What Is the EZ-Link Card?
The EZ-Link card is Singapore's contactless stored-value transit card, issued by EZ-Link Pte Ltd under the CEPAS standard. It's the default payment method for all MRT, LRT and bus journeys across the island. The card uses RFID technology — you tap on a card reader when boarding and tap off when exiting, with the fare automatically deducted.
Beyond transit, the EZ-Link card is accepted at many retail outlets, fast food restaurants, supermarkets and even some taxis. It has expanded significantly as a general micropayment tool in Singapore, though for transit use it remains the single most important card to carry.
Getting Your EZ-Link Card
EZ-Link cards are sold at every MRT station's General Ticketing Machine (GTM). You'll pay $10 total: a $5 non-refundable administrative fee and $5 stored value that's immediately available for use. Cards are also sold at 7-Eleven stores, Cheers outlets and AXS machines.
Airport pick-up: If you're arriving at Changi Airport, EZ-Link cards are available at all three MRT customer service offices in the airport, as well as at the two 7-Eleven branches in the arrival halls of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
Topping Up
You can top up your EZ-Link card using:
- GTMs at MRT stations — cash or NETS debit card, minimum top-up $10
- AXS machines — bank card accepted, available 24/7 at many MRT stations, shopping centres and community centres
- 7-Eleven and Cheers stores — cash, minimum $10
- EZ-Link mobile app — requires an NFC-enabled Android device; links to a bank card for automatic or manual top-up
- SimplyGo portal — register your card for online top-up and transaction history
Your card balance must not fall below $0.00 at fare deduction. If the balance is insufficient, the gate will reject the tap and you'll need to top up before proceeding. Keep at least $3 stored value as a safety buffer for longer journeys.
How Fares Are Calculated
Fares on both MRT and buses are distance-based. The exact fare is computed from the boarding and alighting points, with different rates per kilometre for different ticket types. The card automatically applies the cheapest eligible fare based on your registered profile.
If you have a concession card (student, senior or persons with disabilities), the EZ-Link system applies concession rates automatically at every tap. There's no need to show a card — the fare reader handles it.
Transfer Rebates
The integrated fare system means you're rewarded for combining MRT and bus travel within a 45-minute transfer window. When you transfer from an MRT to a bus (or vice versa, or bus to bus) within this window, the system treats the whole trip as one continuous journey and applies a rebate of up to $0.22 per transfer.
This rebate is especially valuable for commuters who take a feeder bus to the MRT every morning. Without the rebate, a $0.90 bus plus a $1.40 MRT ride would cost $2.30. With the rebate, the actual deduction is typically $1.80–$2.00.
Tourist Options: Day Pass vs Standard EZ-Link
| Card Type | Cost | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard EZ-Link | $10 ($5 deposit + $5 value) | All MRT, LRT, buses | Stays of 3+ days, any pace |
| Singapore Tourist Pass — 1 Day | $22 ($10 deposit + $12) | Unlimited MRT, LRT, buses | Intensive single-day sightseeing |
| Singapore Tourist Pass — 2 Days | $29 ($10 deposit + $19) | Unlimited MRT, LRT, buses | Weekend visitor covering multiple districts |
| Singapore Tourist Pass — 3 Days | $34 ($10 deposit + $24) | Unlimited MRT, LRT, buses | 3-day itinerary with 5+ journeys daily |
Break-even point: the Tourist Pass 1-day ($12 travel cost) makes sense if you plan more than 6–7 separate trips in a day. For a typical tourist making 4–5 rides, the standard EZ-Link card and paying per journey is cheaper.
Refunding and Returning Your Card
When you leave Singapore, you can refund your EZ-Link card at any TransitLink Ticket Office located inside major MRT stations. You'll receive the remaining stored value minus a $0.30 administrative fee. The $5 card deposit is not refunded. Refunds are paid in cash.
What to Do If Your Card Isn't Working
- Insufficient balance — top up before your next trip, minimum $10 per top-up transaction
- Card damaged or demagnetised — bring it to a TransitLink Ticket Office for assessment and possible replacement
- Blocked card — this occurs if a trip isn't properly closed; visit customer service to restore normal function
- Lost or stolen — report immediately via the EZ-Link app or hotline 1800 2255 663. If registered on SimplyGo, remaining balance may be retrievable
EZ-Link vs NETS FlashPay
Both cards work on Singapore public transport. The key difference: EZ-Link is issued by EZ-Link Pte Ltd and the card is the most widely issued. NETS FlashPay is issued by NETS and is more common among older residents who use it for supermarket and hawker centre payments. For transport purposes, they're functionally identical — pick whichever is easier to top up given your banking setup.