Everything you need to know before swiping with Amaze overseas.
The Instarem Amaze card has built a reputation among Singaporean travellers and online shoppers for avoiding hefty foreign transaction fees and offering competitive Instarem exchange rates. Its unique perk? You can link up to five Singapore-issued Mastercards to consolidate payments and (sometimes) earn rewards.
But with new fees, bank exclusions, and alternatives like YouTrip, is the Instarem Amaze Card still worth it in 2025? This guide breaks down how the Amaze card works, its fees, rewards, pros and cons – and where it fits into your wallet in 2025.
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📚 Table of Contents:
- What is the Instarem Amaze Card
- Instarem Amaze Card Fees
- How does the Amaze Card Work?
- Amaze Exchange Rates
- Amaze Card & Citi Rewards
- Singapore Travel Card Comparison
- Amaze Card Miles & InstaPoints
- Instarem Amaze Card Application
- Pros and Cons: Is the Instarem Amaze Card Worth It?
- FAQs
What is the Instarem Amaze Card?
Image Credits: Instarem
The Instarem Amaze Card is a multi-currency debit card from Instarem, a Singapore-based fintech known for international money transfer services.
Key features:
- Card Linking: Link up to five Singapore-issued Mastercard debit or credit cards. Purchases are charged in SGD at the Instarem exchange rate, avoiding the usual 3-3.5% foreign transaction fees from banks.
- Multi-currency Wallet: Top up and spend in 11 currencies via the Amaze Wallet.
- Rewards Potential: Depending on your linked card, you might still earn miles or cashback.
📚 Also read: iChange Vs YouTrip comparison guide
Instarem Amaze Card Fees
Here’s the latest breakdown of Amaze Card Singapore fees in 2025:
- Annual Fee: None.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%
- Local (SGD) Transactions: 1% fee (min S$0.50) when using a linked Mastercard. Free if paying from Amaze Wallet.
- Overseas ATM Withdrawal Fee: 2% fee on all amounts withdrawn
- Amaze Wallet Top-Up: Free via PayNow.
- Instarem Transfer Fees: Variable fee from 0.4% depending on currency and payment method.
While still attractive for overseas spending, the new 1% local fee makes Amaze less ideal for local spending (SGD) compared to fee-free alternatives like YouTrip.
📚 Money matters: Best Savings Account Singapore 2025: Top Interest Rates & Bank Picks
Instarem Amaze Card for Overseas Spending: How Does Amaze Work?
The Amaze Card is a debit card that can be funded in two ways:
- Amaze Wallet (topped up with SGD and converted into foreign currency)
- Linked debit or credit card (up to 5 Mastercards)
Think of Amaze as a “passthrough card” – whatever you charge on Amaze gets instantly billed to your linked card (unless you’re spending from the Amaze Wallet).
Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Amaze Wallet | Linked Debit/Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Conversion Rate | Better (closer to mid-market) | Slightly worse |
| Lock in FX Rates | Yes | No |
| Credit Card Rewards | No | Yes (if eligible) |
| InstaPoints | Yes | No |
| Transaction Limits | S$15K wallet cap, S$75K annual cap | Depends on the linked card |
⚠️ Note: You can’t mix both funding sources in one transaction. If your Amaze Wallet doesn’t have enough balance, the payment won’t automatically top up from your linked card.
👉 Bottom line: Paying from the Wallet gives you better FX rates, but linked cards may still earn rewards (depending on your bank).
📚 Travel smart: Best DBS Miles Credit Cards In Singapore (2025 Guide)
Amaze Exchange Rates
The Amaze Card’s biggest selling point is overseas spending. Instarem’s exchange rates are often close to the mid-market rate and much better than banks, which typically add a 3-3.5% markup.
For travellers, this translates into savings on every overseas swipe. But watch out: rates can be weaker on weekends, and some shops may charge you in SGD instead of local currency (DCC), which eats into your savings.
💡 Pro tip: Always compare a few options before paying abroad. Amaze often beats traditional bank cards, but how does it stack up against other popular payment services? More on that below 👇
📚 Learn more: HSBC Everyday Global Account (HSBC EGA) Singapore Guide 2025
Using Amaze Card with Citi Rewards
Many Singaporeans have used the Amaze Card to maximise their credit card benefits while earning InstaPoints. A popular combination has been Citi Rewards and Amaze, which allowed users to enjoy:
- Instarem’s favourable exchange rates
- Instapoints from Amaze transactions
- Citi Rewards on spending
What’s changed?
Recent updates from Instarem (as of 10 Mar 2025) have reduced the perks of this pairing:
- No InstaPoints from linked card transactions – spending via Amaze no longer earns points directly.
- InstaPoints can only convert to KrisFlyer miles, not cash, and at a low return rate.
- Banks like Citi, DBS, and UOB have now excluded Amaze transactions from bonus rewards categories, limiting stacking potential.
Is it still worth using Citi Rewards with Amaze?
It depends on your spending habits:
- Pros: You still get good FX rates and Citi Rewards miles (up to 4 mpd) on overseas spend.
- Cons: The 1% fee on SGD transactions hits domestic spending hard, and you no longer earn InstaPoints or cash rewards from Amaze.
For many, the 1% fee on domestic spend outweighs the Citi Rewards benefits, making this combination a less appealing option.
📚 Learn more: CashChanger.co Vs YouTrip: Where To Get The Best Exchange Rate In Singapore?
Singapore Travel Card Comparison: Amaze Card vs YouTrip
| Features | Amaze | YouTrip |
|---|---|---|
| Wallet Currencies Available for Exchange | 11 | 12 |
| Annual Fees | ✅ None | ✅ None |
| Transaction Fees | FX transactions: No fees Domestic (SGD) Transactions: 1% fee (min. S$0.50) when paired with a linked card | FX transactions: No fees Domestic (SGD) Transactions: No fees |
| Overseas ATM Withdrawal Fees | ❌ No free monthly withdrawals *2% fee on all amounts withdrawn | ✅ S$400 free per month *2% fee applies thereafter |
| Bank Withdrawals | ❌ Not available | 10 free bank withdrawals/month For more than 10 bank withdrawals: Request for a refund (S$10 processing fee)Unavailable |
| Wallet Limits | Top-up: S$15,000 Annual spending: S$75,000 | Top-up: S$20,000 Annual spending: S$100,000 |
| Perks | InstaPoints | Cashback, Insurance, Travel Deals with YouTrip Perks |
👉 Verdict: If you’re chasing credit card miles, Amaze still has a niche. But for straightforward, low-cost overseas spending, YouTrip has no fees and competitive FX rates.
For a more in-depth comparison, read: Best Multi-Currency Cards In Singapore (2025): A Full Comparison Guide
Earning Amaze InstaPoints
You can earn InstaPoints when spending with your Amaze Card, depending on your funding source:
| Transaction Currency | Amaze Wallet | Linked Debit/Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| SGD | 0.5 InstaPoints per S$1 | N/A |
| Foreign Currency | 1 InstaPoint per S$1 equivalent | 0.5 IntaPoint per S$1 equivalent |
Key things to know:
- InstaPoints are earned on both SGD and FCY transactions
- Min. spend of S$10 is required to earn points
- There’s no monthly cap
- Points are credited instantly after the transaction
Redeeming InstaPoints
InstaPoints can be redeemed for:
- Discounts on Instarem funds transfers
- KrisFlyer miles
| InstaPoints | Reward |
|---|---|
| 100-400 | S$1.25-S$5 off a funds transfer |
| 1,200 | 400 KrisFlyer miles |
⚠️ Note: Amaze removed the cashback redemption option for InstaPoints in March 2025. InstaPoints can now only be converted to KrisFlyer miles.
Expiry: InstaPoints expire 12 months from the date they’re credited
Check out: Best Singapore Credit Card For Overseas Spending (2025)
Pros & Cons: Is the Amaze Card Worth It?
✅ Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Favourable exchange rates
- Link up to 5 Mastercards
- InstaPoints rewards
❌ Cons
- 1% fee on SGD spend
- Multiple banks have excluded Amaze from rewards
- 2% ATM withdrawal fee on all amounts withdrawn
- Bank withdrawals are not available
⚖️ Verdict: The Amaze Card is still useful for those who want to avoid FX fees and occasionally earn rewards. But for travellers who prioritise zero fees, better FX rates, and hassle-free overseas spending, consider the YouTrip card as an alternative.
Money matters: GXS Bank Vs Trust Bank Singapore: Which Digital Bank is Better in 2025
FAQs:
Q: What is the Amaze Card?
The Amaze Card is a multi-currency debit card from Instarem that helps you avoid bank FX fees.
Q: Can I link multiple cards to Amaze?
Yes, up to five Singapore-issued Mastercard debit or credit cards.
Q: What is the difference between Instarem and Amaze?
Instarem is the parent company which offers money transfers. The Amaze Card is one of its products focused on travel and FX spending.
Q: Can I use the Amaze Card in Singapore?
Yes, but there’s a 1% fee on SGD transactions.
Q: Is the Amaze Card worth it in 2025?
Yes, if you’re a miles chaser who still earns rewards on linked cards. But if you want zero fees and simplicity, YouTrip may be the stronger option.
Final Take
The Instarem Amaze Card still has its perks — mainly in avoiding hidden bank fees and earning a small stream of KrisFlyer miles via InstaPoints. But with the Citi Rewards pairing nerfed and cashback gone, its appeal has dulled compared to its glory days. For another travel card alternative, consider YouTrip.
Singapore’s go-to multi-currency wallet helps you save with great FX rates and zero fees. Skip the fees and get a free YouTrip card + S$5 YouTrip credits with code <YTBLOG5>.
💜 Don’t forget to explore our [YouTrip Perks page] for exclusive deals, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) for weekly tips, and connect with fellow travellers on @YouTripSquad.
Safe travels and happy savings!
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