If you have ever thought that only big-ticket purchases matter for credit card rewards, think again. The truth is, small, everyday expenses like groceries, petrol, dining out, and even your utility bills can add up to significant rewards over time. When you optimise your daily spend with the right credit cards, you are setting yourself up for savings without even changing your lifestyle.

Making this a habit is key. The right everyday credit card does not just offer cashback or points — it builds good financial discipline. By getting into the rhythm of using the right card for the right spend, you stack small wins that compound over months and years. Think of it as a reward system that pays you back for living your normal life.

In this guide, we cover the best credit cards for everyday spending across different categories — petrol, dining, groceries, transport, and more — so you can maximise rewards from your regular purchases, big or small.

• Our pick for petrol: Citi Cash Back+ Card

• Our pick for dining: UOB EVOL Card

• Our pick for groceries: DBS yuu Visa Card

• Our pick for transit: Citi SMRT Card

• Our pick for utilities: OCBC 365 Card

• Our pick for big-spending: Citi Cash Back+ Card

• Cold Storage: DBS yuu Visa Card

• Online grocers: UOB One Card

• Fairprice: Citi Cash Back Card

• Sheng Siong: POSB Everyday Card

Annual fee: $196.20 (first-year waiver)

Sign-up bonus: For a limited time only, new users can sign up for a new card and enjoy an introductory bonus of up to 8% cashback on their first $4,000 spent in the first two months. This offer is capped at $320 cashback. (NOTE: You must sign up by 31 July 2025 and spend a minimum of $800 within the first two full calendar months of your card approval date. New users are defined as customers who do not currently hold any Citi credit cards as a main cardholder, have not held a Citi credit card as a main cardholder that was closed or terminated in the last 12 months, and have no pending applications for any Citi credit cards as a main cardholder.)

Rewards: Unlimited 1.6% cashback on all eligible retail purchases.

Complimentary travel insurance coverage of up to $1 million when you charge your full travel fares to the card.

Why we like it:

The Citi Cash Back+ Card is a great fit for those who consistently clock high petrol expenses each month. Unlike category-specific cards that limit you to certain brands or stations, this card gives you 1.6% cashback everywhere — whether you fill up at Shell, Esso, SPC, or even overseas petrol stations. There are no tricky merchant restrictions to worry about.

This is especially helpful for busy individuals who drive frequently and want a fuss-free card. You do not have to track petrol promotions or worry if your preferred petrol station qualifies for cashback. Every dollar spent automatically earns rewards, making it a true "set and forget" solution for drivers.

Moreover, because there are no cashback caps, the Citi Cash Back+ Card continues to reward you even when your petrol bills are higher than usual — such as during road trips or if fuel prices surge. It is ideal if you want steady, predictable rewards without spending time micro-managing your card strategy.

You could also go electric with an affordable EV.

» MORE: Full review of the Citi Cash Back+ Card

Annual fee: $196.20 (Waived with 3 monthly transactions for 12 consecutive months)

Sign-up bonus: Up to $350 cash credit

Rewards: Earn up to 7.8% interest p.a. on your first $75,000 when you credit a min. salary of $1,600 or make 3 GIRO transactions monthly and make a min. credit card spend of $500

Why we like it:

The UOB EVOL Card rewards you for dining out with 8% cashback when you pay via mobile contactless, making it extremely easy to stack rewards just by tapping your phone.

What makes this card stand out is how naturally it fits into modern spending habits. Most restaurants now accept mobile payments, and with apps like Google Pay and Apple Pay so common, you can earn higher cashback without extra effort. 

On top of that, the UOB EVOL Card also rewards online spending — so if you are ordering from food delivery platforms like GrabFood, foodpanda, or Deliveroo, you still enjoy the same generous cashback rate. This flexibility makes it one of the most versatile cards for anyone who enjoys dining, whether out or at home.

» MORE: Full review of the UOB EVOL Card

Annual fee: $196.20 (first-year waiver)
Sign-up bonus: Up to 40,000 yuu Points
Rewards: 4% rebate at yuu merchants like Cold Storage, Giant, and Guardian

Why we like it:
Groceries are a must-spend category for every household, and the DBS yuu Visa Card gives you consistent rewards at everyday merchants like Cold Storage, Giant, Guardian, and more. The yuu rewards programme also means you get instant value through point accumulation.

The card is particularly useful because the 4% rebate is easy to pair with regular grocery runs, making it very beginner-friendly.

Additionally, the points you earn are highly flexible and can be redeemed for groceries, dining, or even petrol, giving you real savings on essentials. It is a perfect choice for families, working adults, and even singles who want to be rewarded for routine spending without overcomplicating things.

» MORE: Full review of the DBS yuu Visa Card

Annual fee: $194.40 (first-year waiver)
Sign-up bonus: Up to $300 cashback
Rewards: 7% cashback on public transport, groceries, and online spend (minimum monthly spend of $500)

Why we like it:
Public transport is a daily necessity. The Citi SMRT Card turns your commute into an opportunity to earn cashback, so those small MRT, bus, and ride-hailing fares add up over the month.

One thing we particularly like is how the card extends cashback rewards beyond just MRT and buses. You can also enjoy rebates on groceries and online shopping, meaning it doubles up as an all-rounder card for everyday lifestyle spending.

Furthermore, the minimum monthly spend requirement of S$500 is quite manageable for most people once you factor in your transport, groceries, and occasional online purchases. This card rewards the everyday user, not just big spenders.

» MORE: Full review of the Citi SMRT Card

Annual fee: $194.40 (First 2 years waived)
Sign-up bonus: 1-year Disney+ Premium subscription, 6 x $5 vouchers from Caltex and 6 x $6 vouchers from Esso
Rewards: 3% cashback on recurring telco and electricity bills

Why we like it:
Earning cashback on bills you are already committed to paying is one of the smartest ways to optimise your finances. The card's cashback rate of 3% for recurring bills is competitive and straightforward. There are no confusing merchant restrictions; as long as you pay your utility providers directly or via GIRO, you continue to benefit. 

The OCBC 365 Card also offers cashback across other daily categories like dining, groceries, and petrol. This means your utilities are not the only expenses working for you — your entire lifestyle spending gets amplified returns with just one card.

This card is ideal for budget-conscious individuals and families who want consistent, no-nonsense rewards.

» MORE: Full review of the OCBC 365 Card

Annual fee: $196.20 (first-year waiver)

Sign-up bonus: For a limited time only, new users can sign up for a new card and enjoy an introductory bonus of up to 8% cashback on their first $4,000 spent in the first two months. This offer is capped at $320 cashback. (NOTE: You must sign up by 31 July 2025 and spend a minimum of $800 within the first two full calendar months of your card approval date. New users are defined as customers who do not currently hold any Citi credit cards as a main cardholder, have not held a Citi credit card as a main cardholder that was closed or terminated in the last 12 months, and have no pending applications for any Citi credit cards as a main cardholder.)

Rewards: Unlimited 1.6% cashback on all eligible retail purchases.

Complimentary travel insurance coverage of up to $1 million when you charge your full travel fares to the card.

Why we like it:
Big-ticket purchases like tuition fees, medical bills, furniture, or electronics typically do not fall into standard cashback categories — but this card rewards them all equally with 1.6% cashback.

There are no spend limits, no need to split payments across different cards, and no tracking of bonus categories. This simplicity is a huge plus when you are already managing a large expense and want one less thing to worry about. Every dollar counts, and you see your rewards scale up immediately with higher spend.

Moreover, because the cashback is unlimited, the Citi Cash Back+ Card grows with you. Whether you are making one major payment this year or several, you never have to switch cards or change strategies. It is a reliable go-to for anyone who expects bigger life purchases ahead — be it wedding planning, home renovation, or career development.

» MORE: Full review of the Citi Cash Back+ Card

Sometimes, sticking to a particular merchant or supermarket brand can unlock even greater rewards. Merchant-specific cards reward loyalty and can be very lucrative if you are a creature of habit.

Annual fee: $196.20 (first-year waiver)

Sign-up bonus: Up to 40,000 yuu Points

Rewards: Up to 4% rebate at Cold Storage and other yuu merchants

Why we like it:

If you do most of your shopping at Cold Storage, this card ensures you rack up points that can be easily redeemed for everyday essentials.

» MORE: Full review of the DBS yuu Visa Card

Annual fee: $194.40 (first-year waiver)
Sign-up bonus: Up to $350 cash credit
Rewards: Up to 5% cashback on online groceries like RedMart (with minimum spend requirements)

Why we like it:

Perfect for online grocery warriors — stack promotions from RedMart and get an additional cashback boost using the UOB One Card.

» MORE: Full review of the UOB One Card

Annual fee: $196.20 (first-year waiver)
Sign-up bonus: Up to $300 cashback
Rewards: 6% cashback on groceries, including FairPrice, with minimum monthly spend

Why we like it:
A smart choice for FairPrice shoppers looking to maximise their weekly or monthly grocery runs without needing to sign up for additional loyalty programs.

» MORE: Full review of the Citi Cash Back Card

Annual fee: $194.40 (first-year waiver)
Sign-up bonus: Up to $150 cashback
Rewards: 5% cashback at Sheng Siong supermarkets

Why we like it:
Sheng Siong is a favourite among budget-conscious shoppers, and the POSB Everyday Card rewards you for staying thrifty — up to 5% cashback on your groceries.

» MORE: Full review of the POSB Everyday Card