Can You Get a Credit Card on Low or No Income?
Updated: 16 Oct 2025
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In theory, yes. Since we get this question very often, we should start with the caveat that it’s not advisable for anybody without an income to apply for a credit card. In this article, we list our credit card picks for individuals with low to no income, while going into detail on why they should think very carefully before applying for a credit card.
Best credit cards for individuals with low or no income
Card | Hot Reward Pick | SingSaver Reward | Earn Rate & Perks | Min. Annual Income | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | OCBC Frank Card | - | - | - | S$30,000 | |
 | HSBC Revolution Credit Card | S$719 | 4 mpd / 2.5% cashback | S$65,000 | ||
 | UOB EVOL Card | S$1,299 | 10% cashback on online & mobile spend | S$30,000 | ||
 | DBS Live Fresh Card | - | S$300 | 6% cashback on shopping & transport | S$30,000 | |
 | POSB Everyday Card | - | S$300 | 10% cash rebate on everyday spends | S$30,000 | |
 | Citi SMRT Card | S$719 | 0.3 - 5 % cashback | S$30,000 | ||
 | KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card | - | - | - | S$30,000 |
| Credit card | Minimum annual income requirement | Rewards | Minimum spend for rewards | Annual fee |
| CIMB AWSM Card | For Singaporeans and PRs:S$18,000 for those below 35S$30,000 for those aged 35 and above | 1% cashback on dining, entertainment, online shopping, telecommunications | Nil | Nil |
| BOC F1RST Card | For Singaporeans and PRs:S$18,000  | 0.5% cash rebate | Nil | S$203.30, waived for first two years |
Why is it difficult for people with low or no income to get credit cards?
Credit cards work by giving you loans. When you have a credit card, you are granted access to money you don’t actually own.
Access to this money is granted with the understanding that you will repay whatever you spend. Not only are you expected to repay the sum in full, hefty interest rates also apply for those who fail to pay their credit card bills in a timely fashion.Â
Credit card companies may offer some degree of flexibility in terms of repayments, but you absolutely have to repay what is owed at some point. When banks conduct risk assessments, proof of income and stable employment are important factors that can swing the decision in your favour. If you have no source or income, or if your monthly salary falls below the required minimum sum, the bank may decide not to approve your credit card application due to the possibility that you may not be able to make repayments on time.
>>Â MORE: Best Cashback Credit Cards of 2025
What are the qualifying criteria for a credit card?
Each credit card comes with its own set of minimum requirements, which all applicants must meet. In general, you have to be at least 21 years old, and have a minimum annual income of at least S$30,000 per annum.
Foreigners may face much higher minimum annual income thresholds, which may be twice that of locals. This is because the bank is taking on a higher risk when issuing credit cards to foreigners, who may decide to leave the country and default on what is owed to the bank.
You will need the right documentation to prove that you meet the qualifying criteria. Salaried employees can produce their CPF statements and salary slips, whereas commissioned-based or self-employed individuals may be asked to present their latest Notice of Assessment. In the event that you have alternative income sources, such as a rental income where you are the landlord, the bank has the discretion in your application's final outcome.
What if you still cannot meet income requirements?
You still have one alternative, in the form of student credit cards. These credit cards have low credit limits of up to S$500, and typically have lower or no income requirement. An example of this is the DBS Live Fresh Student Card, which has no minimum income requirement and comes with a 5-year annual fee waiver.
These credit cards often give you access to points and rewards like regular credit cards. However, they tend to lack features like accelerated rewards points accumulation, cashback, or air miles.
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Should you apply for credit cards if you have low or no income?
If you are strapped for cash and urgently need credit, you might be better off with a personal instalment loan. These loans have a lower interest rate than credit cards (6-8%), and are easier to qualify for than a credit card.
That is not to say that you shouldn't consider and reconsider before applying for any kind of loan, especially if you lack the ability to repay it. Defaulting on loans will destroy your creditworthiness, which can have negative consequences that stretch far into the future. Some examples include not being able to take out a housing or emergency loan. In some cases, you risk being subject to bankruptcy proceedings, which can affect you for decades, or even for life.
Frequently asked questions about credit cards with no income requirement
Credit cards in Singapore typically require a minimum annual income of S$30,000. However, there are options for those without income, such as DBS's Live Fresh Student Card, which has no minimum income requirement.
Secured credit cards are a great option for individuals without a regular income. These cards require a fixed deposit as collateral. Additionally, many banks offer student credit cards, which may have low to no minimum income requirements.
While credit card companies take into consideration individuals with no fixed salaries, such as self-employed or freelance workers, those without an income may find it a challenge to obtain a credit card. This is because proof of income is a crucial part of risk assessment. Proper documentation of alternative sources of income, such as dividends or rental fees, may or may not increase the odds of approval in your favour.