Best Credit Cards for Rental Cars of March 2025

From weekend drives within Singapore to extended road trips across borders, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom. However, it's wise to be prepared for potential challenges. The right credit card can provide valuable protection, help you manage costs effectively, and offer peace of mind, making your next car rental experience a positive one, no matter the journey's length.

Rewards breakdown

• Up to S$200 Airline Credit every year when you make qualifying spends with Singapore Airlines or Scoot

• Up to S$400 Global Dining Credit every year

• Up to S$400 Lifestyle Credit every year when you make a qualifying spend

• Complimentary access to over 1,400 lounges across 650 cities for both you, one Supplementary Card Member and one guest each

• Complimentary enrolment in Avis President’s Club and Hertz Gold Rewards® Fiver Star

Card details

• No interest charges

• Earn 2 Membership Rewards points for every S$1.60

• Earn 20 Membership Rewards points (equivalent to 12.5 miles) for every full S!.60 spent at Platinum 10Xcelerator Partners for your first S$16,000 spent annually.

• For spend above the first S$16,000, earn 10 Membership Rewards points (equivalent to 6.25 miles) for every full S$1.60 spent at Platinum 10Xcelerator Partners.

• Enjoy a 25% enhanced redemption rate when you use points to pay or part-pay your purchases made on the Card with over 80 Pay with Points + Partners.

• Upgrade to the latest Apple gadgets and choose to offset your purchase in full or partially with points and enjoy 20% more value at Amex Apple Rewards Store.

• Comprehensive travel insurance

• Purchase protection against accidental theft or damage, returns or extended warranty for items purchased on Platinum Card.

• Global assistance while travelling.

SingSaver's take

If you're seeking a premium travel experience, the American Express Platinum Card delivers a range of high-value benefits. These include generous travel credits, global dining and lifestyle perks, and access to airport lounges.

Notably, it also offers complimentary enrolment in Avis President’s Club, unlocking Platinum car rental perks such as priority availability, double upgrades (on weekends, subject to availability), and a minimum 10% discount. Additionally, complimentary enrolment in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star grants further Platinum benefits like a one-car class upgrade (subject to availability) and savings of up to 15% off published rates.

Pros:

• Extensive travel and lifestyle credits

• Complimentary access to a vast network of airport lounges

• Exclusive benefits with Avis and Hertz car rental programmes

Cons:

• High annual fee

• Minimum income requirement not disclosed

• Complex rewards structure

Read full review

Rewards breakdown

• 10X reward points (equivalent to 4 air miles or 2.5% cashback) on online purchases (subject to underlying whitelist Merchant Category Codes).
• 1X reward point for all other spending.
• Up to 16% and 14% off petrol at Caltex and Shell respectively.
• Enjoy amazing 1-for-1 dining offers and more with ENTERTAINER with HSBC app.

Card details

• No minimum spend required.

• No annual fee.

• This bonus earn rate is capped at S$1,000 spend per calendar month. All other spend will earn 0.4 mpd only.

• Points can be redeemed for cashback, miles, or reward points flexibly.

• Cap of 9,000 bonus reward points per calendar month on eligible purchases.

• HSBC reward points expire after 37 months.

• Operates on a whitelist basis. Only selected MCCs shown in the T&Cs qualify for bonus points.

SingSaver's take

For those seeking a card that rewards both online spending and travel, the HSBC Revolution Credit Card offers versatile rewards and potential savings. It stands out for its high rewards rate on eligible online transactions, which can include some travel-related bookings, making it a useful tool for planning your trips. Plus, it's one of the few cards that provides explicit whitelisting of some car rental Merchant Category Codes (MCCs), allowing you to potentially earn bonus rewards on rental car transactions, though it's important to note that MCC 7512 is excluded. The card also offers petrol discounts and dining deals, adding value for both local and overseas use.

Pros:

• Generous rewards on online spending, including potential travel-related bookings.

• Explicit whitelisting of some car rental MCCs (though not MCC 7512).

• No annual fee.

• Petrol discounts and dining deals.

Cons:

• Bonus rewards are capped.

• Rewards earnings depend on specific MCCs.

• Points have a 37-month expiry.

Read full review

Rewards breakdown

• Get rewarded 10,000 KrisFlyer miles when you renew your annual card membership.

• Scoot exclusive benefits: Priority check-in and boarding, more baggage allowance, seat selection and booking flexibility waiver.

• Complimentary travel insurance of up to S$500,000.

Card details

• Earn 3 KrisFlyer miles per S$1 on Singapore Airlines, Scoot, KrisShop and Kris+ purchases.

• Earn up to 3 KrisFlyer miles per S$1 on dining, food delivery, online shopping, travel and transport spend.

• Earn 1.2 KrisFlyer miles per S$1 on all other spend.

• No cap on KrisFlyer miles earned.

SingSaver's take

For frequent travellers looking to maximise miles across a range of travel spending, including online travel platforms, the KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card offers compelling opportunities. This card prioritises high miles earnings, particularly on Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights, as well as on purchases within the KrisShop and Kris+ network.

Importantly, it also allows you to earn bonus miles on online travel bookings, such as those made through Agoda, Airbnb, Hotels.com, and Trip.com. Unlike other categories, online travel is not defined by specific Merchant Category Codes (MCCs), but rather a specific list of merchants. This means you can earn bonus miles on car rentals booked through these platforms.

Pros:

• High KrisFlyer miles earning on Singapore Airlines and Scoot.

• Scoot-specific travel perks.

• Generous travel insurance coverage.

• No cap on KrisFlyer miles earned.

Cons:

• Annual fee applies.

• Lower earn rate on general spending.

Read full review

Rewards breakdown

Pick from 7 rewards category to earn 10X UNI$ (or 20 miles) for every S$5 spent.

Enjoy 0% 6 or 12-month instalment plan when you purchase your favourite luxury apparels.

Complimentary e-Commerce protection on your online purchases.

Card details

• Earn up to 25X UNI$ for every S$5 spend (10 miles per S$1) on your preferred rewards categories.

• Spend on UOB Lady's Credit Card to earn 10X UNI$ (4 miles per S$1) and enjoy additional up to 15X UNI$ (6 miles per S$1) when you pair your UOB Lady's Credit Card with UOB Lady's Savings Account.

SingSaver's take

While traditionally marketed towards women, the UOB Lady's Card offers a unique flexibility in rewards categories that can be valuable for travel and online spending. The card allows you to choose from 7 rewards categories, including "Travel," to earn a high rewards rate.

While rental car isn’t explicitly listed in the travel rewards category, you can still earn bonus miles by booking your car rentals through online and offline travel agencies, which are included. The card also provides complimentary e-commerce protection for online travel bookings and other online purchases.

Pros:

• High rewards rate on preferred spending categories, including "Travel."

• Flexibility to choose your bonus categories.

• Online purchase protection.

• Instalment plan options.

Cons:

• Annual fee applies.

• Rewards earnings depend on chosen categories.

• Potential complexity in maximising rewards.

Read full review

Rewards breakdown

• 10X DBS points (20 miles) for every S$5 spent on online purchases.

• 3X DBS points (6 miles) for every S$5 spent on overseas purchases.

• 1X DBS points (2 miles) for every S$5 spent on other purchases.

Card details

• 10X DBS points (20 miles) for every S$5 spent on online purchases.

• 3X DBS points (6 miles) for every S$5 spent on overseas purchases.

• 1X DBS points (2 miles) for every S$5 spent on other purchases.

• Complimentary e-commerce protection for online purchases.

• Pay for your purchases via monthly instalments of up to 24 months.

SingSaver's take

For those who frequently shop online and enjoy travelling, the DBS Woman’s World Card offers a compelling combination of rewards and convenience. This card excels in its online spending rewards, allowing you to accumulate miles quickly on your digital purchases.

Additionally, as an Asia Pacific Mastercard, cardholders can tap into a partnership with Avis Car Rental. This partnership grants access to exclusive Avis benefits, including up to 35% off Standard Rates and 10% off Retail Rates (for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America), Avis Preferred enrolment, and complimentary car upgrades with each booking (subject to availability).

Pros:

• High miles earning on online purchases.

• Decent miles earning on overseas spending.

• Avis Car Rental partnership with valuable benefits.

• E-commerce protection for online shopping.

Cons:

• Relatively high minimum annual income requirement.

• Annual fee applies.

Read full review

Rewards breakdown

• Unsurpassed value over 900 prestigious properties worldwide.

• Exclusive Priority Pass membership allows access to over 1,500 VIP airport lounges worldwide.

• Exclusive 1-for-1 dining deals at participating merchants

• Enjoy 10% savings on car rentals worldwide with Hertz

• Enjoy up to 35% discount on Avis car rental.

Card details

• Up to 8X TREATS Points (equivalent to 3.2 air miles) charged on foreign spend, with a minimum spend of S$4,000 per calendar month.

• Up to 5X TREATS Points (equivalent to 2 air miles) charged on foreign spend.

• Up to 3X TREATS Points (equivalent to 1.2 air miles) charged on local spend.

• Complimentary enrolment into Rewards Infinite Programme, where your TREATS Points never expire.

SingSaver's take

For discerning travellers seeking a premium experience and exclusive privileges, the Maybank Visa Infinite Credit Card delivers a suite of luxurious benefits. This card provides access to a global network of airport lounges, curated hotel perks, and valuable car rental discounts, particularly with Avis and Hertz, enhancing your travel journey. The card's high earn rate on foreign spending further accelerates your miles accumulation, making it a powerful tool for those with significant international travel expenditures.

Pros:

• Extensive travel privileges, including lounge access and hotel perks.

• Significant discounts on car rentals with Avis and Hertz.

• High earn rate on foreign spending.

• TREATS Points never expire.

Cons:

• High annual fee.

• High minimum annual income requirement.

• Minimum monthly spend required for maximum earn rate.

Rewards breakdown

• Fuel savings of 20.05% + 3X TREATS Points at Caltex stations with Diamond Sky Fuel card

• Travel in comfort with complimentary access to selected VIP lounges

• Receive complimentary travel insurance coverage of up to S$1,000,000 when you charge your travel fares in full to the card.

• Enjoy 10% savings on car rentals worldwide with Hertz

• Enjoy up to 35% discount on Avis car rental.

Card details

• 7X TREATS Points (2.8 miles) on all air ticket purchases and foreign spend – online and in-person with S$800 monthly spend

• 3X TREATS Points (1.2 miles) on all travel-related expenses, including travel and cruise packages, online travel bookings, retail purchases (both online and in-person), groceries, and more—no minimum spend required!

• Earn 0.24 miles on insurance, medical, utilities and education spend.

SingSaver's take

For travellers seeking a card that combines travel perks with fuel savings, the Maybank Horizon Visa Signature card is a strong contender. This card offers complimentary lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance, providing comfort and protection during your journeys. Furthermore, it boasts significant fuel savings at Caltex and valuable discounts on car rentals through Hertz and Avis partnerships.

Pros:

• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage.

• Significant fuel savings at Caltex.

• Valuable discounts on car rentals with Hertz and Avis.

• Complimentary lounge access.

Cons:

• Annual fee applies.

• Minimum monthly spend required for maximum miles earning.

• TREATS Points expire after one year.

Read full review

DBS Woman’s World Card

This card offers high rewards on online spending, a key factor for booking rental cars through online platforms. While not a dedicated rental car card, its Mastercard affiliation provides access to Mastercard's car rental benefits, potentially including discounts or insurance options. This makes it a versatile choice for those who book rentals online and seek general online spending rewards.

Read our review

HSBC Revolution

A notable feature for car rentals is the card's explicit whitelisting of some rental car Merchant Category Codes (MCCs), which could allow cardholders to earn bonus rewards on rental transactions. While MCC 7512 is excluded, HSBC Revolution can still be advantageous for those seeking rewards on rental car spending. Its rewards programme and online spending focus make it a potential option for booking rentals online.

Read our review

American Express® Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card

While primarily a miles card for Singapore Airlines, the American Express® Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card offers travel insurance coverage, a valuable safety net when renting a car abroad. This protection can be beneficial in case of accidents or damage to the rental vehicle, providing some peace of mind during your travels.

Read our review

American Express Platinum Card

This premium card provides comprehensive travel benefits, including valuable car rental perks. Cardholders gain complimentary enrolment in Avis President's Club and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, unlocking potential discounts, upgrades, and priority service when renting cars both locally and internationally. This makes it one of the best cards for those who prioritise a premium and convenient rental car experience.

Read our review

Credit cards can offer valuable rental car insurance benefits, but it's crucial to understand the nuances of how this coverage operates, both within Singapore and when travelling overseas. This coverage is typically designed to protect you against financial loss in situations where your rental car is damaged or stolen. However, it's important to recognise that credit card coverage is not a comprehensive substitute for full coverage car insurance and often has specific limitations and conditions.

>> LEARN MORE: Is it better to book a car in advance or at the last minute?

When renting a vehicle, it's essential to understand the different types of insurance coverage available. Here's a breakdown of common terms, adapted for a Singaporean context:

• Third-Party Insurance: This is the most basic level of coverage, providing financial protection if you cause damage or injury to another person or their property in an accident. In Singapore, it's the minimum legal requirement for driving. When renting a car, this is usually included in the rental agreement.

• Third-Party Fire and Theft Insurance: This coverage expands on third-party insurance by also protecting you against losses due to fire or theft of the rental vehicle. It doesn’t cover damage to the rental car itself.

• Comprehensive Insurance: This is the most extensive coverage, protecting you against a wide range of risks, including damage to the rental car from accidents, vandalism, or natural disasters, as well as fire and theft.

Credit cards in Singapore typically offer Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), which are similar to comprehensive coverage but with important distinctions. These waivers generally cover damage or theft of the rental car itself, but not liability for damage to other vehicles or injuries to others

While credit card rental car insurance offers valuable protection, it's crucial to understand its limitations. Credit card coverage is often not as comprehensive as a standalone insurance policy and comes with specific exclusions. Here are some common examples:

• Luxury and Exotic Cars: Most credit card coverage excludes high-value or specialty vehicles, such as luxury cars, sports cars, and exotic models. If you plan to rent a premium vehicle, your credit card coverage may not apply.

• Extended Rental Periods: Credit card coverage typically has limitations on the maximum duration of the rental period. Rentals exceeding a certain number of days (e.g., 15-30 days) may not be covered. This is important to note for long-term rentals or road trips.

• Third-Party Liability: Credit card CDW/LDW generally covers damage to or theft of the rental car itself. However, it usually doesn’t include third-party liability coverage, which protects you if you cause damage to another vehicle or injure someone in an accident. In Singapore, third-party liability is legally required, so ensure you have adequate coverage through the rental agreement or a separate policy.

• Damage from Reckless Driving: Damage resulting from reckless driving, negligence, or violation of the rental agreement is typically excluded from credit card coverage. This includes driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, off-road driving, or using the vehicle for illegal activities.

To identify exclusions specific to your credit card, refer to the card's terms and conditions. 

Tip: To ensure comprehensive protection, consider supplementing your credit card coverage with a standalone travel insurance policy or the rental company's insurance, especially for liability coverage. This can provide a wider safety net and greater peace of mind during your travels.

>> LEARN MORE: Is complimentary travel insurance by credit cards enough?

Airline loyalty programmes like Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and programmes like AMEX Membership Rewards offer various ways to redeem miles or points, and sometimes this includes car rentals. However, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before using your miles for car rentals.

Pros:

• Convenience: Using miles can simplify the booking process, allowing you to bundle your flights and car rentals through a single platform.

• Potential Value: In some cases, you might find deals or promotions where using miles provides good value for your redemption.

Cons:

• Valuation: Typically, the value you get when redeeming miles for car rentals is lower compared to using them for flights or hotel stays.

• Restrictions: There might be restrictions on the types of cars you can rent or the rental car companies you can use.

• Availability: Availability of car rentals using miles can be limited, especially during peak travel seasons.

• Use Miles: If you have a surplus of miles that you're struggling to use for flights, or if you find a particularly good value redemption offer, using an air miles credit card for a car rental might be a reasonable option.

• Use Credit Cards: If you prioritise maximising the value of your miles for flights or prefer the travel insurance and other benefits offered by certain credit cards, paying for your rental with a credit card is often a better choice. Credit cards with travel insurance and rental car perks can provide valuable protection and savings, especially when travelling overseas.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual circumstances, travel plans, and the specific terms and conditions of your miles programme and credit cards.