UOB has introduced a new feature allowing Singapore credit card customers to redeem UNI$ rewards points instantly at eligible merchants in Johor, Malaysia. This makes UOB the first financial institution in Singapore to offer such a cross-border redemption capability. Cardholders can now offset their bills at over 150 merchant outlets using their UNI$ points directly at the point of sale.
The bank’s move comes as it seeks to strengthen its regional presence and enhance cross-border banking experiences for its more than 8.4 million retail customers across ASEAN. UOB is currently the largest credit card issuer in ASEAN for Visa and Mastercard billings.
According to UOB, this new feature responds to increased travel and spending by Singaporeans in Malaysia. In the first half of 2025, visitor numbers from Singapore to Malaysia rose by more than 22 percent compared with the same period in 2024, as reported by The Star (https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/08/19/over-10-million-singaporean-tourist-arrivals-in-2025-to-date-says-tiong). The trend is expected to continue due to improved connectivity between Johor and Singapore, including the establishment of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the upcoming launch of the Singapore Rapid Transit System in 2026.
Ms Jacquelyn Tan, Head of Group Personal Financial Services at UOB, stated: “Singaporeans love travelling to Johor. In the first half of 2025, Singapore UOB cardholders spent nearly 15 per cent more overseas compared to the same period in 2024, higher than the regional average. Of this, they are spending 20 per cent more in Malaysia, with half of that spent in Johor. Leveraging the Bank’s strong presence in Malaysia, our new rewards capability opens a fresh avenue for our customers to stretch their rewards and experience greater value deals as they cross the border. This marks the next phase of our goal to create a borderless rewards ecosystem, providing our ASEAN customers with more choices, enhanced flexibility and greater value in how they spend, earn and redeem rewards overseas.”
The bank noted that spending patterns have shifted among its customers; while average transaction sizes have decreased slightly from 2022 to 2024, transaction volumes have tripled during that time frame. In early 2025 alone, transaction counts grew by over 50 percent compared with early 2024. Dining remains the top category for spending among Singaporeans visiting Johor.
Nearly one-fifth of UNI$ credit card holders used their points for transactions last year. From today onwards, UNI$ can be redeemed at participating merchants—such as Subway (which saw close to an 80 percent increase in billings year-on-year), Jean Yip (close to a 40 percent increase), and MOG Eyewear (more than a 120 percent increase)—at a rate of UNI$500 = S$5 or equivalent Malaysian Ringgit.
Additional offers include discounts on food and beverage outlets like Din Tai Fung and Haidilao; RM5 off Grab rides within Johor; and up to 25 percent off hotel bookings via Unravel in Johor. Enhancements have also been made for users of UOB EVOL Credit Card and FX+ Debit Card: these now offer additional cashback rates on top of existing benefits.
Further information about participating merchants and exclusive offers is available on go.uob.com/JBdeals.