Ease of use: Beginner

Learn more about Invstr.

Beginner-friendly investment apps in Singapore to start investing

With so many beginner-friendly investment apps in Singapore, it has never been easier to get started investing. Whether you choose to start with an investment simulator, opt for low-risk investment strategies like StashAway Simple, or plan for your retirement by investing funds in your CPF account, they’re all baby steps in the right direction.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as financial advice, and readers are encouraged to seek qualified professionals when making financial and investment decisions.

Photography by Kenneth Chan.
Cover image adapted from: Unsplash
The apps have been ranked in terms of features and price from sources and reviews online.
This article contains partial partnership content. However, all opinions are ours.
Originally published on 13th July 2021. Last updated by Khoo Yong Hao on 10th December 2025.

The post 11 Low-Commitment Investment Apps & Platforms To Multiply Your Savings On The Side appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Say you’re in the New Century Global Center in China or the Ginza Mitsukoshi in Tokyo. You’re about to pay for your shopping, but lo and behold, you no longer have any cash on hand. This is where Changi Pay will come in handy.

This nifty payment function lets you go cashless with your payments abroad, with no transaction fees. It also has competitive exchange rates so you don’t have to go on a wild goose chase for the best money changers in Singapore. Here’s everything you need to know about this new feature:

What is Changi Pay & where can it be used?

For all you shopaholics, Changi Pay has collaborated with Alipay+ to bring you a QR payment feature that can be used overseas. Many places accept Changi Pay, including China, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. You can find the full list of countries on Changi Airport’s FAQ page.

Image adapted from: Changi Airport Group

Changi Pay works with any Alipay+ QR code – meaning, as long as the vendor you’re at has the option to pay via Alipay+, you can use Changi Pay too. And yes, tens of millions of merchants allow Alipay+, so you won’t have trouble finding a shop that accepts it, pinky promise.

What are the benefits of using Changi Pay?

We’ll drop some reasons why you should opt to use this new option. For starters, there are no transaction fees when you use this feature for your retail therapy. So when you’re looking at your receipts from shopping at Starfield COEX in Gangnam, there won’t be any sneaky charges.

Globetrotters will appreciate this next USP. You can score favourable exchange rates, and you can easily top up your funds with PayNow – something many of us are familiar with.

So if you have shortlisted a bunch of fun things to do in Tokyo during cherry blossom season or intend to visit China during the holidays, you’ll want to activate Changi Pay prior to your trip.

How do I set up Changi Pay?

The Changi App homepage. 

First things first – you’ll need to download the Changi App, create an account, activate your Changi Pay digital wallet, and all that’s left is to register for a Liquid Account within Changi Pay. Remember to ensure that you have a working local phone number and Singpass for this process.

View all available vouchers via the app. 

As we mentioned earlier, you can use PayNow to top up your digital wallet when making payments overseas. For those who are shopping in Changi Airport, you have the option to link your debit or credit card to the digital wallet. No need for any physical card or cash, easy peasy.

How to use Changi Pay in China & other countries?

To pay in China using Changi Pay, you have two simple options at checkout:

Merchant Scans Your QR Code

• Inform the merchant you are paying with Alipay+ (or 支付宝/Zhi Fu Bao in China).
• Go to the “Pay” page and select “Show my QR code” for the merchant to scan.

You Scan the Merchant’s QR Code

• Go to the “Pay” page and use the built-in camera to scan the QR code displayed by the merchant.
• Verify your payments by clicking ‘Pay’ and you’re all set!.

This payment method is also applicable in other countries where Alipay+ is accepted.

Note: All transactions will be shown in Singapore Dollars (SGD).

What are the transaction limits?

The top-up limits for a Liquid Account are as follows:

• You can top up your Liquid Account up to S$5,000 at a time, and keep a max balance of S$5,000. Spending is capped at S$30,000 per year.
• For payments in China via Alipay+, the limits are RMB35,000 per transaction and RMB350,000 yearly.

Satisfy your shopping needs with Changi Pay

Let’s be honest here, we’re all in need of a vacation ASAP. If you’re travelling to various countries around Asia like China and Korea, this fuss-free function is one you should take advantage of. You’ll get a fuss-free shopping experience, and e-Vouchers for even more shopping. We doubt your holiday can get any better than this.

Find out more about Changi Pay

This post was brought to you by Changi Airport Group.
Originally published on 1st April 2024. Last updated by Stacy Chew on 21st November 2025.

The post This Overseas QR Payment Lets You Shop Fuss-Free With No Transaction Fees In China, Japan & Korea appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Inflation has been hitting all of us hard this year, and it doesn’t look like things will get any better. Plus, we’re already in year 2 of the GST increase to 9%. To help tide us Singaporeans through these rough financial times, the Singapore Government announced a whole slew of measures meant to cushion these hits to our wallet. Enter the Assurance Package.

Here’s a quick primer on the Assurance Package if you’ve already forgotten: the Assurance Package is a series of cash payouts made to eligible Singaporean Citizens over 5 years from 2022-2026. Each payment is disbursed in December, and the 2025 edition can see you getting up to $600! Keep on reading for all you need to know, whether you’re eligible or not, and what it means for you.

What is the Assurance Package?

The Assurance Package was first announced during Budget 2020, with a fund of $6 billion. Working in conjunction with the existing GST Voucher scheme, it’s intended to help defray the higher cost of living associated with a GST increase. There are 5 main components to the Assurance Package:

• Cash payouts. Singaporeans aged 21 years and over will receive cash payouts between $700 and $2,250, depending on their income and property ownership. These payouts will gradually be dispensed over 5 years from 2022 to 2026, in the month of December.
• CDC vouchers. Distributed to every eligible Singaporean household, these vouchers are redeemable at participating heartland shops and hawker centres, as well as major supermarkets and grocery stores, such as NTUC Fairprice, Giant, and Sheng Shiong.
• Senior’s Bonus cash payouts. Additional cash will be disbursed to seniors aged 55 years and above. The amount ranges from $200 to $300, and varies based on age group, income level, and property ownership.
• Additional GST Vouchers (U-Save). Eligible households will receive additional U-Save rebates on top of those in the GST Voucher scheme. Meant to offset utility bills, the rebate amount credited depends on the size of your HDB flat.
• Medisave Top-ups. Singaporeans aged 20 years and below or 55 years and above will receive a Medisave top-up of $150 each year from 2023 to 2025, totalling up to $450.

Image credit: Unsplash

Assurance Package 2025 summary

These are the main Assurance Package benefits Singaporeans can expect to receive in 2025, as well as their corresponding eligibility criteria:

Who is eligible for the Assurance Package cash payout?

With more than 3 million Singaporeans qualifying for the Assurance Package cash payout, many of us must be wondering about the eligibility criteria, and how much we’ll be receiving exactly.

For starters, you have to be a Singaporean Citizen residing in Singapore, and aged 21 years and above in the reference year in order to be eligible for payouts in the first place. To give a more concrete example: if you’re only turning 20 in 2025, then you won’t be eligible for the first year, but after that, you’ll be eligible from 2025 to 2026.

The actual amount that you’ll receive is based on 2 factors: the number of properties you own and your Assessable Income (AI) for the year. The latter basically takes into account all the income you get from sources like your employment and rental income. To find out your AI, you can check your tax bill or Notice of Assessment on the IRAS website.

If you own more than one property, then you’ll just get either $100 or $200 annually over the 5 years, for a total of $700 for 5 years.

If you own just one property or none at all, then the next criterion to determine your payout amount is your AI.

If your AI is $39,000 and below, then you’ll receive the highest quantum from the Assurance Package, with payouts of $200-$600 over 5 years, amounting to a total of $2,250. If you have an AI of over $100,000, you’re considered a high-income earner and so will naturally receive lower payouts, of $100 or $200 for a total of $700.

Bear in mind that the AI is based on the Year of Assessment for 2024, and doesn’t scale with the years. This means that even if you get a significant pay raise in subsequent years which brings you to a higher AI bracket, you’ll still be eligible for the bracket that you were in for 2024.

To find out more details about your own eligibility as well as the exact amount you’ll be receiving, you can login to the e-services online portal on the Assurance Package website with your Singpass account.

Image adapted from: GovBenefits

Other payouts to help cushion the impact of the GST increase

As we’ve mentioned before, the Assurance Package is not just the 5-year cash payouts. In fact, there are a whole range of other schemes under the Assurance Package, all of which are essentially disbursing cash to help Singaporeans.

Image credit: Ministry of Finance

For Budget 2025, the government unveiled enhancements made to the Assurance Package, which total up to $1.2 billion. These enhancements include:

• Extra CDC Vouchers. An additional $800 in CDC Vouchers, $500 of which were dispensed in May 2025, and the other $300 of which will be dispensed in January 2026.
• Cost-of-Living (COL) special payment. A one-off cash payment to help offset utility expenses up to $760, depending on income. This is paid out in April and October 2025.
• COL and Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) Rebate. A one-off rebate for S&CC charges, which is a fee that goes towards the upkeep of common properties on HDB estates.

How can I receive the Assurance Package cash payouts?

Assurance Package Cash payouts will take place every December, until 2026. You can receive the cash in several ways.

The easiest way is to link your NRIC to your PayNow. Once you do, you’ll receive it like any other normal PayNow transfer. The deadline to link your NRIC to your PayNow is 23rd November 2025, and you’ll be paid by 5th December 2025.

Otherwise, you can provide your bank details to the government through the Assurance Package e-services portal. You can also update your bank details there if they are outdated. Just FYI: although they previously issued payouts in the form of cheques, it’s been phased out as of 2022. The deadline to provide your bank details is 29th November 2025, and you’ll be paid by 16th December 2025.

If you somehow bypass both steps for whatever reason, then the “last resort” will be for you to receive it via GovCash. GovCash can be withdrawn through the LifeSG mobile app, or through OCBC ATMs. Find out more about GovCash.

The Assurance Package to help Singaporeans

All in all, the Assurance Package is certainly a welcome initiative by the Government to help assuage the concerns of Singaporeans about the impending GST increase. 

While we can only wait and see if there will be additional measures to help us defray some of the increased costs, it’s great to hear that we’ll receive some additional cash from as early as next month, so be sure to link your PayNow to your NRIC to enjoy the earliest payout date!

Find out more about the Assurance Package

More finance for beginners below:

• Singapore Savings Bonds
• Guide to personal loans in Singapore
• Best investment-linked insurance policies

Cover image adapted from: NTUC
Article originally published on 20th November 2022 by Marcus Sia. Last updated by Josiah Neo on 11th November 2025.

The post Assurance Package 2025: What To Know For Singaporeans – Eligibility & How To Claim appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

You’ve landed here because you’d like a credit card that hooks you up with hella perks. Seriously, good credit cards are able to get you free flights, baller hotel room upgrades, cashback, and discounts. After all, if you’re going to spend money, you might as well get rewards out of it.

However, with a bazillion options out there, picking a card that suits your needs is no easy feat, especially if you’ve never owned one. Fret not, we’re coming through with some suggestions to get you off to a good start. Check out the best UOB Credit Card options below to see whether your spending habits and the cards’ offers are a match.

Which are the best UOB credit card options to apply for?

From earning cashback on purchases to credit card miles, we’ve done the legwork and consolidated each card’s annual fee, rewards, and perks so you won’t have to go through the hassle of searching for the information yourself.

1. UOB EVOL Credit Card

Up to 10% cashback on your purchases

It pays to get a UOB EVOL Credit Card if getting money back from your buys excites you. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want free cashback hopping back into their card to offset their next bill, just for making a purchase?

Seriously, the 10% cashback perk on all online and mobile contactless purchases made via apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay might be one of the highest you’ll find. Plus, just by making 3 transactions a month, you won’t need to pay the annual fee.

Also, 84% of the card is made out of plant-based materials so you can rest well knowing you’re doing good for the earth.

Best UOB credit card for: Tech-savvy millennials, fresh graduates, and eco-conscious spenders.
Best rewards & perks for new UOB Credit Cardmembers: S$350 Cash Credit at sign-up with min. spend of S$1,000 for 2 consecutive months, and get a Multi-Way tote bag from The Paper Bunny by spending $500 in the least amount of days, up till 31st October 2025.
Annual fee for principal card: No annual fee with 3 purchases/month, S$196.20 yearly without.

Find out more about the UOB EVOL Credit Card.

*Terms and conditions apply. Insured up to S$75k by SDIC.

2. UOB PRVI Miles Credit Card

Earn up to 8 miles per dollar with flights & hotel bookings

Throw down a UOB PRVI Miles Credit Card when booking flights or hotels to make sure you reap maximum rewards.

You’ll get to earn 1.4 miles per dollar on local purchases and up to 3 miles per dollar on overseas spending which includes online shopping from international websites. That, plus up to 8 miles per dollar on Agoda, Expedia, and UOB Travel bookings via the UOB PRVI Miles website – all without any minimum spending involved.

That said, one of the biggest draws of this credit card is that there’s no cap on the miles you can earn. So, take this info and start making your travel bookings to rack up miles fast. 

Best UOB credit card for: Jet-setters and online shopping addicts.
Best rewards & perks for new UOB Credit Cardmembers: Free travel insurance of up to S$500,000, up to 2 free airport transfers per quarter, and 4 complimentary lounge visits.
Annual fee for principal card: 1st year card fee waived, S$261.60 thereafter.

Find out more about the UOB PRVI Miles Credit Card.

3. KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card

Use daily spend to rack up rewards

If you’re a jet-setter who often daydreams about travelling to exotic destinations, the KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card is for you.

Here’s how the card works: you can earn up to 3 miles per S$1 spend on Singapore Airlines, Scoot, KrisShop, Kris+, and 2.4 miles per $1 spend selected everyday categories like dining, food delivery, and online shopping. Otherwise, continue to earn 1.2 miles per dollar spend on all other categories.

To earn 2.4 miles per dollar spend on selected categories spend – such as dining, food delivery, online shopping, as well as online travel and transport – you’ll need to spend at least S$1000 on Singapore Airlines, Scoot, or KrisShop annually. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to book a much-needed vacation abroad, this is it.

The KrisFlyer miles you earn will be credited automatically into your KrisFlyer membership account every month.

Plus, enjoy a fast track to KrisFlyer Elite Silver status when you charge a minimum of S$5,000 on Singapore Airlines, Scoot, and KrisShop card transactions within your first-year membership period for more benefits when you fly with Singapore Airlines and Scoot.

Best UOB credit card for: Travellers and frequent flyers, miles collectors
Best rewards & perks: For a limited time only, new-to-UOB Credit Card customers can get up to 31,000 miles when they apply for a KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card, enjoy travel benefits on Scoot and Singapore Airlines, S$15 off Grab rides to or from Singapore Changi Airport, 5,000 Welcome miles with first eligible spend of S$5, 10,000 miles with payment of annual renewal fee, and other exclusive benefits.
Annual fee for principal card 1st year card fee waived, S$196.20 thereafter

Find out more about the KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card.

Sign up now to start reaping rewards with UOB Credit Cards

Gone are the days when you’d rely solely on the “Bank of Mum and Dad”. You’re now an adult with a real job. You earn a salary, have a savings account, and even plan on settling down with your SO someday. That’s why you should also pad your wallet with a credit card.

Beyond the perks and freebies, you’ll also get to start building your credit score. Just be sure you pay your bills on time to keep a high score. This will be essential for future financial milestones such as taking out a bank loan for big-ticket purchases like your BTO reno or first car. When you’re ready to apply for your first credit card, keep the UOB options above in mind.

Find out more about UOB Credit Cards

This post was brought to you by UOB.
Photography by Shawn Low.
Originally published on 1st December 2023. Last updated by Josiah Neo on 22nd October 2025.

*Terms and conditions apply for promotions and card privileges, visit the respective card pages to find out more.

The post 3 UOB Credit Cards For First-Jobbers To Consider – Broken Down By Spending Habits, Rewards & Sign-Up Perks appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

This is it. After all your penny-pinching by enduring cramped peak-hour bus rides and only using car rental services for special occasions, it’s finally time to buy your own car. A new one might cost you an organ or two, but the choice is clear when a used car in Singapore can cost 66% less than a new one!*

What isn’t clear is the daunting, stressful process of buying a pre-used car. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide so you know what to do when buying a used car in Singapore.

*Breakdown of prices can be found in point 2.

Tips on buying a used car in Singapore

From snagging a good deal to knowing your PARF from your OMV, here are some useful tips on how to buy a second-hand car in Singapore that best fits your budget.

1. Narrow down your vehicle type aka dream car

If you’re going to spend the equivalent of a couple years’ salary on a car, it had better be a car you really want to drive. Now, before you take my word and run to the nearest sports car dealership to get your hands on a Porsche Cayenne or Mercedes-Benz, you might want to consider budget-effective options that appeal to you.

In addition to the car price – basically the Open Market Value (OMV) of the car you’re keen on – you’ll need to check the following: your prospective ride’s fuel cost; engine size which determines your annual road tax; and even the maintenance costs that might rack up over the years.

These factors are all determined by the vehicle type and will contribute to the overall cost of your car.

2. Estimate the capital & total annual cost of owning a car

While buying a second-hand car in Singapore costs less than what you would pay for a brand-new one, the additional costs can easily add up. To prevent sticker shock, this free car expense calculator by LTA will help you visualise the costs involved in owning a car. You can also see how much your ride will cost you per month, as well as better compare the new and used prices of your car.

The calculator also helps you estimate the fuel, maintenance and parking costs for a wide variety of vehicle types.
Image adapted from: OneMotoring

As an example, the car price difference between a new and used Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 (A) can be up to 49%**. A brand new car costs about $199,888, while a used car model with just under 6 years of COE left costs just $101,800.

For higher-end cars such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon, the difference is 73%** with the new one going for about $328,888 and a used car costing $85,688 with 5 years of COE remaining.

For a sports car or luxury sedan, the savings are usually less. For instance, with the Porsche 911 3.0, the savings can only go up to 33%**. A new one would cost $710,268 including the current COE, and a used model at $473,800 with a little over 5 years of COE remaining.

Although cheaper, the lower price of a used car also usually means higher interest rates, while its age could also translate into more frequent and possibly more expensive repairs. Factor these costs into your purchasing decision – in some cases, a second-hand car isn’t exactly better than getting a new one. Buyer beware!

**Based on car listings and COE prices as of October 2025.

3. Do your research

Consider both your preferences and practical concerns when selecting a car.

Local car forums such as Mycarforum are a great place to start your research; you will be able to get the lowdown on the general car-owning experience, along with common issues faced by existing owners. From annoying squeaking and rumbling to potentially fatal braking issues, pay extra attention to these when you perform your examination on a second-hand car.

Also keep in mind that popular, mainstream cars like the omnipresent Honda Vezel and Toyota Corolla would also be much cheaper to repair compared to fancy unicorns like a Lamborghini or Ferrari. The same goes for older, vintage cars; expect higher maintenance fees as parts for them might be hard to come by in this modern day and age.

4. Look for deals

Now that you’ve got an idea of the car model you’re after, it’s time to put in some elbow grease to look for your “new” car.

A good starting point when buying a used car in Singapore would be online car marketplaces like Motorist, sgCarMart, or even Carousell. These platforms make it easy to compare prices and understand market trends and price points. Many of them also offer insurance and loan options too, making them useful tools to understand and monitor the second-hand car market wherever you are.

As with all online marketplaces, car sellers who are direct owners can be shady – it would be best to consult an experienced car owner if you choose to take this route.

Image adapted from: Carousell

In comparison, cars from dealers and parallel importers offer more comprehensive guarantees backed by CASE and are usually better maintained. Many dealerships also offer in-house options for financing your purchase, while also settling the paperwork for convenience. It comes at a cost, though: you’ll have to fork out additional money to pay the middlemen for ease of mind.

If you opt for a brick-and-mortar option, a great place to find one would be Turf Club, home to more than a dozen used car dealerships. For Easties, the Ubi area also has plenty of options.

5. Decide between a PARF or COE car

No need to barf – it’s not too difficult a decision. Preferential Additional Registration Fee (PARF) cars are essentially cars that are less than 10 years old, and will allow you to obtain a PARF Rebate when you deregister and scrap your car.

Depending on the age of the car when deregistered, this rebate can be worth up to 75% of the ARF (Additional Registration Fee) paid or up to $60,000, whichever is lower. The ARF is worth up to 320% of the open market value of the car, and gets higher as the OMV increases.

If you opt for a COE car that is older than 10 years, you won’t be able to cash in on the handsome PARF Rebate. However, like a PARF car, a COE car will yield a COE Rebate if you send it to the scrapyard before its COE expires. You will simply reclaim the value of the unused COE.

Aside from the lack of PARF Rebates, COE cars are also much cheaper than PARF cars, owing in large part to their advanced age. So, even though they might be cheaper, COE cars would also have a higher probability of causing maintenance issues in the long run.

6. Check the depreciation

Recorded on the odometer, the car’s mileage is a good way to check how “used” it is. 

We’ve barely started, and the numbers are already mind-boggling. So simply put, annual depreciation is a useful way of determining how much it will cost you each year just to own the vehicle. For a brand-new car, this is calculated simply by subtracting the scrap value from the initial cost of the vehicle and dividing it over the 10 years of its lifespan.

It’s slightly more complicated if you’re buying a second-hand car in Singapore. Take the selling price of the car, subtract the minimum PARF amount, and divide it by the number of years left. Generally, a lower depreciation is preferable, but like all other purchases, cheaper doesn’t always mean better.

A similar concept to depreciation is devaluation. These are additional factors that lower the value of the vehicle: scratches, dents, repairs, or even the fact that it is an out-of-date car model.

7. Check the car thoroughly before agreeing to purchase

That’s it, your thousand-dollar machine is within arms reach. Wipe your drool – it’s time to get to work. Grab a flashlight and some paper towels, and arrange for the examination session to take place in a quiet, well-lit place like a car park.

A white paper towel or tissue is useful for checking for oil leaks

During your examination, check if the car has any issues that the previous owner or dealer has not declared. Be extra careful and use all your senses to check for leaks, damage, repairs, and irregular noises. Take your time and do not rush. Having a comprehensive checklist makes for an exhaustive inspection.

For a start, check for tilting from a distance, which might be an indication of issues with the suspension or tyres. Stepping a little closer, ensure the paint job is smooth. Bumps and dents are bad, but discolouration and roughness are even worse. Those might indicate corrosion of the metal underneath.

Examine every nook and cranny with your flashlight, looking for damage and other irregularities. Make sure there’s a spare tyre included, along with all the tools required for a tyre change. You should also pop the bonnet to check for oil splotches and that all the respective fluids are in order.

It’s best to check for spares before purchase, not when you break down on an expressway.

Next, get in the car and check the interior for any irregularities like funky smells, stains on fabrics and cracks in the upholstery. Ask to test drive the car, setting forth on your very first ride on your prospective new wheels, but stay vigilant, looking out for steering issues, braking irregularities and weird sounds and vibrations.

Make sure to check the engine compartment but be careful, it might be hot.

Once you’re satisfied, bring your car to a stop but leave the engine running. Check the exhaust for smoke before turning off the engine to check the underside of the bonnet and the rest of the car for leakage. If drippage occurs, anything but water is a red flag.

When it comes to EVs, there are generally fewer things you’d have to keep a keen eye out for when inspecting one as compared to one that runs on petrol, as EVs lack an internal combustion engine. Some checks to run include ensuring that the vehicle’s battery is in good working condition and if there’s any damage to its charging port.

For those who know nothing about cars, you could opt to get your car checked by a professional service like those offered by STA Inspection or the Automotive Association.

8. Find ways to finance it

First, check if the OMV is above or below $20,000. Car loans for those above that amount are capped at 60% of the purchase price or valuation, whichever is lower. Those below $20,000 can get a larger loan at 70%.

You have to pay off the loan within 7 years, or before the COE expires. This means that if you’re  buying a 6-year-old used car in Singapore, you will only have 4 years to pay off your debt. There are generally 3 types of loans you can get to finance your car if you don’t intend to maintain a diet of grass and leaves for the next few years.

• First, the most optimal loan you can hope to get is a fixed-interest-rate loan. This means that the interest doesn’t change throughout the duration of the loan.
• Next, you might consider in-house loans provided directly by the dealership.
• Lastly, balloon scheme loans might be an attractive choice if you’re a first-time car buyer or relatively new to the workforce.

Although balloon scheme loans usually charge a higher interest rate than other loans, they exclude the PARF amount, resulting in a lower loan quantum. This means that in effect, you fork out less per month and are able to save up more of your monthly salary.

However, at the end of the loan, you have to pay the solid 5-figure PARF amount in full. Penalties for early repayment – such as if you choose to resell your car – are also higher. So, pick this only if you intend to stick to your pre-owned car for the rest of its lifespan, and if you’re disciplined enough to pay up at the end of the loan.

9. Factor in all of the hidden costs

Car insurance

Car insurance is mandatory in Singapore, and you will have to minimally purchase a plan with a third-party cover so that when you crash into someone, your victim is covered. You can choose to dole out more cash for Third Party, Fire and Theft insurance or even comprehensive cover. Your insurance policy has to be in effect by the time your new car is transferred to your name.

Road Tax

Image adapted from: SgCarMart

Road Tax is paid every 6 or 12 months, and increases with the engine capacity of your vehicle. An added road tax surcharge is also levied on vehicles that are older than 10 years, increasing by 10% each year until it turns 14; this surcharge caps out at 50% for vehicles more than 14 years old. These costs are relatively minor, but you should factor them into your choice of car as they quickly add up.

For reference, a Toyota Corolla sedan with an engine capacity of 1794cc will cost you $972 per year in road tax alone. If the car is 11 years old, you will have to pay an additional $196, equivalent to a 20% Road Tax Surcharge.

Administration fees

Just for tagging your name to your new vehicle, you will incur an administration fee of $25. Vehicles 4-6 months from registration will incur an additional Vehicle Transfer Fee.

Vehicle inspections

Image credit: STAI

Car inspections are also mandatory for all cars older than 3 years. These take place once every 2 years, and increase to once every year for cars older than 10 years. They start at $68.67, and the check can be done at any LTA-authorised vehicle inspection centre.

Maintenance costs

Maintenance costs can also add up for used vehicles. In addition to performing a thorough check before purchase, you might want to consider that popular cars like the Honda Shuttle station wagon and Toyota Wish generally have cheaper repair costs compared to a luxury sedan and sports car.

Buying a second-hand car in Singapore

Acquiring a vehicle can already be a complicated process, but buying a used car in Singapore might be even more daunting, especially for a first-time buyer. It’s important to stay on top of all the processes and fees, even while being vigilant in checking the paperwork and the car’s condition.

With these tools, checklists, and pointers, you can finally go forth confidently and purchase that dream car you have been lusting after for years – or most likely a Toyota Camry.

For more on driving in Singapore:

• Guide to getting your driving license at CDC
• Guide to driving an electric vehicle
• Cheapest parking spots in town
• What to do in a car accident
• Guide to COE bidding

Photography by Rae Phang.
Originally written by Ian Ling on 11th January 2021. Last updated by Khoo Yong Hao on 21st October 2025.

The post Guide To Buying A Second-Hand Car In Singapore – COE, Depreciation, Mileage appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.