Using the Instarem amaze card in South Korea: T-money, fees and InstaPoints
This article covers:
- What the amaze card gives you during overseas travel
- Why the amaze card works well for South Korea travel
- How InstaPoints work on T-money top-ups
- T-money top-up methods: Fees and compatibility compared
- Minimum top-up amount to earn InstaPoints
- How amaze reduces the cost of topping up in Korea
- Before you travel: amaze wallet checklist
Your trip to South Korea deserves better than overpriced FX fees and clunky travel payments. The Instarem amaze card makes it easy to pay overseas with stellar exchange rates while earning rewards on every spend.
Link up to 5 Singapore-issued Mastercard credit or debit cards, or use the amaze wallet to earn InstaPoints – easily convertible into KrisFlyer miles. From cafe hopping in Seoul to shopping in Myeongdong, get more for every won with amaze.
If you’re using your card for T-money top-ups in Korea, there’s an extra reason to use amaze. You can earn InstaPoints on eligible wallet-funded transactions, as long as you meet the minimum spend requirement. Current guidance says amaze wallet transactions earn 0.5 InstaPoints per S$1 spent, with a minimum spend of S$10 per transaction to qualify.
What the amaze card gives you during overseas travel
The amaze card is built for overseas spending. It offers competitive FX conversion and helps users avoid the typical foreign transaction fees charged by banks, while also giving the flexibility to consolidate up to five Mastercard cards into one.
That makes it especially useful for travel, where you want convenience, no hidden charges, and a smoother payment experience across transport, dining, shopping, and attractions. amaze also has no annual fee, which makes it easy to keep as your go-to travel card.
Why the amaze card works well for South Korea travel
South Korea is a very card-friendly destination, but transport is still easiest with a T-money card. T-money is widely used on subways, buses, and even at some convenience stores, and top-ups are commonly done in Korean won.
Using amaze alongside your Korea travel spend can be a smart choice, especially if you are funding spend through the amaze wallet, because eligible wallet-funded transactions can earn InstaPoints.
How InstaPoints work on T-money top-ups
One of the useful things to know is that amaze now rewards InstaPoints only for wallet-funded transactions, not for standard linked-card transactions. From 10 March 2025, wallet-funded amaze spend earns 0.5 InstaPoints per S$1, and each transaction must be at least S$10 to qualify for points.
For T-money top-ups, that means small reloads may not earn anything. If your transaction is below the minimum qualifying amount, you will not receive InstaPoints for that spend.
T-money top-up methods: Fees and compatibility compared
| Feature | Apple Wallet T-money | Physical T-money |
| Top-up Method | In-app via amaze card | Cash at stations or stores |
| FX Rate | Zero FX via amaze | Zero FX via xfamaze at ATMs |
| Currency Billed | USD | KRW (cash) |
| Convenience | High, fully digital | Low, requires physical cash |
Minimum top-up amount to earn InstaPoints
Top up above 12,000 KRW to improve your chances of crossing the S$10 minimum spend threshold needed to earn InstaPoints on eligible amaze wallet transactions. The exact SGD equivalent can vary with exchange rates, so keeping your top-up above 12,000 KRW gives you a safer buffer.
If you want to be extra safe, you can round up slightly more, especially when exchange rates move. The main rule is simple, top up enough so the transaction clears the S$10 minimum.
How amaze reduces the cost of topping up in Korea
amaze stands out because it combines travel-friendly FX rates, rewards through InstaPoints on wallet spend, and the convenience of linking multiple Mastercard cards in one place. It is particularly appealing for Singapore-based travellers who want flexibility without carrying several cards.
Choosing the best travel card depends on your spending habits, but amaze is clearly positioned as a strong option because of its low-fee overseas use, unlimited wallet rewards, and card-linking feature.
Before you travel: amaze wallet checklist
Before using amaze for T-money top-ups, make sure your spend is coming from the amaze wallet if your goal is to earn InstaPoints, because linked-card transactions no longer qualify for InstaPoints.
And if you are topping up T-money in Korea, keep each top-up above 12,000 KRW so you are more likely to meet the minimum qualifying amount for rewards.
