Updated: 23 Jun 2025
The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. While we review and compare financial products to help you find the best options, we do not provide personalised recommendations or investment advisory services. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial professional before making any financial decisions.
In Singapore, credit cards designed for individuals with a CBS Credit Score between 1911 and 2000, often referred to as "fair credit," serve a specific purpose. These cards are tailored for those new to building credit or looking to improve their credit standing after previous financial setbacks. While they offer a pathway to better credit, it's important to note that they typically come with higher interest rates and fewer perks compared to premium credit cards. Therefore, responsible usage is essential to maximise their benefits and avoid potential financial pitfalls.
Card | Hot Reward Pick | SingSaver Reward | Card benefit | Annual Fee | Min. Annual Income | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | POSB Everyday Card | S$899 | 0.30 - 10 % cashback | S$196.20 | S$30,000 | |||
![]() | Standard Chartered Simply Cash Credit Card | S$999 | 1.5 - 2 % cashback | S$196.20 | S$30,000 | |||
![]() | American Express True Cashback Card | - | S$199 | 1.5 - 3 % cashback | S$174.40 | Conditional | ||
![]() | Maybank Family & Friends Card | - | - | 0.3 - 8 % cashback | S$196.20 | S$30,000 | ||
![]() | DBS Live Fresh Student Card | - | - | 0.30 - 10 % cashback | S$196.20 | None | ||
![]() | UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card | - | - | 1.4 - 8miles / dollar | S$261.60 | S$30,000 | ||
![]() | HSBC Advance Credit Card | S$999 | 1.5 - 2.5 % cashback | S$196.20 | S$30,000 for Singapore citizen or Permanent residents; S$40,000 for self-employed or commission-based Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident; S$60,000 for foreigner residing in Singapore |
Compare credit card options from Singapore's top banks to match your requirements.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cashback on every purchase.
No minimum spend required.
No cashback cap.
First year annual fee waiver.
Enjoy offers and privileges for online, dining, retail and more with The Good Life®.
Instant digital credit card approval and issuance if you apply via MyInfo.
Supported by Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
The Standard Chartered Simply Cash Credit Card offers those with fair credit a straightforward cashback option with no minimum spend, making it easy to earn rewards on all purchases.
Cashback credited in the same statement month.
Complimentary travel insurance.
Supported by Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Amex Pay.
Foreign currency transaction fee: 3.25%.
Interest on purchase: 27.80%.
Interest on cash advance: 26.9%.
Interest free period: 22 days.
The American Express True Cashback Card provides a solid cashback rate with an added introductory bonus, making it suitable for those looking to maximise returns on their initial spending.
8% cashback categories can be changed trimonthly.
Accelerated cashback earn rate categories can be changed annually.
3-year annual fee waiver.
No annual fee for supplementary cards.
3 card designs to choose from upon application.
Foreign currency transaction fee: 3.25%.
Interest on purchase: 26.9%.
Interest on cash advance: 26.9%.
Interest free period: 20 days.
Supported by World Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.
The Maybank Family & Friends Card offers a flexible cashback system, allowing cardholders to tailor their rewards to their spending habits and maximise returns, provided they meet the minimum monthly spend.
Monthly credit limit: S$500
Monthly cashback cap: S$50
Annual fee: Waived for 5 years, S$196.20 thereafter.
Foreign currency transaction fee: 3.25%
Cash advance service charge: S$15
Minimum payment: 3%
Late payment charge: S$100
Interest on purchase: 27.8%
Interest on cash advance: 28.5%
Interest free period: 25 days
Supported payment network: VISA Platinum
Supported payment types: Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, NETSPay
The DBS Live Fresh Student Card is tailored for students, offering cashback on entertainment and food, and eco-friendly spending, with no required minimum income.
4 complimentary lounge visits per calendar year.
Option to redeem for miles, cashback, or vouchers.
No minimum spend and no cap on earned miles.
Complimentary personal accident coverage and emergency medical assistance.
Welcome offers available (miles or fee waiver).
Foreign currency transaction fee: 3.25%.
Air miles conversion fee: S$25.
Interest on purchase: 27.8%.
Interest on cash advance: 28.5%.
Interest free period: 21 days.
Supported by VISA, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, NETSPay.
The UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card, while typically known for its miles accumulation, can also serve as a tool to rebuild credit for those with a less-than-perfect credit history, offering miles rewards as an incentive for responsible financial behaviour.
Complimentary access to ENTERTAINER with HSBC app for 1-for-1 deals.
Cashback capped at S$70 per calendar month.
Foreign currency transaction fee: 3.25%.
Interest on purchase: 26.9%.
Interest on cash advance: 28%.
Interest free period: 20 days.
Supported by VISA Platinum, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
The HSBC Advance Credit Card offers high cashback rates for those who can meet the spending requirements or participate in the HSBC Everyday+ Rewards Programme, along with lifestyle perks.
Card details
Cash rebates never expire.
S$15 monthly cash rebate cap for dining and online spending.
S$30 monthly cash rebate cap for groceries.
Foreign currency transaction fee: 3.25%.
Interest on purchase: 27.8%.
Interest on cash advance: 28.5%.
Interest free period: 25 days.
Supported by Mastercard, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, NETSPay.
The POSB Everyday Card is designed for everyday spending, offering high cashback rates on essential categories, provided the minimum monthly spend is met.
Always cross-check details with the issuer’s website for the most current information.
Our pick for: Flat-rate cashback
This card's straightforward 1.5% cashback on all spending, coupled with the absence of minimum spend requirements or cashback caps, makes it an exceptionally accessible and hassle-free choice for those with fair credit seeking consistent, uncomplicated rewards on every purchase. Read our review.
Our pick for: Simplicity
The AMEX True Cashback Card excels in simplicity, offering a flat 1.5% unlimited cashback on all purchases from the get-go, making it an ideal choice for individuals who prefer a no-fuss approach to earning rewards without navigating complex categories or minimum spend thresholds. Read our review.
Our pick for: Flexibility & cashback
Offering up to 8% cashback and customisable spending categories that can be changed trimonthly, this card allows users to strategically align their rewards with their lifestyle, providing significant flexibility and potentially higher returns compared to standard cashback cards. Read our review.
Our pick for: Rewards for students
Specifically tailored for students, this card provides 5% cashback on relevant spending categories such as online entertainment and eco-friendly purchases, coupled with the advantage of no minimum income requirements and a five-year annual fee waiver, making it highly accessible for young adults. Read our review.
Our pick for: Improving your credit score
While primarily a miles card, the UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card can be a good option for individuals rebuilding their credit, offering the opportunity to earn miles on spending while establishing a positive credit history and learning to manage credit responsibly, with the added benefit of travel perks like lounge access. Read our review.
Our pick for: Prequalification + up to 3.5% cashback
For HSBC Advance customers, this card offers a competitive cashback rate of up to 3.5% with no minimum spend, and the potential for prequalification, making it a compelling option for those looking to maximise cashback rewards without added complexity, especially on larger purchases. Read our review.
Our pick for: Cashback earned with select merchants
This card is ideal for everyday spending, offering substantial cashback rates on essential categories and select merchants, enabling users to maximise savings on routine purchases and daily expenses, particularly for those who frequently spend on food delivery, groceries, and online shopping. Read our review.
In Singapore, "fair" or "average" credit generally refers to a CBS Credit Score within the range of 1911 to 2000. While this indicates you're moving in the right direction, it's still a tier below what's needed for the most premium financial products.
Your CBS Credit Score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, influencing your eligibility for loans and credit cards. It's calculated based on factors such as your payment history (how consistently you've paid bills on time), credit utilisation (the amount of credit you're using relative to your total credit limit), and the length of your credit history (how long you've been using credit).
While several Singaporean banks offer credit card options for those with fair credit, it's important to understand that premium credit cards, with their superior rewards and benefits, typically require a higher CBS Credit Score. Focusing on responsible credit management is crucial to improving your score and unlocking access to better financial opportunities.
Singaporeans can get their credit score for free directly from the Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS) or via complimentary checks offered by some local banks through online services or partnerships. Check with your bank for availability.
Credit cards can be valuable for improving a fair credit rating when used responsibly. Banks in Singapore report your credit card activity to the Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS), which compiles your credit report and influences your CBS Credit Score. This reporting impacts several key factors:
How consistently you pay your bills: Consistent on-time payments are crucial. Paying your bills in full each month not only avoids late fees but also prevents high-interest charges, which are common with cards for fair credit.
How much of your credit you're using: Keeping your credit utilisation below 30% is essential. For instance, if you have a S$1,000 credit limit, aim to keep your balance below S$300. Lower utilisation demonstrates responsible credit management.
The different types of credit you have: A healthy credit mix, including both instalment loans (like car or renovation loans) and revolving credit (credit cards), can positively impact your CBS Credit Score, showing lenders you can manage various credit types.
How long you've had credit: The longer your credit history, the better. Maintaining older credit card accounts, even if you don't use them frequently, can strengthen your credit profile.
How often you apply for new credit: Applying for too many credit cards or loans within a short period can temporarily lower your CBS Credit Score due to hard inquiries on your credit report. Space out your credit applications to minimise this impact.
Before applying for a credit card, knowing your CBS Credit Score is crucial. Applying for a card that aligns with your score range significantly increases your approval chances. (You can obtain your credit report from the Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS) or via free checks offered by some banks.) Remember, applying for cards outside your score range can lead to rejections, negatively impacting your credit standing.
Each credit card application typically results in a hard inquiry on your credit report. While a single hard inquiry may cause a temporary dip in your score, multiple applications within a short period can have a more substantial negative effect. It's advisable to space out your applications to reduce this impact.
If your credit card application is denied, the first step is to understand the reason. Banks in Singapore are required to provide a rejection notice, often detailing the factors contributing to the decision, which may include information from your CBS credit report. Carefully review this notice and your credit report for any inaccuracies, and then examine your application details. This process will help you pinpoint the reasons for the rejection.
If you believe there are grounds for reconsideration, you can contact the bank to request a review of your application. However, if the rejection stands, it's a clear signal that you need to focus on improving your CBS Credit Score before reapplying. A general guideline is to wait approximately six months before submitting another application.
Before proceeding with a credit card application, particularly for fair or average credit, ensure you fully understand all associated fees. This includes annual fees, foreign transaction fees, balance transfer fees, and late payment charges. Many of these fees can be avoided with responsible credit card usage, such as paying your balance on time and in full.
When comparing credit cards suitable for fair credit in Singapore, consider these key features:
Reports to Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS): CBS is Singapore's primary credit reporting agency. Ensure the card you choose reports to CBS to build your credit history effectively, as this is crucial for improving your credit score locally.
Low or no fees: Many credit cards may charge annual fees, foreign transaction fees, or late payment fees. Prioritise cards with minimal or no fees, unless the rewards significantly outweigh the costs. This helps you manage expenses and avoid unnecessary financial burdens.
Access to free credit score monitoring: Some Singaporean banks, such as DBS, offer free credit score tracking through their online banking platforms. Utilise these tools to monitor your progress in improving your credit score, which is essential for long-term financial health.
Rewards and cashback options: While not all fair-credit cards offer rewards, some provide cashback on everyday spending categories like transport, dining, and groceries. Look for cards that offer rewards aligned with your spending habits to maximise value.
Potential for credit limit increases or upgrades: Seek cards that offer the possibility of credit limit increases over time or allow you to upgrade to better cards as your credit score improves. This feature provides a pathway to better credit terms and financial opportunities as your creditworthiness increases.
Avoid carrying a balance: Interest rates on fair credit cards tend to be high. Paying your bill in full each month is crucial to avoid hefty interest charges, which can negate any cashback or rewards you earn. Making only the minimum payment will prolong your debt and negatively impact your credit score with the Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS).
Don't pay late: Always make at least the minimum payment, and ensure it's on time. Even a few days late can result in late fees. A delay of more than 30 days can severely damage your CBS credit score, making it harder to secure future loans or credit facilities in Singapore.
Don't settle for a subpar card: While you might not qualify for premium credit cards with fair credit, there are still decent options available in Singapore. Look for cards that offer rewards, potential upgrade paths, and competitive fees. Compare different fair credit cards before applying to ensure you're getting the best value for your financial situation.
In Singapore, "fair credit" typically refers to individuals with a Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS) score that indicates a moderate level of credit risk. While there isn't a universally fixed range, it generally signifies a score that falls between those considered "good" and "poor" by local financial institutions. The CBS score reflects your credit history and payment behaviour within Singapore.
In the Singapore credit card industry, the terms "fair credit" and "average credit" are often used interchangeably to describe credit scores that are neither excellent nor poor. However, it's important to note that the interpretation of these scores can vary among banks and lenders in Singapore. Each institution may have its own internal criteria for evaluating creditworthiness, which can influence how they view a particular CBS score.
The average credit score in Singapore is based on the Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS) Credit Score system. While specific, publicly released averages may fluctuate, it's understood that a significant portion of Singaporean adults fall within the "good" to "fair" credit range.
The CBS score considers factors such as payment history, outstanding debt, and credit history length, providing an assessment of credit risk.