Citi Clear Card

Who is this card for

The Citi Clear Card is perfect for tertiary students looking to build an early credit profile. Its low barrier to entry and minimum age requirement make the Citi Clear Card a great option for first-time credit cardholders, but keep in mind that those below the age of 21 must obtain a parent’s or guardian’s permission to apply. In addition, those looking to get access to Citi World privileges but who do not qualify for or do not wish to commit to higher-tier credit cards will find the Citi Clear Card a great way to ‘get in’.

Compare to other cards

When it comes to its selling point as an entry-level credit card for students, the Citi Clear Card is a great contender for the exclusive deals and discounts that can be unlocked with Citi World privileges. In addition, the $500 credit limit allows young adults to get a taste of spending on credit without overreaching their budget. This card is well-suited for students and young adults who do not yet have an annual income that’s high enough to qualify for other credit cards.

Another popular credit card for students in Singapore is the DBS LiveFresh Student Credit Card, which similarly has no minimum income requirement (not to be confused with the DBS LiveFresh Card, which has a minimum annual income requirement of $30,000). Cardholders benefit from up to 5% cashback when they spend on brands like McDonalds, Starbucks and Golden Village. An additional 5% Green Cashback can be earned on public transport, making it a sensible choice for students who travel back and forth for classes daily.

Meanwhile, the OCBC Frank Credit Card has a higher barrier to entry, coming with a minimum annual income requirement of $30,000. That said, its perks are definitely more attractive. Cardholders can earn up to $100 cashback monthly, but this does come with a minimum spending requirement of $800 on contactless mobile and online transactions, making it a less friendly choice for students.

All in all, the Citi Clear Card is a good starter credit card if you foresee yourself making good use of Citi World privileges, which include discounts on RedMart, Taobao Qatar Airways, Shell, and more!

Credit card application

Step 1: Start your application on SingSaver

Click on ‘Apply Now’ on this page. From there, you will be redirected to Citibank’s secure portal to start the application process.

Step 2: Fill in your personal and financial details

For faster processing, you can choose to retrieve your details with MyInfo via SingPass. There is also the option to input your details manually. Keep in mind that with MyInfo integration, some information, such as your CPF statements and IRAS Notice of Assessment (NOA), will be automatically considered, saving you the time and trouble of uploading them at a later stage.

Step 3: Upload your supporting documents

You may be asked to provide the following documents to verify your eligibility, especially if you have opted not to retrieve your details using MyInfo:

• Front and back of NRIC (for Singaporeans and PRs) or passport and work pass (for foreigners)
• Payslips from the past 3 months
• Latest Notice of Assessment (NOA) from IRAS

Step 4: Submit your application

Once your application is submitted, it usually takes 3 to 10 business days for processing and approval. If there are problems with your application (such as if more supporting documents are required), you can expect this to take longer. 

Step 5: Receive and activate your card

Once approved, your new Citi Clear Card will be mailed to your registered address. Follow the activation instructions included with your card and start spending!