Payment methods in Singapore

Device-based mobile wallets are highly adopted in Singapore's cashless society. Apple Pay is linked to Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX cards from local banks, while Samsung Pay also supports the NETS debit network — making it particularly relevant for local card payments at compatible terminals.

NETS (Network for Electronic Transfers) is Singapore's domestic debit payment network, responsible for the 48% local card scheme share. NETS-linked debit cards are issued by DBS, OCBC, UOB, and other local banks. NETS supports point-of-sale and e-commerce payments through its QR and card infrastructure.

Singapore's BNPL segment is led by Atome and Hoolah (now part of ShopBack Pay), enabling shoppers to split purchases into three interest-free monthly payments. BNPL adoption has grown rapidly in Singapore's fashion, electronics, and lifestyle sectors, with wide merchant acceptance and integration into major e-commerce platforms.

DBS PayLah! is Singapore's most popular bank-owned e-wallet, operated by DBS Bank. It supports QR code payments, bank transfers, bill payments, and merchant checkout. It is deeply embedded in Singapore's daily payment culture and is particularly popular for hawker centre, retail, and online purchases.

GrabPay is Singapore's leading super-app wallet, integrated into the Grab platform used by millions for ride-hailing, food delivery, and financial services. 77% of Grab transactions use GrabPay, and it is widely accepted by online and offline merchants. GrabPay supports QR code payments, in-app checkout, and linked card transactions, with a loyalty reward system (GrabRewards) that incentivises use. Flow: User confirms in Grab app or via web redirect, funds are deducted from wallet or linked source, confirmation returned instantly.

PayNow is Singapore's interbank real-time payment system operated by the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS). It enables fund transfers and payments using a mobile number, NRIC/FIN, or UEN (business ID), with 80% of Singapore residents and businesses registered by 2024. PayNow transaction volume reached SGD 5 billion in 2023 and is increasingly used for e-commerce checkout.