Citi and SMRT have announced the renewal of their partnership, marking two decades of collaboration aimed at enhancing the daily journeys of Singapore’s commuters. Originally launched in 2006, the Citi SMRT Credit Card was the first of its kind in Singapore, integrating transit fare payments with credit card benefits. Over the years, it has become a staple for consumers, offering cashback on transport, groceries, and online shopping.
Ngien Hoon Ping, CEO of SMRT Corporation, highlighted the partnership’s vision to transform commuting into a vibrant lifestyle experience. “We wanted travel on our public transport system to be more than just moving from point A to point B,” he said. Yeo Wenxian, CEO of Citibank Singapore, echoed this sentiment, noting the partnership’s commitment to embedding convenience and connectivity into the commuter journey.
The renewal comes as digital payment options gain popularity amongst Singaporeans. Between 2019 and 2024, digital wallet transactions linked to the Citi SMRT Card increased sevenfold. Additionally, cardmembers have expanded their usage into everyday spending, with a 60% rise in transactions from 2021 to 2024 across categories like groceries and online shopping.
To keep pace with evolving consumer needs, Citi and SMRT are introducing new benefits, including a limited-time offer of $400 (S$400) cashback for new cardmembers and 5% savings on Malaysian Ringgit spend. The partnership renewal will also feature promotions such as 20-cent treats from popular F&B brands and a mobile game offering vouchers from Lazada and ZALORA.
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