PayLah! vs PayNow: Choosing the Best Payment Solution in Singapore

Digital payment solutions have transformed transactions in Singapore, offering convenience, speed, and security. According to the FIS Global Payments Report 2023, credit cards accounted for 42% of e-commerce transactions, with digital wallets at 32%. PayLah! and PayNow have emerged as leading digital wallets, each with unique features for different user needs.

PayLah!, a digital wallet by DBS, offers a range of services from payments to lifestyle features. PayNow, a peer-to-peer transfer service, enables instant transfers using mobile or NRIC/FIN numbers, supported by major banks. 

This article explores the key differences between PayLah! and PayNow, including registration, user experience, security, and special features.

PayLah! Vs PayNow: At a Glance

Choosing between PayLah! and PayNow depends on your specific needs.

PayLah! is designed for DBS/POSB customers, offering a versatile digital wallet for services like ride bookings and bill payments, with a S$999 daily limit for non-DBS/POSB users. Conversely, PayNow, supported by major banks, focuses on peer-to-peer fund transfers and allows larger transactions up to S$200,000, ideal for substantial payments. Each platform serves specific needs, making them suitable based on individual banking relationships and transaction requirements.

What is PayLah!?

PayLah! is a popular mobile wallet app from DBS/POSB that allows users to save, receive payments, and transfer money. To make payments to third-party accounts, users need to top up from DBS/POSB or other bank accounts. The app is available to DBS/POSB account holders and Singaporean residents via SingPass.

PayLah! is widely used in Singapore and offers a range of services, including:

• Ride bookings
• Ticket purchases
• Meal orders
• Bill payments. 

It also allows users to earn and manage card rewards points seamlessly. With over 2 million users, PayLah! provides an effortless way to enjoy daily activities while earning cashback and rewards from various merchants.

Registration and Setup

Sign-Up Requirements

• Age: 16 years or older
• Device: Eligible smartphone with a Singapore registered number
• Banking: DBS/POSB account recommended but not mandatory

Here’s how to make an account with PayLah!:

1. Download the app on your smartphone through GooglePlay or AppStore. 
2. After download, launch the app and key in your DBS or POSB bank details. 
3. You will also need to register a unique Singapore-registered mobile number.
4. Enter all necessary information, check and review terms and conditions, and click on agree.
5. Review all data, and once ready, click done, and your account is good to go.

User Interface and Experience: 4-star rating on Google Play (38k reviews) | 4.9-star rating on Apple (83k reviews)

“It’s nice as always. After the update it is even easier to pay without login. But sometime if we forget to top up it’ll be bad while standing in the queue. Better to show balance like peek balance in ibanking app. Thanks” – Vignesh K

Transactional Capabilities

1. Make Easy, And Quick Transfers

Make transfer funds using only the recipient’s phone number via the FAST fund transfer feature. Complete your transactions quickly without keying in too much information like bank account number, account name, etc.

2. Convenient Top-up Methods

There are relatively easy ways to top up your mobile wallet. For those with DBS/POSB accounts, you can activate the auto-debit feature via the PayLah! App or digibank. By doing this, you will also earn rewards and qualify for DBS/POSB promos.

The rest may top-up through SG Fast bank accounts via a mobile banking platform.

3. Can Be Used In Conjunction With Google Pay

To use this feature, link your DBS PayLah! account under your GooglePay account. You can now pay any one of your contacts via your DBS PayLah! account. 

4. Enhanced Security Features

Users will be required to create a unique 6-digit alphanumeric password. And depending on your device, you can either log in via fingerprint ID or touch ID. 

Being the most used money transfer app in Singapore, developers have enhanced its security features to protect its users. Developers added a one-time-pin and biometric scan features for an extra layer of security.

5. Supports PayNow

You can also send money to accounts registered only under the PayNow app. Funds will be credited to the PayNow linked bank account and credited as a PayNow transaction.

Security and Trust (PayLah!)

Authentication and Access Control 

PayLah! employs multiple layers of security to ensure the safety of your transactions. Users must authenticate their transactions using a password, PIN, or biometric access such as Touch ID or Fingerprint ID. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your account and protects your funds from unauthorized transactions.

Encryption Technology

All transaction data on PayLah! is encrypted before being transmitted over the internet. This encryption technology secures your data, making it difficult for hackers to intercept and steal sensitive information. This ensures that your personal and financial details are kept safe during transactions.

Additional Security Measures 

Occasionally, users may be prompted to enter a One-Time Password (OTP) when certain actions are detected, such as:

• Reinstalling the app
• Clearing the app cache
• Using the app on a different device

These additional measures help verify the user’s identity and protect the account from potential fraudulent activities.

Overall, the robust security features of PayLah! make it a trusted and safe option for digital payments in Singapore.

Promotions

• Midweek Lunch Deal: Enjoy $2 off with DBS PayLah! every Wednesday from 12pm to 2pm. This midweek perk is perfect for lunchtime savings.
• Golden Village Movie Tickets: Get S$2.50 off your Golden Village movie tickets on Wednesdays and Sundays when you book through the DBS PayLah! app. This offer makes movie outings more affordable for cinema lovers.

Hawker Meal Subsidies

According to a report by Channel News Asia, the initiative to provide DBS PayLah! users with up to S$3 off hawker meals on Fridays has been extended to July. The subsidy is available for the first 100,000 users at any of the 11,600 SGQR-enabled hawker stalls in Singapore, with no minimum spending required.

This initiative aims to ease cost of living pressures for Singaporeans and residents, aligning with the government’s focus on supporting the community. 

Han Kwee Juan, Acting Chief Information Officer and Singapore country head at DBS, expressed,“We’re heartened that the weekly hawker meal subsidies have made a positive impact on our customers and hawkers over the past year.”

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Versatility: PayLah! is more than just a payment app. It allows users to order food, buy movie tickets, get rides, pay bills, send and request funds, and shop, all in one app.
• Rewards and Cashback: Users can earn rewards points and cashback on purchases from various merchants like 7Eleven, Dunkin’ Donuts, Gong Cha, The Soup Spoon, and ShengSiong.
• Promotions: Enjoy exclusive deals like $2 off on Wednesdays for lunch, discounted movie tickets, and subsidies for hawker meals on Fridays.
• User-Friendly: The app is designed for easy navigation and quick transactions, making it accessible even for those who are not tech-savvy.
• Secure Transactions: Employs robust security measures, including password, PIN, biometric access, and encryption technology to protect user data and transactions.
• Large User Base: With over 2 million users, it is widely accepted and trusted by many in Singapore.

Disadvantages

• Limited to Singaporeans and PRs: The app is primarily available to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, limiting its accessibility for foreigners.
• Inconvenient for Non-DBS/POSB Users: Users who do not bank with DBS/POSB need to top up their PayLah! balance via internet banking before making payments, which can be inconvenient.
• Transfer Limits: The daily transfer limit for non-DBS/POSB account holders is relatively low at S$999, which may not suffice for larger transactions.
• App Dependency: Requires the app to be installed on a smartphone, which can be a barrier for those without compatible devices or those who prefer desktop transactions.

What is PayNow?

PayNow is a peer-to-peer (P2P) instant funds transfer service that allows you to send and receive Singapore Dollar funds instantly, from a bank or digital wallet to a supported third-party account. This service is offered by financial institutions in Singapore and facilitates seamless transactions through internet banking platforms.

Participating Banks PayNow is supported by a wide range of major banks in Singapore, including:

• Bank of China
• Citibank Singapore Ltd.
• DBS/POSB
• HSBC
• ICBC Ltd.
• Maybank
• OCBC
• Standard Chartered
• UOB

Participating Non-Bank Institutions In addition to banks, PayNow also collaborates with non-bank institutions such as:

• Singtel Dash
• GrabPay
• LiquidPay

PayNow’s extensive network of participating banks and non-bank institutions, combined with its instant transfer capabilities, makes it a highly convenient and efficient payment solution for both personal and business transactions in Singapore.

Registration and Setup

Sign-Up Requirements

• To register for PayNow, you must have an internet banking account with one of the participating banks mentioned above.

Here’s how to make a PayNow account:

PayNow is an integrated P2P feature of the online banking platform of the nine participating banks. The same goes for the three non-bank mobile apps. There is also no minimum age required, and you need to complete a few simple steps to register. 

1. Log in to your digital mobile app or your bank’s internet banking platform. 
2. Tap on the Pay and Transfer button.
3. Choose PayNow and create a PayNow profile.
4. Register your UEN, mobile number, or NRIC/FIN.
5. Enter a nickname and link to your digibank account or preferred bank account.
6. Review submitted information and tap on the register button.

User Interface and Experience: 4.2-star rating on Google Play (571 reviews)

Transactional Capabilities

1. Quick Fund Transfer Transactions 

Just key in the mobile phone number and use the FAST fund transfer feature to complete your PayNow transfers.

2. PayNow Corporate

PayNow extends its services to more than just retail customers but also businesses, corporate, and government entities. Transfer money and receive funds instantly by linking their Unique Entity Number (UEN) with their Singapore banks.

3. PayNow QR

QR code payments are made available thru mobile banking applications or apps of participating non-bank financial institutions. This QR code is also integrated with the Singapore Quick Response Code (SGQR).

4. VPA Proxy

In addition to existing PayNow proxies, UENs, mobile numbers, or NRICs, a VPA proxy is now available to link mobile numbers with their NFI wallet or bank account.

5. QR Codes

Make payments via your banking app or mobile app by scanning the PayNow logo. You can also make QR purchases via the QR code scanning feature.

6. Higher Transfer Limits

PayNow has a cumulative daily limit set at S$1000. Still, you can make transfers higher than this amount. You can transfer up to a maximum amount of S$200,000 following the industry limit. Note, however, that large transfer amounts would require tighter security measures.

This limit also applies to PayNow QR.

Security and Trust (PayNow)

High Security Standards 

PayNow is built on the robust security framework adopted by the Singapore banking industry, ensuring that funds transfers are conducted safely. It employs the same high-security standards used in other trusted transfer services like FAST and GIRO, providing users with confidence in their transactions.

Authentication Measures 

To further enhance security, PayNow requires the use of passwords or PINs to authenticate transactions. This dual-layer authentication process helps to prevent unauthorized access to your account, ensuring that your funds are protected from fraudulent activities.

Encryption Technology 

All transaction data on PayNow is encrypted before transmission over the internet. This encryption technology makes it difficult for hackers to intercept and steal sensitive information, securing your personal and financial data throughout the transfer process.

Promotions

• Maybank2u: Win up to S$888 cash with your PayNow transactions. 
• OCBC Bank: New users can take advantage of the OCBC PayNow Registration $8 cashback promotion. This offer is available to individual customers who maintain personal current and/or savings accounts with OCBC Bank. 
• DBS Bank: Use PayNow to transfer funds to any individual during May to June and be rewarded with a S$10 cash gift each month. 

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Instant Transfers: PayNow allows for instant fund transfers, providing immediate access to transferred funds without any waiting period.
• Wide Accessibility: Supported by major banks and non-bank institutions in Singapore, PayNow ensures widespread availability and ease of use for most users.
• Simple and Convenient: Users can transfer money using just a mobile number, NRIC/FIN, Company Unique Entity Number (UEN), or Virtual Payment Address (VPA), eliminating the need for bank account numbers.
• 24/7 Availability: The service is available round-the-clock, allowing users to send and receive money at any time.
• High Security Standards: Adopts robust security measures including encryption and authentication protocols, ensuring the safety of transactions.
• No Fees for Transfers: Typically, PayNow transactions do not incur additional fees, making it a cost-effective option for users.

Disadvantages

• Limited Features: Unlike some digital wallets, PayNow primarily focuses on fund transfers and lacks additional features like bill payments, shopping, and rewards programs.
• Dependence on Internet Banking: Users need an internet banking account to register and use PayNow, which might be inconvenient for those without online banking access.
• Merchant Adoption: While widely used for peer-to-peer transfers, not all merchants accept PayNow, potentially limiting its usability in some scenarios.
• Compatibility Issues: Some users might experience compatibility issues with older mobile devices or operating systems, affecting the ease of use.
• Registration Process: The initial registration process requires linking your mobile number and/or NRIC/FIN, which may be seen as an additional step compared to other simpler mobile payment solutions.

Key Points to Consider: PayLah! Vs PayNow

Based on User Needs:

• Frequent Travelers: PayLah! may be more advantageous for frequent travelers who need an all-in-one app to handle various transactions, from paying bills to booking rides and enjoying rewards at different merchants.
• Small Business Owners: PayNow is an excellent choice for small business owners who require quick and secure transactions. Its ease of use and lack of fees for transfers make it a cost-effective solution for managing business funds.
• Everyday Users: If you’re looking for a versatile app that can handle a wide range of daily activities, PayLah! is the way to go. Its diverse functionalities and rewards programs offer added value beyond simple payments.
• Quick Transfers: For users who prioritize instant fund transfers with minimal setup, PayNow is the perfect solution. Its simplicity and speed ensure efficient and hassle-free transactions.

FAQs

1. Can I use PayLah without a DBS account?

Yes, you can use PayLah! without a DBS account. While PayLah! is most convenient for DBS/POSB account holders due to direct integration, it is also available to users of other banks. Non-DBS/POSB users can top up their PayLah! balance via internet banking to make payments.

2. Does PayLah charge a fee?

No, PayLah! does not charge any fees for most transactions. The app offers free services for sending money, making payments to merchants, and utilizing its various features. However, it’s always good to check for any specific transaction fees or charges that may apply based on the type of transaction or promotional terms.

3. Is PayLah! And PayNow safe to use?

Both platforms are safe to use and require an OTP sent to the registered number to proceed with any transaction. OTPs will also be required when you log in from a different device.

4. What to do If you mistakenly transfer funds to an unintended recipient?

Contact your bank right away, so they can be informed of the erroneous transfer and help you recover your funds back. You should also notify the unintended recipient of the wrong transfer and politely request them to return the funds.

Closing

Both PayLah! and PayNow offer secure, efficient, and user-friendly payment solutions tailored to different needs in Singapore. PayLah! excels with its diverse functionalities and integrated services, while PayNow stands out for its simplicity and broad accessibility. Choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and financial requirements.

Key takeaways:

• PayLah! offers a range of services including payments, ride bookings, and meal orders, with rewards and cashback from various merchants.
• PayNow enables instant transfers with high security standards, supporting limits up to S$200,000.
• PayLah! integrates seamlessly for DBS/POSB users, while PayNow is accessible through multiple banks and non-bank institutions in Singapore.

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