CNY New Notes 2026 Release Date: Singapore Bank Timeline

It’s a familiar scramble before every Lunar New Year in Singapore: finding crisp new notes for ang bao. For 2026, banks have locked in their schedules, with the window to book opening as early as 27 January.

First online reservation window opens: 27 Jan 2026 ·
Second window and pop-up ATMs begin: 3 Feb 2026 ·
Collection period: 3–15 Feb 2026 ·
Banks with full slots (as of Jan): Standard Chartered and OCBC

The table below organizes the confirmed dates and policies.

When to change new notes for CNY 2026?

First online reservation window

• Opens 27 January 2026 for DBS, UOB, OCBC, and Standard Chartered (The Straits Times)
• Book via the bank’s official website or mobile banking app
• Reservation closes when slots are filled or by the end of the first window

The implication: early booking is the only guaranteed method for new notes.

Second window and pop-up ATMs

• DBS/POSB opens a second reservation window on 2 February 2026 (The Straits Times)
• Pop-up ATMs start dispensing new notes from 3 February 2026 for DBS (71 ATMs), OCBC (25 ATMs), UOB (34 ATMs) (The Straits Times)
• No reservation required – first-come-first-served at the ATMs

Collection period

• Collection of reserved notes runs 3–15 February 2026 (The Straits Times)
• Must collect at the chosen branch within this window
• After 15 February, leftover notes may be available on a first-come-first-served basis

The catch: after 15 Feb, availability is unpredictable.

How to get new notes from a bank in Singapore for CNY 2026?

Online reservation steps

1. Log in to your bank’s website or mobile app on or after 27 January 2026.
2. Navigate to the CNY new notes exchange section.
3. Select your preferred branch and time slot for collection.
4. Choose the denominations and quantity (subject to limits).
5. Confirm your booking and note the collection details.

Source: The Straits Times (Singapore newspaper) citing MAS.

Required documents

• NRIC or passport for identity verification (Maybank Singapore)
• Some banks may allow collection on behalf of others – check individual bank policies

Collecting at branch

• Go to the branch you selected during booking
• Bring the same identification document used for reservation
• Keep within the 3–15 February collection window

Using pop-up ATMs

• No prior booking required
• Locate a pop-up ATM via your bank’s branch locator
• Withdraw pre-packed new notes directly
• Available from 3 February to 15 February 2026

Source: The Straits Times.

Can walk in to change new notes?

Walk-in at bank branches

• Only people aged 60 and above and persons with disabilities can walk in from 3 February 2026 (The Straits Times citing MAS)
• Maybank reserves the first operating hour each day for seniors and those with disabilities (Maybank Singapore)
• Other customers must have an online reservation

Walk-in at pop-up ATMs

• No reservation needed – just bring your ATM card
• Limited availability – ATMs may run out during peak hours
• Best used early in the day

Availability after reserved collection

• After 15 February, banks may have leftover new notes at some branches
• Call your branch to check before visiting
• First-come-first-served until stocks run out

What this means: if your bank has no pop-up ATMs, fit notes from standard ATMs are the fallback.

When can I withdraw new notes in 2026?

Withdrawal from ATMs

• Pop-up ATMs dispense new notes from 3 February to 15 February 2026 (The Straits Times)
• Some ATMs may still dispense new notes after 15 February while stock lasts
• Standard ATMs dispense fit notes (not new) – always available

Withdrawal from bank counter

• Requires pre-booking for new notes – you cannot simply walk in and withdraw new notes
• Fit notes can be withdrawn at the counter anytime without booking

Differences from exchange

• Exchange specifically means getting new notes (often pre-packed bundles)
• Withdrawal from an ATM is not an “exchange” – it’s a cash withdrawal
• Exchange usually has higher limits (e.g., S$800 at Maybank) (Maybank Singapore)

What are the release dates for new notes in 2026?

Official release from Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)

MAS publishes an annual notice outlining the exchange procedures for all participating banks. For 2026, the key date is 27 January 2026 for online booking, with collection starting 3 February 2026 (The Straits Times).

Bank-specific release dates

• DBS/POSB: Online booking 27 Jan, second window 2 Feb, pop-up ATMs 3 Feb (The Straits Times)
• UOB: Booking 27 Jan, pop-up ATMs 3 Feb
• OCBC: Booking 27 Jan, pop-up ATMs 3 Feb
• Standard Chartered: Booking 27 Jan (fully booked by late Jan)
• Maybank: No online booking – walk-in from 3 Feb, with senior/disability priority (Maybank Singapore)
• HSBC: Reservations only for Private Banking / Premier Elite customers (HSBC Singapore (bank FAQ))

Online reservation launch dates

• 27 January 2026: DBS, UOB, OCBC, Standard Chartered
• 2 February 2026: DBS/POSB second window
• 3 February 2026: OCBC and UOB may have second windows (check bank site)

All release dates are subject to change – always verify on the official bank website.

The pattern: each bank follows a similar template but with different pop-up ATM counts and reservation policies.

Six banks, one pattern: DBS, UOB, OCBC, Standard Chartered, Maybank, and HSBC each handle new notes distribution differently. The comparison below shows who requires a booking, who offers pop-up ATMs, and who still allows walk-ins for seniors.

The pattern: DBS and UOB have the largest pop-up ATM networks. Maybank is the only major bank still allowing general walk-in exchanges (with a priority for seniors). HSBC restricts access entirely to private banking clients.

Timeline: key dates for CNY 2026 new notes

• Mid-January 2026: Banks announce schedules and open reservation announcements
• 27 January 2026: First online reservation window opens for DBS, UOB, OCBC, Standard Chartered
• 3 February 2026: Second reservation window opens; pop-up ATMs begin; collection of reserved notes starts
• 3–15 February 2026: Collection period and pop-up ATM operation
• After 15 February 2026: Unreserved new notes may be available at branches on a first-come-first-served basis

The implication: the window is tight – plan ahead or rely on ATMs.

Members of the public who wish to exchange notes for Chinese New Year at bank branches must book online via the bank’s official website or mobile app. Only seniors and persons with disabilities may walk in from 3 February.

— Monetary Authority of Singapore, cited by The Straits Times

We have 71 pop-up ATMs across 47 locations where customers can withdraw new and fit-for-giving notes from 3 February to 16 February – no reservation needed.

— DBS Bank, reported by The Straits Times

All new notes have been fully reserved. Customers who have not booked may consider withdrawing fit notes from ATMs or checking our pop-up ATM locations.

— Standard Chartered Singapore, as stated to The Straits Times

The 2026 distribution window is tighter than ever. With two major banks already maxed out on reservations, the practical choice for most Singaporeans is either a pop-up ATM (if you are with DBS, UOB, or OCBC) or a Maybank branch if you prefer a counter exchange. For anyone in Singapore planning to exchange notes, the clear message is to book early or rely on pop-up ATMs – or risk being left with used notes.