The public may make bookings to collect fit-for-gifting bank notes for Chinese New Year (CNY) from Jan 27, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said on Monday (Jan 19).CNY falls on Feb 17 and 18.Singaporeans are also encouraged to be environmentally-conscious by choosing «fit» notes or electronic hongbao (e-hongbao), the authority said.These «fit» notes are similar to those from ATMs and may have fold lines or minor stains.A MAS survey of 1,853 Chinese Singaporeans and permanent residents conducted in July 2025 found that two in three people were open to receiving «fit» notes in their red packets. «The respondents also indicated that the condition of the notes did not matter and 'fit' notes were as meaningful as new notes,» MAS said.The finding is consistent with DBS' observations, with a 7 per cent year-on-year decline in cash withdrawals recorded in 2025.Last year, over 16 million pieces of «fit» notes were exchanged at the banks, enabling emission savings equivalent to the annual carbon footprint from powering 280 four-room HDB flats. Read more