What are the differences between a NETS Cashcard, Prepaid Card, Flashpay card and Motoring card?
NETS Cashcard & Motoring card
NETS (Network for Electronic Transfers Singapore) introduced Cashcard – a stored value chip-based card in 1995 – mainly used for Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) and car park charges in Singapore. A NETS Cashcard can be inserted into a first-generation In-Vehicle Unit (IU) that is installed on a Singapore registered vehicle. Whenever the vehicle passes through the a ERP or electronic carpark gantries, fees are automatically deducted from the Cashcard through the IU. The Cashcard can also be used for payment at limited participating retail outlets.
In 2018, a contactless version of the Cashcard based on the CEPAS standard was released. It has the same functionality as the Cashcard with chip, with the exception that it does not require a chip to be in contact with a reader in order to read or deduct value from the card. It is compatible with a Dual-mode IU installed on Singapore vehicles. In March 2021, NETS launched the Motoring card – a new version of the Cashcard that is compliant with the upcoming On-Board Units (OBUs) that will replace all the first-generation and dual-mode IUs in time to come. The Motoring card is expected to eventually replace the Cashcard.
NETS Flashpay & Prepaid card
NETS Flashpay is a stored value contactless CEPAS-compliant card first launched in 2009. While its functionality is similar to that of the contactless Cashcard (or Motoring card), the main target users are consumers and commuters instead of riders and drivers. Other than using it at ERP and electronic carpark gantries, a Flashpay card can also be used to pay for public transit on MRT, LRT, public buses and taxis. The card can also be used for payment at around 130,000 retail points islandwide.
On 22 November 2022, NETS Prepaid Card was launched. The features of the card are similar to that of Flashpay and one could purchase it from convenience stores, MRT ticket offices, and selected merchants. Other than topping up the card value at 7-11, value can also be added remotely via the NETS mobile app. The target users of this card are also consumers and commuters but with a focus on dependents like seniors and children, where transactions on the card can be tracked and daily spending limits managed through the app.
Where can I buy a new NETS Cashcard?
- NETS Customer Service Centre
Address: 351 Braddell Road #01-03 Singapore 579713 [Map]
Operating Hours: 8.30am – 5.30pm (Mondays to Fridays) - Petrol stations: Shell, Caltex, SPC, Esso
(subject to availability at each outlet)
How much is a NETS Cashcard?
A NETS Cashcard is sold at S$10 per card, inclusive of S$5 stored value. The cost of the card is S$5 and is non-refundable.
For vehicles with a dual-mode IU, you may consider purchasing the new NETS Motoring card instead. It is compatible with the dual-mode In-Vehicle Unit (IU) as well as the On-Board Unit (OBU) that will be implemented for the next generation ERP system by the government soon.
Where can I buy a NETS Motoring card?
- NETS Customer Service Centre
Address: 351 Braddell Road #01-03 Singapore 579713 [Map]
Operating Hours: 8.30am – 5.30pm (Mondays to Fridays) - Petrol stations: Shell, Caltex, SPC, Esso
(subject to availability at each outlet) - Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, Cheers, Buzz Pods, FairPrice Xpress
- Online: Lazada, ReCreation
How much is a NETS Motoring card?
A NETS Motoring card is sold at the stores for S$10 per card, inclusive of S$5 stored value. The cost of the card is S$5 and is non-refundable. It is sold on Lazada in a bundle of 2 for S$10 with zero stored value.
For vehicles with a first-generation IU, NETS Motoring card will NOT work for you as it is a contactless card. You will need to purchase the non-contactless, chip-based NETS Cashcard.
Where can I buy a NETS Flashpay card?
- NETS Customer Service Centre
Address: 351 Braddell Road #01-03 Singapore 579713 [Map]
Operating Hours: 8.30am – 5.30pm (Mondays to Fridays) - Petrol stations: Shell
(subject to availability at each outlet) - Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, Cheers, Buzz Pods, FairPrice Xpress, Choices at all SPC Singapore Petrol Stations, Star Mart at Caltex Petrol Stations
- Online: Custom Cards
- SimplyGo / TransitLink Ticket Offices
- SBS Transit & SMRT Passenger Service Counters
- Hao Mart
- Vicom
- Travelex Moneychangers at Changi Airport
- UOB Moneychangers at Changi Airport
How much is a NETS Flashpay card?
- Online: S$5 with $0 stored value. The cost of the card is S$5 and is non-refundable.
- All other sales outlets: S$12, inclusive of S$7 stored value. The cost of the card is S$5 and is non-refundable.
If you own a debit/credit card, check the back of your card for the NETS FlashPay logo. You may use the debit/credit card as a NETS Flashpay card if the logo is present.
Where can I buy a NETS Prepaid card?
- NETS Customer Service Centre
Address: 351 Braddell Road #01-03 Singapore 579713 [Map]
Operating Hours: 8.30am – 5.30pm (Mondays to Fridays) - Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, Cheers, Buzz Pods
- Online: Shopee, Lazada, Custom Cards
- SimplyGo / TransitLink Ticket Offices
- Sir Handphone Shop at Harbourfront Ferry Terminal
- Anua General Merchant at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal
- Travelex Moneychangers at Changi Airport
- UOB Moneychangers at Changi Airport
How much is a NETS Prepaid card?
- The retail price of the card varies between S$10 and S$12, depending on the sales channel. Each card includes a non-refundable S$5 card fee.
- SimplyGo / TransitLink Ticket offices: S$10 with S$5 stored value.
- Online (Shopee/Lazada): S$10 for 2 NETS Prepaid Cards with S$0 stored value.
