Need crisp new bank notes in Singapore for Chinese New Year? Here are all the details you need to know about making an appointment and how to exchange your notes.
The festive season means everyone is scrambling to get their new bank notes in Singapore. To the newlyweds, parents, and anyone planning to gift red packets this year, be sure to bookmark this page! To prepare for the Chinese New Year angbao gifting, we’ve gathered a list of everything you need to know, including important dates, how to book your appointments, and where you can draw your cash. We’ve even got a handy guide to angbao rates and etiquette!
New bank notes in Singapore: Everything you need to know
How to pre-book your bank notes
From 27 January 2026, you can collect new notes in Singapore for the upcoming Chinese New Year. Each bank has limited slots for pre-booking, and you can collect your pre-booked notes from the branches from 3 February. To prevent phishing scams, banks will not send any SMS messages with clickable links.
To start pre-booking, you can either access your bank’s website or mobile banking app and use the special pre-booking page. From there, you can select the denominations and desired quantities, and select your preferred bank branch to pick up your notes.
DBS, OCBC, and UOB customers aged 60 and above, and those with disabilities can walk in to exchange their old notes for new ones without needing to pre-book a slot online. However, it’s highly encouraged to do so to avoid overcrowding at the bank branches.
New notes in Singapore: Which banks offer pre-booking
1. DBS
When:
Window 1: Reservation starts 27 January 2026, 12am; collect from 3 to 6 February 2026
Window 2: Reservation starts 2 February 2026, 12am; collect from 9 to 13 February 2026
Information needed:
- NRIC, passport number, or Malaysian NRIC
- Last four digits of your DBS/POSB ATM, Debit, or Credit Card number (credit cards must be linked to your Savings or Current Account)
- Card PIN (For Wealth clients only)
Customers who did not manage to make a reservation can withdraw new notes from designated ATMs.
Where: DBS, DBS/POSB branches, and DBS Treasures centres
2. Standard Chartered
When: Reservation starts 27 January 2026, 12am until 9 February or till fully reserved; collect from 3 to 15 February 2026
Information needed:
- NRIC or identification documents
- Reservation number (indicated in the confirmation email or SMS)
Where: Standard Chartered, any Standard Chartered branch
3. UOB
When:
Window 1: Reservation starts 27 January 2026; collect from 3 to 9 February 2026
Window 2: Reservation starts 3 February 2026; collect from 10 to 14 February 2026
Information needed:
- NRIC or passport for verification
UOB customers who didn’t manage to make a reservation can withdraw new and fit-for-gifting notes at designated ATMs.
Where: UOB, any UOB branch
4. Maybank
When:
Window 1: Reservation starts 27 January 2026, 9am to 2 February 2026; collect from 3 to 14 February 2026
Window 2: Reservation starts 3 February 2026, collection dates to be confirmed
Walk-in exchanges for new notes begin 3 February 2026, available at all branches except MSpace@Maybank Orchard.
Information needed:
- Identification documents
- A copy of your email confirmation
- A signed letter of authorisation (only if you cannot visit the branch personally)
Where: Maybank, any Maybank branch
5. CIMB
Information yet to be released
Where: CIMB, any CIMB branch
6. OCBC
Information yet to be released
Where: OCBC, any OCBC branch
New notes in Singapore: Which banks offer walk-in exchanges
While other banks in Singapore don’t offer pre-booked slots, you can still walk in to get fit-for-gifting or new notes. These banks include:
- Bangkok Bank
- Bank of America
- Bank of China
- Bank of India
- BNP Paribas
- Citibank Singapore
- Deutsche Bank
- HL Bank
- HSBC
- Indian Bank
- Indian Overseas Bank
- Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
- KEB Hana Bank
- P.T. Bank Negara Indonesia
- RHB Bank
- State Bank of India
- The Bank of East Asia
- UCO Bank
New bank notes in Singapore are in high demand for Chinese New Year, so remember to set your reminders and pre-book your slots as soon as you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people get new notes for angbaos?
Following the “out with the old, in with the new” superstition, it’s common for families in Singapore to get new bank notes in Singapore as a symbol of fresh beginnings, good luck, and prosperity for the coming year.
The uncreased bills signify a clean start to the year, while old and damaged notes may be seen as less auspicious.
What is the difference between fit notes and new notes?
In Singapore, there are two different types of notes you can get for your Chinese New Year red packets.
The fit notes are known as fit-for-gifting. They’re old bank notes which have been cleaned and are deemed suitable for recirculation and festive gifting.
New notes are new and are not yet in circulation.
There’s little difference between the fit and new notes, so you’re welcome to use either for your red packets.
How many new notes can I exchange?
The amount of notes you can exchange are dependent on each bank, which typically sets a totally monetary limit and a limit on the type of denominations you can withdraw.
What denominations of new notes are available?
Denominations typically come in the form of $2, $5, $10, and $50 bills.
What amount and denominations should I withdraw?
The amount you withdraw depends on how many people you anticipate offering angbaos to.
It’s recommended to claim the maximum number of $2 notes you can, as any angbao amount ending with eight is considered good luck.
Can I put coins in the angbao?
You can technically put coins into the angbao for gifting, but it’s generally avoided as paper notes are preferred.
Is there a fee for exchange new bank notes?
There is no fee to exchange the bank notes. Fees may apply if you plan on withdrawing a large amount, or if you’re trying to exchange bank notes at a bank where you don’t have an account.
Why are new notes so limited in quantity?
New notes are limited due to the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s push into sustainability. It’s meant to limit waste and carbon emissions from printing and destroying excess notes.
Can someone collect the notes on my behalf?
In most cases, you must go to the brand in person to collect the notes yourself. Some banks may allow you to nominate someone to claim them in your place, and require a letter of authorisation.
