Notice: Apple ID Balances in Singapore Cannot Be Spent Starting July 1

Starting on July 1, 2024, it will no longer be possible to spend an Apple ID balance in Singapore, according to an Apple support document spotted by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. Apple did not provide an explanation for this decision, but it appears to relate to new regulations introduced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In general, gift cards are frequently involved in scams that defraud people.

Apple Giftcard Feature
Apple says that any App Store & iTunes gift cards added to an Apple ID balance before July 1 can still be used toward digital purchases until that deadline.

Apple will issue refunds to customers with a remaining Apple ID balance after the deadline:

After spending your balance is no longer possible, Apple will begin to automatically issue refunds for any remaining Apple ID balance to users in Singapore. If you have a balance, your money will be refunded to the default credit or debit card on file as a payment method for your Apple ID. You'll receive a confirmation email when Apple has processed your refund. Afterwards, it might take up to 30 days for your financial institution to show the refund in your account.

Apple already stopped selling gift cards in Singapore last year, and discontinuing Apple ID balances appears to be a related decision.

Apple Store gift cards are unaffected by this change, and they can continue to be used at the three Apple Store locations in Singapore.

For more important details, read Apple's support document.

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Top Rated Comments

vegetassj4 Avatar
17 months ago
“no longer be possible to spend an Apple ID balance…”

Well, it isn’t named Singarich….

[Click to view video attachment]
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
17 months ago

Starting July 1, it will no longer be possible to spend an Apple ID balance in Singapore, according to an Apple support document spotted by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. Apple did not provide an explanation for this decision, but it appears to relate to new regulations introduced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Apple already stopped selling gift cards in Singapore last year, and discontinuing Apple ID balances appears to be a related decision.
Too many instances of gift card scams and elderly abuse

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/victims-lose-over-98k-to-itunes-and-google-play-gift-card-e-mail-scams-targeting

https://mothership.sg/2020/11/elderly-man-yishun-7-eleven-itunes-gift-cards-scam/

https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/once-bitten-twice-not-shy-woman-loses-over-15k-online-love-scams

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwan-familymart-employee-saves-singapore-post-grad-student-from-love-scammer

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/police-warn-scams-delivery-couriers-itunes-cards-remittance-2675771


Google stopped selling Google Play gift cards in 2020 for the same reason.



Attachment Image
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RealE Avatar
17 months ago

The US should do the same, gift cards are mostly used for scams here too.
Used in scams, yes. More than 50% of gift card usage being scams, doubtful.

It is frustrating that bad actors in this world ruin things for the rest of us.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rafterman Avatar
17 months ago

As long as Canada doesn't. I use Apple Gift cards all the time. I know lots of others use them too. They also make great gifts.
Agree, ridiculous to kill it for everyone.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacHeritage Avatar
17 months ago

The US should do the same, gift cards are mostly used for scams here too. I'd bet it's the same in the EU.
As long as Canada doesn't. I use Apple Gift cards all the time. I know lots of others use them too. They also make great gifts.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)