Credit Cards For Foreigners Working And Staying In Singapore Worth Applying For

Whether you’re looking to settle in Singapore for good or for just a couple of years, using the right credit card can help each hard-earned dollar of yours go further. As it stands, all credit cards aren’t created equal. Some are more rewarding than others, while some require no effort at all when it comes to usage. 

Depending on what you’re looking for, there are different foreigner credit cards for different types of expats. Their income eligibility requirements vary, too. This is why it’s important that you choose the right credit card for your own spending habits and needs.

Here’s the lowdown on the best foreigner credit cards worth their salt.

Looking for the best credit cards to complement your spending patterns and expenditure in 2024? Check out our Ultimate Credit Card Guide that covers all things credit cards in Singapore – from choosing between a cashback, miles, or rewards credit card to planning your credit card strategy.

The UOB Absolute Cashback Card is one of the best unlimited cashback cards on the market right now – offering fuss-free 1.7% cashback on literally everything and anything you spend so long as the merchant accepts American Express credit card payments. There’s no minimum spend and no category restrictions to deal with. 

[Update!] However, from 6 May onwards, the cashback earned on charity, education, government, healthcare, utilities, and other professional services will be clawed back from the bonus 1.7% to the mere 0.3% cashback.

How else does the UOB Absolute Cashback Card stand out? Well, cardholders can even earn 1.7% cashback on transactions frequently excluded from earning cashback, such as insurance premium payments, mobile or e-wallet top-ups, and rental payments.

With a cashback rate of 1.7%, this unlimited cashback credit card is also a tad more generous than its competitors’ 1.5% and 1.6%.

Eligibility for foreigners: Minimum annual income of S$40,000 or Fixed Deposit Collateral of at least S$10,000

Alternatives: American Express True Cashback Card, Citi Cash Back+ Card

See also: Best Unlimited Cashback Credit Cards in Singapore

If you want a rewarding, easy-to-use credit card that lets you earn 10X rewards points (or 4 mpd) on all your online purchases and contactless payment transactions, look no further than the HSBC Revolution Credit Card. All other types of spending will earn 1X rewards points. 

With no annual fee, no minimum spend and no cap on the number of rewards points you can earn, this rewards credit card is fantastic for expats who enjoy shopping online, ordering food deliveries, and booking travel and activities for the family over the internet.

Additionally, expats who like to dine out or shop in-store can take advantage of contactless payments to enjoy the generous 10X rewards points, too. That’s not all, all cardholders are entitled to free ENTERTAINER with HSBC membership. Simply download and log in to the lifestyle app to lay your hands on over 1,000 curated selections of 1-for-1 dining, lifestyle and hotel deals.

[Update!] Starting from 1 January 2024, HSBC Revolution will be removing MCC 4722 (Travel Agencies & Tour Operators) and MCC 7011 (Lodging - Hotels, Motels, and Resorts) from its whitelist of eligible merchants.

[Update!] Unfortunately, the nerfs don't just stop there. Starting 1 May 2024, three more MCCs will be removed from the list: MCC 5411 (Supermarkets), MCC 5499 (Miscellaneous Food Stores), and MCC 5814 (Fast Food).

Eligibility for foreigners: Minimum annual income of S$40,000 or have a Fixed Deposit Collateral of at least S$10,000

⭐ Read our full HSBC Revolution Credit Card review here.

Alternative: Citi Rewards Card

The Citi Rewards Card promises 4 miles per S$1 spend (mpd) on all eligible online transactions across retail, ride-hailing apps, food delivery, and even groceries.

All other online spend that doesn't fall under these categories will earn the base 0.4 mpd.

There are plenty of ways you can earn and accumulate flexible DBS Points:

• 3.25 DBS Points for every S$5 spent or 1.3 mpd spent locally, including bus and train rides

• 5.5 DBS Points for every S$5 spent or 2.2 mpd spent in foreign currency

• 7.5 DBS Points for every S$5 spent or up to 3 mpd spent on Agoda bookings

Of course, there’s no limit to how many DBS Points you can earn on your local and overseas transactions, making this card a fabulous choice if you have big-ticket items to pay for. 

Additionally, you have the option of earning 5,000 bonus DBS Points (equivalent to 10,000 miles) when you pay the S$196.20 annual fee. If you choose to waive the fee, the DBS Points credited will be reversed within 3 working days thereafter.

This card offers two free Priority Pass lounge visits within each 12-month period of your membership and up to S$1 million travel accident insurance coverage when you charge your full travel fare to this card. 

⭐ Read our full DBS Altitude Visa Signature Credit Card review here.

Eligibility for foreigners: Minimum annual income of S$45,000

Alternatives: Citi PremierMiles Card, HSBC TravelOne Card, Standard Chartered Journey Card, OCBC 90°N Card, UOB PRVI Miles Car

The American Express Platinum Credit Card is the card for the expat who enjoys the finer things in life. While its S$327 annual fee is on the higher side, this American Express card’s slew of luxurious perks will pay for itself in no time. 

Besides sipping on free drinks at fancy bars, foodies will adore the ability to scoop up dining discounts of up to 50% at select restaurants peppered across the island and within some of the best luxury hotels in Singapore.

There are wellness and golf privileges available, too. You’ll also enjoy 90-days return guarantee and 90-days purchase protection, along with travel accident insurance coverage, fraud protection and American Express Global Assist^TM.

What about rewards on purchases? You’ll earn 2 Membership Rewards Points per S$1.60 spent, wherever that may be. That goes up to 10 Membership Rewards Points per S$1.60 spent at Platinum 10Xcelerator Partners like Laneige and The Hour Glass. Your Membership Rewards Points also have no expiry whatsoever. 

Eligibility for foreigners: Minimum annual income subject to regulatory income requirement and internal assessment

See also: AMEX Platinum Charge Card Review

Do most of your monthly expenses revolve around dining, groceries and petrol? If so, the Citi Cash Back Card could be perfect for your lifestyle.

One of Citibank’s most popular credit cards, Citi Cash Back lets you earn 6% cashback on grocery shopping online and in-store; 6% on dining at restaurants, cafes and more; and 8% cashback on petrol (up to 20.88% savings at Esso and Shell). [Update] It also offers up to 8% bonus rate for private commute.

All these apply whether you’re in Singapore or back in your home country. You’ll earn unlimited 0.20% cashback on all other spend. You’ll also enjoy up to S$1 million coverage when you charge your travel tickets to the card.

The only catch is that you’ll have to meet the minimum spend requirement of S$800 per statement month in order to earn the high cashback, capped at S$80 across categories per statement month. The fact that the cashback cap isn’t split across categories is great, because it won’t matter if you tend to spend more on a specific category, say, dining. 

⭐ Read our full Citi Cash Back Credit Card review here.

Eligibility for foreigners: Minimum annual income of S$42,000

Alternatives: UOB EVOL Card, OCBC 365 Card, Maybank Family and Friends Card

Are you a big spender who’s keen on accumulating miles rapidly? Consider the UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card. You can snag the generous up to 50,000 loyalty miles when you pay the first year's annual fee and fulfil its minimum spend requirements — a feature that’s exclusive to this card.

What about your ability to chalk up miles on everyday expenses? Fret not, this card's got you settled too. Enjoy 1.4 mpd on local spend (UNI$3.5 per S$5 spend) and 2.4 mpd overseas spend (UNI$6 per S$5 spend), including online shopping on overseas websites. There’s no minimum spend and cap on miles earned at all times either.

When the time comes for you to go on that well-deserved vacation or visit family and friends back home, you can expect to earn 6 mpd (UNI$15 per S$5 spend) on major airlines and hotels worldwide when you charge your Agoda, Expedia or UOB Travel purchases to the UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card. While you’re at it, remember to utilise complimentary airport transfers to Changi Airport, capped at eight trips per year! 

⭐ Read our full UOB PRVI Miles Credit Card review here.

Eligibility for foreigners: Minimum annual income of S$40,000 of Fixed Deposit Collateral of at least S$10,000

The right foreigner credit card for you may very well be different from the one most suited to another expat.

For instance, an expat who enjoys living it up can benefit from the luxe lifestyle and dining perks offered by the American Express Platinum Credit Card. On the other hand, a more frugal expat who tends to only spend on essentials may prefer the Citi Cash Back Card. 

For those who want to earn fuss-free cashback on everything they spend on, including insurance payments and bills, you can’t go wrong with the UOB Absolute Cashback Card. 

Consider your own lifestyle and spending habits, annual income as well as preference for earning rewards points, miles, or cashback. It really pays to do your homework if you want to maximise each dollar of yours with a credit card.  

Here at SingSaver, you can find exclusive credit card promotions for virtually every credit card you sign up for – provided you're new-to-bank or new-to-card and satisfy all the sign-up requirements. 

To benefit from any of our attractive credit card offers, simply click on the 'Apply Now' button of your preferred credit card in this article and complete the application form on our SingSaver site accordingly. 

Do note, that as a foreigner, you'll need to prepare extra documents to fill up the application manually since you don't have a SingPass account.

Tip: If you are a Permanent Resident in Singapore and are worried about incurring medical expenses, consider signing up for an Integrated Shield Plan (IP). Unlike a MediShield Life plan, an IP provides additional benefits such as coverage for B1/A hospital wards and pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. Click on the button below to compare the best Integrated Shield Plans in Singapore.