Best Reward Credit Cards with No Annual Fee 2025: Best Lifetime Free Cards

updated: Feb 07, 2025

Imagine never having to call to waive your credit card annual fee... ever. That’s the dream, isn’t it? The good news is, there are credit cards that let you enjoy no annual fees for life, sparing you the hassle. If you’re exploring your options, check out our ultimate guide to credit cards for a comprehensive look at the best cards available.

SingSaver Team

written_by SingSaver Team

 Best Reward Credit Cards with No Annual Fee 2025: Best Lifetime Free Cards

Most credit cards in Singapore offer no annual fee for only the first year or two of usage. Providers make it easy and appealing for you to switch to their credit cards with these introductory offers . 

But once that ‘free trial’ ends, you might get hit with a hefty annual fee (typically S$180 + GST). After the initial shock of seeing that S$192.60 line item on your credit card bill, you can usually call the credit card company to request a waiver. However, there is always a chance your request could be denied.

If you can’t get the annual fee waived, your only option may be to cancel your credit card to avoid paying the fee. But this leaves you without your favourite credit card, and you’ll probably need to update your billing arrangements. 

In short, while credit card annual fees can be waived, the process can be quite bothersome. If you’d prefer to skip the administrative work altogether, these are the four best types of credit cards with no annual fees.

Compare the best credit cards with no annual fees

Card benefit
Unlimited 1-3% cashback
Annual Fee
No Annual Fee
eligible_rewards (2)
Card benefit
0.2-10% cashback
Annual Fee
No Annual Fee
eligible_rewards (2)
Card benefit
1-3% cashback
Annual Fee
No Annual Fee
eligible_rewards (2)
Card benefit
0.25-2.5% cashback
Annual Fee
No Annual Fee
eligible_rewards (8)
Card benefit
0.5-6% cashback
Annual Fee
No Annual Fee
eligible_rewards (6)
Card benefit
0.3-10% cashback
Annual Fee
S$ 196.20

CIMB credit cards

CIMB Visa Signature

CIMB World Mastercard

CIMB Visa Infinite

Malaysian bank CIMB’s credit cards don’t get much hype. However, we appreciate that CIMB charges no annual fees — ever — on all of its credit cards. All three CIMB credit cards that you can compare here are free for life, with no strings attached. 

Depending on your lifestyle and spending habits, the right CIMB credit card can go a long way in helping you stretch your money. Just so you know, all three CIMB credit cards have minimum spend requirements.

💡 Pro-tip: If you need help meeting your CIMB credit card's minimum spend, consider applying for a supplementary card or two for your spouse and/or family members! Whatever expenditure is incurred on the supplementary card directly contributes to your main card's (as primary cardholder) monthly minimum spend.

See also: Which Supplementary Cards Offer The Best Benefits?

SingSaver x CIMB World Mastercard Exclusive Offer

SingSaver x CIMB World Mastercard Exclusive Offer

Receive S$50 Cash via PayNow when you sign up for a CIMB World Mastercard and spend a min. of S$108 within 30 days of card approval. Stackable with ongoing CIMB welcome offer. Valid until 20 February 2025. T&Cs apply.

HSBC Revolution Credit Card

Another good credit card option with no annual fees is the ever-popular HSBC Revolution Card.

This powerhouse card is a must-have for any miles-chaser. Even if you're just starting your miles journey, the HSBC Revolution is an excellent entry-level card to get you started.

It offers up to 4 miles per S$1 spend on online and mobile contactless transactions on travel, shopping, groceries, and dining. This 4 miles rate is capped at S$1,000 spend per month, subsequently, it reverts to the base rate of 0.4 miles. Earning miles has never been easier or less stressful.

⭐ Read our full HSBC Revolution Card review here.

💓SingSaver x HSBC Revolution Credit Card MEGA Upsized Rewards💓

💓SingSaver x HSBC Revolution Credit Card MEGA Upsized Rewards💓

Choose a mega upsized gift for HIS, S$199 Cash + S$201 eCapitaVoucher or HER, Dyson Airwrap this V'day or other rewards such as a Dyson AM07, Apple iPad 9th 10.2" WiFi 64GB or His+Hers Bundling - Apple Watch SE + Stryv - Pro Styler when you apply for an HSBC Revolution Credit Card via SingSaver and fulfil other promo criteria. Valid till 2 March 2025. T&Cs apply.

Additionally, stand to win free trips to London, Tokyo or Bali, Samsonite Luggage, S$200 GrabGifts vouchers, cashback and other exciting prizes with HSBC's Sure-Win Spin. Simply transact with HSBC to start earning spins that guarantee a prize. T&Cs apply.

Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card

If none of the CIMB credit cards appeal to you, perhaps the Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card might be a better fit. Alternatively, you could also consider getting a debit card. Most (but not all!) debit cards in Singapore come with no annual fees (for a lifetime).

⭐ Read our full SCB Smart Credit Card review here.

SingSaver x SCB Smart Credit Card Exclusive Offer

SingSaver x SCB Smart Credit Card Exclusive Offer

Score exclusive gifts such as Xiaomi Truclean W20 Wet Dry Vacuum, a Flujo BEA Ergonomic Office Chair, or S$200 Cash when you apply for a Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card via SingSaver and spend a minimum of S$500 within 30 days of card approval. Valid till 2 March 2025. T&Cs apply.

UOB EVOL Credit Card

Lastly, for those with a lower monthly budget or spend, a credit card like the UOB EVOL Card might be a great choice. It requires a relatively low minimum spend of S$600 and comes with no  annual fees either – as long as you make at least three qualifying transactions per month, which is quite manageable.

⭐ Read our full UOB EVOL Card review here.

Best credit cards with automatic fee waivers

Another way to enjoy a near-perpetual annual fee waiver on your credit card is to pick one with an automatic fee waiver function. 

DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB and Maybank all offer automatic fee waivers once you meet their stipulated minimum annual spend. As long as you spend this amount every year, you’ll never have to call and ask for a fee waiver. 

The minimum spend requirements vary between cards, and not all credit cards are eligible for this benefit. Below, we’ve compiled a list of credit cards with the lowest thresholds for automatic annual fee waivers.

Credit card

Annual fee

Minimum spend for auto fee waiver

Maybank Platinum Visa Card

S$21.80 per quarter

N/A, just spend at least once every 3 months

Singtel-UOB Card

S$196.20

N/A, just charge your Singtel bill

Maybank Manchester United Visa Platinum Card

S$80

Waived for first 2 years, requires a minimum annual spend of S$3,600 thereafter

OCBC Great Eastern Cashflo Credit Card

S$163.50

Waived for first 2 years, subsequently a minimum annual spend of S$5,000 

Other OCBC credit cards

Varies

S$10,000 (for select OCBC cards)

Maybank FC Barcelona Credit Card

S$130.80

S$10,000 annually

DBS Woman’s Credit Card 

S$163.50

Waived for first year, subsequently minimum spend of S$15,000 annually

DBS Woman's World Credit Card

S$196.20

Waived for first year, subsequently S$25,000 annual minimum spend

For low-spenders, we recommend either the Maybank Platinum Visa Card or the OCBC Plus! Visa Credit Card. 

The Maybank Platinum Visa Card charges a quarterly fee instead of an annual one. However, to have it waived, all you need to do is charge something to the card every quarter. That’s it. There’s no minimum spend required.

Best free credit cards based on memberships

Credit card

Membership requirement

Perks

Minimum spend for perks

SAFRA DBS Credit Card

SAFRA Membership (NSFs/NSmen)

3% cash rebates on online and contactless payments

S$500/month

NTUC Plus! Visa Card

NTUC Membership

Discounts on groceries and rebates at FairPrice supermarkets

No minimum spend

If you’re a member of NTUC or SAFRA, you’re eligible for a no-annual-fee credit card. These organisations have co-branded credit cards with perpetual annual fee waivers as long as the cardholder remains a paying member.

The SAFRA DBS Credit Card is a relatively fuss-free credit card. Just spend at least S$500 a month to get 3% cash rebates on your online spending and contactless payments. SAFRA membership is open to NSFs/NSmen, and fees range from S$43.60 (3 years) to S$294.30 (10 years).

Best free credit cards for priority banking customers

Finally, you can enjoy a perpetual annual fee waiver if you are a priority banking customer with Maybank or DBS. The corresponding credit card’s annual fee will be waived indefintely, as long as you remain a member of the programme.

Credit card

Priority banking programme

How to qualify

Maybank Privilege Horizon Visa Signature Card

Maybank Privilege

Deposit or invest at least S$50,000

DBS Treasures Black Elite Card

DBS Treasures

Deposit or invest at least S$350,000

Benefits of no-annual-fee credit cards

Keep more money in your pocket

Opting for a no-annual-fee credit card can save you up to S$500 annually, depending on the card you choose. It’s an easy way to stretch your budget further without compromising on benefits.

Simplify your finances

No-annual-fee credit cards are hassle-free, offering exactly what you need without unnecessary costs. They’re straightforward and easy to manage, giving you peace of mind.

Avoid unexpected charges

It’s not always easy to remember when your annual fee is due. With a lifetime-free credit card, you won’t have to worry about sudden fees appearing on your statement, sparing you any unpleasant surprises.

Find the right no-annual-fee credit card for you

It turns out there is a whole variety of credit card options for those who dread the yearly fee waiver ritual. We’ve hand-picked some of the very best ones above.

That said, if you've already used your card's complimentary fee waiver and want to learn how to keep waiving the fee, there is a way. 😏 Check out our full Annual Fee Waiver Guide (By Banks) to find out how.

Curious about other credit cards you might be missing out on? Explore the best credit cards in Singapore on SingSaver. Don’t forget to use the Annual Fee Waiver toggle to filter for the free ones!

Frequently asked questions about credit cards without annual fees

  • What’s the difference between credit cards without annual fees and those with automatic fee waivers?

    Credit cards without annual fees never charge an annual fee, regardless of your spending. On the other hand, credit cards with automatic fee waivers may waive the annual fee if you meet the bank’s stipulated minimum spending criteria each year.

  • Who should get no-annual-fee credit cards?

    No-annual-fee credit cards are perfect for those who prefer simplicity and want to avoid additional costs. They’re ideal for occasional spenders or anyone who doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of meeting minimum spending thresholds to waive annual fees.

  • Do all credit cards have annual fees?

    Not all credit cards charge annual fees. In Singapore, some credit cards offer annual fee waivers for up to three years or even for a lifetime. These options are particularly appealing to those looking to minimise credit card expenses.

  • How can I request a credit card annual fee waiver from my bank?

    To request an annual fee waiver, contact your bank as soon as the charge appears on your credit card statement. The bank will review your payment history and spending habits to determine if you qualify for a waiver.

  • What’s the difference between credit cards with annual fees and those without?

    Credit cards with annual fees often provide more robust rewards, perks, and privileges compared to no-annual-fee cards. However, for those who prioritise saving money, no-annual-fee cards strike the perfect balance by offering essential features without the extra cost.

  • What’s the best business credit card with no annual fee?

    To find the best no-annual-fee business credit card, use a reliable comparison tool to explore top credit cards in Singapore. You can easily compare credit cards that offer annual fee waivers from leading providers and pick the one that suits your business needs.

  • Do credit cards with perpetually waived annual fees come with hidden fees?

    Credit cards with perpetually waived annual fees — often referred to as "perpetual annual fee waiver" cards — mean you won’t be charged an annual fee for as long as you hold the card. This provides significant savings over time. However, it’s essential to review the terms and conditions carefully, as other charges, such as foreign transaction fees or late payment penalties, may still apply.

about_the_author

SingSaver Team

SingSaver Team

At SingSaver, we make personal finance accessible with easy to understand personal finance reads, tools and money hacks that simplify all of life’s financial decisions for you.