PayNow FAQs

1. Do PayNow QR codes expire?

It depends on the type:

Persistent QR codes — Do not expire and can accept multiple payments. Ideal for recurring or ongoing collection use cases.
Dynamic QR codes — Expire after a configurable period (between 5 minutes and 30 days) and can only be used for a single payment.

Choose the type based on whether you need one-time or reusable payment links.

2. What are the transaction limits for PayNow?

PayNow transactions are subject to FAST (Fast and Secure Transfers) limits, which are capped at S$200,000 per transaction. This limit is set by the national payment network and applies regardless of your StraitsX account tier.

3. What does the Virtual Payment Address (VPA) look like to payers?

When a payer scans your PayNow QR code, they will see a Virtual Payment Address displayed in their banking app. The VPA format is assigned by StraitsX and uniquely identifies your payment endpoint.

The exact format is visible in the QR code metadata returned by the API.

4. Can I use PayNow for USD transactions?

No. PayNow only supports SGD transactions. For USD payments, use a virtual bank account with SWIFT transfer.

5. How quickly are PayNow deposits credited?

PayNow deposits are credited near-instantly (typically within seconds). You will receive a paymentStatusUpdated webhook callback once the funds are credited to your account.

6. Can customer profiles receive PayNow payments?

Yes. You can generate PayNow QR codes linked to individual customer profiles, allowing end users to receive payments directly into their designated accounts.

7. Can I refund PayNow payments received from GrabPay?

Not directly via API. Incoming PayNow payments from GrabPay may include sender bank account numbers with special characters (e.g., 12345678901234_1234567890123_R). These accounts are valid for receiving payments, but cannot be used as payout recipients due to format restrictions.

Workaround: If you need to refund a GrabPay sender, please contact StraitsX support to request a manual refund.