Credit Cards in Singapore You Can Use After Approval
Updated: 11 Apr 2025
Instant approval credit cards are enticing if you have big-ticket purchases on the horizon and you want to rack up cashback, miles, or rewards points in time.
Written bySingSaver Team
Team
While not every credit card in Singapore is available to applicants right away, there’s a fair number of instant approval credit cards for you to choose from across the various banks in Singapore. These banks understand how frustrating it can be for potential customers to wait; hence, the process of obtaining such credit cards has been made seamless, quick and secure altogether with MyInfo. Meanwhile, there are also credit cards tied to a specific brand, such as store, hotel, and airline cards, that will offer you additional benefits like rewards and discounts.
And once you get approved, you have immediate access to funds for those urgent purchases, last-minute travel bookings, or online transactions. No more waiting around for days or weeks, just instant spending power at your fingertips.
To make your life a tad easier, we’ve rounded up the instant approval credit cards from the various banks, including instant virtual credit cards you can use immediately via mobile wallers and other platforms for quick and secure transactions, below for your easy reference. As a bonus, the majority of these credit cards are accessible, requiring only a minimum annual income of S$30,000!
Saver-savvy tip
While many credit card companies in Singapore offer "instant approval," it's important to understand that this doesn't always mean you can use the card immediately. "Instant approval" for credit cards simply means you'll find out quickly if you're approved for the card. However, getting access to your credit line and actually using the card might take a bit longer, depending on the bank and its processes.
Compare top credit cards
Need a new credit card but not sure where to start? We've compared a wide range of credit cards to help you quickly identify the perfect one for your needs and apply with confidence.
OCBC 365 Card
Our pick for: everyday spending with cashback on dining, groceries, and online purchases
What makes it stand out
The OCBC 365 Card is a popular choice for daily spending in Singapore offering up to 2X more cashback. This includes cashback across categories such as dining and food delivery, grocery shopping, fuel spend, ride-hailing, pharmacy purchases, online streaming services, and telco and utility bills. It frequently features promotions and tie-ups with local merchants, providing even more opportunities to save. While not always advertised as an "instant approval credit card," OCBC's efficient digital application process often leads to quick approval, and access to a digital card may be available shortly after.
How to use it right away
Upon approval you will receive a SMS or email containing the details needed to activate your card immediately. You can complete the activation process on the OCBC website to retrieve your card details, allowing you to instantly add your card to a mobile wallet or to make payment online. However, your CVV will change once you receive and activate your physical card, so do make sure you update your credentials accordingly.
OCBC FRANK Card
Our pick for: young adults and online shoppers looking for high cashback
What makes it stand out
The OCBC FRANK Card is designed to appeal to a younger demographic in Singapore making it especially ideal for young adults or fresh graduates looking to build their credit. It often offers a digital card option for immediate use after approval, catering to the fast-paced lifestyle of young adults. With up to 10% cashback on online, mobile contactless, and foreign currency spending, it’s one of the highest cashback cards in Singapore (with a minimum spend of S$800 monthly).It also includes plenty of perks and discounts to enhance your lifestyle, such as entertainment and dining deals at trendy cafes and bars.
How to use it right away
Upon approval you will receive a SMS or email containing the details needed to activate your card immediately. You can complete the activation process on the OCBC website to retrieve your card details, allowing you to instantly add your card to a mobile wallet or to make payment online. However, your CVV will change once you receive and activate your physical card, so do make sure you update your credentials accordingly.
Standard Chartered Journey Card
Our pick for: frequent travellers seeking rewards and travel perks
What makes it stand out
The Standard Chartered Journey Card’s digital card option makes it easy to book trips quickly, while earning a good amount of miles on local and overseas spend. With 3 miles per S$1 (mpd) for selected bonus categories, 2 mpd for overseas spend, and 1 mpd for local spend, it stands out as an ideal card to use while travelling. The card also includes complimentary travel insurance coverage and airport lounge access, plus you can redeem your miles for even more travel-related rewards like hotel booking deals and car rental discounts.
How to use it right away
Upon approval you will receive a SMS or email containing the details needed to activate your card immediately. You can complete the activation process on the Standard Chartered website to retrieve your card details, allowing you to use your card for 3-Domain Secure (3DS) online purchases authenticated with a One-Time Password (OTP) or via digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay). All other payment types will need to wait for your physical card to arrive. However, once you receive and activate your physical card, you won’t be able to use the digital card anymore and will need to use the updated credentials on the physical card.
» MORE: Read our full review of the Standard Chartered Journey Card
HSBC Revolution Card
Our pick for: online shopping and lifestyle spending with rewards and discounts
What makes it stand out
The HSBC Revolution Card often offers a digital card option ideal for those who don’t spend as much but still want to rack up those valuable rewards. You can earn up to 10X Reward points on online spending (equivalent to up to 4 mpr or 2.5% cashback for every dollar spent) and 1X Reward points on all other spend. Better yet, you’ll get 10X Reward points when you spend online at HSBC’s fitness and wellness partners—making a healthy lifestyle even more appealing.
How to use it right away
Your full card credentials will be available on the HSBC app once approval is granted. You can then start using your card immediately for online purchases or in a mobile wallet on your electronic device. These online credentials are identical to your physical card so you won’t have to worry about updating them once you activate the physical card.
UOB One Card
Our pick for: everyday spending with high cashback rates on groceries, utilities, and transport
What makes it stand out
The UOB One Card often offers a digital card option, enabling immediate use after approval and making it convenient for managing household expenses. It provides high cashback rates of up to 20% (with minimum spend) on essential spending categories that are common for Singaporean households such as groceries at supermarkets like NTUC FairPrice and Giant, utilities, and transport, including MRT/bus rides and petrol. It's particularly convenient for paying bills and everyday expenses, offering the potential for significant savings on regular spending.
How to use it right away
You can access your digital card through the UOB TMRW mobile banking app once you receive approval. You can then add the digital card to your mobile wallet for contactless payments, allowing for convenient transactions at supermarkets, utility providers, and public transport. You can also use the digital card for online bill payments and everyday purchases, enabling you to maximise your cashback rewards. The UOB One is also available as an Instant Digital UOB Credit Card—you won’t receive a physical card for this, but you’ll be able to add it to your e-wallets and use it for regular transactions.
DBS Live Fresh Card
Our pick for: daily spending especially transport commutes and shopping
What makes it stand out
The DBS Live Fresh helps you earn rewards on your daily spend with up to 6% cashback on Shopping and Transport spend (with S$50 and S$20 cashback caps respectively, per calendar month). You’ll also get 0.3% cashback on all other spend that’s totally unlimited, allowing you to potentially earn big for big-ticket purchases in particular.
How to use it right away
Apply via SingPass to get instant approval and access to your DBS Live Fresh card. Once you’ve received approval you can use the virtual card via the Digibank app or add it to Apple Pay for contactless purchases.
Other credit card options to watch out for
For those seeking immediate spending power, many co-branded credit cards offer instant access to your credit line while some also offer virtual card numbers for extra security. This includes a variety of popular options, from store cards to those partnered with businesses across different industries.
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GrabPay Card: Linked to your GrabPay wallet, you can spend your GrabPay balance and earn GrabRewards points on your spending within the Grab ecosystem for extra convenience and rewards.
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YouTrip Card: A multi-currency travel wallet with a linked Mastercard, the YouTrip Card offers competitive exchange rates and no foreign transaction fees. It provides a convenient way to manage your travel expenses, especially for overseas spending.
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Wise Multi-Currency Card: Similar to YouTrip, it's a multi-currency account with a linked card that’s ideal for frequent travellers and international transactions, thanks to low conversion fees and global accessibility.
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Revolut Premium Cards: Revolut’s premium tier multi-currency accounts provide benefits like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and higher transaction limits, catering to frequent travellers.
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Vividcard by Singapura Finance: This card offers cashback rewards on specific spending categories and can be managed through the Vivid Money app, providing a digital-first approach to credit card management.
>> SEE: Best Credit Card Bonuses & Promotions for New Cardholders in Singapore for 2025
Instant credit access policies of major card issuers
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3-Domain Secure (3DS) online purchases which are authenticated by OTP (One-Time Password)
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Payments through Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay
Established in 1932, OCBC is the merger of three local banks, with one of the banks being founded in 1912. This multi-awarded bank has grown into a major player in Southeast Asia, becoming the second-largest financial services group in the region with one of the highest credit ratings in the world.
Exclusive to Singaporeans and Singapore PRs with SingPass credentials, OCBC offers instant approval for the majority of the credit cards in their lineup. Log in to MyInfo using SingPass to get instant approval for your credit card and enjoy OCBC deals.
When you apply for a new debit or credit card, you'll get access to a digital version instantly upon approval. This means you can add it to your mobile wallet or use the card details for online purchases right away without the need to wait for the physical card to arrive. Just keep in mind that this instant digital access is only for primary cardholders, and the digital card will have the same card number and expiry date as your physical card, but with a different CVV.
Standard Chartered Bank has a long and rich history in Singapore, dating back to 1859 when it first opened its doors. As part of a global banking group, it has a strong international presence, operating in many of the world's most dynamic markets. This bank was also one of the first international banks to receive a Qualifying Full Bank (QFB) license in Singapore, demonstrating its long-term commitment to the country.
Standard Chartered offers instant virtual cards for Singaporeans and Singapore PRs who apply for certain credit cards with the bank using MyInfo. Upon approval and activation, the virtual credit card can only be used for:
You have up to 15 calendar days from the date your credit card was approved to activate your virtual credit card. You can apply for instant digital cards with the following Standard Chartered credit cards: Simply Cash Card and Visa Infinite Card.
What about the traditional physical credit cards we’re all familiar with? Fret not, you will still receive your physical credit card within five to seven working days. However, bear in mind the virtual credit card will no longer be usable once you have activated the physical card!
Citi has been a fixture in Singapore's financial scene since 1902. It's evolved into a full-service bank, catering to a diverse range of clients, from individuals to large corporations. In Changi, this is where you will find the Citi Service Center (CSC). This houses the bank’s Operations and Technology (O&T) function, providing round-the-clock support to its businesses across Singapore and the region.
For new credit card customers in Singapore, Citi offers instant access to a digital version of the card. This means you can start using your card for online transactions, mobile payments, and recurring subscriptions even before your physical card arrives.
HSBC has been a part of Singapore's financial landscape since 1877, offering financial services to individuals and businesses alike. In recent years, HSBC has received recognition for its volunteerism and for being the first bank to remove sales commissions in Premier banking, and it continues to reinforce its position as a trusted partner in the country’s financial sector.
HSBC offers instant approval for new-to-bank Singaporeans and Singapore PRs who apply for select HSBC credit cards via MyInfo using the HSBC Singapore app. The salaried Singaporean or PR applicant must be residing in Singapore.
To start, download the HSBC Singapore app from your app store. Click ‘Start my application’, and choose the credit card you are interested in. Apply with MyInfo and receive a decision status from the bank. Thereafter, you may register for online banking. Once approved, you can access your new credit card details instantly. This means you can start using your card for online shopping and other transactions right away, even before your physical card arrives in the mail.
DBS is a financial industry leader in Asia, with a presence in 19 markets across the region, and acquired POSB in 1998. Headquartered in Singapore, it has a strong focus on key growth areas like Greater China, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. DBS boasts top-notch credit ratings, consistently ranking among the highest in the world, and is recognised for its global leadership and innovation in digital banking, receiving numerous awards and accolades.
For those seeking a new DBS/POSB credit card, the application process is streamlined with MyInfo with Singpass. Singaporean citizens and Singapore PRs who apply online using MyInfo with Singpass can enjoy instant approval, provided they have valid income details and meet the eligibility criteria. As for the virtual card, you’ll be provided with it immediately and can be found in the digibank app. On top of that, you can add the newly approved virtual card to Apple Pay to make contactless purchases.
Applying for a credit card with DBS/PSOB involves three steps: First, you'll need to log in with your Singpass to verify your identity. Next, you'll be asked to provide consent for the application to access the necessary data from your MyInfo profile. Once you've given consent, the application form will be automatically filled with your information, saving you time and effort.
UOB is a top-tier bank with an extensive global presence, spanning 19 countries, and holds high credit ratings from leading agencies like Moody's and S&P Global. UOB serves customers across Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America. Its strong presence in Asia is anchored by its Singapore headquarters and subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and more.
In Singapore, UOB offers instant approval for new-to-bank Singaporean or PR applicants who use MyInfo to complete their applications for UOB credit cards between 7:00am and 8:00pm.
Successful applicants have to first pass all screening steps and income checks to be eligible for instant account opening. You should receive an SMS notification along with a notification email or letter regarding your credit card application status, and no additional steps will be required after credit card approval.
Existing-to-bank applicants who apply via internet banking can also enjoy instant approval for their credit card applications with UOB. Existing UOB customers can expect to receive an SMS notification detailing their credit card application status within minutes of submission.
This also extends to those who want to apply for an Instant Digital UOB Credit Card. You'll need to have your SMS-OTP, Mighty Secure or hard token ready to complete the application. Currently, the only cards available as instant digital cards are the UOB One, PRVI Miles World Mastercard, YOLO, and Delight cards.
American Express in Singapore operates as a full-fledged commercial bank, offering a diverse suite of financial products and services. These include solutions for risk management, private and corporate banking, consumer credit, corporate finance, and trade finance.
To access contactless payments through mobile wallets, you only need to link your card to Amex Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay and you're all set. Your card details are never stored on your device, and every payment is authorised using biometric authentication like fingerprint or facial recognition.
>> READ MORE: When can I expect my new credit card?
Discover the perfect credit card for you.
Whether you're looking to minimise interest charges or maximise rewards, there's a card out there that's perfect for you. To help you in your search, SingSaver has a list of credit cards tailored to different needs and lifestyles.
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About the author
SingSaver Team
At SingSaver, we make personal finance accessible with easy to understand personal finance reads, tools and money hacks that simplify all of life’s financial decisions for you.