Chinese New Year (CNY) is just around the corner!
And with that comes the tradition of giving out red packets to wish our friends and family an auspicious new year.
In the spirit of embracing both old and new, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) encourages us to use “Fit-for-Gifting” (Fit) notes or e-hong baos.
MAS will no longer produce and issue “Good-As-New” (GAN) dollar notes in 2023 for Chinese New Year.
As such, we will only be able to get New or Fit notes.
If you’re one who still prefers handing physical red packets to your relatives, here are some things you have to take note of when you want to exchange or order New/Fit notes online this CNY.
TL;DR: Withdrawing or Exchanging for New or “Fit-for-Gifting” Notes for CNY 2023
- To withdraw New or Fit notes for CNY, you have to pre-book an appointment (available from 5 Jan 2023) at the respective DBS, OCBC, UOB, SCB, or Maybank’s online reservation website before heading to the bank. Only DBS, OCBC, and UOB offer both New/Fit notes while SCB and Maybank offer only New notes.
- No walk-ins at banks are allowed, other than for people aged 60 and above or those with disabilities.
- For online reservations, each customer is only entitled to one reservation slot throughout the CNY period. You will also not be able to amend your booking after the reservation is made.
- To get New/Fit notes without pre-booking, there will be designated/pop-up ATMs disbursing them at various locations across Singapore from 5 Jan 2023.
- Notes are disbursed on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Jump to:
- DBS/POSB CNY New Notes
- OCBC CNY New Notes
- UOB CNY New Notes
- Standard Chartered Bank CNY New Notes
- Maybank Singapore CNY New Notes
- What Is The Difference Between New, “Good-As-New” (GAN), and “Fit-for-Gifting” (Fit) Notes?
DBS/POSB CNY New Notes 2023
Online Reservation
For DBS/POSB, CNY new notes will be available for online reservations from 5 to 8 Jan 2023, and 9 Jan to 15 Jan 2022. Online reservations must be made at least two days before the collection date.
Do note that you MUST make a reservation before heading down to the bank to collect new notes.
Here’s how to make a reservation:
Step 1: Visit DBS’s secured online notes reservation site.
Step 2: Key in your ATM/Debit/Credit Card Number and PIN for verification. (Login with last 4 digits of card number and your card pin)
Step 3: Select your preferred branch and key in your reservation Date and Time
Step 4: Indicate the number of DBS QR Gift Pack(s) and the desired quantity of notes for $2, $10, $50 (notes denomination).
Step 5: Confirm your details and selection. You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours upon submitting your request.
Step 6: Collect your notes at the selected branch during the specified date and time.
Reservation service will be available from 9am on:
- 5 to 8 January 2023 for collection dates from 10 to 13 January 2023
- 9 to 15 January 2023 for collection dates from 16 to 20 January 2023
Important note: Please bring along your NRIC/Passport and ATM or debit card for the collection, and ensure that there are sufficient funds in your account at the point of collection.
Each customer is only entitled to one reservation slot for online reservations throughout the CNY period.
You will also not be able to amend your booking after the reservation is made.
For collection at retail branches, you can only reserve up to S$1,000 for new notes and S$1,200 for fit notes.
Reservations will be cancelled if the reserved notes are not collected on the selected date and location.
DBS Pop-Up ATMs
DBS pop-up ATMs will be available at Community Clubs from 5 Jan 2023 to 20 Jan 2023 (10am to 10pm) and 21 Jan 2023 (10am to 1pm).
Each customer can make up to 3 withdrawals during this period, and you can use any DBS/POSB card linked to your deposit accounts to withdraw these notes.
These pop-up ATMs are also customised to dispense note denominations of $2, $10, and $50.
Here are the 16 pop-up ATM locations at Community Clubs:
| No | Community Clubs | Address | Postal Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anchorvale CC# | 59 Anchorvale Road | 544965 |
| 2 | Bedok CC | 850 New Upper Changi Road | 467352 |
| 3 | Bukit Panjang CC | 8 Pending Road | 678295 |
| 4 | Ci Yuan CC# | 51 Hougang Ave 9 | 538776 |
| 5 | Clementi CC | 220 Clementi Ave 4 | 129880 |
| 6 | Henderson CC | 500 Bukit Merah View | 159682 |
| 7 | Keat Hong CC# | 2 Choa Chu Kang Loop | 689687 |
| 8 | Macpherson CC# | 400 Paya Lebar Way | 379131 |
| 9 | Nee Soon East CC | 1 Yishun Ave 9 | 768893 |
| 10 | Pasir Ris Elias CC# | 93 Pasir Ris Drive 3 | 519498 |
| 11 | Taman Jurong CC | 1 Yung Sheng Road | 618495 |
| 12 | Tampines West CC | 5 Tampines Ave 3 | 529705 |
| 13 | Teck Ghee CC | 861 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 | 569734 |
| 14 | Toa Payoh Central CC | 93 Toa Payoh Central | 319194 |
| 15 | Whampoa CC | 300 Whampoa Drive | 327737 |
| 16 | Yuhua CC | 90 Boon Lay Way | 609958 |
#Fit notes are available at these 5 locations: Anchorvale CC, Ci Yuan CC, Keat Hong CC, Macpherson CC & Pasir Ris Elias CC.
And 31 Self-Service/Financial Planning Branches:
| No | Self-Service Branches / Financial Planning Branches | Address | Postal Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DBS Alexandra | 460 Alexandra Road, #02-17 | 119963 |
| 2 | DBS Great World City | 1 Kim Seng Promenade #01-126, Great World City | 237994 |
| 3 | DBS Marina Bay Sands | 10 Bayfront Avenue #01-30, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands | 18972 |
| 4 | DBS Raffles Place | 22 Malacca St, #01-00, RB Capital Building | 48980 |
| 5 | DBS Serangoon Garden | 20 Maju Ave | 556694 |
| 6 | DBS Takashimaya | 391 Orchard Rd #B2-21-23, Takashimaya Shopping Centre Ngee Ann City | 238872 |
| 7 | POSB Ang Mo Kio North | 629 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 #01-1018 | 560629 |
| 8 | POSB Boon Lay CC | 10 Boon Lay Place #01-06, Boon Lay CC | 649882 |
| 9 | POSB Bukit Batok West | 153 Bukit Batok West Street 11 #01-290/292 | 650153 |
| 10 | POSB Bukit Panjang | 260 Bangkit Rd, #01-15 | 670260 |
| 11 | POSB Canberra CC | 2 Sembawang Crescent #01-02, Canberra CC | 757632 |
| 12 | POSB Fernvale CC | 21 Sengkang West Avenue | 797650 |
| 13 | POSB Jurong West | 501 Jurong West Street 51, #01-279 | 640501 |
| 14 | POSB Kampung Admiralty | 676 Woodlands Drive 71 #01-K1 Kampung Admiralty | 730676 |
| 15 | POSB Kampong Ubi | 301 Ubi Avenue 1 #01-257 | 400301 |
| 16 | POSB Nanyang Estate | 960 Jurong West St 92 #01-174 | 640960 |
| 17 | POSB Potong Pasir CC | 6 Potong Pasir Ave 2 #01-02, Potong Pasir CC | 358361 |
| 18 | POSB Rivervale Plaza | 118 Rivervale Dr, #01-K1/K2 Rivervale Plaza | 540118 |
| 19 | POSB Serangoon Central | 254 Serangoon Central Drive #01-203 | 550254 |
| 20 | POSB Tampines East | 201A Tampines Street 21, #01-1051 | 521201 |
| 21 | POSB Tampines Hub | 51 Tampines Avenue 4, Unit #B1-20, Tampines Hub | 529684 |
| 22 | POSB Toa Payoh North | 107 Toa Payoh Lor 1 #01-266 | 310107 |
| 23 | POSB Yishun North | 290 Yishun St 22 #01-401 | 760290 |
| 24 | POSB Zhenghua CC | 1 Segar Road #01-06, Zhenghua CC | 677738 |
| 25 | POSB Buona Vista | 43 Holland Dr, #01-59 | 270043 |
| 26 | POSB Eastpoint | 3 Simei Street 6, #01-24, Eastpoint Mall | 528833 |
| 27 | POSB Jurong East Central | 21 Jurong Gateway Road #01-03, CPF Jurong | 609646 |
| 28 | POSB Tanjong Pagar | 1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #01-41 | 82001 |
| 29 | POSB Woodlands West | 303 Woodlands St 31 #01-191/195 | 730303 |
| 30 | POSB Yew Tee Square | 624 Choa Chu Kang Street 62 #01-252/254 | 680624 |
| 31 | POSB Yishun Central | 926 Yishun Central 1 #01-183/185 | 760926 |
Withdrawal Denominations & Options
For pop-up ATMs, there is a maximum of 3 withdrawals throughout the CNY period.
| Options | Amount & Denominations |
| Option 1 | $100 = $2 x 50 pcs |
| Option 2 | $300 = $10 x 30 pcs |
| Option 3 | $500 = $50 x 10 pcs |
| Option 4 | $600 = $10 x 20 pcs + $50 x 8 pcs |
Branch Walk-Ins (for Customers Above 60 Years Old or People With Disabilities)
For branch walk-ins, new/fit notes exchange at the outlets will begin from 10 to 13 January 2023 and 16 to 20 January 2023.
This is for customers aged above 60 years old or people with disabilities.
DBS or POSB branches:
| S/N | Branch Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | DBS Ang Mo Kio Central |
| 2 | DBS Bishan |
| 3 | DBS Bukit Timah |
| 4 | DBS Choa Chu Kang |
| 5 | DBS Clementi Central |
| 6 | DBS Harbourfront |
| 7 | DBS Holland Village |
| 8 | DBS Kovan |
| 9 | DBS Marina Bay Financial Centre |
| 10 | DBS Parkway Parade |
| 11 | DBS Plaza Singapura |
| 12 | DBS South Bridge |
| 13 | DBS Suntec City |
| 14 | DBS Tampines One |
| 15 | DBS Thomson |
| 16 | DBS Toa Payoh |
| 17 | DBS Towner Road |
| 18 | DBS Westgate |
| 19 | DBS Woodlands |
| 20 | POSB Bedok Central |
| 21 | POSB Bukit Batok Central |
| 22 | POSB Compass One |
| 23 | POSB Hougang Central |
| 24 | POSB Jurong Point |
| 25 | POSB Paya Lebar |
| 26 | POSB Square 2 |
| 27 | POSB Tampines Central |
| 28 | POSB Tiong Bahru |
| 29 | POSB Waterway Point |
| 30 | POSB White Sands |
| 31 | POSB Yishun West |
OCBC CNY New Notes 2023
For OCBC’s new notes, an online reservation service will begin from 5 Jan 2023 to 15 Jan 2023.
Online Reservation
Customers will be required to enter their ATM, Credit or Debit Card number and card PIN for verification, followed by 2-factor authentication using an SMS OTP (sent to the mobile number registered with an OCBC Online Banking account).
Available Reservation Dates
| Booking window | Collection period |
| 5 to 7 Jan 2023 | 10 to 13 Jan 2023 |
| 9 to 11 Jan 2023 | 14 to 17 Jan 2023 |
| 13 to 15 Jan 2023 | 18 to 21 Jan 2023 |
Each customer is only allowed to make one booking online, and no changes to the reservation details may be made after completing the online reservation.
Denominations & Options
The overall limit for the exchange of notes is up to $1,200 worth of Fit notes and up to $1,200 worth of new notes at any OCBC bank branch.
| Denominations | Fit-for-gifting (Fit notes) (limit per denomination) |
New notes (limit per denomination) |
| $2 Available in multiples of 100 |
$200 | $200 |
| $10 Available in multiples of 10 |
$500 |
$500
|
| $50 Available in multiples of 2 |
$1,200 | $1,200 |
| Overall limit | $1,200 | $1,200 |
UOB CNY New Notes 2023
Online Reservation
For those awaiting the UOB CNY new notes exchange, you can begin reserving new notes from 5 Jan 2023 onwards.
Customers can access the new notes reservation form via UOB Personal Internet Banking or UOB TMRW App by following these steps:
Step 1: Key in name, last 4 alphanumeric characters of NRIC/PP and mobile number
Step 2: Select notes denominations
Step 3: Select preferred branch, date and time of appointment
Step 4: Click on ‘Send OTP’ and key in a valid OTP sent to your mobile number
Step 5: Click on ‘Verify OTP’
The online reservation slots are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, which means that you gotta be quick if you would like to select your preferred branch, date, or time slot.
Denominations & Options
| Denominations | Fit-for-gifting (Fit notes) (limit per denomination) |
New notes (limit per denomination) |
| $2 Available in multiples of 100 |
$200 | $200 |
| $10 Available in multiples of 10 |
$500 |
$500
|
| $50 Available in multiples of 2 |
$1,200 | $1,200 |
| Overall limit | $1,200 | $1,200 |
Reservation service will be available on:
- 5 January for collection from 10 to 14 January 2023
- 12 January for collection from 16 to 20 January 2023
Where online slots are available for reservation, the earliest collection date available would be 2 business days ahead (excluding Sundays). The last day for online reservations is scheduled on 18 January 2023. However, in the event that all reservation slots are fully taken up prior to 18 January 2023, the online reservation portal will close without prior notice to customers.
UOB New/Fit-for-Gifting Notes ATMs
Alongside DBS, UOB will also offer new notes at 15 new notes ATM locations or Fit-for-Gifting (Fit) notes at two Fit notes ATM locations from 5 to 18 January 2023.
Fit-for-Gifting Notes
| Locations | Operating Hours (Mon - Sun) | Address |
|---|---|---|
| UOB Raffles City Branch | 9.00am - 7:30pm | No. 252 North Bridge Road #B1-04/05, Raffles City Shopping Centre, 179103 |
| UOB Sengkang Express Centre | 10.30am - 7:30pm | Sengkang Square, #01-03 Sengkang MRT Station, No. 5, Singapore 545062 |
New Notes
| Locations | Operating Hours (Mon - Sun) | Address |
|---|---|---|
| UOB Ang Mo Kio | 10.30am - 7:30pm | No. 53 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 #B1-34, AMK Hub S569933 |
| UOB Bedok | 9.00am - 7:30pm | Blk 210 New Upper Changi Road #01-711 S460210 |
| UOB Bukit Panjang | 9.00am - 7:30pm | No. 1 Jelebu Road #02-02, Bukit Panjang Plaza, 677743 |
| UOB Hougang MRT | 9.00am - 7:30pm | No. 80 Hougang Central #01-01, Hougang MRT Station S538758 |
| UOB Jem | 10.30am - 7:30pm | 50 Jurong Gateway Rd, #02 - 15 Jem, Singapore 608549 |
| UOB New Bridge | 9.00am - 7:30pm | No. 1 Park Rd, #01-01/02 People's Park Complex, Singapore 059108 |
| UOB Northpoint | 10.30am - 7:30pm | No.930 Yishun Avenue 2, #01-41/42/42, Northpoint Shopping Centre S769098 |
| UOB Orchard | 9.00am - 7:30pm | No. 230 Orchard Road #01-230, Faber House S238854 |
| UOB Parkway Parade | 9.00am - 7:30pm | No. 80 Marine Parade Road #01-13, Parkway Parade S449269 |
| UOB PLQ | 10.30am - 7:30pm | 10 Paya Lebar Road 02-11/12 Paya Lebar Quarter, 409057 |
| UOB Rochor | 9.00am - 7:30pm | 149 Rochor Rd, #01-26 Fu Lu Shou Complex, Singapore 188425 |
| UOB Tampines | 9.00am - 7:30pm | No. 1 Tampines Central 1 #01-01, UOB Tampines Centre, 529539 |
| UOB Tiong Bahru Plaza | 9.00am - 7:30pm | No. 302 Tiong Bahru Road #01-101/102 Tiong Bahru Plaza S168732 |
| UOB Toa Payoh | 9.00am - 7:30pm | No.520 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh,1st Storey, HDB Hub S310520 |
| UOB Woodlands | 9.00am - 7:30pm | 900 South Woodlands Drive #01-06, Woodlands Civic Centre S730900 |
Customers are allowed a maximum of 2 New/Fit notes withdrawals per ATM/ Debit card on a first-come-first-serve basis and subject to availability.
Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) CNY New Notes 2023
Online Reservation
Standard Chartered is opening up reservations for new banknotes via Online Banking or the SC Mobile App from 5 January (10am) to 9 January 2023.
Customers can access the new notes reservation form via the Standard Chartered Mobile App by following these steps:
Step 1: Log in to the Standard Chartered (SC) Mobile App (please ensure you have updated your app to the latest version).
Step 2: Access the new banknotes reservation page by clicking on the reservation banner.
Step 3: Select your preferred banknote denominations:
- S$2 (capped at S$400, in a bundle of $200)
- S$5 (capped at S$400)
- S$10 (capped at S$1,000)
- S$50 (capped at S$2,000)
Step 4: Select your preferred collection date (between 10 January and 20 January 2023), time, and branch location.
Step 5: Verify your details and confirm your selection. A confirmation email will be sent to you upon receiving your request.
Step 6: Collect your new banknotes at your selected branch with your Reservation Confirmation email or Booking Reference Number, on your reserved date at the selected time.
Reservation service will be available from:
- 5 January (10am) to 9 January 2023 for collection on 10 January to 20 January 2023
Please note that the first hour of branch opening is reserved for clients aged 60 and above and/or with special needs to exchange new notes without prior reservation.
Banknote denominations are each subject to availability on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Maybank Singapore CNY New Notes 2023
Online Reservation
Maybank also allows its customers to reserve their “Lunar New Year Fortune Bundle” (new notes) online.
Lunar New Year notes and red packets are available from 5 January 2023, 9am, and 12 January 2023, 9am at all branches (except Maybank MSpace). The first operating hour of each branch is reserved for elderly persons above 60 or persons with special needs.
How to place an order:
Step 1: Login to Maybank Online Banking.
Step 2: Click on the Lunar New Year Fortune Bundle banner
Step 3: Key in the necessary details and click ‘Next’
Step 4: Review the information and click ‘Confirm’ to proceed
Step 5: Check your inbox for the confirmation email.
Each individual can place up to 2 Lunar New Year Fortune Bundles during the CNY period.
Lunar New Year Fortune Bundles are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, while stocks last. You can place an online order only once during the entire pre-order period.
Do note that the collection date and time cannot be changed after the order has been confirmed.
You will need to bring along your identification document (e.g. NRIC) and a copy of the email confirmation, or provide your representative a duly signed letter of authorisation if you are unable to visit branch personally.
Do also note that your order will be cancelled and the funds will be credited back to your account on 21 January 2023 if it is not collected.
Denominations & Options
Each Lunar New Year Fortune Bundle comprises the following:
- S$2 x 100 pieces
- S$10 x 30 pieces
- Total: S$500
What Is The Difference Between New, “Good-As-New” (GAN), and “Fit-for-Gifting” (Fit) Notes?
In an effort to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly, MAS will stop producing and issuing the “Good-As-New” S$2 notes from CNY 2023 onwards.
For the uninitiated, GAN notes are new notes deposited and returned to MAS right after the CNY and processed twice. Only the notes that are of very good quality are re-issued as GAN notes the following year.
This process generates additional carbon emissions comparable to the emissions for powering 32 four-room government-built flats yearly!
Meanwhile Fit notes are used currency notes that are generally clean and of suitable quality for recirculation, including for festive gifting.
Giving Red Packets this Chinese New Year 2023
If you’re too lazy to follow the steps above…
Why not check out e-hongbaos instead?
Given how 330 tonnes of carbon emissions are generated by the production of new notes for each Chinese New Year… 🤯
Besides beating the crowds at the banks, you can help to save the Earth by doing this little switch this New Year!
Want to do more for the environment? Find out how reducing your plastic usage can help you save money now!
You can also do your Li Chun money depositing online this year too. Find out what’s your Best Auspicious 2023 Li Chun Timing here.
Happy Chinese New Year!
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