How to Save Money While Clubbing in Singapore

Going for a night out of partying in Singapore will cost you lots of money. But we've got tricks up our sleeves that can help you spend less on clubbing.

Clubbing is a great way to spend tons of money, to end up on your knees retching into a filthy toilet after three sweaty hours of gyrating like a seizure victim. Despite these obvious drawbacks, it is a mandatory weekend ritual for young adults and adults who still don’t realise they grew up.

If you have to take part in this, here’s how to save a few bucks:

1. Use a Credit Card which Removes Cover Charges

There are three ways to get into a club without paying. The first is to be a celebrity, the second is to know the manager and bring along a large party (about 30 people ought to do the trick), and the third is to use the right credit card.

Cards like the Citibank Clear Card can remove the cover charges from select clubs - but you do need to make sure your club of choice is on the list.

2. Use a Credit Card with an Optimised Rewards Scheme

In Singapore, there are few clubs that give you direct discounts, even through rewards credit cards. As alcohol is their main revenue source and very little else (tiny snacks and VIP lounge charges don’t earn them much), you are unlikely to find direct price cuts, which may be more common abroad.

This means you need to optimise your reward points to get the best deal. Some credit cards, such as American Express cards (they have a preferred merchant scheme), will give you double points for going to participating clubs. Since you are going to spend money there anyway, you may as well redeem as many possible rewards as you can.

Just remember to pay back the card in full, as no reward is worth paying the high interest rate on a credit card.

3. Use Credit Cards with One-for-One Drink Offers

A number of credit cards, such as the DBS Black American Express Card, have one-for-one drink offers. This is basically a 50% discount off your drink. If you like to move between clubs, you might be able to score one-for-one deals in multiple places.

Just remember to check the exact terms with the bartender. Some drinks may not be subject to the offer.

4. Use Your Credit Card as a Mode of Payment Only

If you repay the credit card in full each time you go clubbing, you will invariably come out ahead. The lack of cover charge, free drink, rewards redemptions and cashback features all combine to lower your overall expenses.

In fact if you have a cashback card, you might want your friends to put their drinks on your card as well. Then collect the amount from them in cash, and pay off your card in full. Since you get about 5 - 6% cashback on the total amount, you will usually save a substantial amount each time (and rack up points faster).

5. Cap Your Credit Cards to Control Spending

If you tend to overspend in clubs, you may want to consider getting a credit card with a lower credit ceiling. This will ensure that you cannot spend beyond a certain amount - once your card starts to get declined, you will know it’s time to head home.

Read This Next:

3 Signs You Spend Too Much on Dining in Singapore

5 Emergency Expenses You’re Probably Not Prepared For