BigPay Singapore review - how does it compare to other SG multi-currency wallets?

Hannes Ausmees

BigPay Singapore¹ is a free ewallet which lets you view and manage your money, and spend or withdraw with a linked card at home and abroad. You’ll also be able to send payments to a select range of countries for a flat fee. If you’re not sure whether BigPay is a fit for you, you’re in the right place.

Read on for our full BigPay review, plus some quick comparisons including BigPay vs Wise and other multi-currency accounts, so you can check out the competition as well. We’ll dive into how to use BigPay, how to top up BigPay - and more. Let’s get started.

BigPay vs Wise vs other Multi-Currency Accounts in Singapore

BigPay isn’t the only option if you want an online account and card for spending and withdrawals here or overseas. Let’s compare BigPay vs a few other providers, to give a quick guide to what you can expect from other options if BigPay isn’t right for you.

BigPayWise*YouTrip²Revolut⁴
Monthly feeNo feeNo feeNo feeStandard accounts are free, or upgrade for up to 19.99 SGD/month
Available currenciesHold MYR only, spend wherever the Visa/Mastercard network is acceptedHold 50+ currencies, spend in 170+ countriesExchange 10 currencies in the app, spend in 150 currencies with the cardHold 27+ currencies, spend globally with the card
Card optionsPhysical and virtualPhysical and virtualPhysicalPhysical and virtual
Foreign transaction feesUp to 1% + network chargesFree to spend currencies you hold Currency conversion uses mid-market exchange rate, + low fees starting from 0.41%Free to spend currencies you hold If you don’t hold the currency you need, the YouTrip exchange rate applies, which may include a markup³Free to spend currencies you hold Convert currencies fee free up to your plan limits - 0.5% fair usage fee above limits⁵ Out of hours and exotic currency fees apply
ATM feesLocal withdrawals are free 1 free international withdrawal/month, then a 2% fee is appliedNo fee for 2 withdrawals up to 350 SGD/month 1.5 SGD + 1.75% after that5 SGDFree withdrawals up to plan limit - 2% fee above limits⁶
Send money to40+ countries80+ countriesNot availableBroad range of countries and currencies
Transfer feeFlat fee by currency - 0 MYR to 6 MYRLow, transparent fee, which varies by currencyNot available0.3% - 2% depending on the currency
Business account optionsNot availableAvailableAvailableAvailable
Other featuresEarn AirAsia points on spendingGet local account details to get paid fee free from 30+ countriesCo-branded with EZ LinkGet a good range of account features, plus accounts for children under 18 and budgeting tools

*Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing: Only Pay for What You Use for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.

Learn more here about the best multi-currency accounts in Singapore, including foreign currency accounts offered by banks.

What is BigPay?

BigPay is a Malaysian fintech company which was set up by entrepreneur and AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes. BigPay offers account and card services, including ATM withdrawals and international bank transfers to select markets. You can use BigPay anywhere Visa is accepted - giving you great global coverage with your BigPay card.

bigpay-homepage

To get started you’ll need to download the BigPay app and verify your account using Singpass. Once you’ve verified your account you can have your BigPay card sent to your home address in a few days⁷.

With a BigPay account you’ll be able to hold and send money, and you can also spend and make ATM withdrawals around the world with your linked debit card. BigPay accounts also offer budgeting analytics, categorising your spending by type so you can easily see where your money goes.

BigPay is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Bank Negara Malaysia.

How to use BigPay in Singapore

Let’s look in a bit more detail at what BigPay SG has to offer.

Mobile wallet features

Once you have a BigPay account you’ll be able to order your card, and access the following features⁸:

  • Send local and international payments
  • View and manage your money via your phone
  • Lock and unlock your card remotely
  • Get budgeting and analytics tools
  • Make Duitnow payments
  • Access personal loans
  • Get rewards on card and account spending

You can’t hold more than 5,000 SGD in your BigPay account at midnight on any given day, and you’re limited to 30,000 SGD in transfers annually.

Payments and international transfers

BigPay also has some local and international payment services⁹ - first, let's look at the limits related to sending and spending money with your BigPay account.

ServiceBigPay account limit
ATM withdrawals in SingaporeNot available
International ATM withdrawals2,500 SGD/day
Maximum payWave payments300 SGD/day
Maximum account balance5,000 SGD
Maximum annual account usage30,000 SGD/year
Bank transfers within Singapore100 SGD/day and 300 SGD/month
International bank transfers5,000 SGD/day and 10,000 SGD/month

Local transfers in Singapore cost 1 SGD each. You can also send payments to some international markets.

Here are the international transfer options - and the transfer fees you’ll pay¹⁰:

  • Malaysia - 1 SGD
  • Indonesia - 3 SGD
  • The Philippines - 3 SGD
  • Thailand - 5 SGD
  • India - 3 SGD
  • Bangladesh - 3 SGD
  • Nepal -3 SGD
  • Vietnam - 4 SGD
  • Australia - 6 SGD
  • China - 8 SGD
  • UK - fees waived during time of research
  • EU - fees waived during time of research

BigPay card

You can order your BigPay card when you set up your BigPay account. Here’s what to do:

  • Download the BigPay app
  • Register an account and get verified with Singpass
  • Your card will arrive in a few days

Once you have your BigPay card you need to activate it:

  • Log into BigPay and tap 'I have received my card'
  • Enter the 3-digit CVC found on the back of your card
  • Set your card PIN

Once you have your PIN set up you’re good to get started with your BigPay card. The BigPay withdrawal limit is 2,500 SGD per day. This is for international withdrawals only as you can’t make withdrawals from BigPay locally here in Singapore.

Interested how BigPay compares to a similar e-wallet in Malaysia? Check out our in-depth BigPay vs Wise comparison!

BigPay vs Wise - which one is better in Singapore?

BigPay is handy if you’re looking to earn AirAsia rewards points - but if you’re looking for a more flexible way to handle your money across currencies, you may find you’re better off with a Wise Account.

With Wise you can hold and exchange 50+ currencies within the same account. You can also send money to 80+ countries, with low fees and the mid-market exchange rate. Order your Wise card online, to spend in 170+ countries with no foreign transaction fees, and an auto-convert feature which ensures you’ll get the lowest conversion fee every time.¹¹

Wise-card

Set up your Wise account online or in the Wise app using Singpass, to be up and running in no time. There’s no monthly fee, and no minimum balance - just cheap, secure and easy ways to send, spend, exchange, receive and hold 50+ currencies.

Learn more about Wise

Frequently asked questions

How to top up BigPay

Wondering how to transfer money to BigPay? It’s easy:

  1. Log into your account and tap '+' on your Home screen

  2. Enter an amount

  3. Add or select your top-up source

  4. Enter your payment details to complete the top up

How to order a BigPay card replacement

Open the BigPay app and look for Report lost and stolen card. You’ll be able to order a replacement here, for a 10 SGD fee.


Summary

BigPay has a good range of features including a linked payment card, some international transfer options, and rewards on spending. However, there are fees and limits to be aware of, which mean it’s not the right option for everyone.

Compare BigPay to a few other ewallet services available in Singapore to make sure you’re getting the best fit for your personal needs - and don’t forget to check out the Wise Account to cut the costs of currency conversion when you send and spend money around the world.

Wise sign up

Learn mo


Sources:

  1. BigPay
  2. YouTrip
  3. YouTrip terms and conditions
  4. Revolut Singapore - plans
  5. Revolut Singapore - transfer fees
  6. Revolut Standard plan fees
  7. BigPay Singapore - FAQ Cards
  8. BigPay Account
  9. BigPay FAQ - transfers
  10. BigPay Fees
  11. Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing: Only Pay for What You Use for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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