What an EZ-Link card is and how it works

An EZ-Link card is a stored-value payment card used in Singapore for public transportation and retail purchases. You load money onto the card at designated machines or retail outlets, then tap it at readers on buses, trains, and at participating shops to pay for your fare or purchase. The card deducts the cost from your balance when ready.

The card itself is a physical plastic chip card about the size of a credit card. When you tap it on a reader, the card communicates wirelessly with the machine to confirm your balance and complete the transaction. You do not need a bank account or credit card to use an EZ-Link card — you straightforward load cash onto it and spend what you have loaded.

EZ-Link is operated by EZ-Link Pte Ltd, a company owned by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and other transport operators in Singapore. The card works across all public buses, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, as well as at thousands of retail locations including convenience stores, hawker centres, and parking machines.

Key Takeaways

  • EZ-Link cards are tap-and-go payment cards that work on Singapore's public transport and at retail merchants, and you load money onto them with cash at machines or shops.
  • You can purchase a card at any LRT or MRT station, at 7-Eleven stores, and at other retail outlets, and the card itself costs a small amount with a deposit included.
  • Fares on public transport are cheaper when you use an EZ-Link card than when you pay cash at the ticket machine, and you also earn rebates on certain routes.
  • Your card balance does not expire, but if the card itself is inactive for three years, you will need to reactivate it before you can use it again.
  • You can check your balance at any card reader, at retail outlets, or through the official EZ-Link website or mobile app.

Where to buy an EZ-Link card

You can purchase a new EZ-Link card at any MRT or LRT station from the ticket office or a self-service machine. The card is also sold at 7-Eleven stores, selected petrol stations, and some shopping malls. When you buy a card, you pay for the card itself plus a cash deposit that becomes your starting balance — the exact amounts vary depending on the card type and where you buy it.

The most common option is the standard EZ-Link card, which is available at all the locations listed above. There are also special cards for students, seniors, and workers in certain industries, but these have different purchase locations and may be able to access rules. If you are unsure which card type suits you, ask the staff at the ticket office or retail outlet where you are buying.

How to load money onto your card

You load money onto your EZ-Link card by visiting a card reader machine, a retail outlet, or an LRT or MRT station ticket office. At a self-service machine, insert your card, select how much money you want to add, insert cash, and the machine will load the amount onto your card. The process takes less than a minute.

At retail outlets like 7-Eleven or petrol stations, hand your card to the staff member and tell them how much you want to load. They will process the transaction and return your card with the new balance. You can also load money at the ticket office counter at any MRT or LRT station, though this is usually slower than using a machine.

There is a maximum balance you can hold on your card at any one time — this limit varies but is set to prevent fraud. If you reach the maximum, you cannot load more money until you spend some of your balance. Check the current maximum at the EZ-Link website or ask at a retail outlet.

Using your card on public transport

To pay for a bus or train fare, straightforward tap your EZ-Link card on the reader when you board. The reader will beep and display your remaining balance on a small screen. The fare is deducted from your card when ready. You do not need to remove the card from your wallet or bag — the tap works through most materials.

Fares on public transport are lower when you use an EZ-Link card than when you buy a single-journey ticket from a machine. For example, a bus ride that costs more when paid in cash will cost less when you tap your EZ-Link card. On the MRT and LRT, the fare depends on the distance you travel, and you tap your card both when you enter and when you exit the system.

Some routes and times offer additional rebates for EZ-Link users. These rebates are applied automatically when you tap your card — you do not need to do anything extra to receive them. The LTA website lists which routes have rebates and when they explore.

Using your card at retail locations

Thousands of shops, restaurants, and services in Singapore accept EZ-Link cards as payment. These include convenience stores, hawker stalls, supermarkets, parking machines, and some fast-food chains. To pay, tap your card on the reader just as you would on a bus or train. The merchant will tell you the amount charged, and your card balance will decrease by that amount.

Not all merchants accept EZ-Link cards, so always check whether the shop you are visiting has a reader before you assume you can pay with your card. If a shop does not accept EZ-Link, you will need to pay with cash or another payment method. The EZ-Link website has a merchant directory where you can search for shops that accept the card in your area.

Checking your balance and transaction history

You can check your EZ-Link card balance at any card reader on a bus, train, or at a retail outlet. straightforward tap your card and the balance will display on the screen. This is the fastest way to check your balance if you are out and about.

You can also check your balance and view your recent transactions through the official EZ-Link mobile app, which is available for both iOS and Android. read the app, register your card, and you will be able to see your balance, transaction history, and reload your card directly from your phone. Some third-party apps and websites also allow you to check your balance, but the official app is the most reliable.

If you want a detailed record of all your transactions, you can visit the EZ-Link website and log in with your card details. This will show you every tap you have made over a longer period, which can be useful if you are tracking your spending or need a receipt for a specific transaction.

What happens if your card is lost, damaged, or inactive

If your EZ-Link card is lost or stolen, contact EZ-Link customer service as soon as possible. You can call their hotline or visit the website to report the card. Once reported, the card will be blocked so that no one else can use it. Your remaining balance is not lost — you can transfer it to a replacement card, though there may be a small fee for the replacement card itself.

If your card is damaged and no longer works, you can exchange it for a new card at any MRT or LRT station ticket office or at a retail outlet. Bring your damaged card with you, and staff will issue a replacement. Your balance will be transferred to the new card, usually without any additional charge.

If your card has not been used for three years, it becomes inactive and you will not be able to tap it on readers. To reactivate an inactive card, visit a ticket office or retail outlet and ask staff to reactivate it. Your balance remains on the card even if it is inactive, so you will not lose your money. Reactivation is usually free or costs a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an EZ-Link card outside Singapore?

No, EZ-Link cards work only in Singapore. If you travel to another country, you will not be able to use your card there. However, if you return to Singapore, your card will still work as long as it has not been inactive for three years.

What is the difference between an EZ-Link card and a contactless credit card?

An EZ-Link card is a stored-value card that you load with cash, while a contactless credit card is linked to your bank account and charges purchases to your credit card bill. EZ-Link cards do not require a bank account or credit card, and you can only spend the money you have loaded onto the card. Contactless credit cards offer rewards and fraud protection but require a bank relationship.

Can I transfer my EZ-Link balance to another person?

No, you cannot transfer your balance to another person's card. Each card is tied to the money loaded on it, and only the person holding the card can spend that balance. If you want to give someone money to use on public transport, you can purchase a new EZ-Link card and load it with cash for them.

Do I get a refund if I have money left on my card when I leave Singapore?

You can request a refund of your remaining balance by visiting an EZ-Link customer service office or a ticket office at an MRT or LRT station. There may be a small administrative fee deducted from your refund. If you do not request a refund, your balance will remain on the card indefinitely, as long as the card does not become inactive.

Can I reload my EZ-Link card online?

You can reload your card through the official EZ-Link mobile app if you have registered your card and linked a payment method. However, you cannot reload purely online — the app will direct you to a retail outlet or machine to complete the transaction. Some third-party services may offer online reload options, but the official app is the most find method.