Cash rebates, shopping vouchers, retail perks: Helping S’poreans save on daily essentials 

On Sept 1, Citi and SMRT announced an extension of their partnership to celebrate the start of their 20th year of co-operation. The event took place at Ang Mo Kio MRT station, part of the inaugural line where Singapore’s MRT system began in 1987.

Mr Ngien Hoon Ping, Group Chief Executive Officer, SMRT Corporation said: “Our partnership with Citi began 20 years ago with a shared vision – to transform how people experience their daily commute. We wanted travel on our public transport system to be more than just moving from point A to point B, but part of a vibrant lifestyle.

“Together, SMRT and Citi introduced a unique credit card that enables seamless rides, via the MRT and buses, from home to anywhere – whether for work or social activities – while also enabling fuss-free online shopping, right from the comfort of home. Over the years, while the way Singaporeans commute and shop has transformed, SMRT’s mission of ‘Moving People, Enhancing Lifestyle’ remains ever relevant.”

Ms Yeo Wenxian, Chief Executive Officer of Citibank Singapore, added: “This partnership is driven by Citi’s strong commitment to Singapore, to bring value to commuters and cardholders here in their daily life. The Citi SMRT Card serves as an accessible and beneficial entry point for customers to embark on their Citi financial journey and grow their relationship with us for the long term”.

With consumers’ needs evolving through the years, both Citi and SMRT have also had to keep pace with changing needs.

For SMRT, the continuous expansion of its transport network directly addresses the growing demand for efficient and accessible public transportation. From the single North-South Line, which stretched from Yio Chu Kang to Toa Payoh, SMRT’s network has grown to five lines today, including the East-West Line, Circle Line, Thomson-East Coast Line and Bukit Panjang LRT.

Technology has also advanced, with digital payments the default for commuters on public transport. Where previously, single-trip tickets were the norm, commuters today tap and go with credit cards and mobile wallets.

Over the past 20 years, Singapore has seen a steady rise in public transport commuters using credit cards – including Citi Credit Cards – as a convenient alternative to stored-value cards. This trend reflects how Singaporeans are embracing digital payment options that deliver both speed and reward.

But consumers are using digital payments not just for transport. Daily essentials, lifestyle purchases and even meals are just a tap away.

Based on digital wallet payments on the

Citi SMRT Card

alone, there has been a seven-fold increase from 2019 to 2024, according to statistics shared by Citi.

With more Singaporeans turning to food delivery and spending more on online shopping and grocery shopping during the pandemic, Citi pivoted to continue engaging its cardmembers. To this end, the Citi SMRT Card was enhanced with five per cent savings on groceries and online shopping in May 2021, in addition to transport.

The move resonated with cardmembers, with Citi reporting an average of 60 per cent more transactions in these expanded spend categories post-launch. It has also played a crucial role in accelerating the growth of card and digital payments for transport, demonstrating the card’s relevance and appeal.

Over the years, SMRT, too, has made the commuter experience more holistic. Stellar Lifestyle, a business arm of SMRT, transformed station environments to provide convenience while also catering to diverse needs of commuters in Singapore.

These initiatives include the integration of co-working spaces and

lifestyle hubs

, while also enhancing retail offerings in the stations. Within Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, commuters will find Staytion, Southeast Asia’s largest network of diverse spaces for work and leisure. There, one can also stop by mid-commute for medical checkups and a workout. Over at Orchard MRT station, Timezone arcade operates its largest and flagship store. 

Guided by its vision of “Moving People, Enhancing Lifestyles”, SMRT is also expanding its retail mix to enhance the convenience of commuters with specially curated deals from SMRT retailers, using their Citi SMRT Card.

Moving with the times

At the Sept 1 celebration, the signing of a memorandum of understanding was witnessed by both Ms Yeo and Mr Ngien. This marked their commitment to strengthening the partnership and continuously refining their offerings to better serve Singaporeans.

Mr Tony Heng, President of Stellar Lifestyle, said, “This long-standing partnership reflects our shared commitment with Citi to deliver more than just seamless commutes. It is about creating value for commuters, supporting our retail partners, and strengthening the communities around our stations. Together, we have integrated everyday convenience with meaningful rewards, enriching the journeys of millions. As we look ahead, Stellar Lifestyle will continue to reimagine our spaces to meet the evolving needs of Singaporeans and the communities we serve.”

Mr Sanjay Nambiar, Head of International Cards and Unsecured Lending at Citi Wealth, added: “This is one of our longest co-brand partnerships, and we are grateful to find a like-minded partner such as SMRT with similar values and shared commitment to commuters and cardmembers. The card has evolved from a simple transport card into a comprehensive lifestyle companion, and we look forward to enhancing the card’s benefits in its 20th year and beyond.”

According to Citi Credit Card data, spend in Malaysia has grown by an average of 30 per cent year-on-year over the past two years. 

As such, the partnership is now extending the 5 per cent savings on the Citi SMRT Card to Malaysian Ringgit spending, making cardmembers’ cross-border shopping trips across the Causeway even more fruitful. This will be available from Sept 1, 2025 until Feb 28, 2026. 

Rewards and perks galore for consumers

From now till Jan 15, 2026, new customers who sign up for the Citi SMRT Card get to enjoy upsized $400 cash back*. As part of the celebration of Citi and SMRT’s ongoing partnership, Citi SMRT cardmembers also enjoy

special 20-cents weekly treats that will run from Sept 19 for four weeks

.

There will also be a mobile game called

Rush Hour Run - Presented by Citi SMRT Card

, which will be launched on Sept 4. Playable multiple times, users have one minute to collect as many icons to reach 100 points. Prizes include $20 vouchers from Lazada and online promo codes from Zalora, Ryan’s Grocery and more, redeemable with any Citi Credit Card.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Discover more and sign up for the Citi SMRT Card to enjoy upsized $400 cash back.