Updated: 29 Dec 2025
For a limited time, earn 10X reward points (4 mpd) on new categories - online travel and contactless spending - when you apply for the HSBC Revolution Credit Card! Plus, the first 2 eligible applicants at 2pm and 8pm will score a reward upgrade to a Sony PlayStation®5 (worth S$669)!
Apply by Jan 01, 2026 to claim your reward
Apply by Jan 01, 2026 to claim your reward
1.6% cashback on eligible spend all year round.
Enjoy uncapped cashback with no minimum spend.
Redeem cashback instantly via SMS.
Earn 0.4% bonus cashback if you are a Citi Plus customer with a Citi Interest Booster Account.
Travel insurance included.
Repayment Details
Minimum Payment: 1 %
Late Payment Charge: S$100
Interest on Purchase: 27.9 %
Interest on Cash Advance: 27.9 %
Interest Free Period: 25 days
Fees
Annual Fee: S$196.20
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee: 3.25 %
Cash Advance Service Charge: S$15
Eligibility
Monthly Spend Required: None
Min. Annual Income: S$30,000
Minimum Age: 21 years old
For those who prefer straightforward rewards, the Citi Cash Back+ Card delivers an effortless, unlimited cashback experience. Enjoy a flat 1.6% cashback on every spend, with no minimum requirement and no earning cap, making it ideal for high-volume transactions.
8% cashback on dining, shopping, and entertainment.
5% cashback on petrol.
0.3% cashback on all other eligible purchases.
15% discount at over 200 restaurants across Asia (Live+ Dining Programme).
Discounts on movie tickets at Golden Village.
Savings on streaming subscriptions (Disney+, Netflix, Spotify).
Up to 17% fuel savings and 5% cashback at Caltex and Shell.
ENTERTAINER with HSBC 1-for-1 dining offers.
Complimentary online purchase protection.
Visa Signature privileges.
Repayment Details
Minimum Payment: S$50 or 3% of the Total Balance
Late Payment Charge: S$100
Interest on Cash Advance: 28.92 %
Interest Free Period: 23 days
Interest on Purchase: 27.78 %
Fees
Annual Fee: S$196.20
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee: 2.25 %
Cash Advance Service Charge: S$15
Eligibility
Monthly Spend Required: S$800
Minimum Annual Income: S$30,000
Minimum Age: 21 years old
The HSBC Live+ Credit Card is tailored for lifestyle-focused individuals, offering generous cashback on dining, shopping, and entertainment. Its strong focus on these categories, along with fuel savings and dining discounts, makes it attractive for those who enjoy experiences. The card's perks are well-suited for urban living.
6% cashback on petrol.
5% cashback on dining and food delivery.
3% cashback on groceries, land transport, Watsons, streaming, EV charging, and utilities.
Cashback capped at S$160 per month.
0.25% cashback if monthly spend is below S$800.
Fuel discounts at Caltex, Esso, and Sinopec.
Repayment Details
Minimum Payment: S$50 or 3% of the Total Balance
Late Payment Charge: S$100
Interest on Cash Advance: 28.92 %
Interest Free Period: 23 days
Interest on Purchase: 27.78 %
Fees
Annual Fee: S$196.20
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee: 2.25 %
Cash Advance Service Charge: S$15
Eligibility
Monthly Spend Required: S$800
Minimum Annual Income: S$30,000
Minimum Age: 21 years old
The OCBC 365 Credit Card is designed for everyday spending, offering strong cashback rates on essential categories like petrol, dining, and groceries. Its high cashback cap and wide range of eligible categories make it a valuable card for managing daily expenses. However, the minimum spend requirement for enhanced cashback should be considered.
Up to 2.5% cashback (1.5% with no minimum spend OR 2.5% when you spend above S$2,000) on your local and overseas purchases each calendar month.
Earn 1.5% cashback on all purchases with no minimum spend.
Increase cashback to 2.5% on all local and overseas purchases when spending exceeds S$2,000.
Gain complimentary access to the ENTERTAINER with HSBC app, featuring over 1,000 1-for-1 deals on dining, lifestyle, and travel worldwide.
Cashback is capped at S$70 per calendar month.
Travel insurance included.
First-year annual fee waiver.
Repayment Details
Minimum Payment: 3 %
Late Payment Charge: S$100
Interest on Purchase: 26.9 %
Interest on Cash Advance: 28 %
Interest Free Period: 20 days
Fees
Annual Fee: S$196.20
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee: 3.25 %
Air Miles Conversion Fee: S$40
Cash Advance Service Charge: S$15
Eligibility
Monthly Spend Required: S$2,000
Minimum Annual Income: S$65,000
Minimum Age: 21 years old
Designed for those with a discerning lifestyle, the HSBC Advance Credit Card offers a streamlined approach to maximising rewards. By enrolling in the HSBC Everyday+ Rewards Programme, cardholders can earn up to 3.5% cashback.
Even without the program, a generous 2.5% cashback is awarded for monthly spending exceeding S$2,000, significantly above the standard 1.5% on all local and international transactions. Additionally, enjoy complimentary access to the ENTERTAINER app for a wealth of 1-for-1 deals, and a waived annual fee in the first year.
3% cashback up to spending of S$5,000 for the first 6 months.
1.5% unlimited cashback on all subsequent purchases with no minimum spend.
Enjoy unlimited and immediate cashback, with no minimum spend and no cap.
Receive cashback credited in the same statement month.
Complimentary travel insurance.
First-year annual fee waiver.
Repayment Details
Minimum Payment: S$50
Late Payment Charge: S$100
Interest on Purchase: 27.80 %
Interest on Cash Advance: 26.9 %
Interest Free Period: 22 days
Fees
Annual Fee: S$174.40
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee: 3.25 %
Eligibility
Monthly Spend Required: None
Minimum Annual Income: Conditional
Minimum Age: 21 years old
Perfect for substantial expenditures, the American Express True Cashback Card, operating as a charge card, provides a substantial 3% cashback on all qualifying purchases, capped at S$5,000 within the initial six months.
10% cashback on daily essentials.
4.33% cashback on Singapore Power utilities bill.
3.33% cashback on all retail spend.
Petrol savings of up to 24% at Shell and SPC.
Greater savings with up to 6.0% p.a. interest with UOB One Account+.
Min. spend of S$600 / S$1,000 / S$2,000 per month (min. 5 purchases) for 3 consecutive months to earn additional cashback.
Awarding of cash rebates only comes every quarter.
Qualifying monthly spend for cash rebate has to be spread out across min. 5 different purchases.
First-year annual fee waiver.
Repayment Details
Minimum Payment: 3% of outstanding balance or S$50 (whichever is higher)
Late Payment Charge: S$100
Interest on Purchase: 27.8%
Interest on Cash Advance: 28%
Interest Free Period: 21 days
Fees
Annual Fee: S$ 196.20
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee: 3.25%
Cash Advance Service Charge: S$15
Eligibility
Monthly Spend Required: S$ 600
Minimum Annual Income: S$30,000
Minimum Age: 21 years old
Offering a potentially market-leading 10% cashback on everyday purchases, the UOB One Card presents a compelling opportunity for significant savings. Its tiered cashback structure rewards you generously for spending at popular outlets like Grab, DFI Retail Group, and McDonald's, alongside a solid 3.33% on other qualifying transactions.
8% cashback on private commute and petrol spend worldwide.
6% cashback on dining and groceries spend worldwide.'
Up to 23.64% fuel savings at Caltex, Esso, and Shell (inclusive of 8% cashback).
Citi World Privileges: Deals and discounts locally.
Citi PayLite: Turn big purchases into small payments.
Citi FlexiBill: Convert credit card statement balance into instalments.
Citi Quick Cash: Instant cash access.
Repayment Details
Minimum Payment: 1 %
Late Payment Charge: S$100
Interest on Purchase: 27.9 %
Interest on Cash Advance: 27.9 %
Interest Free Period: 25 days
Fees
Annual Fee: S$196.20
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee: 3.25 %
Cash Advance Service Charge: S$15
Eligibility
Monthly Spend Required: S$800
Minimum Annual Income: S$30,000
Minimum Age: 21 years old
The Citi Cash Back Card is a strong contender for those seeking high cashback across a wide range of daily spending categories. Its generous rebates on petrol, private commutes, dining, and groceries, coupled with fuel savings and flexible payment options, make it a versatile choice. However, to maximise the cashback, a minimum monthly spend of S$800 is required.
10X Rewards points (2.5% cashback or 4 miles equivalent) on online spending.
1X Rewards point on all other spending.
No minimum spend required for 10X points.
Redeem rewards for gifts, lifestyle experiences, or statement credits.
Option to split purchases into monthly instalments.
Earn points on supplementary cards (up to 5, no fee).
Rewards on fitness and wellness online purchases.
Repayment
Minimum Payment: 3 %
Late Payment Charge: S$ 100
Interest on Purchase: 26.9 %
Interest on Cash Advance: 28 %
Interest Free Period: 20 Days
Fees
Annual Fee: No Annual Fee
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee: 3.25 %
Air Miles Conversion Fee: S$ 40
Cash Advance Service Charge: S$ 15
Eligibility
Monthly Spend Required: No minimum spend
Minimum Annual Income: S$ 65,000
Minimum Age: 21 years old
The HSBC Revolution Credit Card is an excellent choice for those who frequently shop online and seek flexibility. Its no-annual-fee structure and generous rewards on online spending, coupled with the absence of a minimum spend requirement, make it accessible to a wide range of users. The ability to redeem points for various rewards and split purchases into instalments adds to its appeal.
10% cashback on online shopping, groceries, beauty & wellness, pet shops, and cruises.
0.2% unlimited cashback on all other retail purchases.
Travel insurance coverage up to S$500,000.
Visa Signature exclusive deals and discounts.
No annual fee.
Repayment Details
Minimum Payment: 3 %
Late Payment Charge: S$100
Interest on Purchase: 27.8 %
Interest on Cash Advance: 28 %
Interest Free Period: 23 days
Fees
Annual Fee: No Annual Fee
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee: 3 %
Cash Advance Service Charge: S$15
Eligibility
Monthly Spend Required: S$800
Minimum Annual Income: S$30,000
Minimum Age: 21 years old
The CIMB Visa Signature Card stands out for its generous 10% cashback across a diverse range of categories, making it ideal for those who frequently shop online and enjoy lifestyle spending. The card’s no-annual-fee structure and travel insurance coverage also add to its appeal. However, the requirement of a minimum monthly spend to unlock the higher cashback tier should be considered.
5% savings at supermarkets & grocery stores.
5% savings on online purchases.
5% savings on taxi & public transport rides (including SimplyGo).
Citi World Privileges: Deals and discounts.
Citi PayLite: Turn big purchases into small payments.
Citi FlexiBill: Convert credit card statement balance into instalments.
Citi Quick Cash: Instant cash access.
SimplyGo integration for seamless public transport payments.
Repayment Details
Minimum Payment: S$50 or 1% of outstanding balance (whichever is higher)
Late Payment Charge: Conditional
Interest on Purchase: 28%
Interest on Cash Advance: 28%
Interest Free Period: Up to 25 days
Fees
Annual Fee: S$196.20
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee: 3.25%
Cash Advance Service Charge: 6% of amount withdrawn or S$15 (whichever is higher)
Eligibility
Monthly Spend Required: S$500
Minimum Annual Income: S$30,000
Minimum Age: 21 years old
The Citi SMRT Card is tailored for commuters and everyday shoppers, offering consistent savings on essential categories like groceries, online purchases, and transport. Its integration with SimplyGo and flexible payment options make it a convenient choice for daily use, particularly for those who prioritise public transport and online shopping.
Up to 18% cashback or 10 miles per S$1 at participating yuu merchants (Cold Storage, Giant, foodpanda, Gojek, etc.) with S$600 monthly spend.
5% cashback or 2.8 miles per S$1 with no minimum spend.
S$2 off eggs and rice monthly at Cold Storage and Giant.
Flexibility to redeem rewards as cash rebates or miles via the yuu app.
Rewards are available in a wide range of everyday spending categories.
Repayment Details
Minimum Payment: 3 %
Late Payment Charge: $100
Interest on Purchase: 27.8 %
Interest on Cash Advance: 28.5 %
Interest Free Period: 25 days
Fees
Annual Fee: S$196.20
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee: 3.25 %
Cash Advance Service Charge: S$15
Eligibility
Monthly Spend Required: No Requirement
Min. Annual Income: S$30,000
Minimum Age: 21 years old
The DBS yuu Card offers a unique proposition with its dual rewards system, allowing users to choose between cashback and miles. Its high reward rates at partner merchants, particularly for those who meet the monthly spend requirement, make it attractive for everyday spending. The flexibility to switch between cash rebates and miles adds a layer of customisation.
8% cashback on five chosen categories from a list including dining, groceries, online shopping, transport, and more.
Customisable card design.
Diamond Sky Fuel Card savings at Caltex.
Dining and shopping deals.
Regional TREATS privileges.
GRAB ride-hail and food delivery deals.
Maybank Family Plus savings account benefits.
Repayment Details
Minimum Payment: 3%
Late Payment Charge: S$100
Interest on Purchase: 26.9%
Interest on Cash Advance: 26.9%
Interest Free Period: 20 days
Fees
Annual Fee: S$196.20
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee: 3.25%
Cash Advance Service Charge: S$15
Eligibility
Monthly Spend Required: S$800
Minimum Annual Income: S$30,000
Minimum Age: 21 years old
The Maybank Family & Friends Card offers a unique level of personalisation, allowing users to select their preferred cashback categories. Its high cashback rate and wide range of eligible categories make it a versatile choice for various lifestyles. The added perks, such as fuel savings and regional privileges, enhance its value.
1.7% cashback on all purchases with no exclusions.
0.3% cashback on transactions typically excluded by other cards.
No minimum spend required.
Cashback on a wide range of purchases, including travel, luxury, insurance, and utilities.
Repayment Details
Minimum Payment: 3%
Late Payment Charge: S$100
Interest on Purchase: 27.8%
Interest on Cash Advance: 28.5%
Interest Free Period: Up to 21 days
Fees
Annual Fee: S$ 196.20
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee: 3.25%
Cash Advance Service Charge: 6% of amount withdrawn or S$15 (whichever is higher)
Eligibility
Monthly Spend Required: No minimum spend
Minimum Annual Income: S$30,000
Minimum Age: 21 years old
The UOB Absolute Cashback Card stands out for its simplicity and universality, offering a flat cashback rate on all purchases without any exclusions or minimum spend requirements. This makes it a straightforward choice for those seeking hassle-free cashback on everything from daily essentials to big-ticket items.
10% cashback on online food delivery, 5% on online shopping (with S$800 min. spend).
5% cashback at Sheng Siong (no min. spend).
Up to 3% cashback on utilities (no min. spend).
6% cashback at SPC, 3% at Pet Lovers Centre.
Family attraction discounts at Mandai Wildlife Reserve and Kiztopia.
Daily$ rewards system (1 Daily$ = S$1 cashback).
Cashback on dining, online shopping, telco, groceries, utilities, fuel, and pet supplies.
Repayment Details
Minimum Payment: 3 %
Late Payment Charge: S$100
Interest on Purchase: 27.8 %
Interest on Cash Advance: 28.5 %
Interest Free Period: 25 days
Fees
Annual Fee: S$196.20
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee: 3.25 %
Cash Advance Service Charge: 8 %
Eligibility
Monthly Spend Required: S$800
Minimum Annual Income: S$30,000
Minimum Age: 21 years old
The POSB Everyday Card is designed for families and everyday spenders, offering a wide range of cashback categories, including groceries, dining, online shopping, and utilities. Its Daily$ rewards system and family-friendly perks make it a versatile choice for managing household expenses.
Here’s a quick comparison of Singapore’s top cashback credit cards to help you spot the best fit for your everyday spend and lifestyle.
|
Credit Card |
Promo |
Validity |
|
Citi Cash Back Card |
Spend on Citi Mastercard Credit Cards and stand a chance to win a Dream Holiday worth S$20,000 and/or enjoy a 1-Night stay at the Capella Singapore. |
31 Dec 2025 |
|
Citi Cash Back+ Card |
||
|
HSBC Live+ Credit Card |
Apply and spend S$500 to receive a Samsonite VOYA Spinner 68cm Exp (worth S$680) or S$200 cashback, plus S$100 cashback with an additional S$500 spend. |
31 Dec 2025 |
|
OCBC 365 Credit Card |
Enjoy cashback of 2.88% with no minimum spend required. This applies to both full payments and instalment payment plans. |
31 Dec 2025 |
|
HSBC Advance Credit Card |
Apply now and get up to S$300 cashback. Spend S$500 to receive a Samsonite VOYA Spinner 68cm Exp (worth S$680) or S$200 cashback. Spend another S$500 and you'll earn an additional S$100 cashback. |
31 Dec 2025 |
|
UOB EVOL Card |
Get 3% cashback and 0% FX fees worldwide, plus up to 10% cashback on mobile contactless purchases in Malaysia, without any foreign transaction fees. |
31 Jan 2025 |
|
DBS Live Fresh Card |
Receive a S$300 limited-time sign-up bonus when you meet the minimum spend, along with lifestyle, dining, and travel privileges. |
31 Dec 2025 |
|
OCBC Rewards Credit Card |
Earn 15 OCBC$ per S$1 spent at Watsons and on Lazada, Shopee, Taobao and TikTok Shop. This equals 6 air miles instead of 4. You can also earn up to 5,000 extra OCBC$ each month, on top of the usual 10,000 bonus OCBC$. |
31 Dec 2025 |
|
Citi M1 Platinum Visa Card |
Apply now and get S$300 cashback when you meet the S$800 spend requirement within the first two months. |
28 Feb 2026 |
|
CIMB World Mastercard |
Apply to receive a S$188 welcome gift and enjoy up to 10% cashback with no annual fees. |
Not stated |
|
Standard Chartered Simply Cash Credit Card |
Apply and spend S$800 within 60 days to enjoy S$710 in welcome gifts. This includes a Samsonite MODUS Spinner 25” worth S$610 and an additional S$100 cashback. |
31 Mar 2026 |
|
POSB Everyday Card |
Enjoy a S$388 cashback sign-up bonus when you apply as a new POSB/DBS Cardmember using the promo code PED388. You’ll also enjoy a range of travel, dining and grocery deals across Singapore and Malaysia. |
Not Stated |
|
Category of Shopper |
Best Cashback Cards |
|
Dining |
Citi Cash Back Card & OCBC 365 Credit Card |
|
Online Shopping |
DBS Live Fresh Card, UOB EVOL Card & OCBC Rewards Credit Card |
|
Travel |
Citi Cash Back+ Card, CIMB World Mastercard & Standard Chartered Simply Cash Credit Card |
|
Groceries |
Citi Cash Back Card, OCBC 365 Credit Card & POSB Everyday Card |
|
Fuel |
OCBC 365 Credit Card & HSBC Advance Credit Card |
|
Public Transport |
DBS Live Fresh Card, Citi M1 Platinum Visa Card & POSB Everyday Card |
Our pick for: Frequent diners and food delivery users
The Citi Cash Back Card offers one of the highest cashback rates on dining and food delivery, provided you meet the minimum spend. It is ideal for people who dine out regularly or rely on delivery platforms. Cashback caps apply, making it best suited for consistent monthly spending.
Our pick for: Families balancing dining with other essentials
OCBC 360 delivers steady cashback on dining across weekdays and weekends, including online food delivery. It also rewards groceries, utilities and fuel, making it a versatile choice for families seeking multi-category value.
Our pick for: Digital-first, eco-conscious spenders
DBS Live Fresh offers strong cashback on online transactions and contactless payments. It covers e-commerce platforms, subscription services and mobile wallet purchases, making it a great option for digital-native shoppers.
Our pick for: Online shoppers who maximise contactless and in-app payments
The UOB EVOL Card rewards online and mobile contactless spending with elevated cashback once the minimum monthly spend is met. It suits individuals with a strong online shopping habit and a preference for tap-and-go payments.
Our pick for: Heavy online shoppers seeking accelerated rewards
The OCBC Rewards Credit Card offers accelerated OCBC$ on selected online retail categories, allowing frequent online shoppers to accumulate rewards quickly. It is well-suited to those who spend predominantly on e-commerce platforms.
Our pick for: Travellers who want simple, uncapped cashback
Citi Cash Back+ offers uncapped cashback with no minimum spend, making it ideal for high-value travel purchases such as hotel bookings and flights. It is a fuss-free choice for those who prefer predictability and unlimited earning potential.
Our pick for: Travellers who want flexible cashback on lifestyle and travel categories
The CIMB World Mastercard provides cashback on travel, dining and overseas spending. It is suitable for travellers who value broad category coverage without paying an annual fee.
Our pick for: Travellers looking for flat-rate cashback on all spending
The Simply Cash Credit Card offers a flat cashback rate on most types of spending, including foreign currency transactions. It is ideal for frequent travellers who prefer simple, unrestricted earning.
Our pick for: Heavy supermarket shoppers
This card offers high cashback at major supermarkets when you meet the minimum spend. It is ideal for families with regular grocery runs and predictable monthly budgets.
Our pick for: Households managing multiple essential expenses
OCBC 365 gives consistent cashback on groceries, dining and transport. Its broad coverage makes it an excellent all-rounder for households with diverse spending habits.
Our pick for: Value seekers who shop at Sheng Siong and Watsons
The POSB Everyday Card provides attractive cashback at Sheng Siong, Watsons and selected online platforms. It is ideal for budget-conscious families who want consistent savings on daily essentials.
Our pick for: Drivers looking for strong petrol savings
OCBC 365 combines elevated fuel cashback with station-specific discounts, making it one of the most cost-effective cashback cards for motorists who refuel frequently.
Our pick for: Drivers with predictable monthly spending
HSBC Advance provides cashback on general spending, including fuel. It works best for drivers with steady monthly fuel expenses who want straightforward rewards.
Our pick for: SimplyGo and mobile wallet commuters
DBS Live Fresh rewards contactless transactions, including eligible SimplyGo rides. It suits commuters who prefer tapping with their physical card or mobile wallet.
Our pick for: Commuters who pay M1 bills and travel frequently
This card offers cashback on transport and recurring telco bills. It is ideal for M1 users who also want consistent savings on their daily commute.
Our pick for: Households reliant on public transport
The POSB Everyday Card offers cashback on transport and essential daily categories. It is a solid choice for individuals or families with regular commuting expenses.
Earning cashback with a credit card in Singapore is one of the simplest ways to turn your everyday spending into effortless savings. Whether you’re a frequent online shopper, a dining enthusiast, or someone who prioritises essential spending like groceries and bills, the right cashback card helps you stretch your dollars further.
With each eligible transaction, you earn cashback based on the card’s reward structure. Some cards offer higher cashback for dining or fuel, while others provide flat unlimited cashback on all purchases. This means you can earn meaningful rebates simply by using your card for your regular expenses.
There are two main types of cashback cards:
General–purpose cashback cards: These cards offer broad cashback across everyday categories such as groceries, dining, transport, petrol, and online shopping. They’re ideal for users who want consistent savings without tracking multiple rules or bonus caps.
Category–specific cashback cards: These specialise in rewarding particular types of spending, such as online shopping, dining, or contactless payments. If your spending habits are concentrated in certain areas, these cards can help you maximise returns in those categories.
How do we determine the value of a cashback card? For general cashback cards, it’s straightforward: the value is the percentage of cashback you receive relative to your spending. But for category–specific cards, the true value depends on your spending patterns, the minimum spend requirement, and how quickly you hit the monthly caps.
Use our cashback comparison page to explore which card best matches your lifestyle. And whenever you find a cashback card that offers even higher returns for your favourite spending habits, that’s a win.
Choosing the right cashback card from the many options available can make a big difference in how much you save each month. The ideal card should align with your lifestyle, spending categories, and preferred level of effort, whether you like “set and forget” simplicity or want to optimise bonuses.
When making your choice, prioritise these factors:
Match your cashback rewards to your spending habits: Pick a card that rewards where you spend most such as groceries, dining, online shopping, commuting, or petrol.
Look at minimum spend requirements: Some cards require you to spend S$600–S$800 monthly to unlock higher cashback rates. If your spending doesn’t reliably hit that level, consider cards with no minimum spend.
Check cashback caps and exclusions: Cashback caps limit how much you can earn each month. If you prefer flexibility, look for flat-rate or uncapped cashback cards.
Consider sign-up bonuses or promotional rates: These can boost your total savings in the first few months and help offset annual fees.
Most modern cashback cards support Visa PayWave, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and proprietary bank wallet services. This makes it easy to earn cashback on eligible transactions simply by tapping or paying with your phone.
Purchases made via online shopping portals and major e-commerce platforms are generally eligible for cashback (subject to your card’s T&Cs). However, note that top-ups to prepaid accounts, financial services, government payments, and insurance premiums are usually excluded, even if processed through digital payment channels.
Missing minimum spend requirements, which prevents you from earning the higher cashback tier.
Ignoring cashback caps, resulting in lower returns once you exceed the monthly limit.
Using the wrong card for a category (e.g., using a flat-rate card when a category card would earn significantly more).
Paying unnecessary annual fees. Always evaluate whether your cashback savings justify the fee, or request a fee waiver.
Assuming all contactless or online payments earn cashback. Always check merchant category codes (MCCs) and exclusions.
Cashback gives you instant, predictable savings
Cashback rewards are straightforward. Every time you spend, you get a portion of your money back. Unlike miles or points, cashback immediately reduces your expenses and is easy to understand, no complex conversions or redemption rules.
Great for everyday spending
Most cashback cards reward common categories such as groceries, dining, online shopping, petrol, transport, and utilities. Because these are recurring expenses, you can earn meaningful savings simply by using your card for regular monthly purchases.
Simple to track and redeem
Cashback is typically credited directly to your statement or account, making it one of the easiest reward types to manage. There is no need to track miles expiry, transfer partners, or flight availability. What you see is what you get.
Strong short-term value with sign-up bonuses
Many cashback cards offer generous sign-up bonuses when you meet a minimum spend within the first one to two months. These bonuses can give you an immediate financial boost, helping offset bills or upcoming expenses.
Ideal for non-travellers or budget-conscious users
If you don’t travel frequently or prefer immediate savings over long-term redemptions, cashback cards offer reliable value. They suit users who prioritise everyday cost savings rather than travel perks.
Minimum spend requirements can be restrictive
To unlock higher cashback rates, many cards require a minimum monthly spend, often S$600 to S$800, and sometimes more. If your spending varies from month to month, you may not consistently earn the maximum rewards.
Cashback caps limit how much you can earn
Most category-based cashback cards impose monthly caps. Once you hit the cap, additional spending earns only a low base rate. This can restrict high spenders or families with large grocery or dining budgets.
Categories may not match your lifestyle
Cashback categories differ across cards, and not all spending qualifies for bonus rates. If your spending habits don’t align with the card’s rewarded categories, you may end up earning far less than expected.
Annual fees may outweigh the rewards
Some cashback cards charge annual fees after the first year. If your monthly spending is low or inconsistent, the value of your cashback may not fully offset the fee.
Lower value for luxury or premium travel
Cashback offers certainty but not the high upside potential of air miles. Users who want business-class flights, premium travel perks, or high-value redemptions may find cashback less rewarding in the long term.
Cashback credit cards reward you for using them to make purchases. Each time you use your card, you earn a percentage of your spending back as cashback. This cashback is typically credited to your account monthly or quarterly, and you can use it to offset your outstanding balance, redeem it for rewards, or even receive it as a direct deposit into your bank account.
Yes, cashback cards do give you actual cash. The cashback you earn is real money that you can use to offset your credit card bill, redeem for rewards, or receive as a direct deposit.
There are two main types of cashback credit cards:
Flat-rate cashback cards: These cards offer a consistent cashback percentage on all purchases, regardless of the spending category.
Category-based cashback cards: These cards offer higher cashback rates in specific spending categories, such as dining, groceries, or petrol.
Some cards also offer a combination of flat-rate and category-based cashback, providing flexibility and higher rewards in targeted areas.
The highest paying cashback card depends on your spending habits and the specific card's features. Some cards offer high cashback rates in bonus categories, while others offer a flat rate on all purchases. It's essential to compare different cards and consider your spending patterns to find the card that will give you the highest cashback rewards.
In Singapore, cashback earned from a credit card is not considered taxable income. This means you get to keep the full amount of your cashback rewards without worrying about any tax implications.
The expiry policies for cashback vary depending on the credit card issuer and the specific card's terms and conditions. Some cards may have cashback that expires after a certain period, while others may allow you to accumulate cashback indefinitely. It's crucial to check the terms and conditions of your card to understand the cashback expiry policy.
Whether you should save up your cashback rewards or redeem them regularly depends on your financial goals and preferences. If you're saving for a specific goal, such as a holiday or a down payment on a flat, it might be beneficial to save up your cashback rewards. However, if you prefer to enjoy the benefits of your cashback sooner, you can redeem them regularly to offset your credit card bill or treat yourself to something special.
Credit card companies offer cashback as an incentive to attract new customers and encourage existing customers to use their cards more frequently. Cashback is a way for credit card companies to compete with each other and reward their loyal customers.