At a glance: best method by situation
- Recurring bills (utilities, telecom, insurance): GIRO / eGIRO for automated, on-time deductions. Many billers also support recurring credit/debit card via their apps.
- One-off bank-to-bank payments: FAST transfer or PayNow (often instant, typically fee-free from banks).
- Taxes (e.g., Individual Income Tax): GIRO monthly instalments or PayNow / digital options listed by IRAS.
- In-person or self-service kiosk: AXS Stations island-wide, plus AXS e-Station and m-Station (online/app).
- Post office & SingPost channels: SAM web/mobile or selected post offices for supported billers.
Main payment methods
GIRO & eGIRO (automatic bank deduction)
What it is: A direct-debit arrangement where your bank pays approved billers automatically on the due date. eGIRO allows digital setup with near-instant approval via participating banks and agencies.
Best for: Recurring bills (utilities, telco, insurance) and government payments (including income tax) where you prefer “set and forget.”
Speed & timing: Deductions occur on the biller’s scheduled date (for example, IRAS GIRO deductions occur monthly on the 6th for instalments).
Fees: Banks and billers typically do not charge consumers for GIRO setup or deductions. Always refer to your bank’s fees & charges page and the biller’s payment page to confirm.
FAST (Fast And Secure Transfers) bank transfer
What it is: An electronic funds transfer rail used by Singapore banks to move SGD almost instantly between participating institutions, with a high per-transaction limit (commonly up to S$200,000 per transaction at major banks).
Best for: One-off payments to billers that provide a bank account number or for settling invoices quickly.
Speed: Typically near-instant 24/7. Settlement appears in the receiving account immediately; bill posting at the biller may still take time.
Fees: Consumer FAST transfers are commonly free at major banks. Check your bank’s tariff guide for the latest policy.
PayNow (including SGQR)
What it is: A real-time transfer service linked to FAST that lets you pay via mobile/NRIC/UEN or by scanning a SGQR/PayNow QR code provided by the biller.
Best for: One-off bill payments where the organisation provides a PayNow UEN/QR, donations, and refunds/payments from government agencies.
Speed: Near-instant 24/7. As with FAST, bill posting by the organisation can vary.
Limits & fees: Daily limits are set by your bank and adjustable in your banking app. Consumer PayNow transfers are generally fee-free; confirm with your bank.
AXS Stations, e-Station & m-Station
What it is: A nationwide payment network supporting 800+ services (utilities, telco, fines, town councils, memberships, and more) via physical kiosks, web, and mobile app. Payment modes include ATM/debit cards, selected credit cards, and PayNow QR.
Speed: AXS states payments typically reach organisations within 1–3 working days (posting times vary by biller).
Limits & special notes: Channel-specific limits may apply (e.g., kiosk limits for PayNow/ATM card). Some categories may carry service fees—AXS lists MCST (condo/building) payments with a small service fee on e-Station; it also offers an optional cryptocurrency payment mode that carries a 2% service fee and is not available for credit card/loan bills.
SingPost SAM (web & mobile) and Post Offices
What it is: SingPost’s digital channels (SAM web and mobile) and selected post offices accept a range of bill payments, including government-related bills for supported agencies.
Speed: Posting depends on the biller and channel; online methods are typically processed promptly.
Fees: Most supported bill payments are offered without additional consumer fees; check the SAM support pages for any category-specific charges or changes.
Biller apps & portals (e.g., SP Utilities)
What it is: Many billers provide official apps and portals for viewing e-bills and paying via saved cards, PayNow, or GIRO. For utilities, the SP app and Utilities Portal support convenient one-off and recurring payments.
Speed: Immediate confirmation in the app; settlement to the biller is handled internally.
Fees: Typically none for standard methods. Some card payments may not earn bank rewards depending on your card’s terms—refer to your card issuer.
Typical fees & limits (consumer accounts)
Important: Limits and fees are set by banks and billers and may change. Always check the official page for your specific bank and biller.
Practical tips to pay smoothly
- Use the reference number exactly as shown on the bill (account number, invoice number, or UEN) to ensure correct posting.
- Allow processing time when using kiosks or third-party channels (AXS/SAM). For urgent deadlines, consider FAST/PayNow directly to the biller’s UEN if available.
- Automate recurring bills with GIRO or a biller app’s recurring card payment to avoid late fees.
- Set notification alerts in your banking app and biller app to track due dates and successful deductions.
- Keep limits updated in your bank app (PayNow/transfer limits) before large one-off payments.
- Use official channels—scan only trusted SGQR/PayNow codes and confirm the biller name before paying.
FAQ
Are FAST and PayNow payments free?
For personal banking, major banks commonly offer FAST and PayNow transfers without fees. Always confirm with your bank’s latest tariff.
What’s the fastest method close to a deadline?
PayNow to a biller’s UEN or a FAST bank transfer is typically near-instant. Posting at the biller can still take time, so pay a little early where possible.
Can I split a big bill into instalments?
For certain bills—such as individual income tax—GIRO monthly instalments are supported. Check your biller’s payment page for eligibility and schedules.
Official references
- Monetary Authority ecosystem overview via Singapore Payments Network (schemes: GIRO, FAST, PayNow, SGQR): singaporepaymentsnetwork.com.sg
- DBS: FAST transfers overview & per-transaction limit example (up to S$200,000): dbs.com.sg > Local Transfers (FAST)
- IRAS: Payment methods and GIRO for Individual Income Tax: iras.gov.sg > Payments and iras.gov.sg > GIRO (Individual Income Tax)
- AXS: Bill payments (channels, timings, limits) and fees: AXS Station bill payments, AXS e-Station FAQ (MCST fee), and AXS Bills Payment (cryptocurrency) fees
- SP Group / SP Utilities: Paying utilities via SP app & Utilities Portal: spdigital.sg > Bill Payment and SP Services Portal
- SingPost SAM: Pay with SAM (web/mobile) and government bills: singpost.com > Pay With SAM, singpost.com > Government Bills
Reminder: For payments that affect essential services or legal deadlines, always double-check limits, fees, and due dates on the official bank or biller website before paying.
