The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) encouraged the public to use Fit notes or e-hong baos for Lunar New Year 2026 and set out banknote exchange arrangements for the festive period, including an online pre-booking process for DBS, OCBC and UOB customers starting 27 January 2026. MAS highlighted increased uptake of Fit notes, with over 16 million pieces exchanged in 2025, delivering estimated emissions savings equivalent to the annual carbon footprint from powering 280 four-room HDB flats, around 40% higher than the prior year. A MAS survey also found that two in three respondents were open to receiving Fit notes in hong baos, and more pop-up and branch ATMs dispensing Fit notes will be available across Singapore in 2026. For DBS, OCBC and UOB, customers (except those aged 60 and above or persons with disabilities) must pre-book online via official bank websites or mobile banking apps to exchange Fit or new notes at branches, while customers of other banks are directed to their banks’ websites; MAS also warned that banks will not send SMS messages with clickable links to reduce phishing risks. Pre-booking starts from 27 January 2026, with collection of pre-booked notes and note exchange at DBS, OCBC and UOB branches, and exchange at selected pop-up and branch ATMs, running from 3 February 2026.

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