Octopus launches ‘tap to win’ Lunar New Year rewards with up to $28 cashback

Octopus Cards Limited is rolling out a new Lunar New Year promotion that offers shoppers a chance to receive instant cashback of up to HK$28 when they spend HK$100 or more at participating merchants, as part of an effort to support the local retail and dining sector and encourage the use of Mobile Octopus and the JoyYou Card.

The promotion will run from February 14 (two days before the Lunar New Year) to February 19 (the third day of the Lunar New Year). During the period, Mobile Octopus users and JoyYou Card holders who make a single transaction of HK$100 or above using the newly launched Octopus Reader 3.0 at participating outlets will have a chance to win an Octopus reward worth HK$2, HK$8, or up to HK$28.

Octopus Group Chief Executive Officer Tim Ying Tien-chi said the company hopes the campaign can inject momentum into the brick-and-mortar economy while promoting wider adoption of Mobile Octopus and the JoyYou Card.

From February 14 to 19, customers only need to use Mobile Octopus or a JoyYou Card on the new Octopus Reader to qualify for a surprise cashback reward once their spending reaches HK$100, Ying said.

When users hear the congratulatory message voiced by radio DJ Bonnie Wong Ching-yi, also known as “Ah Jeng,” announcing the value of the reward, it means they have successfully won. The reward amount will be instantly deducted from the relevant transaction, creating what Ying described as a seamless “tap to win” experience.

Ying said the idea behind the campaign is to link instant rewards directly with real-time spending, helping to draw foot traffic to shops and restaurants during the festive season.

He added that while the JoyYou Card does not yet support mobile payment, the company hopes cardholders can still enjoy the benefits brought by new technology through the promotion.

Ying also introduced the new Octopus Reader 3.0, describing it as a smart connected device that combines the advantages of online interactivity with the convenience and efficiency of offline payments.

He said the new reader features a sleek design and powerful performance, and uses the same chipset as the Nintendo Switch. The company aims to have more than 90 percent of retail merchants upgraded to the new readers by the end of this year.

Octopus said 29 retail and dining brands are taking part in the campaign, involving more than 1,500 outlets across Hong Kong. There is no daily limit on the number of chances to win, as each eligible HK$100 transaction qualifies for a draw.

In addition, from February 3 to 28, the same 29 participating merchants will roll out Lunar New Year shopping offers covering festive groceries, reunion dinners, and holiday gatherings, allowing the public to enjoy extra savings throughout the season.