Pre-qualification and pre-approval for credit cards are distinct processes. Pre-qualification involves a soft credit check, providing an initial estimate of your eligibility, while pre-approval credit cards indicate a more thorough review and a significantly higher chance of approval. Essentially, what credit card pre-approval means is that the lender has already performed a detailed assessment of your creditworthiness to a greater degree, often based on existing customer data or targeted offers. Checking your eligibility through soft pulls is advantageous as it avoids hard credit inquiries that can temporarily impact your credit score.

This is why pre-approval matters in Singapore, allowing you to explore credit options without damaging your credit profile. Cashback cards, miles cards, and secured credit cards are among the types that may offer pre-approval or pre-qualification, while speciality cards like luxury cards might not. It's crucial to note that the formal application process, even after pre-approval, may necessitate a more detailed review from the bank, which includes a hard pull on your credit report.

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How to check if you are eligible for a credit card

OCBC, UOB, and DBS all provide their eligibility requirements upfront so you can assess your likelihood of credit card approval without impacting your CBS score. Banks may also extend occasional offers of pre-approval credit cards to eligible customers, typically based on their existing relationship with the bank or their credit profile. These eligibility checker tools are a convenient way to determine your chances of approval before a formal application and allow you to prequalify for credit cards.

How to access pre-approval or pre-qualification

Each issuer requires different information to process a pre-qualification request, and this information can vary by card type. The table below provides the general information required from you. This will help you know how to see if you are pre-qualified for a credit card and what information you need to have on hand.

• OCBC 365 Credit Card

• OCBC Rewards Card

• OCBC FRANK Credit Card

• OCBC 90°N Card

• UOB PRVI Miles Card

• UOB Lady’s Card

• UOB One Card

• DBS Live Fresh Card

• DBS Altitude Card

• DBS Women’s Card

• DBS Black Card

The OCBC 365 Credit Card offers robust cashback across diverse categories, making it ideal for families. You can enjoy significant rebates on local and overseas dining, including online food delivery and fuel purchases at any petrol station. Plus, you can earn cashback on both local and overseas groceries, including online deliveries. It's also perfect for managing household bills with 3% cashback on recurring telco and electricity expenses, providing substantial savings for everyday spending.

>> MORE: Full review of the OCBC 365 Credit Card

The OCBC Rewards Card, formerly the OCBC Titanium Rewards Card, is a top choice for miles enthusiasts. You can earn 6 miles per dollar at select retailers per quarter and 4 miles per dollar on all shopping, both in-store and online, locally and overseas. This translates to 10 OCBC$ per S$1 spent, covering a wide range of stores like department, shoe, and clothing retailers. Plus, cardholders can enjoy a two-year annual fee waiver, making it a cost-effective way to accumulate miles.

>> MORE: Full review of the OCBC Rewards Card

The OCBC FRANK Credit Card boasts a straightforward 8% cashback rate on online and contactless mobile transactions, as well as foreign currency purchases, both online and in-store. While the minimum spend has increased to $800, it consolidates spending requirements, potentially making it easier to achieve. Once met, you unlock a flat 8% cashback across these categories, catering to diverse spending habits and making it adaptable for various life stages.

>> MORE: Full review of the OCBC FRANK Credit Card

The OCBC 90°N Card is OCBC's premier travel credit card, offering miles that never expire. You can earn 1.3 miles per S$1 on local spending and 2.1 miles per S$1 on overseas spending. Plus, you can enjoy up to 7 miles per S$1 on travel bookings through Agoda. You can redeem your accumulated miles for a wide array of options, including hotel stays, car rentals, retail vouchers, and even cash rebates on your credit card bills, making it a versatile travel companion.

>> MORE: Full review of the OCBC 90°N Card

The UOB PRVI Miles Card is a top choice for frequent travellers, thanks to its generous earning rates. Cardholders enjoy 1.4 miles per S$1 on local spending and 2.4 miles per S$1 on overseas spending. Furthermore, you can earn up to 6 miles per S$1 on travel purchases made through Agoda, Expedia, and UOB Travel. To enhance your travel experience, the card also provides complimentary travel insurance, ensuring added protection during your journeys.

>> MORE: Full review of the UOB PRVI Miles Card

The UOB Lady’s Card is excellent for those with focused spending habits. If you consistently spend at least S$1,000 per month in one or two select categories, this card allows you to accumulate miles quickly and effortlessly. It's a straightforward way to maximise rewards for your preferred spending areas. Additionally, the card offers up to US$100,000 in complimentary travel insurance and complimentary e-commerce protection, providing added security for your purchases.

>> MORE: Full review of the UOB Lady’s Card

The UOB One Card provides a broad range of cashback benefits, making it a versatile choice for everyday spending. Cardholders can enjoy 10% cashback on all Grab rides and save 10% on groceries at popular stores like Cold Storage, Giant, and 7-Eleven. Additionally, cardholders can receive a 1% cash rebate on utility bills and up to 24% fuel savings at SPC. This card effectively covers a variety of essential expenses, maximising savings across multiple categories.

>> MORE: Full review of the UOB One Card

The DBS Live Fresh Card is an ideal entry-level cashback card for young adults, with a manageable S$800 monthly minimum spend and a S$30,000 annual income requirement. Cardholders earn a solid 6% cashback on shopping sprees and daily commutes, making it perfect for regular expenses. Plus, cardholders can enjoy unlimited 0.3% cashback on all other eligible spending, providing consistent returns on their everyday transactions.

>> MORE: Full review of the DBS Live Fresh Card

The DBS Altitude Card is perfect for occasional travellers seeking flexible miles accrual. You can earn bonus miles of 1.3 miles per dollar (mpd) on local spending and 2.2 mpd on overseas spending, providing solid returns on travel-related expenses. New cardholders can also enjoy a waived first-year annual fee, and subsequently, paying the S$196.20 annual fee grants 10,000 bonus air miles and membership renewal, making it a valuable option for those who travel periodically.

>> MORE: Full review of the DBS Altitude Card

The DBS Women’s Card, an excellent entry-level to mid-tier option, excels in rewarding online and overseas shopping. Cardholders earn rewards points at an accelerated rate, up to 5X DBS Points (equivalent to 2 miles per dollar), making it ideal for frequent online shoppers and international purchases. Enjoy exclusive card privileges across shopping, dining, and travel with popular merchants like Foodpanda, Zalora, and Trip.com, enhancing your lifestyle experience.

>> MORE: Full review of the DBS Women’s Card