POSB pop-up ATMs return for Chinese New Year

SINGAPORE - Long queues outside banks during the Chinese New Year period are not an uncommon sight as people rush to withdraw new notes.

This year, POSB's pop-up ATMs will be making a comeback across Singapore to make it more convenient for those wishing to obtain their new notes.

Due to overwhelming demand from the public when they debuted last year, 36 pop-up ATMs at 12 community clubs will be available this year, up from the 29 ATMs at 10 community clubs in 2015.

The 12 community clubs are Bedok, Chong Pang, Ci Yuan, Clementi, Henderson, Jurong Spring, Marine Parade, Tampines Changkat, Teck Ghee, Toa Payoh West, Woodlands and Yew Tee CC.

Mr Jeremy Soo, managing director and head of consumer banking (Singapore), said: "For the elderly, (the pop-up ATMs) increase accessibility. For those who don't have flexible working hours, they can now withdraw the new notes at their own convenience."

The ATMs located at Chong Pang, Teck Ghee and Toa Payoh West will be in community clubs open from 9am to 10pm daily (but may close early on the eve of Chinese New Year). The remaining ATMs in other locations will be fully operational round-the-clock.

Customers will be able to use their DBS/POSB ATM card to withdraw new notes in sums of SGD 100 (SGD 2 x 50), SGD 300 (SGD 10 x 30) and SGD 500 (SGD 50 x 10), up to their individual card limit, starting from Wednesday (Jan 20).

Ms Tong Yoke Lian, a 67-year-old Hougang resident, said: "I used to have to take the bus to the bank and queue... this is very convenient."

sheryll@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on January 21, 2016.
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