Singapore, 19 January 2026… The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) strongly encourages the public to choose Fit notesFit notes are used currency notes that are similar in quality to those from ATMs and may have fold lines or minor stains. or e-hong baos for a greener Lunar New Year (LNY). Online pre-booking of notes for DBS, OCBC and UOB customers will start from 27 January 2026.

2 More Singaporeans are opting for greener ways to celebrate LNY. In 2025, over 16 million pieces of Fit notes were exchanged at the banks, enabling emissions savings equivalent to the annual carbon footprint from powering 280 four-room HDB flats. This is an increase of about 40% from the previous year. 

3 A survey conducted by MAS last yearThe survey was conducted in July 2025 with 1,853 Chinese Singaporean and Permanent Residents aged 15 and above to understand attitudes, behaviours and values towards LNY festive gifting. also found that 2 in 3 people were open to receiving Fit notes in their hong baos. They shared that the condition of the notes did not matter and that Fit notes were as meaningful as new notes. To start your sustainable gifting journey, please visit www.go.gov.sg/usefitnotes for more information on Fit notes.

4 There will be more pop-up and branch ATMsNew notes are also available for withdrawal at selected pop-up and branch ATMs of these banks. dispensing Fit notes in various locations across Singapore this year, making it more convenient to obtain Fit notes. 

5 Customers of DBS, OCBC and UOB (except those aged 60 and above, or persons with disabilities) who wish to exchange Fit or new notes at the bank branches need to make an online pre-booking through the banks' official websites or mobile banking applications. Customers of all other banks may refer to the respective banks' websites for details on Fit and new notes exchange. To protect customers from phishing scams, banks will not send any SMS messages with clickable links. More information can be found in the Annex.

6 The schedule for the pre-booking and exchange of Fit and new notes at DBS, OCBC and UOB is as follows:

7 Besides Fit notes, members of public can also send e-hong baos to convey LNY greetings and blessings in a convenient and sustainable way. As the trend of digital gifting continues to grow, banks have improved their e-hong bao offerings with more features, including the greater personalisation of LNY greetings. 

8 Ms Cindy Mok, Assistant Managing Director (Finance, Risk & Currency), MAS, said, " The 40% increase in Fit notes exchanged last year is a very encouraging development that reflects the public’s growing acceptance towards sustainable gifting. This Lunar New Year, we hope that more Singaporeans will choose Fit notes or e-hong baos. Together, we can contribute to a greener future, while keeping our cherished traditions alive."

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Annex Notes Exchange at Banks for Lunar New Year 2026 (200 KB)