Best Debit Cards in Singapore (2025)

Debit cards seem straightforward—you spend, the money comes out of your account. But hidden fees can quietly add up if you’re not careful. Let’s go through some common charges you should know, so you can avoid nasty surprises and keep your spending smart.

FX transaction fees

Shopping online on overseas sites or spending in foreign currencies? Be mindful of FX (foreign exchange) transaction fees. These fees usually sneak in when you pay in a currency that’s not SGD. Banks often charge between 2.5% and 3.5% on top of the exchange rate, meaning your $100 purchase could quietly become $103 or more.

For example, if you buy something from Amazon US or ASOS and pay in USD, your final bill will likely include this hidden fee.

Tip: If you shop overseas frequently, consider cards like the Wise Multi-Currency Card, which offers real exchange rates with no hidden markup and much lower conversion fees. For occasional online buys, you can also look out for debit cards that waive FX fees when linked to foreign currency wallets.

ATM withdrawal charges (local & overseas)

Withdrawing cash at ATMs in Singapore is mostly free when you stick to your bank’s machines or networks like atm^5. But once you step outside — say, when you travel — fees can pile up quickly.

Overseas ATM withdrawals usually come with two charges:

1. A flat withdrawal fee (often $5–$7 per withdrawal).

2. A percentage fee on the withdrawal amount (typically 1–3%).

For example, withdrawing $200 overseas might cost you an extra $10–$15 in fees. Even some local ATMs, if not part of your bank’s network, may charge admin fees.

So plan ahead before your trips. Cards like DBS Visa Debit offer limited free withdrawals overseas, while Wise gives you two free overseas withdrawals each month up to a certain limit. Withdraw more in one go to minimise repeated charges.

Monthly maintenance fees

Some debit cards come with linked savings or current accounts that require you to maintain a minimum balance. If you don’t meet this, a fall-below fee applies.

For example, OCBC 360 Account holders need to keep $3,000 daily on average, or pay a $2 monthly fee. Younger adults using OCBC FRANK enjoy fee waivers below age 26, but after that, a minimum balance applies.

While $2 doesn’t sound like much, over a year, it adds up to $24—that’s a nice lunch or two!

Lost your card? Banks often charge a replacement fee, typically between $5 and $15. Wise, for instance, charges $4.32 if you lose your card. OCBC FRANK is a little more generous. The replacement fee may be waived in some cases, like fraudulent activity or expired cards.

Picking a debit card might seem easy, but not all cards are created equal. Some quietly help you save and earn rewards, while others can come with sneaky limitations. Here’s how to choose one that fits your daily lifestyle — so every dollar works harder for you.

Choose based on linked account interest, fees, and perks

Your debit card is often linked to a savings or current account, and that matters more than you think. Look beyond the card itself. Some accounts offer attractive interest rates when you credit your salary, save consistently, or spend on the linked debit card.

For example, OCBC 360 Account holders can unlock higher interest rates by meeting simple criteria like salary crediting and spending. On the other hand, accounts like DBS My Account offer more flexibility with no fall-below fees, but don't reward savings as much.

Consider digital wallet support (Apple Pay/Google Pay/Samsung Pay)

These days, many of us leave home without our physical wallets. That’s where mobile payments come in handy. A debit card that works seamlessly with Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay makes life much easier, from tapping in at MRT gantries to buying kopi or groceries.

Most newer cards, like DBS Visa Debit and OCBC FRANK, already support major digital wallets. But it’s worth double-checking, especially if you rely on your phone or smartwatch to pay.

Link with PayNow/Paylah/Pay Anyone for seamless transactions

In Singapore, instant transfers are part of daily life. Whether you’re splitting dinner with friends, paying for tuition fees, or sending angbao digitally during CNY, it’s all about convenience.

Most local debit cards link easily with PayNow, and banks like DBS and OCBC also offer apps like PayLah and Pay Anyone to make cash transfers even quicker.