3 Credit Cards with the Most Amazing Welcome Gifts in the Market

The welcome gifts from signing up with these credit cards give you way more value in return, regardless of conditions.

While welcome offers are there to entice customers to apply for a credit card, there are some cards that reward new customers with gifts valued higher upfront.

But let's get real: one cannot decide on a credit card simply for the gift. There are also other factors to consider, like the fine print banks sneakily put in their welcome offers.

There may be a minimum spend requirement within the first few months of card approval, just like the Citibank SMRT Platinum Visa Card. Other conditions could include the need to sign up for additional cards, payment of the full annual fee upfront, or even signing up and getting the card approved by a certain date. Most cards also only provide the welcome benefits if you are purchasing a product with the bank for the first time.

Still, if you're the sort who likes collecting credit cards (whilst being financially responsible!), you might want to take a look at the best credit card welcome offers. These are only valid until promotions end.

1. Citibank Cash Back Credit Card

A Breakdown of the Welcome Offer:

S$50 exclusive Citi Rebate

First year fee waiver: S$192.60

Total Value:

S$50 rebate + S$192.60 annual fee = S$242.60

The Fine Print:

Exclusive to SingSaver.com.sg, the S$50 Citi rebate is valid from 23 September 2015 to 31 October 2015. To get this deal, you need to apply for the Citibank DIVIDEND Credit Card through Singsaver.com.sg, and get their application approved by 30 November 2015 You also need a S$200 minimum spend on retail transactions using the card within 30 days from card approval date.

Our Evaluation:

It is a very good deal as you get a chance to save S$240.60 by fulfilling the conditions above. The Citibank DIVIDEND Credit Card is one of the best cashback cards in the market today, providing some of the best deals.

For example, Citibank now gives 8% cashback in the categories of dining, petrol and groceries. Although this is subject to a minimum spend of S$888 per month and have a maximum cap of S$25 per category per month, it’s still one of the most rewarding cashback cards in the market.

You get an opportunity to save up to 20.88% on petrol and receive 0.25% cashback on all other spends. Also, you receive many Citi Privileges along with the card such as discounts up to 10% on more than 700 partner merchants such as Cold Storage, Burger King and more.

2. HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card

A Breakdown of the Welcome Offer:

Option 1:

A Samsonite Black Label Richmond Spinner 75cm Luggage worth S$950

2 years fee waiver (2xS$180)= S$360

Total Value:

S$950 + S$360 = S$1310

Option 2:

Starbucks card worth S$120

2 years fee waiver (2xS$180)= S$360

Total Value:

S$120 + S$360 = S$480

The Fine Print:

In order to avail the above offer, you need to submit your credit card application between 15 September and 15 November 2015 and get approved by 30 November 2015.

To qualify to receive the luggage, you’ll have to charge a minimum of S$1,000 within the first month of getting the card. On the other hand, you’re eligible to get the Starbucks card if only one transaction of any amount is charged to the credit card within the first month of receiving it.

Our Evaluation:

The welcome gift worth S$950 plus the two-year fee waiver is a great welcome gift. However, you need a S$1,000 minimum spend criteria within a month after approval to qualify for the luggage.

If you are need of new luggage, this card might be what you’re looking for.

On top of the welcome offer, the card itself offers many benefits such as 5% rebates on groceries, 2% on dining and up to 14% savings on petrol expenses. Recently, HSBC also introduced a new 5% cash rebate on all recurring mobile, cable tv and internet bills.

3. UOB One Card

A Breakdown of the Welcome Offer:

S$80 cash credit

First year fee waiver: S$128.40

Total Value:

S$80 + S$128.40 = S$208.40

The Fine Print:

The S$40 cash credit is awarded to the first 400 new principal cardmembers from 7 August to 31 October 2015. You must also spend a minimum of S$500 within the first 30 days of the card approval to qualify. An additional S$40 cash credit is awarded to each successful applicant who graduated from a tertiary institution in academic year 2014 or 2015.

Our Evaluation:

Apart from the attractive S$80 cash credit, UOB gives a 3.33% rebate on all spends to 5% when the minimum spend per month is S$2,000 for 3 consecutive months. Though the maximum rebate per month is capped at S$300 per quarter, it is still one of the highest cash credits given in the market today.

Want to know what these credit cards can give you on a regular basis? Or have these welcome offers tickled your fancy? Our credit card comparison tool will give you an in-depth insight into what you can get from each category spend.

You Might Also Want to Read:

How to Get Discounts All the Time with a Rewards Credit Card

5 Types of Singaporeans Who Are Missing Out on Cashback Credit Cards

How to Get Money Back on Purchases with a Cashback Credit Card