iChange Vs YouTrip — which is the better card? In this comparison guide, we’ll be listing out the pros and cons of each, their features, as well as the lowdown on their fees, wallet limits, and exchange rates at the time of writing.
We all know how handy multi-currency cards can be overseas. They help you skip the long queues at money changers. They’re convenient and let you lock in the best rates with just a few taps on your phone. And most importantly, they let you get the best bang for your buck with lower foreign transaction fees compared to credit cards (with some multi-currency cards even offering zero FX fees!).
When it comes to popular multi-currency card options, you may already be familiar with our YouTrip comparisons with Wise, Revolut, Instarem Amaze, and Trust. However, not much is yet known about iChange. In this ‘iChange Vs YouTrip’ comparison guide, we’ll be deep-diving into both cards and their features.
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iChange Vs YouTrip: Comparing Features
| YouTrip | iChange | |
|---|---|---|
| Currencies Available | 150+ currencies 10 in-app currencies | 41 currencies |
| Annual Fees | No fees | No fees |
| Account Maintenance Fees | None | None |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | 0 FX fees | 0 FX fees |
| Able to top up to other wallets (e.g. Touch ‘n Go)? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No iChange has suspended top-ups to wallets including Touch ‘n Go |
| Overseas ATM Withdrawal Fees | Free monthly S$400 in ATM withdrawals A 2% fee will incur after you’ve surpassed the S$400 threshold Resets on the first of every month | S$5 fee per withdrawal |
| Top-Up Fees | ✅ Mastercard credit/debit cards: No fees ✅ Visa debit cards: No fees ✅ PayNow: No fees ✅ Visa credit cards: 1.5% service fee ✅ Linked Bank Account (eGIRO): No fees | ✅ 7-Eleven: No fees ✅ Bank Transfer: No fees ✅ Paynow QR: No fees |
| Bank Withdrawals | No fees, limited to 10 bank withdrawals per calendar month. *If you wish to make more than 10 bank withdrawals, you’ll have to request for a refund (processing fee of S$10) | N/A — does not have bank withdrawals |
| Wallet Limits | Maximum top-up limit at any time: S$20,000 Annual spending limit: S$100,000 | Maximum top-up limit at any time: S$20,000 Annual spending limit: S$100,000 |
| Contactless Payment | ✅ Apple Pay ✅ Google Pay | ✅ Apple Pay ✅ Google Pay |
| Customer Service | Assistance Hotline: +65 6904 9334 24-Hour Emergency Hotline: +65 6922 6009 Customer Support Email: customer@you.co | WhatsApp Chat Customer Support Email ❌ 24-Hour Emergency Hotline |
iChange Vs YouTrip Comparison 2024: Check out our YouTrip VS Amaze Comparison in Malaysia 2024 here
Which card gives you the best exchange rate?
YouTrip utilises Wholesale Exchange Rates — real-time exchange rates close to published rates you see on Google, XE.com, and other financial sites with zero fees and no markups. Meanwhile, iChange exchange rates are based on a comparison of the market among different money-changing services which may include a markup.
To determine which multi-currency wallet has the best rates, we’ll be comparing the exchange rates of different currencies between YouTrip and iChange’s digital currency, as well as cash currency rates.
- Digital currency rates are the rates you can lock in digitally on your YouTrip and iChange e-wallets.
- Cash currency rates are rates that you can pre-order on the iChange app and collect from selected money changers
*Do note that the iChange app does not offer the same rates across both its digital currency and cash currency exchange systems
| YouTrip | iChange Digital Currency | iChange Cash Currency | |
| SGD to EUR Google’s Rate: 1 SGD = 0.68 EUR | 1 SGD = 0.682 EUR | 1 SGD = 0.680 EUR | 1 SGD = 0.676 EUR |
| SGD to JPY Google’s Rate: 1 SGD = 116.39 JPY | 1 SGD = 116.4 JPY | 1 SGD = 116.3 JPY | 1 SGD = 112 JPY |
| SGD to USD Google’s Rate: 1 SGD = 0.74 USD | 1 SGD = 0.7419 USD | 1 SGD = 0.7417 USD | 1 SGD = 0.7261 USD |
| SGD to MYR Google’s Rate: 1 SGD = 3.48 MYR | 1 SGD = 3.476 MYR | 1 SGD = 3.475 MYR | 1 SGD = 3.450 MYR |
| SGD to CNY Google’s Rate: 1 SGD = 5.37 CNY | 1 SGD = 5.375 CNY | 1 SGD = 5.370 CNY | 1 SGD = 5.230 CNY |
| SGD to GBP Google’s Rate: 1 SGD =0.58 GBP | 1 SGD = 0.583 GBP | 1 SGD = 0.580 GBP | 1 SGD = 0.571 GBP |
| SGD to HKD Google’s Rate: 1 SGD = 5.79 HKD | 1 SGD = 5.794 HKD | 1 SGD = 5.791 HKD | 1 SGD = 5.680 HKD |
| SGD to AUD Google’s Rate: 1 SGD = 1.11 AUD | 1 SGD = 1.116 AUD | 1 SGD = 1.114 AUD | 1 SGD = 1.085 AUD |
| SGD to NZD Google’s Rate: 1 SGD = 1.20 NZD | 1 SGD = 1.207 NZD | 1 SGD = 1.205 NZD | 1 SGD = 1.150 NZD |
*Rates are taken at the time of writing as of 28 May 2024
iChange Vs YouTrip Comparison 2024: Check out our guide on how to add your YouTrip card to your Apple Wallet
Pros & Cons:
1. YouTrip
What is YouTrip?
YouTrip is a multi-currency digital wallet that enables you to lock in the best rates all day from 10 popular in-app currencies. Plus, score favourable exchange rates for 150+ currencies worldwide at zero fees. YouTrip is also the first e-wallet to enhance its wallet limits, enabling you to top up S$20,000 and spend with an upsized annual limit of S$100,000. YouTrip offers a range of services which include:
- Transferring money to other YouTrip users via YouTrip Send
- Transferring funds back to your bank account via Bank Withdrawals
- Free* S$400 in ATM withdrawals per month
- Discounts & cashback with merchant partners via YouTrip Perks
- In-app travel insurance with HLAS
How to use a YouTrip card?
Once you’ve signed up for your YouTrip card, a virtual card will be made available to you in your wallet. Add your virtual card to Apple Pay and Google Pay for extra convenience and use it for online purchases while waiting for your physical YouTrip card to be delivered to you within 5 to 7 days.
Your physical YouTrip card can be used at all Mastercard® acceptance points worldwide and in Singapore. Simply top up your account via PayNow, Linked Bank Account (eGIRO), a debit/credit card, and make purchases in over 150 currencies worldwide at competitive Wholesale Exchange Rates with no transaction fees and no markups.
You can also choose to exchange any of the 10 currencies in your YouTrip app at any time to lock down a good rate when it’s available. YouTrip’s SmartExchange™ technology also enables the automatic exchange of 150+ currencies. Simply top up in SGD and YouTrip will do the conversion for you.
iChange Vs YouTrip Comparison 2024: 1 SGD to USD — Find out how to capitalise on the USD exchange rate now!
How to withdraw cash with YouTrip at overseas ATMs?
1️⃣ Insert your YouTrip card into an overseas ATM displaying any of these logos
2️⃣ Key in your 4-digit ATM PIN > Select ‘Saving account’
3️⃣ Select the option to withdraw in the country’s local currency (EG: MYR in Malaysia) to avoid DCC charges for currency conversion
Enjoy up to S$400 of free cash withdrawals per calendar month. A 2% withdrawal fee on the withdrawn amount will be imposed thereafter. This resets every month.
*Note that some overseas operators may impose additional fees which are typically displayed in the ATM before the withdrawal
iChange Vs YouTrip Comparison 2024: Find out more about how to withdraw cash from overseas ATMs with YouTrip here
YouTrip: Pros
- Unlike iChange, YouTrip is able to be used in over 150+ countries.
👉 Simply top up in SGD and the app’s SmartExchange™ technology will enable you to automatically exchange your SGD to the local currency of the country you’re visiting when making payments. - YouTrip has FREE monthly withdrawals of S$400 per month, with a 2% fee thereafter
- YouTrip provides zero fees when sending money
- YouTrip also supports international wallet top-ups such as Touch ‘n Go (find out how to make the most of your TNG eWallet with YouTrip here!)
- Has bank withdrawals — users are able to transfer funds back into their bank account
As seen from the exchange rate comparison table above, YouTrip offers competitive rates in the market at zero fees.
YouTrip: Cons
- YouTrip only has 10 in-app currencies
- Is not a money-changing marketplace that involves money changers
iChange Vs YouTrip Comparison 2024: Find out more about YouTrip’s Wholesale Exchange Rates here
2. iChange
What is iChange?
iChange is a multi-currency wallet app that allows you to convert and store 41 currencies digitally at no fees. iChange specialises in providing forex services to users in Singapore and offers a range of services which include:
- A money-changing marketplace which lets you compare the exchange rates available from five different money changers: Anua Group Money Exchangers, Ariza Money Exchange, Iakaba Money Exchange, Shenton Money Exchanger, and Shining Money Exchange.
- Sending money internationally to friends and family
- Making both local and international bill payments directly through the iChange mobile app
- Scanning and making payments using SGQR at hawker centres
How To Use an iChange Debit Card?
Image Credits: IBV
Once you’ve signed up for an iChange account, you have the option to request a physical debit card that’s linked to your account. Additionally, you can create a virtual card and add it to Apple Pay.
Similar to YouTrip, the physical card allows for contactless payments and functions like any standard debit card. During transactions, funds are debited directly from your iChange wallet. When overseas, funds will be deducted from the currency wallet balance already held in your account.
iChange Vs YouTrip Comparison 2024: 1 SGD to NZD — Find out how to capitalise on the NZD exchange rate now!
How to withdraw cash with iChange at overseas ATMs?
Insert your iChange debit card into any eligible ATM that accepts the card. A fee of S$5 will be charged for every withdrawal.
iChange Vs YouTrip Comparison 2024: 1 SGD to AUD — Find out how to capitalise on the AUD exchange rate now!
iChange: Pros
- iChange offers 41 in-app currencies at zero FX fees and fairly competitive rates
- Able to send remittances to others in 41 currencies
- Users are able to exchange digital currency, as well as pre-order and collect cash currency from selected money changers.
iChange: Cons
- Users are limited to exchanging and paying with the 41 currencies available in-app.
- iChange has a S$5 fee for every ATM withdrawal, variable remittance fees depending on the currency being sent, and has suspended international wallet top-ups.
- While iChange offers fairly competitive digital currency rates in the market, its cash currency rates are generally lower than its competitors.
- iChange does not offer bank withdrawals — users are unable to transfer funds back into their bank account
- At the time of writing, the app was also unstable in usage and made navigating difficult.
iChange Vs YouTrip Comparison 2024: Check out our guide to the best multi-currency cards for the biggest savings here
The Verdict
iChange Vs YouTrip — which is the better card? That’s up to you to decide. But hey, if you’re looking for a card with the best rates all day at zero fees in 150+ countries AND free monthly ATM withdrawals, sign up for our trusty YouTrip card!
As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best FX rates, you will no longer have to deal with those long queues at money changers or those extra charges with your credit cards! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with promo code <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account!
And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜
Happy travels!
For more comparison articles, check out:
Best Multi-Currency Cards In Singapore 2024
GXS Bank Vs Trust Bank Singapore Comparison 2024
YouTrip Vs Wise Card Comparison Guide In 2024
Revolut Vs YouTrip Singapore Comparison 2024
Wise Vs Revolut Comparison 2025
GXS Bank Vs Trust Bank Singapore Comparison 2024
YouTrip Vs Amaze Comparison In Malaysia 2024
