Credit Card Comparison: AMEX True Cashback vs Citi Cash Back+ vs SCB Simply Cash

Limitless, cap-less cashback credit cards that don’t need you to keep tabs on anything. Dive in to learn which one could be your wallet’s new best friend.

Looking for a straightforward cashback credit card that lets you earn unlimited rewards on practically everything? Zoom in on Amex True Cashback vs Citi Cash Back+ vs SCB Simply Cash. These flat-rate cashback credit cards reward you no matter how big or small your purchases are.  

Although they are quite similar, they aren’t the exact same. In this Amex True Cashback vs Citi Cashback+ vs SCB Simply Cash triple threat comparison, you will learn more about what each card has to offer as well as important things to be mindful of. 

Table of contents

• Similarities between these cashback cards
• Comparison #1: Cashback workings
• Comparison #2: Ability to earn cashback on bill payments
• Comparison #3: Cashback redemption
• Comparison #4: Extra perks 
• Conclusion: Which one should you choose?

Amex True Cashback vs Citi Cash Back+ vs SCB Simply Cash

What do these cashback credit cards have in common?

Amex True Cashback, Citi Cash Back+ and SCB Simply Cash are accessible cashback credit cards with entry-level minimum income requirements. (We're looking at around the S$30,000 annual income range.)

A common attribute of all three credit cards is that there is no cap on the base cashback you can earn. Also, there’s no minimum spend required to start earning cashback on your purchases. 

All three credit cards are straightforward and easy to use, perfect for those new to the world of credit cards or those who simply prefer something ultra fuss-free.

How these cashback credit cards differ

Comparison #1: Cashback workings

Taking a closer look at AMEX True Cashback vs Citi Cash Back+ vs SCB Simply Cash, you’ll find that the AMEX and Citi cards let cardmembers earn extra cashback for the first couple of months without having to jump through hoops at all.

However, out of the two, AMEX True Cashback offers the most consistent welcome bonus cashback promotion where new-to-AMEX cardholders can earn 3% cashback on the first S$5,000 spend within first 6 months of card approval. 

Remember: This 3% cashback is unlimited, and can be virtually earned on any spending thanks to the card's broad range of eligible merchants. For clarity on excluded merchants, refer to their MCCs exclusions here.

Comparison #2: Ability to earn cashback on bill payments

While you can quite literally earn cashback on almost every purchase using any of the three cashback credit cards, take note that Citi Cash Back+ and SCB Simply Cash do not let you earn cashback on bill payments (including via Citibank Online). 

Consider AMEX True Cashback if you’re keen on earning rewards on your utility bills and phone bills. 

💡Pro-tip: You can also earn 1.5% cashback on commonly-excluded categories like education fees, insurance premiums, and medical bills!

Comparison #3: Cashback redemption

If having a say in how you utilise your rewards is important to you, you’ll appreciate the flexibility that Citi Cash Back+ offers. For AMEX True Cashback and SCB Simply Cash, your cashback can only be used to offset your bill statements. 

Comparison #4: Extra perks

Although you get to enjoy a slew of lifestyle deals and promotions with all three cashback credit cards, AMEX True Cashback is hard to beat thanks to its generosity towards its cardmembers.

It is the only card amongst the three to throw in complimentary travel insurance and a straightforward 5% off wedding packages at selected venues. The 5% discount should amount to quite a sum, considering how pricey wedding packages at hotels are these days.  

And they even take it a step further by considering your future home improvements in mind. Their curated selection of partner discounts and savings on selected home renovation merchants will help shave some costs in your home reno budget!

Conclusion: Which one should you choose?

It’s a tough one to pick out a winner in the Amex True Cashback vs Citi Cash Back+ vs SCB Simply Cash comparison. Each cashback credit card has its own merits and which one is the most suited to you really depends on what you’re looking for, and perhaps, the overall experience the credit card has to offer, taking into account all the nitty gritty details.  

SingSaver Exclusive Offer: Receive an upsized S$150 Cash via PayNow when you apply for an Amex True Cashback Card and make a min. S$500 spend within 1 month of Card approval. Available to new-to-American-Express card members only. Valid until 15 May 2024. T&Cs apply.

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Choose AMEX True Cashback: If you want a fuss-free, reliable cashback credit card that comes with extra perks like free travel insurance and rewards on your monthly bill and insurance payments, AMEX True Cashback is a fantastic choice.

If it helps, know that American Express provides the best customer service hands down, though it’s not the easiest to get a fee waiver from your second year onwards. 

Choose Citi Cash Back+: If you spend largely in Singapore Dollars and you appreciate getting the option to choose how you spend your earned cashback, Citi Cash Back+ is a great cashback credit card to have in your pocket. Its base cashback rate of 1.6% is marginally higher than the 1.5% offered by Amex True Cashback and SCB Simply Cash.

Choose SCB Simply Cash: SCB Simply Cash is the fussiest sibling amongst the three. While it lets you earn extra cashback as a cardmember — not just for the first few months — there are hoops you’ll have to jump through.