Find The Best Credit Cards in Singapore 2026

Updated: 1 Oct 2026

Discover the best credit cards in Singapore on SingSaver! Whether you're after air miles, cashback or reward points, we've got you covered. Explore a range of cards from top banks and financial institutions in Singapore, and find the perfect card for your lifestyle and spending habits.
Product Name
🔥 Hot Reward Pick
Card Benefits
Min. Annual Income
Annual Fee
HSBC Revolution Credit Card
HSBC Revolution Credit Card

0.4 - 4
miles / dollar

S$65,000
No Annual Fee
Citi PremierMiles Card
Citi PremierMiles Card

1.2 - 10
miles / dollar

S$30,000
S$196.20
OCBC INFINITY Cashback Credit Card
OCBC INFINITY Cashback Credit Card

1.6 %
cashback

S$30,000
S$196.20
Citi Cash Back+ Card
Citi Cash Back+ Card

1.6 %
cashback

S$30,000
S$196.20
OCBC 365 Credit Card
OCBC 365 Credit Card

0.25 - 6 %
cashback

S$30,000
S$196.20
HSBC Live+ Credit Card
HSBC Live+ Credit Card

0.3 - 8 %
cashback

S$65,000
S$196.20
UOB One Card
UOB One Card

3.33 - 10 %
cashback

S$30,000
S$196.20
OCBC Rewards Credit Card
OCBC Rewards Credit Card

1 - 15
OCBC$ / dollar

S$30,000
S$196.20

Show All Cards (79)

Citi Rewards Card
UOB Lady's Card
Standard Chartered Simply Cash Credit Card
HSBC TravelOne Credit Card
CIMB World Mastercard
DBS yuu Visa Card
Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card (Annual Fee Paying)
HSBC Advance Credit Card
UOB EVOL Card
UOB Absolute Cashback Card
Trust Freedom Card
Trust Link / NTUC Link Credit Card
DCS Flex Visa Platinum Card
DCS Ultimate Platinum UnionPay Card
DCS Ultimate Platinum Mastercard
KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card
Citi Cash Back Card
CIMB Visa Signature Card
CIMB Visa Infinite Card
American Express True Cashback Card
DBS Altitude American Express Card
DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card
UOB PRVI Miles World MasterCard
UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card
UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card
Singtel-UOB Card
UOB Visa Signature Card
Maybank XL Cashback Card
Maybank XL Rewards Card
American Express Platinum Card
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card
Citi SMRT Card
Citi M1 Platinum Visa Card
POSB Everyday Card
OCBC 90°N Mastercard
OCBC 90°N Visa Card
American Express Platinum Credit Card
American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card
DBS yuu American Express Card
DBS Vantage Visa Infinite Card
Citi Prestige Card
Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card
Standard Chartered Rewards+ Credit Card
DBS Live Fresh Card
Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card
DCS DON DON DONKI Card
DBS Takashimaya Visa Card
DBS Takashimaya American Express Card
DBS Esso Card
DCS CASHBACK Card
DBS Woman's Card
DBS Woman's World Card
DBS Live Fresh Student Card
UOB Lady's Solitaire Card
OCBC NXT Credit Card
OCBC Frank Card
Maybank Family & Friends Card
Maybank World Mastercard
Maybank Manchester United Platinum Visa Credit Card
Maybank FC Barcelona Visa Signature Card
Maybank Platinum Visa Card
Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card
Citi Clear Card
BOC Visa Infinite Card
BOC NVMO Card
BOC Elite Miles World Mastercard
BOC Zaobao Credit Card
BOC Sheng Siong Card
UOB Visa Infinite Metal Card
UOB UnionPay Platinum Card
UOB Preferred Visa Card

Best for airmiles on online shopping and dining

​
Rewards Points (Online Shopping)
10 points / dollar
Rewards Points (Baseline)
1 point / dollar
Airmiles (Online Shopping)
4 miles / dollar
Rewards Points Cap
13,500 bonus points
SingSaver Reward up to S$799
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for unlimited miles with broad airline transfer options

​
Airmiles (Local)
1.2 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Overseas)
2.2 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Travel)
Up to 10 miles / dollar
Airport Lounge Access
2 visits per year*
SingSaver Reward up to S$3,299
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for unlimited cashback on all spend with no restrictions

​
Cashback
1.6 %
Cashback Bonus Cap
No cap
Monthly Spend Required
None
Annual Fee Waiver
1 year
SingSaver Reward up to S$799
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for fuss-free cashback

​
Cashback
1.6 %
Cashback Bonus Cap
No cap
Monthly Spend Required
None
SingSaver Reward up to S$3,299
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for cashback on dining, groceries, and recurring bills

​
Cashback (Petrol)
6 %
Cashback (Dining)
5 %
Cashback (Baseline)
0.25 %
Monthly Spend Required
S$
800
SingSaver Reward up to S$799
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for families who love dining, shopping, and leisure

​
Cashback (Bonus)
5 - 8%
Cashback (Baseline)
0.3 %
Monthly Spend Required
S$600 - S$1000
Cashback Bonus Cap
S$
250 / quarter
SingSaver Reward up to S$799
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for consistent monthly spending

​
Cashback (Local)
Up to 10 %
Monthly Spend Required
Tiered S$ 600 +
Cashback Bonus Cap
S$
200 / quarter
Annual Fee
S$
196.20
SingSaver Reward up to S$599
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for high points for shopping

​
Rewards Points (Online Shopping)
15 OCBC$ / dollar
Rewards Points (Contactless Spend)
10 OCBC$ / dollar
Rewards Points (Baseline)
1 OCBC$ / dollar
Rewards Bonus Cap
10,000 OCBC$
SingSaver Reward up to S$799
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for rewards on entertainment and shopping

​
Rewards Points (Shopping)
Up to 10 points / dollar
Rewards Points (Baseline)
1 point / dollar
Rewards Points Cap
9,000 ThankYou Points / month
Complimentary Travel Insurance
Up to S$1,000,000
SingSaver Reward up to S$3,299
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for women-focused rewards and services

​
Airmiles (Local)
Up to 10 miles per dollar
Airmiles Bonus Cap
S$
1,000
Min. Annual Income
S$
30,000
SingSaver Reward up to S$599
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for no-fuss unlimited cashback on all spend

​
Cashback
1.5 %
Cashback Cap
No cap
Monthly Spend Required
None
Annual Fee Waiver
1 year
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for earning miles on travel and overseas spend

​
Airmiles (Local)
1.2 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Overseas)
2.4 miles / dollar
Airport Lounge Access
4 visits per year*
SingSaver Reward up to S$799
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for frequent spending on common spend categories

​
Cashback (Local)
2 %
Cashback (Baseline)
1 %
Cashback Bonus Cap
No cap
Monthly Spend Required
S$
1,000
SingSaver Reward up to S$1,200
Bank Gift - On Top of SingSaver's
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for yuu shoppers

​
DBS yuu Visa Card

DBS yuu Visa Card

Promo_Code:

SINGSAVER

Cashback (Department Store)
Up to 18 %
Rewards Points (Local)
Up to 36 yuu Points / dollar
Rewards Bonus Cap
28,800 yuu Points / month
Airmiles (Local)
Up to 10 miles / dollar
SingSaver Reward up to S$879
Bank Gift - On Top of SingSaver's
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for earning miles on both local and overseas spend

​
Airmiles (Transport)
3 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Local)
1.2 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Overseas)
2 miles / dollar
Airport Lounge Access
2 visits per year*
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for all-around cashback

​
Cashback (Local)
2.5 %
Cashback (Overseas)
2.5 %
Cashback (Baseline)
1.5 %
SingSaver Reward up to S$799
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for high cashback on online, mobile, and subscription spending

​
Cashback (Local)
Up to 10 %
Cashback (Overseas)
1 %
Cashback (Baseline)
0.3 %
Cashback Bonus Cap
S$
80 / month
SingSaver Reward up to S$599
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for hassle-free cashback without tracking categories

​
Cashback (Local)
Up to 1.7 %
Annual Fee
S$
196.20
Minimum Annual Income
S$
30,000
SingSaver Reward up to S$1,199
Bank Gift - On Top of SingSaver's
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for first-time credit card users

​
Cashback (Bonus)
Up to 15 %
Cashback (Baseline)
Up to 1 %
Annual Fee
None
SingSaver Reward up to S$10,000
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for flexible rewards redemption

​
Airmiles (Overseas)
2.4 miles / dollar
Cashback (Overseas)
8 %
Rewards Points (Overseas)
8 %
Monthly Spend Required
S$
600
SingSaver Reward up to S$380
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for security-focused shoppers

​
Cashback
2 %
Annual Fee Waiver
1 year
Annual Fee
S$
196.20
SingSaver Reward up to S$350
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for everyday spending

​
Cashback
2 %
Annual Fee Waiver
1 year
Annual Fee
S$
196.20
SingSaver Reward up to S$350
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for Singapore Airlines loyalists and frequent travellers flying within the SIA Group

​
Airmiles (Local)
3 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Overseas)
3 miles / dollar
Min. Annual Income
S$
30,000
SingSaver Reward up to S$599
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for high cashback on essentials

​
Cashback (Petrol & Private Commute)
Up to 8 %
Cashback (Dining & Groceries)
6 %
Cashback Bonus Cap
S$
80 / month
Monthly Spend Required
S$
800
SingSaver Reward up to S$3,299
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for dining, online & groceries cashback

​
Cashback (Travel)
10 %
Cashback (Overseas)
Up to 3 %
Cashback (Supermarket)
10 %
Annual Fee
No Annual Fee
SingSaver Reward up to S$1,200
Bank Gift - On Top of SingSaver's
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for luxury travel & premium lifestyle

​
Cashback (Overseas)
Unlimited 3 %
Cashback (Travel)
Unlimited 2 %
Cashback (Local)
Unlimited 2 %
Annual Fee Waiver
No Annual Fee
SingSaver Reward up to S$1,200
Bank Gift - On Top of SingSaver's
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for unlimited cashback on all spends

​
Cashback
1.5 %
Complimentary Travel Insurance
Yes
Annual Fee
S$
174.40
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for accumulating travel miles

​
Airmiles (Overseas)
Up to 2.2 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Local)
Up to 1.3 miles / dollar
Airport Lounge Access
2 visits per year*
Min. Annual Income
S$
30,000
SingSaver Reward up to S$879
Bank Gift - On Top of SingSaver's
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for accumulating travel miles

​
Airmiles (Overseas)
Up to 2.2 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Local)
1.3 miles / dollar
Airport Lounge Access
2 visits per year*
Min. Annual Income
S$
30,000
SingSaver Reward up to S$879
Bank Gift - On Top of SingSaver's
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for earning miles on overseas expenses

​
Airmiles (Travel Booking)
Up to 8 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Overseas)
Up to 3 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Local)
1.4 miles / dollar
Min. Annual Income
S$
30,000
SingSaver Reward up to S$599
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for earning miles on overseas expenses

​
Airmiles (Travel)
Up to 8 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Overseas)
Up to 3 miles / dollar
Airmile (Local)
1.4 miles / dollar
Min. Annual Income
S$
30,000
SingSaver Reward up to S$599
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for earning miles on overseas expenses

​
Airmiles (Travel)
Up to 8 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Overseas)
Up to 3 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Local)
1.4 miles / dollar
Min. Annual Income
S$
30,000
SingSaver Reward up to S$599
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for Singtel and GOMO users

​
Cashback (Local)
Up to 12 %
Min. Annual Income
S$
30,000
Annual Fee
S$
196.20
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for contactless, overseas, and petrol transactions

​
Min. Annual Income
S$
30,000
SingSaver Reward up to S$599
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for young adults

​
Cashback (Dine)
5 %
Cashback (Shop)
5 %
Cashback (Travel)
5 %
Cashback (Play)
5 %
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for frequent spenders under 40

​
Airmiles (Dine)
4 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Shop)
4 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Travel)
4 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Play)
4 miles / dollar
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for high-value luxury rewards

​
Cashback (Dining)
Up to 6 %
Cashback (Travel)
1.5 %
Airmiles (Retail)
Up to 6.94 miles / S$1.60 spent
Rewards Points (Dining)
Up to 20 points / dollar
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for KrisFlyer shopping and spending

​
Airmiles (Local)
1.2 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Overseas)
1.2 miles / dollar
Annual Fee
S$
397.85
Bank Gift - On Top of SingSaver's
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for groceries, transport, daily savings

​
Cashback (Ride Sharing)
5 %
Cashback (Transport Spend)
5 %
Cashback (Baseline)
0.3 %
Monthly Spend Required
S$
500
SingSaver Reward up to S$3,099
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for M1 bills, mobile rewards

​
Cashback (Retail)
4.7 %
Cashback (Online)
2.7 %
Cashback (Department Store)
Up to 2.7 %
Cashback (Baseline)
0.3 %
SingSaver Reward up to S$3,299
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for families

​
POSB Everyday Card

POSB Everyday Card

rating
3.9/ 5

Promo_Code:

SINGSAVER

Cashback (Petrol)
Up to 6 %
Cashback (Local)
Up to 10 %
Cashback (Dining)
Up to 10 %
Annual Fee
S$
196.20
SingSaver Reward up to S$879
Bank Gift - On Top of SingSaver's
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for travel rewards, miles on everything

​
Airmiles (Overseas)
2.1 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Local)
1.3 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Hotel Booking)
Up to 7 miles / dollar
Cashback (Overseas)
2.1 %
SingSaver Reward up to S$799
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for travel rewards, miles on everything

​
Airmiles (Overseas)
2.1 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Local)
1.3 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Hotel Booking)
Up to 7 miles / dollar
Cashback (Overseas)
2.1 %
SingSaver Reward up to S$799
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for unlimited airmiles and dining savings

​
Rewards Points (Dining)
10 points / 1.60 dollars
Bank Gift - On Top of SingSaver's
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for attractive rewards and flight bookings

​
Airmiles (Flight Booking)
Up to 8 HighFlyer points
Complimentary Travel Insurance
Up to S$1,000,000
Airmiles (Baseline)
1.2 HighFlyer points
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for yuu points & grocery rewards

​
DBS yuu American Express Card

DBS yuu American Express Card

rating
3/ 5

Promo_Code:

SINGSAVER

Cashback (Department Store)
Up to 18 %
Rewards Points (Local)
Up to 36 yuu Points / dollar
Rewards Bonus Cap
28,800 yuu Points / month
Airmiles (Local)
Up to 10 miles / dollar
SingSaver Reward up to S$879
Bank Gift - On Top of SingSaver's
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for seasoned travellers

​
Airmiles (Local)
1.5 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Overseas)
2.2 miles / dollar
Airport Lounge Access
10 visits per year*
Annual Fee
S$
599.50
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for luxury perks, global travel rewards

​
Rewards Points (Local)
3.25 points / dollar
Rewards Points (Overseas)
5 points / dollar
Airport Lounge Access
12 Priority Pass lounge visits / year
Annual Fee
S$
651.82
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for cashback chasers

​
Cashback (Local)
Up to 10 %
Cashback (Overseas)
Up to 10 %
Cashback (Dining)
Up to 10 %
Monthly Spend Required
S$
0
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for overseas dining

​
Cashback (Overseas)
2.48 %
Cashback (Dining)
1.24 %
Airmiles (Travel)
6 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Overseas)
2.9 miles / dollar
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for online rebates, shopping and transport

​
DBS Live Fresh Card

DBS Live Fresh Card

Promo_Code:

SINGSAVER

Cashback (Local Online Shopping)
Up to 6 %
Cashback (Baseline)
0.3 %
Cashback (Overseas)
Up to 6 %
Min. Annual Income
S$
30,000
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for luxury travel

​
Airmiles (Overseas)
3 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Local)
1.4 miles / dollar
Rewards Points (Overseas)
7.5 points / dollar
Airport Lounge Access
6 visits per year*
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for Don Don Donki shoppers

​
Cashback (Local)
5 %
Cashback Bonus Cap
S$
50 / month
Annual Fee Waiver
1 year
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for shopping at Takashimaya

​
Cashback (Retail)
Up to 5 %
Cashback (Local)
0.17 %
Rewards Points (Dining)
2 Takashimaya Bonus Points
Annual Fee Waiver
1 year
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for premium Takashimaya benefits

​
Cashback (Retail)
Up to 6 %
Rewards Points (Retail)
2 Takashimaya Bonus Points
Cashback (Department Store)
6 %
Cashback (Baseline)
0.17 %
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for fuel savings at Esso

​
DBS Esso Card

DBS Esso Card

rating
3.7/ 5
Fuel Savings
Up to 21.6 %
Cashback (Petrol)
3.6 %
Rewards Points (Petrol)
1 Smiles Point
Cashback (Baseline)
0.4 %
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for budget travellers

​
Cashback
5 %
Cashback Bonus Cap
S$
50 / month
Annual Fee Waiver
1 year
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for beauty, fashion & retail deals

​
DBS Woman's Card

DBS Woman's Card

rating
4.3/ 5
Rewards Poins (Online Shopping)
Up to 5 DBS Points
Rewards Points (Local)
Up to 5 DBS Points
Airmiles (Travel)
2 miles / dollar
Cashback (Online Shopping)
0.83 %
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for online shopping rebates

​
Rewards Points (Local)
10 DBS Points / S$5
Cashback (Online Shopping)
1.67 %
Airmiles (Travel)
4 miles / dollar
Min. Annual Income
S$
80,000
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for students

​
Cashback (Local)
Up to 10 %
Cashback (Supermarket)
5 %
Cashback (Overseas)
0.3 %
Annual Fee Waiver
5 years
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for greater flexibility and targeted rewards

​
Airmiles (Local)
4 miles per dollar
Airmiles bonus Cap
6,000 miles / month
Rewards Points Cap
S$
5,600 / month
Min. Annual Income
S$
120,000
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for flexible perks, customisable benefits

​
Cashback (Local)
Up to 1 %
Cashback (Overseas)
Up to 1 %
Cashback (Transport)
Up to 1 %
Annual Fee Waiver
2 years
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for youth lifestyle, online spending

​
OCBC Frank Card

OCBC Frank Card

rating
3.2/ 5
Cashback (Contactless Spend)
Up to 10 %
Cashback (Overseas)
8 %
Cashback (Local)
Up to 10 %
Cashback (Dining)
Up to 8 %
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for earning air miles overseas

​
Monthly Spend Required
Min. S$ 800
Annual Fee
S$
196.20
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for golfing and travel enthusiasts

​
Airmiles (Retail)
4 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Dining)
4 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Pettrol)
4 miles / dollar
Min. Annual Income
S$
80,000
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for Manchester United fans

​
Cashback (Local)
Up to 3 %
Complimentary Travel Insurance
Up to S$300,000
Annual Fee
S$
87.20
Min. Annual Income
S$
30,000
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for FC Barcelona fans

​
Cashback (Local)
1.6 %
Complimentary Travel Insurance
Up to S$300,000
Annual Fee
S$
130.80
Min. Annual Income
S$
30,000
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for local and overseas spenders

​
Cashback (Local)
Up to 3.33 %
Complimentary Travel Insurance
Up to S$500,000
Annual Fee
S$
20
Min. Annual Income
S$
30,000
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for frequent flyers

​
Cashback (Local)
0.27 %
Complimentary Travel Insurance
Up to S$1,000,000
Annual Fee
S$
196.20
Min. Annual Income
S$
30,000
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for young adults, everyday spend

​
Citi Clear Card

Citi Clear Card

rating
3.5/ 5
Rewards Points (Local)
1 point per dollar
Rewards Points (Overseas)
1 point / dollar
Annual Fee
S$
30.52
Annual Fee Waiver
1 year
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for local spending, capless spending

​
Cashback (Overseas)
2.4 %
Cashback (Local)
1.6 %
Airport lounge Access
4 visits per year*
Annual Fee Waiver
1 year
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for cashback and public transport

​
Cashback (Dining)
10 %
Cashback (Supermarket)
3 %
Cashback (Transport)
3 %
Annual Fee
S$
207.10
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for bonus airmiles

​
Airmiles (Local)
1.4 miles per dollar
Airmiles (Overseas)
2.8 miles per dollar
Annual Fee
S$
207.10
Annual Fee Waiver
1 year
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for capless cashback

​
Cashback (Zaobao)
10 %
Cashback (Dining)
5 %
Cashback (Baseline)
1.5 %
Annual Fee Waiver
2 years
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for supermarket rebates at Sheng Siong

​
Cashback (Local)
12 %
Cashback (Overseas)
1.6 %
Cashback (Baseline)
0.3 %
Annual Fee Waiver
1 year
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for exclusive travel benefits and tailored services

​
Airmiles (Overseas)
2.4 miles / dollar
Airmiles (Local)
1.4 miles / dollar
Airmiles (baseline)
1.4 miles / dollar
Annual Fee
S$
654.00
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for cashback on all spending

​
Cashback
2 %
Monthly Spend Required
None
Min. Annual Income
S$
30,000
Annual Fee
S$
196.20
SingSaver's take
Card Details

Best for online shoppers

​
Airmiles (Local)
Up to 4 miles / dollar
Airmiles Bonus Cap
4,440 miles / month
Rewards Points Cap
UNI$ 2,000 / month
SingSaver's take
Card Details

How to Choose The Best Credit Cards For You

Choosing the best credit card is vital for your finances and lifestyle. Consider your spending habits, goals, and preferences to optimise your reward. It's a crucial step towards finding the best credit cards for yourself. 

  • Identify your goals: Determine your primary purpose for getting a credit card, whether it's earning miles, cashback, rewards points, obtaining travel perks, or optimising your current spending habits.
  • Compare rewards and benefits: Look for credit cards that offer rewards and perks that align with your spending habits and lifestyle in Singapore. Do also take note of the minimum spend required, if any, and any bonus cap the card might have.
  • Check annual fees and interest rates: Consider the costs associated with the credit card, including annual fees and interest rates, and ensure they are reasonable and manageable.
  • Assess sign-up bonuses and promotions: Look for attractive sign-up bonuses and ongoing promotions to boost your rewards and savings further.
  • Research customer reviews and ratings: Read reviews from other Singaporean cardholders to gauge customer satisfaction and experiences with the credit card and its provider.
  • Consider the card's acceptance: Ensure the credit card is widely accepted in Singapore and internationally, especially if you plan to use it during travel.
  • Align with lifestyle and spending habits: Choose a credit card that complements your daily expenses and activities. If you frequently dine out, consider a card that offers dining discounts or rewards on dining expenses. If you travel often, choose a card with travel rewards and benefits. A card that aligns with your lifestyle and spending patterns will help maximise your overall credit card strategy.

Visa vs Mastercard vs Amex

Regarding payment networks in Singapore, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express (Amex) are the three leading global payment networks. Understanding their differences can help you choose the best credit card for your needs. Here's a quick comparison:

Visa and Mastercard

These are Singapore's most commonly used payment networks, accepted by most online and offline merchants. Under both Visa and Mastercard networks, various credit card options are available, catering to multiple spending habits and lifestyle preferences, making them highly convenient for day-to-day transactions in the country and during overseas travel.

American Express (Amex)

While less prevalent than Visa and Mastercard, Amex still holds a significant presence in Singapore, particularly among premium cardholders. Amex cards often have exclusive benefits, such as access to luxurious airport lounges, travel perks, and concierge services, appealing to frequent travellers and those seeking elevated privileges. Although Amex is not a bank, it does issue its own credit cards like the Amex Platinum Card and Amex KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card,

Reward Programmes for Visa, Mastercard and Amex

Each network offers its own rewards programme, providing cardholders with opportunities to earn cashback, loyalty points, or airline miles on their spending. It's essential to compare these rewards programmes and choose the one that aligns best with your spending habits and lifestyle.

Guide to Credit Cards

Learn more about annual fees, credit card charges, transaction fees, cash advances, balance transfers, and minimum payments. These fees may impact your daily spending, so be sure to learn about them to avoid paying additional fees.

Annual Fees

Annual fees are a fixed charge imposed by credit card issuers each year for card membership. They vary depending on the type of credit card and its benefits. Some cards may offer a first-year waiver or promotional offers on annual fees. In most cases, premium cards with exclusive perks often have higher annual fees. Not all credit cards have annual fees; some may be free of any annual fees. It's essential to consider the annual fee's cost relative to the card's benefits and your usage to determine if it's worth paying. Some credit card issuers offer annual fee waivers as promotional incentives for new cardholders or based on spending thresholds and good credit history for existing customers.

Other Credit Card Fees & Charges

Besides annual fees, credit cards may have additional charges that vary between issuers and card types. They are as follows:

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: Most credit cards impose a foreign transaction fee whenever you spend overseas or shop on a foreign website. Foreign Transaction Fees typically range from 2.5% to 3.25% on top of the current foreign exchange rate.
  • Cash Advance Fees: If you use your credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, a cash advance fee will apply, often accompanied by higher interest rates. Fees range from 6% to 8% with a minimum of S$15 per transaction.
  • Balance Transfer Fees: When transferring balances from one credit card to another, a balance transfer fee may be charged, usually between 2% to 4% of the amount transferred.
  • Late Payment Fees: If you fail to make the Minimum Payment Due on or before the Payment Due Date, a Late Payment Charge of S$100 will typically be levied.
  • Overlimit Fees: If you exceed your credit card's approved credit limit, an overlimit fee of S$40 may be incurred for each billing cycle in which the overlimit status persists.
  • Returned Payment Fees: A fee between S$20 to S$30 may be charged in the event of a bounced or returned payment.
  • Finance Charges: If you carry a balance on your credit card, finance charges (interest) will be applied to the outstanding amount, varying based on the card's interest rate and the balance carried.

Understanding Credit Card Minimum Payments

  • Credit Card Minimum Payments: The minimum payment is the lowest amount you must pay on your monthly credit card bill to remain in good standing with the issuer. Do note that unpaid credit card debt may snowball out of control.
  • Calculation: It is typically a percentage of your outstanding balance (e.g. 27.9% p.a.) or a fixed amount, whichever is higher.
  • Purpose: The minimum payment ensures you meet your obligation to the card issuer and avoid late payment fees and negative impacts on your credit score with credit bureaus.
  • Risks: Paying only the minimum may lead to accumulating high-interest debt over time, extending the time required to pay off the balance, and incurring additional interest charges.
  • Best Practice: To avoid credit card debt escalation, strive to pay your credit card bill in full and on time to save on interest costs. Do note that the longer you owe the bank, the more interest you will incur.

How To Apply For A Credit Card in Singapore

Check Eligibility

Review the eligibility requirements of the chosen credit card to ensure you meet the age, income, and employment criteria if you are a foreigner.

Gather Documents

Prepare the necessary documents, including identification (e.g., NRIC/passport), income proof (e.g., payslips, tax documents), and residency proof (e.g., utility bill).

Online Application

Simply apply for your credit card through SingSaver to receive your promotion or sign-up gift. You will be directed to the bank’s online application form, where you must enter your details accurately and submit your credit card application through their website.

In-Person Application

If preferred, visit a bank branch to apply in person. Bring the required documents and complete the application with the assistance of a bank representative.

Verification

The credit card issuer will verify your information and creditworthiness. This may include checking your credit history and contacting your employer for income verification.

Approval Process

Wait for the bank's approval decision. The processing time varies, but it is usually within a few business days. Some banks provide instant credit card approval, during which time a digital card will be issued to you, which you can use once activated.

Activation of Credit Card

If approved, you will receive your credit card by mail. Activate the card as per the issuer's instructions before using it.

Credit Card Eligibility

  • Age Requirement: Generally, the minimum age for credit card applicants in Singapore is 21 years old.
  • Income Criteria: Most credit card applications require a minimum annual income, which varies depending on the card type. Common income thresholds in Singapore are between S$30,000 to S$80,000 for basic cards and higher (S$120,000) for premium or exclusive cards.
  • Employment Status: Credit card issuers typically require applicants to be employed with a stable source of income. Some issuers may accept applications from self-employed individuals or freelancers with proof of income.
  • Credit History: A good credit history is crucial for credit card approval. Lenders assess an applicant's creditworthiness based on their credit score and credit report, considering factors like previous loan repayments and credit card usage.
  • Debt-to-Income Ratio: Lenders may also evaluate an applicant's debt-to-income ratio to ensure they have sufficient income to manage potential credit card debt.
  • Citizenship/Residency: Applicants must be Singaporean citizens, permanent residents, or holders of a valid work permit or employment pass.
  • Financial Obligations: When assessing creditworthiness, credit card issuers may consider an applicant's existing financial obligations, such as outstanding loans or other credit card balances.

Frequently asked questions

  • What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a credit card?
  • What are the best cashback credit cards in Singapore?
  • How can I earn miles and travel rewards with a credit card?
  • What are the benefits of premium credit cards?
  • How can I take advantage of credit card promotions and offers?
  • How can I maximise my credit card benefits in Singapore?
  • What are some popular Singapore-specific rewards offered by credit cards?
  • Are there any credit cards that offer special benefits for public transport in Singapore?
  • Can I use my Singapore credit card to earn rewards when travelling overseas?
  • Are there any credit cards in Singapore that cater specifically to foodies?