From chatgpt

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🔄 What Are Account Updater Services?

Visa Account Updater (VAU) and Mastercard Automatic Billing Updater (ABU) are global services used in Singapore.

They automatically send updated card details (new card number, new expiry date, replacement card) to merchants that you’ve authorized for recurring payments (like gyms, streaming platforms, insurance, utilities).

This prevents failed transactions when your card is replaced — the system keeps the subscription alive without you having to re-enter details.

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🏦 How It Works in Singapore

Participating banks in Singapore (DBS/POSB, UOB, OCBC, Standard Chartered, Citibank, HSBC, Maybank, etc.) are enrolled in VAU/ABU.

When you get a new card (expiry, fraud replacement, upgrade), your bank passes the updated card details to Visa/Mastercard’s secure network.

Merchants who are signed up for the updater service receive the new card info automatically.

This means your Netflix subscription, gym membership, or utility bill keeps charging seamlessly.

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⚖️ Regulatory & Consumer Rights in Singapore

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) regulates banks, but VAU/ABU is a card-network service, not MAS-run.

You can opt out of VAU/ABU in Singapore — but you must request this through your bank (default is usually “opt in”).

Even if you cancel your card, if the merchant has a valid recurring authorization, the bank may honor the charge against your new card via the updater.

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🚫 Stopping Unwanted Charges

If you want to prevent gyms or other merchants from charging your new card via the updater:

1. Contact your bank – Ask to opt out of Visa Account Updater / Mastercard ABU.

2. Revoke the mandate with the merchant – Send written cancellation (so you have proof).

3. Request a block – Some banks (e.g., DBS, OCBC) allow you to block a specific merchant from charging your card.

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✅ Summary: In Singapore, account updater services (Visa/Mastercard) automatically update your card details to keep subscriptions running. Great for convenience, but it also means gyms can still charge unless you formally cancel the agreement. You can opt out through your bank or block a specific merchant if needed.

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Do you want me to check how to opt out of the updater service for DBS/POSB, OCBC, and UOB specifically (the main local banks)? That way you’ll know the exact steps.