UOB CNY New Notes 2026 – ATM Locations and Reservation Guide

Singapore residents preparing for Lunar New Year 2026 can obtain crisp, new banknotes through UOB’s online reservation system and self-service banking auto lobbies. The bank offers two convenient pathways: advance booking through its website and withdrawals at designated ATM locations across the island.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore coordinates the annual notes exchange programme, with major banks including UOB, DBS, OCBC, and Maybank participating. Each institution sets its own reservation windows, collection periods, and ATM availability, meaning customers seeking the freshest notes for their hong bao packets should plan ahead and understand the specific timelines for their chosen bank.

This guide covers everything you need to know about securing UOB CNY new notes for 2026, from online reservation steps to ATM location details and comparison with other participating banks.

UOB New Notes ATM Locations for CNY 2026

UOB operates dedicated self-service banking auto lobbies where customers can withdraw new or fit notes during the Lunar New Year period. These machines operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation required.

The exact locations of UOB’s 21 auto lobbies are published on the bank’s official Lunar New Year microsite. Customers should check uob.com.sg/lny-atm for the complete list and any updates closer to the collection period.

ATM Operating Hours and Note Types

UOB differentiates between fit-for-gifting notes and brand-new notes when it comes to operating hours. Fit notes are available from 9am to 7pm, while new notes operate on varying schedules depending on the specific location.

The bank maintains four ATMs specifically designated for fit notes, which the Monetary Authority of Singapore actively encourages for environmental reasons. Fit notes are crisp and suitable for gifting but have already circulated, reducing the environmental footprint compared to requesting entirely new prints.

Key Insights for ATM Withdrawals

• No reservation is needed for ATM withdrawals—visit any participating UOB auto lobby during operating hours
• Customers are limited to three withdrawals per person across the entire CNY period
• Fit notes and new notes may be dispensed from different machines within the same auto lobby
• Locations operate on varying schedules; some may close earlier or open later depending on the branch
• Demand typically peaks in the first few days—arriving early improves your chances of finding available notes
• Seniors aged 60 and above, as well as customers with disabilities, receive priority walk-in service at UOB branches for pre-booked collections

How to Reserve UOB CNY New Notes 2026 Online

The online pre-booking system allows customers to reserve new or fit notes in advance, guaranteeing availability at their selected branch on a chosen date. This method suits those who prefer certainty over queuing at ATMs.

Reservation Windows

UOB opens its online reservation portal twice during the pre-CNY period. The first window coincides with the industry-wide launch on 27 January 2026. A second window follows on 3 February 2026, allowing those who missed the initial opening to secure their notes.

Step-by-Step Reservation Process

1. Visit the official UOB Lunar New Year reservation portal on the designated opening date
2. Log in using your UOB online banking credentials or select the guest option if available
3. Choose your preferred branch location from the list of participating outlets
4. Select an available collection date within the designated period (3-9 February or 10-14 February)
5. Specify the denominations and quantity of notes required
6. Indicate whether you prefer new notes or fit-for-gifting notes
7. Confirm your booking and note the confirmation reference number
8. Visit the selected branch on your chosen date to collect your notes

Collection Details

UOB splits its collection period into two phases. The first wave runs from 3 to 9 February 2026, accommodating those who booked during the initial reservation window. The second wave extends from 10 to 14 February 2026 for subsequent bookings and second-window reservations.

Customers who book online receive their notes at the branch counter rather than through ATMs. This option appeals to those who wish to verify the condition of their notes immediately and discuss any special requirements with bank staff.

UOB CNY New Notes 2026 Release Dates and Times

Timing plays a crucial role in successfully obtaining CNY notes. UOB’s 2026 schedule aligns with industry-wide standards set by the Monetary Authority of Singapore while offering bank-specific windows for online bookings.

Critical Dates for 2026

The earliest opportunity to secure notes through pre-booking occurs on 27 January 2026, when UOB’s reservation portal activates alongside other participating banks. This date marks the official start of the Lunar New Year notes exchange programme.

The second reservation opportunity arrives on 3 February 2026, the same day ATM withdrawals begin. This window provides a safety net for those who need additional time to complete their booking or prefer the certainty of a confirmed branch collection.

The Chinese New Year 2026 Calendar shows that the festive period falls on 17 February 2026, giving customers roughly two weeks from the start of the notes programme to complete their preparations.

Comparison Across All Banks

ATM Withdrawal Windows

For those preferring the flexibility of ATM withdrawals, the 3 to 15 February 2026 window applies across all major banks including UOB. DBS extends slightly to 16 February with limited availability on that final day.

UOB’s ATM operating hours vary by location. Fit notes ATMs typically operate from 9am to 7pm, while new notes machines follow branch-specific schedules. The bank advises customers to check individual location timings through its official portal before visiting.

New Notes Availability at Other Banks Like DBS, POSB, and OCBC

UOB is one of four major banks participating in Singapore’s CNY notes exchange programme. Understanding what competitors offer helps customers make informed decisions, particularly if their preferred UOB slots fill up quickly.

DBS and POSB

DBS operates the largest network of CNY note ATMs, with 54 machines dispensing new notes and 17 designated for fit notes. POSB customers share access to this infrastructure since POSB operates under the DBS umbrella.

The bank’s online reservation system opens twice: first at midnight on 27 January, then again at midnight on 2 February. Collection periods split into 3-6 February and 9-13 February, providing four distinct date options for pre-booked customers.

DBS pop-up ATM locations include community centres such as Anchorvale, Bedok, and Bukit Panjang, making them accessible to residents across different neighbourhoods. A complete list appears on the DBS pop-up ATM page.

OCBC

OCBC offers both new and fit notes through its reservation and ATM systems. The bank provides 10 ATMs for new notes and 4 for fit notes, with operating hours of 9am to 6pm at OCBC Centre and 10:30am to 7pm at other locations.

Reservation windows open on 27 January from 8am until 29 January at 11:59pm, followed by a second window from 3 to 5 February. Collections occur during 3-9 February and 10-15 February, giving OCBC customers the widest collection window among all participating banks.

Maybank

Maybank participates with a more limited offering, providing new notes through online reservation but without dedicated fit notes ATMs. The bank’s reservation portal opens at 9am on 27 January, with collections running from 3 to 14 February.

Customers preferring Maybank should note the absence of a physical ATM withdrawal option for this bank. All Maybank CNY notes require advance online booking through Maybank2u online banking.

Timeline: Key Dates for CNY 2026 Notes

The following chronological overview consolidates all critical dates for obtaining new notes across Singapore banks during Lunar New Year 2026.

1. 27 January 2026 — Online pre-booking opens at all participating banks including UOB, DBS, OCBC, and Maybank. First-come, first-served basis.
2. 29 January 2026 — OCBC’s initial reservation window closes at 11:59pm.
3. 2 February 2026 — DBS reopens its online reservation portal at midnight for unclaimed slots.
4. 3 February 2026 — UOB and OCBC second reservation windows open; first collection period begins (3-9 February); ATM withdrawals commence across all banks.
5. 9 February 2026 — First UOB and OCBC collection periods end.
6. 10 February 2026 — Second collection periods begin at UOB (until 14 Feb), OCBC (until 15 Feb), and Maybank (until 14 Feb).
7. 13 February 2026 — Final DBS/POSB collection date for pre-booked notes.
8. 15 February 2026 — Final ATM withdrawal date at OCBC; final collection date for Maybank.
9. 16 February 2026 — Limited final day of DBS ATM operations.
10. 17 February 2026 — Lunar New Year 2026 (first day of the Year of the Snake).

What We Know and What Remains Unclear

While the broad framework for CNY 2026 notes exchange is well-established, certain details require verification as the date approaches.

Why Singapore Banks Offer CNY Notes

The tradition of giving hong bao packets containing crisp banknotes during Lunar New Year runs deep in Singaporean Chinese culture. Fresh notes symbolise a fresh start and good fortune for the recipient, making the annual notes exchange programme a significant seasonal service provided by the banking sector.

In recent years, the Monetary Authority of Singapore has actively promoted fit notes and e-hong baos as environmentally responsible alternatives. Fit notes offer the same crisp quality suitable for gifting while reducing the demand for newly printed currency. E-hong baos eliminate physical notes entirely, aligning with Singapore’s broader sustainability goals.

The 2026 programme marks the fourth consecutive year of coordinated bank participation following pandemic-era disruptions. MAS coordinates the overall framework while allowing individual banks flexibility in their operational approaches, creating a competitive landscape that benefits consumers through multiple booking options and withdrawal points.

Official Sources and Statements

The following statements from official sources underpin the information in this guide.

“Online pre-booking from 27 January 2026. Choose fit notes or e-hong baos for a greener Lunar New Year.”

— Monetary Authority of Singapore, January 2026 press release

“Withdraw at 21 Self-Service Banking Auto Lobbies across Singapore. Fit notes available for a more sustainable choice.”

— UOB Lunar New Year Portal

The Channel NewsAsia coverage of the 2026 programme confirms broader availability compared to previous years, with additional ATMs and extended collection windows across participating institutions.

Summary and Next Steps

Securing CNY new notes from UOB for 2026 involves either reserving online from 27 January or withdrawing directly from one of 21 self-service auto lobbies from 3 to 15 February. Both methods offer reliable access to S$2, S$10, and S$50 denominations in either new or fit-for-gifting condition.

Customers should decide early which method suits them best. Online reservation guarantees availability but requires pre-planning. ATM withdrawals offer flexibility but operate on a first-come basis and enforce a three-note limit per customer. Those with specific branch preferences should book as soon as the portal opens, as popular locations fill quickly.

Regardless of the chosen method, the official UOB Lunar New Year portal remains the definitive source for slot availability, location updates, and operational changes.

Frequently Asked Questions