Best Credit Cards for Overseas Spending in Singapore (2025)

Choosing the best credit card in Singapore to use internationally involves considering several key factors.

Evaluate features such as annual fees, rewards rates, cardholder perks, and sign-up bonuses to find the card that suits your spending habits and travel needs. 

However, certain features become even more critical when you're using your card for worldwide travel:

• Overseas transaction fees: To avoid unnecessary costs, choose a card without foreign transaction fees. Many cards add a surcharge on purchases made outside of Singapore.

• International acceptance: Ensure your card is widely accepted wherever your travels take you. While American Express is still accepted in many destinations, it's a good idea to carry a Visa or Mastercard as a backup, especially when travelling to less touristy regions as they are more widely accepted.

• Travel protections: Enjoy peace of mind with a card that offers travel insurance benefits. These can include coverage for trip cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, and rental car damage.

It's important to remember that no single credit card can offer everything you might want. When choosing a travel credit card, especially for international use, you'll likely need to prioritise certain features over others.

Some cards excel in rewards rates, while others offer generous sign-up bonuses or premium travel perks. Carefully compare the features of each card and consider your individual needs and preferences to find the best fit for your travel style and spending habits.

To help you choose the perfect travel companion, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to the best travel credit cards. Here, we'll highlight the key factors to consider when selecting a card specifically for international travel.

Foreign transaction fees are a critical factor to consider when choosing a credit card for international travel. These fees are essentially surcharges on purchases made outside of Singapore.

For anyone travelling abroad, a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is essential. Fortunately, many credit card issuers in Singapore offer cards without these fees, making it easier to find a suitable travel companion for your international adventures.

When evaluating credit card rewards, consider both how you earn those rewards and how you can redeem them. Pay close attention to the rewards rate and bonus categories offered by different cards.

Some cards offer a flat rewards rate on all purchases, which can be beneficial for consistent spending across various categories. Others provide bonus rewards in specific categories like travel, dining, or entertainment, allowing you to maximise rewards based on your spending habits.

However, it's crucial to look beyond the headline numbers and understand the terms and conditions for earning rewards. Pay attention to eligible spending categories and any caps on rewards accumulation to ensure you can fully utilise the rewards program.

Equally important is understanding how you can redeem your rewards. Consider whether you can redeem your rewards for travel bookings, statement credit, cashback, or other benefits. Assess the value you get per reward point and whether you can transfer points to partner loyalty programs for potentially greater value.

Credit card perks are the added benefits you receive simply for holding the card, separate from the rewards earned through spending. The extent of these perks often correlates with the card's annual fee.

Cards with no annual fee typically offer minimal perks, while premium cards with higher annual fees often provide a wide range of benefits, such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and concierge services.

For those seeking a balance of rewards and perks, mid-tier cards with moderate annual fees can be a good option. If you utilise the perks regularly, their value can often offset the annual fee.

Many of the best credit cards for international travel come with an annual fee, which can vary depending on the card's features and benefits.

However, if you prefer to avoid annual fees altogether, there are still suitable options available in our list of credit cards, though they might offer lower rewards rates, smaller sign-up bonuses, or fewer travel benefits.

In addition to annual fees, some credit cards may also have minimum spending requirements to unlock certain benefits or rewards. Consider whether you can comfortably meet these spending requirements to fully utilise the card's benefits.

While Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted globally, acceptance for American Express and Discover can be more limited, especially outside major tourist destinations. If you opt for an American Express or Discover card for travel, it's wise to carry a Visa or Mastercard as a backup to avoid potential acceptance issues.

When choosing a travel credit card, evaluate the travel protections offered and prioritise those that align with your needs. Consider whether benefits like car rental insurance, trip cancellation coverage, and lost baggage protection are important to you, as these can offer valuable peace of mind and financial security during your travels.

Travel credit cards often offer attractive sign-up bonuses, which can be worth tens of thousands of points or miles. However, it's important to consider the spending requirements associated with these bonuses. Never spend beyond your means just to chase a sign-up bonus. The interest incurred on outstanding debt could easily outweigh the value of the bonus.

Using your credit card strategically while travelling can unlock significant savings and enhance your trip. Here's how to maximise your rewards and benefits when spending abroad:

• Choose the right card: Opt for a card with no foreign transaction fees, a high rewards rate on travel expenses like flights and hotels, and valuable travel perks like insurance or airport lounge access.

• Utilise bonus categories: Many cards offer bonus rewards on specific spending categories, such as dining or airfare. Use your card strategically to earn extra rewards on these purchases, but always understand the category restrictions to ensure your spending qualifies.

• Be smart about currency conversion: Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC), which often offers unfavourable exchange rates. Choose to pay in the local currency to leverage your card's exchange rate.

• Unlock travel hacks: Redeem your accumulated rewards to offset travel expenses like flights and hotels. Before your trip, inform your card issuer of your travel dates and destinations to avoid any issues with your card being blocked for suspicious activity.

The best credit card for overseas spending depends on your individual needs and travel habits. Here's a quick guide to help you choose:

• Frequent flyers: Look for cards with high rewards rates on airfare and travel-related expenses, airport lounge access, and travel insurance benefits.

• Business travellers: Consider cards with comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation and baggage delay coverage, as well as perks like concierge services and priority check-in.

• Budget-conscious travellers: Opt for cards with no annual fees, low foreign transaction fees, and competitive rewards rates on everyday spending.