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Best Credit Cards for Shopping in Singapore 2024

Discover the ultimate shopping companions in Singapore with the finest credit cards. Elevate your shopping escapades with optimal cashback, exclusive discounts, and tailored rewards. Whether you're a tech lover or a fashion enthusiast, these cards enrich your retail experience, both online and offline. Unveil a realm of savings and privileges as you navigate through Singapore's dynamic shopping landscape, making every purchase truly rewarding.

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Online shopping

Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping

For our homebodies out there, the benefits of the best shopping credit cards for online shopping are a game-changer. These cards offer the convenience of browsing and purchasing from the cosy confines of your abode, often with enticing cashback rewards, points, or discounts. Plus, they typically provide added security measures for online transactions, ensuring peace of mind while shopping. 

 

But which cards are the best of the lot? Here are our top picks. For online retail purchases, the CIMB Visa Signature Card rewards up to 10% cashback with minimum S$800 spend per statement month, capped at S$20 cashback per category. Meanwhile, the UOB Lady’s Card and UOB Lady’s Solitaire Card reward up to 6 miles per S$1 (mpd) spend, with their bonus miles earn rate capped at S$1,000 and S$3,000 spend per calendar month respectively. All subsequent spend thereafter will earn the base 0.4 mpd.

 

Thus, if you’re a low monthly spender or struggle to meet minimum monthly spend requirements, a miles credit card like the UOB Lady’s series will be more viable for you; because all you have to worry about is not exceeding a monthly spend cap. 

 

Nonetheless, if you're dedicated cashback chaser, the CIMB Visa Signature Card remains a strong choice, particularly given that a minimum monthly spending threshold of S$800 is a standard requirement for many cashback cards anyway.


As honourable mentions, the UOB PRVI Miles Card (2.4 mpd) and the UOB Visa Signature Card (4 mpd) are great options for overseas online shopping.

UOB EVOL Card open_in_new

Cashback Local Online Shopping: 8 %

POSB Everyday Card open_in_new

Cashback Local Online Shopping: 5 %

DBS Live Fresh Card open_in_new

Cashback Local Online Shopping: Up to 6 %

CIMB Visa Signature Card open_in_new

Cashback Local Online Shopping: 10 %

UOB One Card open_in_new

Cashback Local Online Shopping: Up to 10 %

Maybank Family & Friends Card open_in_new

Cashback Local Online Shopping: 8 %

Citi SMRT Card open_in_new

Cashback Local Online Shopping: 5 %

Maybank Family & Friends Card open_in_new

Cashback Local Online Shopping: 8 %

CIMB Visa Infinite Card open_in_new

Cashback Overseas Online Shopping: Unlimited 2 %

HSBC Revolution Credit Card open_in_new

Airmiles Local Online Shopping: 4 miles per dollar

Citi Rewards Card open_in_new

Airmiles Local Online Shopping: 4 miles per dollar

UOB Lady's Card open_in_new

Airmiles Local Online Shopping: Up to 10 miles per dollar

UOB Lady's Solitaire Card open_in_new

Airmiles Local Online Shopping: 6 miles per dollar

DBS Woman's Card open_in_new

Airmiles Local Online Shopping: 2 miles per dollar

DBS Woman's World Card open_in_new

Airmiles Local Online Shopping: 4 miles per dollar

UOB Preferred Platinum Visa Card open_in_new

Airmiles Local Online Shopping: 4 miles per dollar

UOB Visa Signature Card open_in_new

Airmiles Overseas Online Shopping: 4 miles per dollar

UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card open_in_new

Airmiles Overseas Online Shopping: 2.40 miles per dollar

KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card open_in_new

Airmiles Local Online Shopping: 3 miles per dollar

OCBC Frank Card open_in_new

Cashback Local Online Shopping: Up to 10 %

OCBC Rewards Credit Card open_in_new

Airmiles Local Online Shopping: 4 miles per dollar
Offline Shopping

Best Credit Cards for Offline Shopping

As the saying goes, retail therapy can be a therapeutic experience like no other. There's a unique joy in visiting your beloved brick-and-mortar stores and leisurely exploring their item catalogues.

 

For cashback, the Maybank Family & Friends Card offers the highest cashback at 8% over a wide range of categories such as “Retail & Pets”, “Online Fashion”, “Sports & Sports Apparels”, “Beauty & Wellness”, and more with minimum S$800 spend per calendar month, capped at S$125 cashback overall. Besides local SGD, the same 8% cashback rate also applies in Malaysian Ringgit!

 

Although the OCBC Frank Card and DBS Live Fresh Card potentially provide up to 10% cashback, this rate is exclusively applicable to selected eco-friendly merchants; so we wouldn’t exactly peg these two cards as the best for offline retail shopping.

 

On the other hand, the UOB Lady’s Card and UOB Lady’s Solitaire Card continue to deliver the highest miles earned (6 mpd) or rewards points earned (UNI$15 per S$5 spend) for in-store purchases. However, these bonus earn rates are limited explicitly to qualifying one or two category(ies) per quarter depending on your preference. Consequently, they may not provide the same level of category flexibility as other mile-earning cards, such as the UOB Preferred Platinum Visa Card, which offers 4 mpd or UNI$10 for every S$5 spent, for instance.

 

Meanwhile, the Standard Chartered Rewards+ Card presents an excellent alternative for offline retail spend. It accrues 10 360° Rewards Points per S$1 spend on overseas retail, dining, and travel transacted in foreign currency.

POSB Everyday Card open_in_new

Cashback Retail: Up to 8 %

HSBC Revolution Credit Card open_in_new

Rewards Points Retail: 10 points per dollar

UOB Lady's Card open_in_new

Rewards Points Retail: UNI$ 25 for every S$5 spent

UOB Lady's Solitaire Card open_in_new

Rewards Points Retail: UNI$ 15 per S$5

Standard Chartered Rewards+ Credit Card open_in_new

Rewards Points Retail: 10 points per dollar

OCBC Frank Card open_in_new

Cashback Retail: Up to 10 %

OCBC Rewards Credit Card open_in_new

Rewards Points Retail: 15 OCBC$ per dollar

e-Commerce Protection

Best Credit Cards for e-Commerce Protection

Love shopping online but hate it when your parcels get damaged during shipping? Safeguarding your precious online purchases with complimentary e-Commerce protection from these credit cards can go a long way.

Needless to say, credit cards that come with free e-Commerce protection tend to be rewards credit cards given their primary function as shopping credit cards.

DBS Woman's Card open_in_new

Rewards Points Online Shopping: Up to 5 DBS Points

DBS Woman's World Card open_in_new

Rewards Points Online Shopping: 10 DBS Points per S$5

UOB Lady's Card open_in_new

Rewards Points Retail: UNI$ 25 for every S$5 spent

UOB Lady's Solitaire Card open_in_new

Rewards Points Retail: UNI$ 15 per S$5

OCBC Rewards Credit Card open_in_new

Rewards Points Online Shopping: 15 OCBC$ per dollar

What are the Benefits of Using an Online Shopping Credit Card?

When it comes to online shopping, using a credit card not only offers convenience but also provides added security and rewards, and helps in building a positive credit history when managed responsibly.

Consumer Protection

Credit cards often offer additional consumer protection benefits, such as the ability to dispute charges for unsatisfactory goods or services. This can provide peace of mind when making online purchases.

Zero Liability

Many credit cards have zero liability policies, meaning you won't be held responsible for unauthorized transactions if your card is lost or stolen, as long as you report them promptly.

Special Offers and Discounts

Credit card issuers often partner with merchants to offer exclusive deals, discounts, or promotions for cardholders, allowing you to save money or access special perks when shopping online.

Rewards and Cashback

Many credit cards offer rewards programs or cashback incentives for online shopping. You can earn points, miles, or cashback on your purchases, allowing you to save money or redeem rewards.

Best Credit Cards for Lazada

Using credit cards for Lazada purchases offers several advantages. It provides convenient payment options, allowing you to shop hassle-free from the comfort of your home. Plus, there are many Lazada credit card promos that offer rewards such as cashback or loyalty points for every dollar spent on Lazada, helping you save money or earn benefits on your purchases.

Best Miles Credit Card for Lazada

CITI_REWARDS_MASTER

Citi Rewards Card
 

With the Citi Rewards Credit Card, online shopping enthusiasts can earn 4 miles for every S$1 spent on selected online transactions, such as shopping, ride-hailing, food delivery, and groceries. This card also offers perks like complimentary travel insurance coverage up to S$1 million and a first-year waived annual fee, making it a top choice for maximizing rewards while indulging in online purchases.

Best Cashback Credit Card for Lazada

CIMBVisaSignatureCard-1

CIMB Visa Signature Card
 

The CIMB Visa Signature Credit Card offers an enticing 10% cashback on online shopping, along with attractive rewards on groceries, beauty & wellness, pet shops & vet services, and cruises. With no annual fee and a generous cashback cap of S$100 per statement month, it stands out as a great option for those looking to maximize their savings, particularly for online purchases.

Best Credit Cards for Shopee

Online shopping at Shopee offers a diverse range of products at competitive prices, along with frequent promotions and discounts. Moreover, utilizing credit cards for transactions on Shopee may afford you additional perks such as cashback or reward points.

Best Miles Credit Card for Shopee

DBSWomansWorldMasterCard

DBS Woman's World Card
 

The DBS Woman's World Credit Card offers an attractive earn rate of 10X DBS Points (equivalent to 4 miles per dollar) on online purchases, with a S$1,500 monthly spend cap, making it an appealing choice for those seeking to accumulate miles through online shopping. All eligible overseas shopping spend will also net you a decent 3X DBS Points (1.2 mpd), rewarding your shopping wherever you go.

Best Cashback Credit Card for Shopee

uob-one-card-e1552900605859

UOB One Card
 

The UOB One Credit Card offers up to 15% cashback* on Shopee purchases, making it an excellent choice for online shopping enthusiasts. With cashback tiers ranging from a 3.33% base rate to up to 6.67% additional cashback (depending on monthly spending and transaction requirements), cardholders can maximize their savings while enjoying the convenience of shopping on Shopee. Plus, the opportunity to earn enhanced cashback rates adds further value to this rewarding credit card option.

*For new-to-UOB customers only, otherwise 10% cashback for existing UOB customers

Best Credit Cards for Big Purchases

Not only do credit cards provide immediate access to funds for significant expenditures, but select cards offer enticing rewards programs, enabling you to maximize benefits such as cashback, points, or travel miles with each substantial transaction. This combination of convenience and rewards makes using a credit card for big purchases a smart choice.

Best Miles Credit Card for Big Purchases

DBSAltitudeVisaSignatureCard-300x192

DBS Altitude Card
 

The DBS Altitude Credit Card stands out as the premier choice for earning miles, particularly on big purchases. With a generous earning rate of 1.3 miles per dollar (mpd) on local spend, 2.2 mpd on overseas spend, and enticing rewards for online transactions, it offers unparalleled benefits for those making considerable expenditures. Its generous conversion rate of 5,000 DBS Points to 10,000 KrisFlyer Miles translates every big spend into substantial travel rewards.

Best Cashback Credit Card for Big Purchases

uob-absolute-cardface

UOB Absolute Cashback Card
 

With an impressive 1.7% unlimited cashback on all purchases and no minimum spend requirements or cashback caps, the UOB Absolute Cashback Credit Card stands out as an excellent choice for those making big purchases. Additionally, access to both American Express and UOB privileges further enhances its appeal, making it an ideal option for savvy consumers seeking big cashback rewards.

What Transactions Are Considered as 'Shopping' for a Shopping Credit Card?

Transactions that are typically considered as 'shopping' for a Shopping Credit Card include purchases made at retail stores, online retailers, department stores, supermarkets, clothing stores, electronics stores, home improvement stores, and other similar establishments where you buy goods or services. These transactions are generally eligible for rewards, cashback, discounts, or other benefits offered by the credit card issuer for shopping-related purchases.

However, it's essential to review the specific terms and conditions of your credit card to understand which transactions qualify as 'shopping' and are eligible for rewards or benefits.

Is it Better to Use a Debit or Credit Card for Shopping Online?

Debit cards offer spending control by drawing funds directly from your bank account, avoiding interest charges and debt accumulation. They provide immediate deduction of funds, real-time visibility of available funds, and reduce the risk of overspending or credit card debt.

On the other hand, credit cards offer stronger fraud protection, zero-liability policies for unauthorized transactions, and purchase protection benefits like extended warranties and price protection. They also provide rewards programs, cashback, and the opportunity to build credit history through responsible usage.

Which is the Best Credit Card for Online Purchases: Miles, Rewards, or Cashback?

When choosing the best credit card option for online shopping—whether miles, rewards, or cashback—it's crucial to consider your spending habits, travel preferences, and desire for immediate savings or flexible reward

Miles

If you frequently travel and prioritize flight upgrades, hotel stays, or other travel-related perks, a miles-earning credit card can be advantageous. Accumulated miles can be redeemed for flights, hotel bookings, travel vouchers, and sometimes even merchandise.

Rewards

Rewards points are versatile and can often be redeemed for a range of options, including merchandise, gift cards, experiences, and sometimes travel bookings. If you prefer flexibility in how you use your credit card rewards, a rewards-earning card might be suitable.

Cashback

Cashback credit cards offer a straightforward benefit of earning a percentage of your spending back as cash rewards. This is particularly appealing if you prefer immediate savings or want to offset your monthly credit card bill.

Frequently asked questions for Shopping Credit Cards

Is it more cost-effective to shop online or in-store?

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Whether you save more money shopping online or in-store depends on factors like product prices, promotions, shipping costs, and credit card benefits. Online shopping offers convenience and sometimes lower prices, while in-store shopping may have promotions, clearance sales, and the ability to inspect products. Compare prices and consider additional discounts to decide which option saves you more.

Will I lose my rewards if I return my online purchase?

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You can earn online shopping rewards only with eligible transactions. When you return your online purchase for a refund, this refund will be returned to the same credit card you made the purchase with. Most credit cards' terms and conditions state that all returned, refunded and exchanged transactions are not eligible for rewards, and all falsified, cancelled and indemnified transactions are not entitled to earn rewards either.

Do I save more money shopping online or going directly to store?

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Some merchants offer different promotions online compared to their brick-and-mortar stores. These promotions could make online shopping more attractive by offering more discounts, especially with the use of promo codes. Shopping online can also save time and gives you added convenience. However, there is a chance that shopping online could end up more expensive because of shipping charges. 

Brick-and-mortar stores, on the other hand, give you the chance to try on and inspect your product before purchase. This could save you the hassle of getting product exchanges and refunds.

How do I make sure my online shopping transaction is safe?

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When making online purchases with the credit card of your choice, you're usually required to supply your name as shown on the card, your credit card number, expiry date, and a three-digit code that can be found at the back of the card (or in the case of American Express, the four-digit code found in front). Your online purchase will only be processed by the vendor when these details are provided.

You should also check that the website you’re on is secure before entering your credit card details at the checkout page. Once you confirm payment, a final approval is usually required via an additional security check. Examples include 2-factor authentication on your mobile phone or a ‘Verified by Visa’ page. You should also keep a copy of your payment confirmation for your reference.

Does returning an online purchase result in the loss of rewards or cashback?

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Your rewards or cashback may be affected when returning an online purchase, depending on the terms and conditions of the retailer and your credit card issuer. It's advisable to check these policies beforehand to understand how returns may impact your rewards or cashback.

What steps can I take to ensure the safety of my online shopping transactions?

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For safe online shopping, the following are some steps for you to take. Shop from reputable websites with a proven track record of security. Look for HTTPS encryption during checkout to protect your information. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.

 

Regularly monitor your accounts for any unauthorized transactions and consider using a credit card with purchase protection. Be cautious of phishing scams and avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information to unknown sources. These practices can help safeguard your online shopping experience.