Ride-hailing apps in Singapore regularly offer promo codes and referral discounts to attract new users and retain existing ones. These discounts can reduce fare costs by a significant amount, especially for frequent riders. Understanding how these promotions work, what terms apply, and how to combine them with other savings methods is essential for anyone looking to keep transport costs low.
This article covers the main types of promo codes and referral discounts available from Grab, Gojek, Tada, and Zig. It explains how to find and apply codes, what restrictions exist, and how referral programs can generate free rides. It also discusses how these discounts interact with other fare components like surge pricing, ERP surcharges, and airport fees. For a broader view of ride-hailing costs in Singapore, see our complete guide to taxis and ride-hailing in Singapore.
How Promo Codes Work in Ride-Hailing Apps
Promo codes are alphanumeric strings that users enter in the app before booking a ride. The discount is applied automatically to the fare when the code is valid. Codes can be obtained from the app itself, from partner merchants, or from promotional campaigns run by the ride-hailing company.
Types of Promo Codes
- Fixed amount discount: A specific dollar amount is deducted from the fare. For example, a code might give SGD 3 off a ride. This is most beneficial for short trips where the percentage saved is high.
- Percentage discount: A percentage of the fare is deducted, often capped at a maximum amount. For example, 20% off up to SGD 5. This works well for medium to long trips where the fare is higher.
- Free ride voucher: A code that covers the entire fare up to a certain limit, such as SGD 10. Any amount above the limit is paid by the user.
- Ride type specific: Some codes only apply to certain service types, such as GrabCar, GoCar, Tada JustGrab, or Zig Premium. Always check the terms.
- Time or location restricted: Codes may only be valid during off-peak hours, on weekends, or for trips starting or ending at specific locations like Changi Airport or Suntec City.
How to Enter a Promo Code
In Grab, open the menu, select “Promotions,” and tap “Enter promo code.” In Gojek, go to the profile icon, choose “Promos,” and enter the code. In Tada, tap the menu icon, select “Promo Code,” and type it in. In Zig, open the app, go to “Account,” then “Promo Codes,” and enter the code. Codes are case-insensitive but must be typed exactly as given.
Common Restrictions
- Minimum spend: The fare must be above a certain amount, often SGD 5 or SGD 8, for the code to work.
- Single use: Most codes can only be used once per account.
- Expiry date: Codes have a validity period, typically 7 to 30 days from issuance.
- Not combinable: You cannot stack multiple promo codes on a single ride. The app applies only the best available discount.
- Excluded payment methods: Some codes do not work with certain payment options like GrabPay credits or GoPay.
Referral Discounts: How They Work
Referral programs allow existing users to invite friends to try a ride-hailing app. When the new user signs up using a referral code and completes their first ride, both the referrer and the new user receive a discount or free ride voucher. This is a common customer acquisition strategy used by all major ride-hailing companies in Singapore.
Typical Referral Rewards (as of 2025)
- Grab: The referrer gets SGD 3 in Grab credits after the friend completes their first ride. The new user gets SGD 5 off their first ride (minimum spend SGD 8). The friend must use the referral code during sign-up.
- Gojek: The referrer receives a SGD 5 voucher after the friend takes their first ride. The new user gets SGD 5 off their first ride (minimum spend SGD 10).
- Tada: The referrer gets SGD 3 in Tada credits after the friend completes their first trip. The new user gets SGD 3 off their first ride (no minimum spend).
- Zig: The referrer receives SGD 2 in Zig credits after the friend’s first ride. The new user gets SGD 3 off their first ride (minimum spend SGD 6).
These amounts are subject to change. Always check the current terms in the app before sharing your referral code.
How to Share Your Referral Code
In each app, you can find your personal referral code in the “Invite Friends” or “Referral” section. You can share it via WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS, or social media. The new user enters the code during registration or in the promo code field before their first booking.
Referral Program Restrictions
- New users only: The person using the referral code must not have previously registered an account with that app. Some apps check device ID and phone number to prevent abuse.
- First ride must meet conditions: The new user’s first ride must be completed within a certain period, often 30 days, and may need to meet a minimum fare.
- Referrer limit: You can refer an unlimited number of friends, but the reward is usually capped at a certain number per month (e.g., 10 referrals per month on Grab).
- Voucher expiry: Referral rewards typically expire 30 to 90 days after issuance.
Where to Find Promo Codes
Promo codes are distributed through multiple channels. Knowing where to look can help you save money consistently.
Official App Channels
- In-app notifications: Apps sometimes send push notifications with promo codes when you open the app or when you have not used the service for a while.
- Email newsletters: Subscribing to the ride-hailing company’s email list can give you access to exclusive codes.
- Social media accounts: Follow Grab, Gojek, Tada, and Zig on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. They occasionally post promo codes for followers.
Partner Merchants and Banks
Many banks and retailers in Singapore partner with ride-hailing apps to offer promo codes. For example:
- DBS/POSB: Cardholders sometimes get Grab promo codes for using PayLah or DBS cards.
- OCBC: OCBC Frank cardholders have received Gojek ride discounts in the past.
- UOB: UOB cardholders occasionally get Tada promo codes.
- Singtel: Singtel mobile plan users can redeem Grab vouchers via the Singtel Rewards app.
- Shopee: Shopee app sometimes offers Grab or Gojek promo codes as part of campaigns.
- Food delivery apps: GrabFood and GoFood occasionally bundle ride promo codes with food orders.
Third-Party Coupon Websites
Websites like CouponDunia, SingSaver, and MoneySmart regularly list current promo codes for ride-hailing apps. Always verify the code’s validity before using it, as some codes expire without notice.
How to Maximize Savings with Promo Codes and Referrals
Using promo codes and referrals strategically can reduce your total ride-hailing spend by 10% to 30% per month, depending on how often you ride. Here are practical strategies.
Combine Referral and Promo Code on First Ride
When you sign up for a new ride-hailing app, you can often use a referral code to get a first-ride discount. Some apps also allow you to enter a separate promo code for additional savings on your first ride. Check the terms: if the app allows only one discount per ride, choose the larger one. For example, on Tada, a referral code gives SGD 3 off, but a promo code might give 50% off capped at SGD 5. The percentage discount is better for a ride costing SGD 10 or more.
Use Promo Codes for Longer Trips
Percentage-based promo codes are most valuable on longer trips where the fare is higher. For a ride from Jurong East to Changi Airport costing SGD 30, a 20% off code saves SGD 6. On a short trip of SGD 8, the same code saves only SGD 1.60. Fixed-amount codes are better for short trips. For example, SGD 3 off a SGD 8 trip saves 37.5%.
Stack with Other Discounts
While you cannot stack two promo codes, you can combine a promo code with other savings methods. For example:
- Use promo code + credit card cashback: If your credit card gives 10% cashback on ride-hailing, the promo code discount is applied first, then the cashback is calculated on the reduced fare. Example: SGD 20 fare, SGD 3 promo code, then 10% cashback on SGD 17 = SGD 1.70 cashback. Total savings: SGD 4.70.
- Use promo code + GrabPay or GoPay points: Some apps let you earn points that can be redeemed for rides. Using a promo code does not prevent you from earning points on the fare.
- Use promo code + off-peak pricing: If you travel during non-peak hours, the base fare is lower, and the promo code saves you even more. See our article on off-peak ride hacks for timing tips.
Refer Friends Strategically
If you use ride-hailing frequently, refer friends who are likely to become regular users. Each successful referral gives you a voucher. You can accumulate multiple vouchers and use them for future rides. Some apps, like Grab, allow you to use up to 3 vouchers per ride if you have them. Check the app’s terms on voucher stacking.
Track Expiry Dates
Promo codes and referral rewards have expiry dates. Set a reminder in your phone or note the expiry in a spreadsheet. Use the voucher before it expires, even if the trip is short. A SGD 3 voucher used on a SGD 5 trip still saves 60%.
Comparison of Promo Code Generosity by App
The frequency and value of promo codes vary by app. Based on publicly available information and user reports from 2024 and early 2025, here is a general comparison.
| App | Typical promo code value | Frequency of offers | Referral reward (referrer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grab | SGD 2-5 per ride, or 10-30% off up to SGD 5 | Weekly for active users; less frequent for inactive users | SGD 3 |
| Gojek | SGD 2-4 per ride, or 15-25% off up to SGD 4 | Bi-weekly for active users | SGD 5 |
| Tada | SGD 1-3 per ride, or 20-50% off up to SGD 5 | Monthly for most users | SGD 3 |
| Zig | SGD 1-2 per ride, or 10-20% off up to SGD 3 | Less frequent; mainly for new users | SGD 2 |
Note: These are estimates. Actual offers depend on user behavior, location, and time. Tada and Zig, being smaller players, sometimes offer higher percentage discounts to attract users. For a detailed comparison of base fares and surge pricing, see our Tada vs Zig review and Grab vs Gojek pricing articles.
Impact of Promo Codes on Overall Ride-Hailing Costs
Promo codes reduce the effective fare, but they do not eliminate surcharges. When you apply a promo code, the discount is deducted from the total fare after all surcharges and fees have been added. This means you still pay for ERP surcharges, peak period surcharges, airport surcharges, and booking fees. For example, a ride from Changi Airport to town might have a base fare of SGD 15, plus SGD 5 airport surcharge, plus SGD 3 ERP, plus SGD 2 peak surcharge, totaling SGD 25. A SGD 3 promo code reduces the fare to SGD 22. The surcharges are not waived.
For a full breakdown of surcharges, see our articles on ERP surcharges for taxis, peak period surcharges, and airport surcharges at Changi.
Promo codes also do not protect you from surge pricing. If demand is high, the base fare multiplies, and the promo code discount applies to the surged fare. In some cases, the discount may be capped, so you still pay a high amount. It is better to use promo codes during off-peak hours when fares are lower. Check our off-peak ride hacks for timing advice.
Risks and Pitfalls of Promo Codes and Referrals
While promo codes and referrals offer genuine savings, there are some risks to be aware of.
Expired or Invalid Codes
Many promo codes found on third-party websites are expired. Always test a code before relying on it. If the code does not work, the app will show an error message. Do not pay for promo codes from unofficial sellers; they are often stolen or fake.
Referral Abuse and Account Bans
Ride-hailing apps monitor referral activity. If you refer yourself using multiple phone numbers or devices, the app may detect this and ban your account. The terms of service explicitly prohibit self-referrals. If banned, you lose any accumulated credits and may not be able to create a new account.
Minimum Spend Traps
Some promo codes require a minimum spend that is higher than your typical fare. If your ride costs SGD 7 and the code requires SGD 10, you cannot use it. Always check the minimum spend before booking.
Limited Availability
Promo codes are often limited in quantity. Once the allocated number of redemptions is reached, the code stops working. This is common for codes distributed via social media or partner websites.
Future Trends in Ride-Hailing Promotions
The ride-hailing market in Singapore is competitive, but the landscape is changing. As of 2025, all four major apps offer promo codes and referral discounts. However, the value of these promotions has declined slightly compared to 2022-2023, when apps were aggressively competing for market share. Tada and Zig, being newer, still offer relatively generous first-ride discounts. Grab and Gojek focus more on loyalty programs and credit card partnerships.
Subscription models like GrabUnlimited (SGD 9.99 per month for free delivery and ride discounts) are becoming more common. These may reduce the frequency of standalone promo codes for subscribers. For non-subscribers, promo codes remain a key way to save.
Another trend is the integration of promo codes with other services. For example, a Grab promo code might be offered when you book a hotel via GrabTravel or order food via GrabFood. This bundling encourages users to stay within the Grab ecosystem.
Practical Steps to Start Saving Today
- Download all four apps: Grab, Gojek, Tada, and Zig. Each offers a first-ride discount for new users. Use a referral code from a friend to get the best deal.
- Check for promo codes before every ride: Open the app and look for any available promotions. Some apps show a banner with a code.
- Link a credit card with ride-hailing cashback: Cards like the DBS Live Fresh Card (5% cashback on contactless, including ride-hailing) or the OCBC Frank Card (6% cashback on selected merchants, sometimes including ride-hailing) can increase your savings.
- Share your referral code with friends: If you use ride-hailing often, ask friends to use your code when they sign up. You will earn credits for future rides.
- Use promo codes for long trips: Save percentage-based codes for rides over SGD 15 to maximize the dollar savings.
- Set reminders for voucher expiry: Use a calendar app or notes app to track when your credits expire.
For more ways to reduce your transport costs, read our article on how to save money on taxis in Singapore.
Related articles
- The Complete Guide to Taxis and Ride-Hailing in Singapore
- Grab vs Gojek Pricing Comparison
- Tada vs Zig Review
- Surcharge Comparison Across All Apps
- Save Money on Taxis in Singapore
- Shared Ride Options in Singapore