Find The Best Credit Cards in Singapore 2025
updated: Feb 21, 2025
Discover the best credit cards in Singapore on SingSaver! Whether you’re after air miles, cashback or reward points, we’ve got you covered. Explore a range of cards from top banks and financial institutions in Singapore, and find the perfect card for your lifestyle and spending habits.
Choose a mega upsized gift for HIM - up to S$450 or HER - a Dyson Airwrap (worth S$859) this Valentine’s or get the DOUBLE the rewards total worth up to S$1,200 from select Citi, Standard Chartered and HSBC credit cards or choose between other exclusive rewards like an Apple iPad or Flujo Standing desk.
Best Credit Card in Singapore
Best Singsaver exclusive offer
Citi PremierMiles Card
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| Airmiles Bonus Cap | No Expiry |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | S$ 196.20 |
| Min. Annual Income | S$ 30,000 |
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Best for travel bookings
DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card
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| Annual Fee | S$ 196.20 |
|---|---|
| Airport Lounge Access | 2 visits per year* |
| Airmiles Base Rate | 1.3 miles per dollar |
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Best for travel rewards
Citi Prestige Card
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| Annual Fee | S$ 545.00 |
|---|---|
| Airport Lounge Access | Unlimited Priority Pass visits |
| Airmiles Base Rate | 1.3 miles per dollar |
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Best for a day out or staying in
Citi Cash Back+ Card
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| Cashback Local | Up to 3.25% |
|---|---|
| Cashback Overseas | 3.25% |
| Monthly Spend Required | None |
| Annual Fee | S$ 196.20 |
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Best unlimited cashback
Maybank FC Barcelona Visa Signature Card
| Cashback Local | 1.6% |
|---|---|
| Cashback Overseas | 1.6% |
| Monthly Spend Required | None |
| Annual Fee | S$ 130.80 |
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Best cashback with low min. spend
HSBC Live+ Credit Card
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| Cashback Local | Up to 8% |
|---|---|
| Cashback Overseas | Up to 8% |
| Monthly Spend Required | S$ 600.00 per month |
| Annual Fee | S$ 196.20 |
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Best for families and household
UOB One Card
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| Cashback Overseas | Up to 3.33% |
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| Monthly Spend Required | S$ 2,000.00 |
| Annual Fee | S$ 196.20 |
| Cashback Local | Up to 20% |
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How to Choose The Best Credit Cards For You
Choosing the best credit card is vital for your finances and lifestyle. Consider your spending habits, goals, and preferences to optimise your reward. It's a crucial step towards finding the best credit cards for yourself.
- Identify your goals: Determine your primary purpose for getting a credit card, whether it's earning miles, cashback, rewards points, obtaining travel perks, or optimising your current spending habits.
- Compare rewards and benefits: Look for credit cards that offer rewards and perks that align with your spending habits and lifestyle in Singapore. Do also take note of the minimum spend required, if any, and any bonus cap the card might have.
- Check annual fees and interest rates: Consider the costs associated with the credit card, including annual fees and interest rates, and ensure they are reasonable and manageable.
- Assess sign-up bonuses and promotions: Look for attractive sign-up bonuses and ongoing promotions to boost your rewards and savings further.
- Research customer reviews and ratings: Read reviews from other Singaporean cardholders to gauge customer satisfaction and experiences with the credit card and its provider.
- Consider the card's acceptance: Ensure the credit card is widely accepted in Singapore and internationally, especially if you plan to use it during travel.
- Align with lifestyle and spending habits: Choose a credit card that complements your daily expenses and activities. If you frequently dine out, consider a card that offers dining discounts or rewards on dining expenses. If you travel often, choose a card with travel rewards and benefits. A card that aligns with your lifestyle and spending patterns will help maximise your overall credit card strategy.
Visa vs Mastercard vs Amex
Regarding payment networks in Singapore, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express (Amex) are the three leading global payment networks. Understanding their differences can help you choose the best credit card for your needs. Here's a quick comparison:
Visa and Mastercard
These are Singapore's most commonly used payment networks, accepted by most online and offline merchants. Under both Visa and Mastercard networks, various credit card options are available, catering to multiple spending habits and lifestyle preferences, making them highly convenient for day-to-day transactions in the country and during overseas travel.
American Express (Amex)
While less prevalent than Visa and Mastercard, Amex still holds a significant presence in Singapore, particularly among premium cardholders. Amex cards often have exclusive benefits, such as access to luxurious airport lounges, travel perks, and concierge services, appealing to frequent travellers and those seeking elevated privileges. Although Amex is not a bank, it does issue its own credit cards like the Amex Platinum Card and Amex KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card,
Reward Programmes for Visa, Mastercard and Amex
Each network offers its own rewards programme, providing cardholders with opportunities to earn cashback, loyalty points, or airline miles on their spending. It's essential to compare these rewards programmes and choose the one that aligns best with your spending habits and lifestyle.
Guide to Credit Cards
Learn more about annual fees, credit card charges, transaction fees, cash advances, balance transfers, and minimum payments. These fees may impact your daily spending, so be sure to learn about them to avoid paying additional fees.
Annual Fees
Annual fees are a fixed charge imposed by credit card issuers each year for card membership. They vary depending on the type of credit card and its benefits. Some cards may offer a first-year waiver or promotional offers on annual fees. In most cases, premium cards with exclusive perks often have higher annual fees. Not all credit cards have annual fees; some may be free of any annual fees. It's essential to consider the annual fee's cost relative to the card's benefits and your usage to determine if it's worth paying. Some credit card issuers offer annual fee waivers as promotional incentives for new cardholders or based on spending thresholds and good credit history for existing customers.
Other Credit Card Fees & Charges
Besides annual fees, credit cards may have additional charges that vary between issuers and card types. They are as follows:
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Most credit cards impose a foreign transaction fee whenever you spend overseas or shop on a foreign website. Foreign Transaction Fees typically range from 2.5% to 3.25% on top of the current foreign exchange rate.
- Cash Advance Fees: If you use your credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, a cash advance fee will apply, often accompanied by higher interest rates. Fees range from 6% to 8% with a minimum of S$15 per transaction.
- Balance Transfer Fees: When transferring balances from one credit card to another, a balance transfer fee may be charged, usually between 2% to 4% of the amount transferred.
- Late Payment Fees: If you fail to make the Minimum Payment Due on or before the Payment Due Date, a Late Payment Charge of S$100 will typically be levied.
- Overlimit Fees: If you exceed your credit card's approved credit limit, an overlimit fee of S$40 may be incurred for each billing cycle in which the overlimit status persists.
- Returned Payment Fees: A fee between S$20 to S$30 may be charged in the event of a bounced or returned payment.
- Finance Charges: If you carry a balance on your credit card, finance charges (interest) will be applied to the outstanding amount, varying based on the card's interest rate and the balance carried.
Understanding Credit Card Minimum Payments
- Credit Card Minimum Payments: The minimum payment is the lowest amount you must pay on your monthly credit card bill to remain in good standing with the issuer. Do note that unpaid credit card debt may snowball out of control.
- Calculation: It is typically a percentage of your outstanding balance (e.g. 27.9% p.a.) or a fixed amount, whichever is higher.
- Purpose: The minimum payment ensures you meet your obligation to the card issuer and avoid late payment fees and negative impacts on your credit score with credit bureaus.
- Risks: Paying only the minimum may lead to accumulating high-interest debt over time, extending the time required to pay off the balance, and incurring additional interest charges.
- Best Practice: To avoid credit card debt escalation, strive to pay your credit card bill in full and on time to save on interest costs. Do note that the longer you owe the bank, the more interest you will incur.
How To Apply For A Credit Card in Singapore
Check Eligibility
Review the eligibility requirements of the chosen credit card to ensure you meet the age, income, and employment criteria if you are a foreigner.
Gather Documents
Prepare the necessary documents, including identification (e.g., NRIC/passport), income proof (e.g., payslips, tax documents), and residency proof (e.g., utility bill).
Online Application
Simply apply for your credit card through SingSaver to receive your promotion or sign-up gift. You will be directed to the bank’s online application form, where you must enter your details accurately and submit your credit card application through their website.
In-Person Application
If preferred, visit a bank branch to apply in person. Bring the required documents and complete the application with the assistance of a bank representative.
Verification
The credit card issuer will verify your information and creditworthiness. This may include checking your credit history and contacting your employer for income verification.
Approval Process
Wait for the bank's approval decision. The processing time varies, but it is usually within a few business days. Some banks provide instant credit card approval, during which time a digital card will be issued to you, which you can use once activated.
Activation of Credit Card
If approved, you will receive your credit card by mail. Activate the card as per the issuer's instructions before using it.
Credit Card Eligibility
- Age Requirement: Generally, the minimum age for credit card applicants in Singapore is 21 years old.
- Income Criteria: Most credit card applications require a minimum annual income, which varies depending on the card type. Common income thresholds in Singapore are between S$30,000 to S$80,000 for basic cards and higher (S$120,000) for premium or exclusive cards.
- Employment Status: Credit card issuers typically require applicants to be employed with a stable source of income. Some issuers may accept applications from self-employed individuals or freelancers with proof of income.
- Credit History: A good credit history is crucial for credit card approval. Lenders assess an applicant's creditworthiness based on their credit score and credit report, considering factors like previous loan repayments and credit card usage.
- Debt-to-Income Ratio: Lenders may also evaluate an applicant's debt-to-income ratio to ensure they have sufficient income to manage potential credit card debt.
- Citizenship/Residency: Applicants must be Singaporean citizens, permanent residents, or holders of a valid work permit or employment pass.
- Financial Obligations: When assessing creditworthiness, credit card issuers may consider an applicant's existing financial obligations, such as outstanding loans or other credit card balances.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a credit card?
When picking a credit card, look at annual fees and waivers, rewards programmes, cashback rates, and interest rates. Think about how these match your spending and financial goals. This will help you find the right card for you.
What are the best cashback credit cards in Singapore?
The DBS Live Fresh Card, OCBC 365 Credit Card, and Citi Cash Back+ Card are top choices in Singapore. They offer great cashback rates and special deals to boost your earnings.
How can I earn miles and travel rewards with a credit card?
Choose cards linked to airlines or hotels, like the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card or the Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card. These cards let you earn miles or points for flights, hotels, and travel perks like lounge access and insurance.
What are the benefits of premium credit cards?
Premium cards like the American Express Platinum Card and UOB Reserve VI Card offer special perks. These include concierge services, lounge access, and free hotel stays. But, they have higher fees and income needs.
How can I take advantage of credit card promotions and offers?
Many credit card companies in Singapore have sign-up bonuses and special deals. Keep an eye on these offers and apply for new cards when they're good deals. Just remember to meet spending needs and use credit wisely.
How can I maximise my credit card benefits in Singapore?
To get the most from your credit cards, use several cards for different rewards. Aim to hit spending targets to get sign-up bonuses. And always pay on time and keep your credit use low to manage your credit well.
What are some popular Singapore-specific rewards offered by credit cards?
Many credit cards in Singapore offer rewards tailored to local preferences. These can include cashback on dining at hawker centres, bonus points for shopping during the Great Singapore Sale, or miles for booking staycations at popular hotels like Marina Bay Sands or Changi Jewel.
Are there any credit cards that offer special benefits for public transport in Singapore?
Yes, some credit cards offer rebates or cashback on public transport expenses. These can include MRT rides, bus fares, and even Grab or taxi rides. Cards like the OCBC FRANK Card and UOB EVOL Card often have such benefits.
Can I use my Singapore credit card to earn rewards when travelling overseas?
Absolutely! Many Singapore credit cards offer enhanced rewards for overseas spending. Some cards even waive foreign transaction fees. Just be sure to inform your bank before you travel to ensure your card isn't blocked for security reasons.
Are there any credit cards in Singapore that cater specifically to foodies?
Indeed! Singapore's food culture is reflected in its credit card offerings. Many cards offer enhanced cashback or points for dining out, whether it's at high-end restaurants or local hawker centres. Some even partner with food delivery services for additional rewards on takeaway orders.