New ATM Cards Can Now Be Used For MRT & Bus Rides, No Top-Up Required

NETS Tap & SimplyGo

Perhaps one of the more embarrassing things that can happen during public transit is for you to stall a queue at the gantry because your card lacks value.

In case you hadn’t noticed, local banks are now issuing NETS contactless ATM cards. These new ATM cards can be used, not only for retail spending, but also for MRT and bus fares.

Simply tap your ATM card at the MRT gantry or bus card reader and the fares will be deducted directly from your bank account.

This means (1) no more worrying about loud, red beeps at the gantry and (2) doing away with the trouble of regularly topping up your card.

ATM cards with NETS contactless icon
Image courtesy of NETS

The NETS contactless ATM cards can be obtained from DBS/POSB, UOB and OCBC.

No set-up required for ATM cards with NETS logo

The ATM cards can be used for rides as soon as you receive it — no set-up required. You should see the message “BANK CARD USAGE” on the gantry screen whenever tapping in or out. Fare or card balance will not be displayed.

Swapping your usual transit card for an ATM one also means you’ll have one less card in your wallet that may result in the ever-annoying, ever-embarrassing ‘card clash’ i.e. when 2 or contactless cards get scanned together.

What’s more, card clashes sometimes result in multiple deductions.

Track fare history with SimplyGo app

If you’re worried about the correct fare being deducted, you may register your card with the SimplyGo mobile app.

The app will allow you to view your recent travel and fare history, which will be useful for expense-tracking — a terrific tool if saving money is part of your 2020 resolution.

You can also choose to turn on the push notifications on your mobile devices to receive alerts on fare charges each time you tap in or out.

For more information about the app, visit here.

Source

In case you notice a discrepancy in your billing history, you can submit a claim on the SimplyGo app via “My Claims”. Claims must be filed within 60 days of the transaction.

Rebate campaign from 1 Feb 2020

From 1 Feb 2020, NETS will be launching a rebate campaign for using NETS Tap for MRT and bus rides. Follow NETS on their Facebook / Instagram for more information on the up-coming campaign.

If you’re still holding on to an old ATM card, spare a few minutes to get a new one with the NETS contactless feature at any local bank branch. It will save you a lot of time later on.

For more information on NETS Contactless ATM Cards, visit here.

This post is brought to you in collaboration with NETS.

Featured image adapted from LTA.