Singapore EZ-Link Card: How to Buy, Top Up & Use It

• An EZ-Link card costs SGD 10 (~USD 7.50) at MRT stations and 7-Eleven stores — SGD 5 is stored value, SGD 5 is a non-refundable card fee.
• Top up at General Ticketing Machines, 7-Eleven counters, or via the SimplyGo app — minimum top-up is SGD 10 at machines.
• Card fares are distance-based, starting at SGD 0.92, and include free transfers within 45 minutes between buses and trains.
• Tourists with a contactless Visa or Mastercard can skip the EZ-Link entirely and tap their bank card directly via SimplyGo.

The Singapore EZ-Link card is a rechargeable stored-value card that works across all MRT trains, LRT lines, public buses, and select retail outlets. You can buy one for SGD 10 (~USD 7.50) at any MRT station ticket office or 7-Eleven store, top it up at self-service machines or through the SimplyGo app, and use it by tapping at fare gates and bus card readers. If you carry a contactless Visa, Mastercard, or AMEX, you can also pay fares directly without an EZ-Link — but the physical card still has advantages for longer stays, budgeting, and retail use across the city.

You've just landed at Changi Airport and you need to get into the city. The MRT station is right there in Terminal 2's basement, and within minutes you could be gliding toward Marina Bay or Orchard Road. But first, you need to figure out how to pay. Singapore doesn't accept cash on buses anymore, and single-trip paper tickets were phased out years ago. Your options come down to three: buy a Singapore EZ-Link card, tap a contactless bank card via SimplyGo, or pick up a Singapore Tourist Pass. Each one works, but the right choice depends on how long you're staying, how often you'll ride, and whether you want your transport spending on a separate card or lumped into your credit card bill.

This guide walks you through every step of buying, loading, and using an EZ-Link card — plus a clear comparison of when it makes sense and when you're better off tapping your own bank card instead.

What Is a Singapore EZ-Link Card?

The EZ-Link card is a contactless stored-value smart card used primarily for public transport payments in Singapore. Tap it at an MRT fare gate or a bus card reader, and the correct fare is deducted automatically based on the distance you travel. The card has been in circulation since 2001, and there are over 10 million cards in use across the city-state according to Wikipedia.

How the Card Works

EZ-Link operates on a tap-on, tap-off system. When you enter an MRT station, you tap the card at the fare gate. When you exit at your destination, you tap again, and the system calculates the distance-based fare and deducts it from your stored balance. On buses, you tap once when boarding and once when alighting. If you forget to tap off, a maximum fare is charged for that journey.

The card stores up to SGD 500 and needs a minimum balance of SGD 3 before you can enter the MRT or board a bus. If your balance drops below SGD 3, the fare gate won't open — you'll need to top up before continuing.

Where You Can Use It

EZ-Link works across Singapore's entire public transport network and a growing list of retail outlets.

• Public transport: MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), LRT (Light Rail Transit), all public buses operated by SBS Transit, SMRT, Tower Transit, and Go-Ahead Singapore, plus the Sentosa Express monorail.
• Taxis: Selected taxi operators including ComfortDelGro and Trans-Cab accept EZ-Link payments.
• Retail: 7-Eleven, Cheers convenience stores, selected FairPrice supermarkets, McDonald's, KFC, vending machines, and over 500 participating merchants.
• Other services: Car park payments, selected government services, community clubs, and the National Library.

EZ-Link and SimplyGo — What Changed in 2026

In 2024, Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) merged its subsidiaries TransitLink and EZ-Link into a single entity called SimplyGo. The standalone EZ-Link app was discontinued in January 2026, and all card management features — balance checks, top-ups, transaction history — now live inside the SimplyGo app.

The physical EZ-Link card itself still works exactly as before. You can still buy one, top it up, and tap it at fare gates. The change is purely on the app side: if you want to manage your card digitally, you use the SimplyGo app instead of the old EZ-Link app. For tourists, this is a minor detail — you can still use the card without ever downloading any app.

How to Buy a Singapore EZ-Link Card

Picking up an EZ-Link card takes under five minutes. You don't need any identification or registration — just walk up to a counter, pay, and the card is ready to use immediately. Here's where to get one.

MRT Station Ticket Offices and Service Centres

Every MRT station in Singapore has either a SimplyGo Ticket Office or a Passenger Service Centre where you can buy an EZ-Link card. The standard price is SGD 10 (~USD 7.50), which breaks down as follows:

• SGD 5: Non-refundable card cost
• SGD 5: Stored value loaded onto the card, ready to use

Some Passenger Service Centres sell cards at SGD 12, which gives you SGD 7 of stored value instead of SGD 5 — same SGD 5 card fee either way. Payment is accepted in cash or by local debit card (NETS).

7-Eleven and Cheers Convenience Stores

Most 7-Eleven stores across Singapore stock EZ-Link cards at SGD 10 (SGD 5 card fee + SGD 5 stored value). This is a convenient option if you arrive late at night or prefer to skip the ticket office queue. Cheers stores at selected MRT stations also sell them.

At Changi Airport

If you're arriving by air, you have several options right at the airport before even reaching your hotel. The Changi Airport MRT station, located in the basement of Terminal 2, has a ticket office where you can buy a card during service hours. EZ-Link vending machines are also available at Terminals 2 and 3 near the arrival exits. Changi Recommends counters at all four terminals sell pre-loaded EZ-Link cards as well. Once you have your card, you can head straight to the Jewel Changi Airport complex for a meal or some shopping before taking the MRT into the city.

The SIM Card Combo Option

If you need a local SIM card for data, consider the Singtel hi!Tourist SIM card. Priced at around SGD 15, it bundles a prepaid SIM with an embedded EZ-Link card carrying SGD 3 of stored value. Since the SIM card itself costs roughly what a standalone data SIM would, you essentially get the EZ-Link function for free — saving the SGD 5 non-refundable card fee.

How to Top Up Your EZ-Link Card

Running out of balance mid-trip is easy to avoid — Singapore offers multiple top-up methods spread across the island. Here are the main ways to reload your card, starting with the most common.

General Ticketing Machines at MRT Stations

These are the large self-service kiosks found at every MRT station, usually near the ticket office or fare gates. The process takes about 30 seconds:

• Place your EZ-Link card on the card reader panel
• Select the top-up option on the touchscreen
• Choose your top-up amount (minimum SGD 10, in multiples of SGD 10)
• Insert cash (Singapore currency only — SGD 2, SGD 5, SGD 10, or SGD 50 notes accepted) or pay via NETS
• Wait for confirmation, then collect your card

Foreign-issued credit cards are generally not accepted at these machines. If you only have an overseas card, use the SimplyGo app or top up at a 7-Eleven instead.

SimplyGo App

The SimplyGo app (available on iOS and Android) lets you top up your EZ-Link card from your phone. Download the app, create a free account, and add your EZ-Link card by tapping it against the back of your NFC-enabled phone. Once linked, you can top up using a credit or debit card — including foreign-issued cards.

The app also lets you check your balance, view recent transactions, and set up auto top-up so you never run low. This is the most convenient option for tourists, since you can set it up before you even arrive in Singapore.

7-Eleven Stores

Walk into any 7-Eleven and hand your card to the cashier. Tell them how much you'd like to add, pay in cash, and the cashier will tap your card on their reader to load the value. Minimum top-up is typically SGD 10. Since 7-Eleven stores are open 24 hours, this is a reliable backup if you need to top up late at night.

Auto Top-Up via SimplyGo

If you prefer not to think about balance management, you can set up automatic top-ups through the SimplyGo app. Link a Visa or Mastercard, and the system will reload your card with a preset amount whenever the balance drops below a certain threshold. This feature is especially useful for longer stays or repeat visitors.

How to Use the EZ-Link Card on MRT and Buses

Using the card is straightforward — tap when you start your journey, tap again when you end it, and the fare is deducted automatically. Here's the detail for each transport mode.

Tapping In and Out at MRT Fare Gates

At any MRT station, hold your EZ-Link card against the sensor panel on the fare gate. A green light and a beep confirm you've tapped in, and the gate opens. The reader briefly displays your remaining balance. At your destination station, tap out at the exit fare gate — the system calculates the fare based on the distance between the two stations and deducts it from your card.

If your balance is below SGD 3, the entry gate won't open. Head to a top-up machine before trying again.

Tapping on Buses

When boarding a bus, tap your card on the card reader near the front door. When you reach your stop, tap again on the reader near the exit door before stepping off. If you forget to tap out, the maximum fare for that bus service is charged — so make it a habit to tap both ways.

Transfer Discounts

Singapore's public transport system uses a distance-based fare structure that rewards transfers. If you switch between a bus and MRT (or between two buses) within 45 minutes, the second leg is treated as a continuation of the same journey — you only pay the cumulative distance fare, not a separate boarding charge. This means a trip that involves one bus ride and one MRT ride often costs nearly the same as a direct MRT trip covering the same distance.

How Much Do Fares Cost?

Fares are calculated based on the total distance you travel in a single journey. Here are the approximate adult card fare ranges (effective from December 2025):

• 0–3.2 km: SGD 0.92–1.50 (~USD 0.69–1.13)
• 3.3–8.2 km: SGD 1.50–1.90 (~USD 1.13–1.43)
• 8.3–15.2 km: SGD 1.90–2.20 (~USD 1.43–1.65)
• 15.3–25.2 km: SGD 2.20–2.50 (~USD 1.65–1.88)
• Over 25.2 km: SGD 2.50–2.80 (~USD 1.88–2.10) — this is the fare cap

To put this in perspective, a ride from Changi Airport MRT to City Hall — roughly 25 km across most of the island — costs around SGD 2.20. A short hop from Bayfront to Gardens by the Bay on the Circle Line would be under SGD 1.

EZ-Link Card vs Singapore Tourist Pass vs Contactless Bank Card

Three payment options cover the full range of visitor needs. The right choice depends on your trip length, how many rides you plan to take per day, and whether you want a dedicated transport card or prefer using your own bank card. Here's how they compare side by side.

Feature	EZ-Link Card	Singapore Tourist Pass	Contactless Bank Card (SimplyGo)
Cost	SGD 10 (SGD 5 non-refundable + SGD 5 value)	SGD 17–45 depending on duration (1–5 days)	No card purchase needed
Fare type	Pay-per-ride (distance-based)	Unlimited rides on basic services	Pay-per-ride (distance-based)
Best for	Stays of 4+ days, budget tracking, retail use	Heavy transport users (5+ rides/day for 1–3 days)	Short visits, minimal hassle, no card management
Top-up required?	Yes	No (unlimited within validity)	No (charged to bank card)
Refund available?	Yes — stored value refundable at ticket offices (SGD 5 card fee not refunded)	SGD 10 deposit refundable within 6 days	N/A
Extra fees	None	None	~SGD 0.60/day admin fee for foreign cards + possible forex charges
Works on Sentosa Express?	Yes	No (add stored value separately)	Yes
Retail payments?	Yes — 500+ participating merchants	Only if stored value is added	No (transport only)

When EZ-Link Makes More Sense

If you're staying four days or longer, the EZ-Link card is the most practical option. You control exactly how much you load, there's no daily admin fee, and you can use the card at convenience stores, hawker centres, and vending machines. It also works on the Sentosa Express — a route the Tourist Pass doesn't cover. For budget-conscious travellers who want to track every dollar of transport spending separately from their credit card, the EZ-Link card keeps things clean.

When to Skip EZ-Link and Use Your Own Card

If you're visiting Singapore for just two or three days and already carry a contactless Visa, Mastercard, or AMEX, you can tap your bank card or mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) directly at fare gates. There's no card to buy, no top-up to manage, and no leftover balance to refund. The only downside is a daily admin fee of roughly SGD 0.60 for foreign-issued cards, plus any foreign exchange fees your bank charges. For a short trip, this convenience usually outweighs the small extra cost.

When the Tourist Pass Wins

The Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited travel on basic bus, MRT, and LRT services for a flat daily rate. Pass prices range from SGD 17 for one day to SGD 45 for five days. If you plan to take five or more rides per day — hopping between Chinatown Street Market, Sentosa, Little India, and back — the unlimited rides can save you money versus paying per trip. Keep in mind that the pass doesn't cover premium services like the Sentosa Express, NightRider buses, or express bus routes.

How to Check Your Balance and Get a Refund

Before leaving Singapore, it's worth checking your remaining balance and deciding whether to keep the card for a future visit or cash out. Here's how to handle both.

Checking Your Balance

There are three easy ways to check how much is left on your card:

• SimplyGo app: Open the app, tap on your registered card, and the balance appears along with your recent transactions.
• Ticketing machines: Place your card on any General Ticketing Machine or SimplyGo Kiosk at an MRT station — the balance appears on screen without starting a transaction.
• Fare gates: Every time you tap in or out at an MRT gate, the reader briefly shows your remaining balance on the small screen.

Getting a Refund Before Leaving Singapore

If you don't plan to return within five years, you can get a refund of your remaining stored value at any SimplyGo Ticket Office (found at MRT stations and bus interchanges). The process is straightforward — hand over the card, and the staff will refund the balance. For non-SimplyGo (older) EZ-Link cards, refunds are given in cash on the spot. For SimplyGo-upgraded cards, refunds may be processed to a local bank account.

The SGD 5 card fee is non-refundable regardless of method. If you have a very small balance left, it may not be worth queuing — you could use it up at a 7-Eleven or vending machine instead.

Card Validity and Expiry

Every EZ-Link card is valid for five years from the date it was issued. You can check the expiry date through the SimplyGo app or by tapping the card on a ticketing machine. If your card is nearing expiry, you can exchange it for a new one at any SimplyGo Ticket Office — a SGD 3 fee is deducted from your existing balance, and the remaining value transfers to the new card.

Tips for Using Public Transport in Singapore

Singapore's public transport network is one of the most efficient in Southeast Asia. A few practical tips will help you get the most out of your rides — and save a bit along the way.

Getting from Changi Airport to the City by MRT

The fastest budget-friendly route from Changi Airport to central Singapore is the East-West MRT Line. Board at Changi Airport station (Terminal 2 basement), and you'll reach City Hall in roughly 30 minutes for around SGD 2.20. Trains run from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight. If you arrive outside these hours, a taxi or Grab ride to the city centre costs SGD 20–40 depending on the time and surcharges.

Navigating Sentosa and Special Routes

To reach Sentosa Island, take the MRT to HarbourFront station and transfer to the Sentosa Express monorail (SGD 4 per ride, payable with EZ-Link or contactless card — but not with the Singapore Tourist Pass). Once on Sentosa, the monorail between Beach Station, Waterfront, and Imbiah is free.

If you're planning a full day across the island's major attractions, having an EZ-Link card with SGD 15–20 loaded is enough to cover the Sentosa Express plus a couple of bus and MRT rides to and from your hotel. Check out the top 20 things to do in Singapore to plan which stops are worth building your route around.

Start Planning Your Singapore Trip

Whether you pick up an EZ-Link card at the airport or simply tap your bank card at the gate, getting around Singapore is affordable and efficient. For most tourists on a trip of three days or fewer, a contactless Visa or Mastercard covers everything you need without buying a separate card. If you're staying longer or want the flexibility of paying at convenience stores and hawker centres, an EZ-Link card at SGD 10 is one of the best small investments you'll make for your trip.

Start planning your Singapore itinerary and discover curated experiences, top attractions, and local recommendations — all vetted by travel experts — on Travjoy's Singapore page.