The Complete Guide to PayNow to DuitNow Transfers in 2026

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Travelling between Singapore and Malaysia has never been easier.

The real-time PayNow to DuitNow linkage lets you send money instantly to Malaysian mobile numbers – and pay in-store via NETS-DuitNow QR codes – all through your regular banking app. No cash, no counters, no hassle.

In this guide, we break down how the two systems work, their limits, supported banks, and where Wise fits in as a more transparent alternative for spending and sending money across the causeway.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

How the PayNow to DuitNow Linkage Works

This table gives you a quick overview of both transfer options, covering key details such as requirements,¹ fees,² uses,³ supported banks⁴ and daily limits.⁵

The PayNow-DuitNow linkage is convenient, but the $1,000 SGD daily limit means it's designed for everyday payments – think meals, shopping, or splitting a bill with friends.

While banks advertise "zero upfront fees", that doesn't mean the transfer is completely free. There's still an exchange rate markup built into the rate you receive.

Exchange Rates and Hidden Bank Markups

PayNow-DuitNow transfers come with a foreign exchange margin embedded in the conversion rate. Banks may promote fee-free transfers, but they typically earn revenue through a markup on the SGD-MYR rate.

These margins aren't always shown clearly, which makes it harder to compare the real cost of a transfer.

This is where multi-currency alternatives like Wise can help. Instead of hiding the cost in the spread, Wise converts money using the mid-market exchange rate and charges a transparent upfront fee, so you know exactly what you're paying before you confirm.

Want to see today’s mid-market rate? Take a look below:

How to Use PayNow and DuitNow Across Borders

PayNow and DuitNow work seamlessly across Singapore and Malaysia for peer-to-peer transfers and both in-store and online payments. The steps vary slightly depending on whether you're sending money to an individual or paying a merchant.

How to Send Money via PayNow to DuitNow

To transfer money to an individual:

1. Download or open your bank's mobile app. DBS customers, for example, will need the DBS digibank app.¹
2. Log in to your bank account.
3. Go to Pay & Transfer, select PayNow, then choose DBS DuitNow.
4. Enter the recipient's mobile number. Make sure it's linked to a DuitNow-registered bank account.
5. Verify the recipient's name and select Next.
6. Enter the amount you want to transfer in SGD.
7. Select the transfer purpose and tap Next.
8. Review the details and select Transfer now to complete the transaction.

How to Scan DuitNow QR Codes in Malaysia (NETS Linkage)

For in-person or online payments in Malaysia:³

1. Open your Singapore banking app – DBS digibank or UOB TMRW, for example.
2. Tap Scan & Pay or select the QR function.
3. Scan the merchant's DuitNow QR code. In Malaysia, these are usually displayed with a pink border.
4. Enter the payment amount in SGD.
5. Review the exchange rate and the final amount to be deducted.
6. Authorise the payment.

This method is widely accepted at cafes, hawker stalls, retail shops, and small businesses across Malaysia, making it a useful option for day-to-day spending.

That said, the $1,000 SGD daily limit can be restrictive for travellers with higher spending needs. Many travellers use a dedicated multi-currency card like Wise, so they don't have to keep track of how much runway they have left.

💳 Get your Wise card

How to Scan and Pay with Wise in Malaysia

Wise supports QR payments for customers in Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Thailand. Wherever you spot the Alipay+ mark on a QR code, you can pay directly through the Wise app – no separate wallet needed. Singaporean customers can also scan PayNow QR codes with Wise.

Here's how to get started:

1. Open your Card tab and swipe left on your card image to reveal the Pay with QR code or Pay like a local option.
2. Choose Scan QR code to use your camera, or Import QR code to pull one from your photo gallery.
3. Scan a supported QR code, or select an image that contains one.
4. Confirm your payment by following the on-screen steps.

Once done, your transaction will be waiting for you in the transaction list in the Wise app.

If you’re a Wise user in Singapore, Alipay+ QR payments are only available in supported countries abroad.

Scan and Pay with Wise in Malaysia

The Wise account is an easy way to hold and exchange 40+ currencies, including SGD, MYR, EUR, CNY, and more. All you need to do is create a free account to get started.

With Wise, you can exchange currencies at the mid-market rate each time, with low, transparent conversion fees from 0.26% and absolutely no markups. Plus, you can order a linked Wise card for convenient spending without any foreign transaction fees, and free ATM withdrawals up to the value of 100 SGD when you're overseas. You'll even get 8+ local account details to get paid conveniently to your Wise account in SGD and a selection of other major global currencies.

What's more, you can activate Wise Interest to earn returns* on your eligible balances while keeping your money available to spend.

*Growth is not guaranteed. Capital at risk.

Sending money or making payments abroad? Wise also offers fast, low cost transfers to 140+ countries - you can track your transfer in your account and your recipient will also be notified when a transfer reaches them.

🚀 Get Started with Wise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does PayNow work in Malaysia?

Yes. PayNow works in Malaysia through the PayNow-DuitNow linkage. Singapore users can send money directly to Malaysian mobile numbers or bank accounts connected to the DuitNow network, with no upfront fee.

Can Wise pay into a DuitNow account?

Yes. Wise can send money directly to a DuitNow ID. Just enter the recipient's mobile number, MyKad, passport, or business number, and Wise handles the rest. No bank account details needed.

Funds land in the recipient's linked bank account or e-wallet, typically within seconds, with a small transparent fee and no exchange rate markup.

Does DuitNow work in Singapore?

Yes, but indirectly. DuitNow is a Malaysian payment system, but Singapore users can access it through PayNow integration. This cross-border linkage connects Singapore banking apps to the Malaysian DuitNow network – enabling both transfers and QR payments across the causeway.