Best Credit Cards for Fair or Average Credit in Singapore

Updated: 23 Jun 2025

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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.

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Card
Hot Reward Pick
SingSaver Reward
Card benefit
Annual Fee
Min. Annual Income
POSB Everyday Card
POSB Everyday Card
S$899
0.30 - 10 % cashback
S$196.20
S$30,000
Standard Chartered Simply Cash Credit Card
Standard Chartered Simply Cash Credit Card
S$999
1.5 - 2 % cashback
S$196.20
S$30,000
American Express True Cashback Card
American Express True Cashback Card
-
S$199
1.5 - 3 % cashback
S$174.40
Conditional
Maybank Family & Friends Card
Maybank Family & Friends Card
-
-
0.3 - 8 % cashback
S$196.20
S$30,000
DBS Live Fresh Student Card
DBS Live Fresh Student Card
-
-
0.30 - 10 % cashback
S$196.20
None
UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card
UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card
-
-
1.4 - 8miles / dollar
S$261.60
S$30,000
HSBC Advance Credit Card
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
Find your ideal credit card.

Find your ideal credit card.

Compare credit card options from Singapore's top banks to match your requirements.

Our pick for: Flat-rate cashback

Card benefit
1.5 - 2 % cashback
Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Min. Annual Income
S$ 30000

SingSaver Reward up to S$879- with others only S$350

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SingSaver's take

Card Details

Standard Chartered Simply Cash Credit Card

Card details 

  • 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.

SingSaver’s take

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.

Pros

  • This card provides a simple and effective way to earn cashback on all spending, without requiring any minimum spend or imposing a cashback cap. Its first-year annual fee waiver also makes it an attractive option for those looking to maximise their savings.

Cons

  • While the card offers a solid cashback rate, it lacks additional perks beyond cashback, and an annual fee applies after the first year.

Our pick for: Simplicity

Card benefit
1.5 - 3 % cashback
Annual Fee
S$ 174.40
Min. Annual Income
Conditional

Bank Gift - On Top of SingSaver's

SingSaver's take

Card Details

AMEX True Cashback Card

Card details 

  • 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.

SingSaver’s take

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.

Pros

  • This card offers a straightforward cashback structure with no minimum spend and includes a higher cashback rate for the first six months, which is advantageous for new cardholders. Additionally, the complimentary travel insurance and same-month cashback crediting add to its appeal.

Cons

  • The card has an annual fee after the first year, which might deter some users. The interest rates on purchases and cash advances are also relatively high, which is a consideration for those who tend to carry a balance.

Our pick for: Flexibility & cashback

Card benefit
0.3 - 8 % cashback
Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Min. Annual Income
S$ 30000

SingSaver's take

Card Details

Maybank Family & Friends Card

Card details 

  • 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.

SingSaver’s take

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.

Pros

  • This card provides a high cashback rate on selectable categories, including overseas spending in Malaysian Ringgit, and offers a generous three-year annual fee waiver. The ability to customise cashback categories trimonthly adds a layer of flexibility that is beneficial for managing varied expenses.

Cons

  • A minimum monthly spend of S$800 is required to earn the full 8% cashback, and the base cashback rate is significantly lower for those who do not meet this requirement. The monthly cashback cap also limits the total rewards earned, which may not suit high-spending individuals.

Our pick for: Rewards for students

Card benefit
0.30 - 10 % cashback
Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Min. Annual Income
None

SingSaver's take

Card Details

DBS Live Fresh Student Card

Card details

  • 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

SingSaver’s take

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.

Pros

  • his card provides a good cashback rate for spending at popular student hangouts and eco-friendly businesses and has no income requirements, making it easy for students to qualify.

Cons

  • The monthly cashback cap limits potential rewards, and the low credit limit might restrict larger purchases.

Our pick for: Improving your credit score

Card benefit
1.4 - 8 miles / dollar
Annual Fee
S$ 261.60
Min. Annual Income
S$ 30000

SingSaver's take

Card Details

UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card

Card details

  • 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.

SingSaver’s take

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.

Pros

  • This card offers competitive miles earn rates, especially for overseas and travel-related spending, and provides complimentary lounge access and travel insurance, which are significant benefits for frequent travellers. The absence of a minimum spend and miles cap also allows for unlimited accumulation of miles.

Cons

  • The annual fee is relatively high, and there is a fee for converting miles. The interest rates on purchases and cash advances are also substantial, which could be a drawback for those who carry a balance.

Our pick for: Prequalification + up to 3.5% cashback

Card benefit
1.5 - 2.5 % cashback
Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Min. Annual Income
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

SingSaver Reward up to S$899- with others only S$589

SingSaver's take

Card Details

HSBC Advance Credit Card

Card details

  • 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.

SingSaver’s take

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.

Pros

  • This card provides a strong cashback rate, particularly for higher spending or with the rewards programme, and includes complimentary access to ENTERTAINER for lifestyle deals. The first-year annual fee waiver also adds to its appeal.

Cons

  • The cashback is capped, which might limit rewards for high spenders. The higher cashback rate is contingent on either high spending or participation in a separate programme, which might not be suitable for everyone.

Our pick for: Cashback earned with select merchants

Card benefit
0.30 - 10 % cashback
Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Min. Annual Income
S$ 30000

SingSaver Reward up to S$899- with others only S$0

SingSaver's take

Card Details

POSB Everyday Card

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.

SingSaver’s take

The POSB Everyday Card is designed for everyday spending, offering high cashback rates on essential categories, provided the minimum monthly spend is met.

Pros

  • This card provides high cashback rates on essential spending categories like food delivery, groceries, and online shopping, making it a valuable tool for daily expenses. The absence of an expiration date for cash rebates is also a notable advantage.

Cons

  • The minimum monthly spend requirement of S$800 can be a hurdle for some, and the monthly cashback caps limit the total rewards earned.

SingSaver’s picks for best credit cards for fair or average credit in Singapore

Always cross-check details with the issuer’s website for the most current information.

Standard Chartered Simply Cash Credit Card

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.

AMEX True Cashback Card

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.

Maybank Family & Friends Card

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.

DBS Live Fresh Student Card

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.

UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card

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.

HSBC Advance Credit Card

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.

POSB Everyday Card

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.

More helpful information

Understanding fair or average credit ratings

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.

Obtain your credit score for free

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.

>> More: Understanding the basics of credit cards

Utilising credit cards to improve fair credit

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.

Essential pre-application credit card information

Selecting a credit card based on your credit rating

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.

Learning from credit card application rejections

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.

>> More: 3 valuable tips for first-time credit card owners

Guidelines for selecting credit cards with fair credit

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.

Common pitfalls to avoid with fair credit cards

  • 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.

Methodology

Frequently asked questions about credit cards for fair or average credit

    How is "fair credit" status defined?

    What are the distinctions between fair and average credit?

    What is the average credit score in Singapore?