Pros & cons
Pros
- Up to 8% cashback on eligible categories, including dining, entertainment, and shopping.
- 5% cashback on fuel purchases at Caltex and Shell stations in Singapore.
- First-year annual fee waiver
- Up to 15% off at over 200 restaurants across Asia through the Live+ Dining Programme
- Exclusive 1-for-1 offers on dining, travel, and lifestyle experiences via the complimentary ENTERTAINER with HSBC app
- Complimentary coverage for online purchases
Cons
- Monthly spend of $600 is necessary to unlock bonus cashback rates
- Cashback is capped at $250 per calendar quarter
- Cashback is credited only within two months after the end of each calendar quarter
- The 8% cashback rate is only applicable for the first two calendar quarters from the card's issuance date. After this promotional period, the cashback rate reverts to the standard 5%.
Who is this card for
The HSBC Live+ Credit Card is a great fit for people who regularly spend on dining, entertainment, shopping, or fuel. If you often order from platforms like Grab or Shopee, dine out on weekends, or drive to work daily, this card rewards you with up to 8% cashback—so long as you hit the $600 monthly spend. Even online subscriptions like Netflix or Spotify count. It’s especially ideal for those who value practical savings on everyday expenses and can consistently maximise rewards without changing their lifestyle.
Compare to other cards
When it comes to lifestyle cashback rewards, the HSBC Live+ Credit Card stands out with up to 8% cashback on dining, shopping, and entertainment in the first two calendar quarters, outperforming the DBS Live Fresh Card’s maximum of 6% cashback on shopping and transport. However, if you prefer simplicity, the Citi Cashback Plus Card offers 1.6% unlimited cashback on all eligible spend, with no minimum spend and no cap, which makes it a strong contender for consistent spenders who don’t want to track categories.
In terms of annual fee, all three cards are aligned at $196.20 (waived for the first year). But HSBC Live+ edges ahead with lifestyle perks, including exclusive 1-for-1 deals via the ENTERTAINER app and 15% off at over 200 dining spots through the Live+ Dining Programme—benefits not offered by the other two.
For fuel savings, the HSBC Live+ also holds its own, offering 5% cashback at Shell and Caltex, while the DBS Live Fresh and Citi Cashback Plus cards do not offer dedicated fuel perks. If your focus is on entertainment, dining, and lifestyle rewards with curated deals, the HSBC Live+ Credit Card delivers strong value, especially during the first year.
HSBC Live+ Credit Card
Interest rate: 27.8%
Annual fee: $196.20 (first year waived)
Minimum annual income:
- $30,000 for Singaporeans and PRs
- $40,000 for foreigners
Benefits:
- Up to 8% cashback on dining, shopping, and entertainment for first two calendar quarters (requires a minimum spend of $1,000 for first quarter, then $600 per month for subsequent months)
- 5% cashback on fuel at Caltex and Shell stations in Singapore
- 0.3% cashback on other eligible spend
- Exclusive 1-for-1 offers via the ENTERTAINER with HSBC app
- 15% off at over 200 restaurants through the Live+ Dining Programme
- Complimentary e-Commerce protection for online purchases
- Up to $1 million in complimentary travel insurance coverage when the full fare is charged to the card.
DBS Live Fresh Card
Interest rate: 27.8%
Annual fee: $196.20 (first year waived)
Minimum annual income:
- $30,000 for Singaporeans and PRs
- $45,000 for foreigners
Benefits:
- Up to 6% cashback on shopping and transport spend (requires a minimum spend of $1,000 for first quarter, then $600 per month for subsequent months)
- 0.3% unlimited base cashback on all spending
- Additional 5% Green Cashback on selected eco-eateries, retailers, and transport services
- Access to Fresh Deals, including entertainment, shopping, dining, and travel offers
Citi Cashback Plus Card
Interest rate: 27.9%
Annual fee: $196.20 (first year waived)
Minimum annual income:
- $30,000 for Singaporeans and PRs
- $42,000 for foreigners
Benefits:
- 1.6% unlimited cashback on all eligible spending with no minimum spend and no cap
- Cashback earned does not expire and can be redeemed instantly via SMS or the Citibank SG app
- Up to $1 million in complimentary travel insurance coverage when travel tickets are charged to the card
Credit card application
Step 1: Start your application on SingSaver
Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to begin your application. You’ll be redirected to HSBC’s official application portal after entering your email address so that we can send you the exclusive rewards details.
Then, to speed things up, log in with your SingPass MyInfo. HSBC will automatically retrieve your personal and income details, so you don’t have to fill in everything manually. Most applicants receive a decision within minutes.
Step 2: Submit required documents (if needed)
In some cases, HSBC may request additional documents like:
- Latest payslip or CPF Contribution History
- Income Tax Notice of Assessment (NOA)
- Proof of address for foreigners
Step 3: Receive and activate your card
Once approved, your HSBC Live+ Credit Card will be mailed to you. You can activate and manage your card using the HSBC Singapore mobile app.
Step 4: Redeem your SingSaver rewards
After you’ve completed the required minimum spend, follow the instructions in the reward redemption email from SingSaver. Submit your application reference number and any required documents within the stated deadline to claim your exclusive gift.
Credit card application resources
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Frequently asked questions
