5 Best Credit Cards in Singapore [2024]
Card payments are the most widely used payment method in Singapore, with a projected growth of 14.3% in 2024. Credit cards, in particular, are popular for their convenience, rewards, and the ability to spread out payments.
However, with so many options available, choosing the right one can be challenging.
In this article, we’ve highlighted the top credit cards in Singapore, tailored to various financial situations and spending habits. We’ll also provide details on each card’s benefits, fees, eligibility, and the ideal users for each.
How To Pick Your Best Credit Card
Before selecting a credit card, it is important to understand the factors involved. Here are the steps you can take to find the best credit card for your needs.
Understand Your Spending Habits
Start by assessing where your money typically goes each month. Review your major expenses and identify your primary spending categories.
Do you spend more on supermarkets, dining out, online shopping, or travel? Understanding your spending habits will help you select a credit card that aligns with your lifestyle.
Evaluate the Rewards and Benefits
Common credit card reward programs include:
- Cashback: Receive a percentage of your spending back as cash rewards, which can be applied to your credit card statement or bank account.
- Points: Earn points for every SGD spent, which can be redeemed for merchandise, gift vouchers, or services through the credit card's rewards portal.
- Air Miles: Accumulate miles with each purchase, which can be redeemed for airline tickets, seat upgrades, airport lounge access, or complimentary travel insurance. Air miles credit cards are ideal for frequent travellers.
Consider which reward matches your lifestyle. For example, if you are a frequent Grab user, choosing a card that rewards points or discounts for Grab transactions might be the best option.
Tip: When comparing options, remember to check for introductory rewards. Review the conditions and benefits to fully maximise your gains.
Read the Full Terms
To understand credit card rewards, you need to understand the full terms and conditions. Look for:
- Minimum Spend Requirement: Many cards need a set monthly spend to unlock rewards. Falling short may drop your rewards to a base rate, which is much lower. Some cards have quarterly requirements that affect rewards if not met in any month. Some cards require consecutive months of spending to earn certain rewards.
- Reward Caps: Many cards impose limits on earnings. For example, a card may advertise 10% cashback, but upon further reading, you may discover it's capped at SGD 100. Plus, you still need to meet the minimum spending requirement to qualify for the reward.
- Expiration of Rewards: Some credit cards have an expiration date for the rewards points, cashback, or miles you've earned. If you don’t redeem them within a certain timeframe, you will lose them completely.
Note: Late payments may disqualify you from rewards and could also lead to an increase in the interest rate you have to pay.
Consider Fees and Charges
Credit cards typically have various fees and charges associated with them, including annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and late payment fees.
It's essential to carefully evaluate these costs and how they impact the overall benefits of the card. Some cards may waive the annual fee for the first year or provide fee waivers if you meet certain spending requirements.
Tip: Avoid using credit cards for ATM withdrawals, which usually incur upfront fees and high immediate interest.
Review Interest Rates
Credit cards come with interest rates that vary by provider and your personal circumstances. These rates can accumulate quickly, especially if the balance is carried over from month to month. Many cards charge more interest on outstanding balances if the full payment is not made by the due date.
Always budget and plan to ensure the interest rate is affordable for you. It’s important to have a repayment plan in place before applying. If you can't pay back the balance, that card may not be the right choice for you.
Credit cards come with interest rates that vary by provider and your personal circumstances. These rates can accumulate quickly, especially if the balance is carried over from month to month. Many cards charge more interest on outstanding balances if the full payment is not made by the due date.
Always budget and plan to ensure the interest rate is affordable for you. It’s important to have a repayment plan in place before applying. If you can't pay back the balance, that card may not be the right choice for you.
Tip: Paying just the minimum repayment is not enough. Consider paying more than the minimum repayment each month to reduce your principal balance faster.
Check Eligibility Requirements
In general, credit card eligibility criteria include age, residency, and minimum income requirements. For entry-level credit cards, the minimum annual income is usually set at SGD 30,000 for locals and SGD 40,000 or higher for foreigners.
It's important to verify that you meet these criteria before applying to prevent unnecessary credit checks, which could negatively affect your credit score.
Tip: Applying for multiple credit cards in a short time may also lower your credit score and hurt your eligibility for loans, such as home mortgages. Space out applications and consider your financial priorities before committing to a new card
Now, let’s explore the list of top credit cards in Singapore.
Card | Best For | Minimum Income Requirement |
UOB One Card | Best for everyday spending: Save on daily essentials, especially with Grab and DFI. | SGD 30,000 (locals); SGD 40,000 (foreigners) |
Citi PremierMiles Card | Best for travellers: Earn miles on both local and overseas spending, with added travel perks. | SGD 30,000 (locals); SGD 42,000 (foreigners) |
Standard Chartered Simply Cash | Best for 0% balance transfer and instalment: Access flexible payment options with low or no fees, plus cashback and other perks. | SGD 30,000 (locals); SGD 60,000 (foreigners) |
DBS Woman’s World Card | Best for frequent online shoppers and flyers: Shop online with free insurance and earn miles on your purchases. | SGD 80,000 annually (for all applicants) |
OCBC Frank Credit Card | Best for international spenders: Earn cashback on foreign transactions. | SGD 30,000 (locals); SGD 45,000 (foreigners) |
Note: The information provided below is subject to change. Ensure you check with each credit card provider for up-to-date information.
1
UOB One Card
Offered by United Overseas Bank (UOB), UOB One Card is tailored for those looking to maximise savings on everyday expenses.
Whether you're a frequent shopper at Grab and Shopee or aiming to get the most out of every transaction, this card is your gateway to more rewards and savings, with generous cashback across categories.
UOB One Card Key Benefits
- New cardholders can earn up to 20% cashback on eligible brands like Grab, McDonald's, Shopee, and SimplyGo.
- Up to 10% cashback on daily essentials like food delivery, online shopping, and 7-Eleven.
- Save up to 24% at Shell and SPC.
- 4.33% cashback on SP Group utilities.
- 3.33% cashback on all retail spending.
- Earn up to 6.0% p.a. interest with a UOB One Account and UOB One Card.
It’s important to note that cashback is given out quarterly, and you need to spend at least SGD 500 every month to earn the cash rebate. For the highest cashback rates, your monthly spending should be at least SGD 2,000 for three consecutive months.
However, UOB provides a cash rebate calculator to help you estimate the cashback you can earn from UOB One Card based on your spending history.
We Recommend UOB One Card For
✅ Regular Grab, DFI group, and Shoppee shoppers looking to enhance their shopping experience with maximised rewards.
✅ Anyone seeking a cashback credit card to save on daily essentials, such as groceries, dining, fuel savings, and public transportation.
UOB One Card Fees
Fee | Amount |
Annual Fee | SGD 196.20, the first year waived. |
Interest Rate | Purchases: 27.80% Cash Advance: 28.5% |
Minimum Payment | Whichever is the highest 3% of currency balance; or SGD 50 + any overdue amount |
International Transaction Fee | Up to 3.25% of the converted SGD amount |
Supplementary Card | The first one is free, then SGD 98.10 |
For detailed fee information, please visit the UOB One Card page. If you need specifics on certain fees, please refer to the UOB credit card general information document.
UOB One Card Eligibility Criteria
The UOB One Card is open to both residents and non-residents who:
- Are at least 21 years old.
- Earn at least SGD 30,000 annually (locals) or SGD 40,000 (foreigners)
If you don't meet the minimum income criteria, you can alternatively qualify by having a fixed deposit collateral of at least SGD 10,000.
UOB provides a list of necessary documents for the application process. Ensure to have your documents prepared before applying for the card.
2
Citi PremierMiles Card
The Citi PremierMiles Card is a travel credit card offered by Citibank Singapore, a division of Citibank, the US banking subsidiary of Citigroup.
Cardholders earn unlimited Citi Miles with no expiration, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. The card also includes complimentary airport lounge access and travel insurance, adding extra value to your travel experiences.
Citi PremierMiles Card Key Benefits
- Miles are unlimited and never expire
- Earn 1.2 Citi Miles Points for every SGD 1 spent on local spend
- Collect 2.2 Citi Miles Points per SGD 1 on overseas spending
- Up to 10 Citi Miles Points for every SGD 1 spent on qualifying online travel bookings
- Receive 10,000 Citi Miles as a renewal bonus every year
- Enjoy 2 complimentary airport lounge visits annually at global locations
- Access travel insurance coverage up to SGD 1 million or more when booking eligible trips with the card.
- Redeem miles to offset purchases or select vouchers through the Citi Mobile® App's Redemption Catalogue.
We Recommend Citi PremierMiles Card For
✅ Frequent flyers and travellers, thanks to the card's earning rates and valuable travel perks.
✅ Those who prioritise earning miles to redeem for flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related expenses.
Citi PremierMiles Card Fees
Fee | Amount |
Annual Fee | SGD 196.20, 9% GST included |
Interest Rate | Purchases and Cash Advance: 27.9% Or 30.9% if an account is past due |
Minimum Payment | Current balance or 1% of any outstanding fees and interest charges, or SGD 50 plus any overdue amounts, whichever is higher. |
International Transaction Fee | 3.25% |
For more information, please refer to Citi PremierMiles Card Information Sheet.
Citi PremierMiles Card Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be 21 years old or older.
- The minimum income requirement of SGD 30,000 for Singaporeans and PRs, and SGD 42,000 for foreigners.
3
Standard Chartered Simply Cash Credit Card
The Standard Chartered Simply Cash Credit Card Singapore is issued by Standard Chartered Bank, a leading international bank with a presence in over 60 countries and territories.
This card stands out for unlimited cashback with no minimum spend requirement, 0% interest on fund transfers and purchases, and quick digital approval and issuance.
Standard Chartered Simply Cash Key Benefits
- Earn cashback with no minimum spending required.
- Get 8% welcome cashback and SGD 30 Caltex fuel vouchers for new cardholders.
- 1.5 % cash back on eligible spending after the promotional period
- Earn rewards on payments to IRAS, education, insurance, and rental.
- Enjoy exclusive offers at 3,000+ outlets in Asia through The Good Life® program, including travel, shopping, and entertainment.
- Convert purchases into 0% interest instalments with minimal or no fees.
- Fund transfer and access cash at 0% interest with a one-time fee.
- Request a temporary credit limit increase for extra funds.
- Apply online for a Digital Credit Card.
We Recommend Standard Chartered Simply Cash For
✅ Individuals looking for unlimited cashback with no minimum spend requirement.
✅ People who plan for big purchases or prefer flexible payment options with interest-free instalments and low or no fees.
✅ Anyone who needs flexible access to cash with the option to request a temporary credit limit increase.
Standard Chartered Simply Cash Card Fees
Fee | Amount |
Annual Fee | SGD 196.20, 9% GST included |
Effective Interest Rate (EIR) | 27.9% |
Minimum Payment | 1% of any outstanding fees and interest, or SGD 50 plus any overdue amounts, whichever is greater. |
International Transaction Fee | From 3.5% |
For more information, please refer to the Standard Chartered Simply Cash Card Information page.
Standard Chartered Simply Cash Eligibility Criteria
- Age 21-65
- Minimum annual income of SGD 30,000 for Singaporeans and PRs, and SGD 60,000 for foreigners.
- Foreigners must hold a Singapore Employment Pass.
4
DBS Woman’s World Card
DBS Woman’s World Mastercard® Card, offered by DBS Bank—a leading Singaporean multinational bank—stands out as a rewards credit card tailored for frequent online shoppers. Despite its name, it caters to both men and women.
It is a top choice for earning miles quickly through online spending while also offering rewards on all other spending, whether local or overseas. The card also includes free ecommerce protection.
DBS Woman's World Card Key Benefits
- Earn 10x DBS Points (4 miles per SGD 1) on online purchases, with an awarding cap of SGD 1,500 per calendar month.
- Earn 3x DBS Points (1.2 miles per SGD 1) on overseas purchases
- Earn 1x DBS Point (0.4 miles per SGD 1) on all other purchases
- Enjoy complimentary ecommerce protection for your online shopping, covering incomplete deliveries, incorrect items, damaged goods during delivery, or items not received within 30 days.
- Pay in instalments of up to 24 months.
- Redeem your DBS Points for miles, shopping and dining vouchers, or cash credits.
- Enjoy hundreds of Mastercard® privileges exclusively available with the DBS Woman’s World Card.
We Recommend DBS Woman's World Card For
✅ Frequent online shoppers who want to accumulate rewards faster.
✅ Individuals who are looking for extra protection when shopping online.
DBS Woman's World Card Fees
Fee | Amount |
Annual Fee | SGD 196.20, first year waived |
Interest Rate | Purchases: 27.80% Cash Advance: 28.5% |
Minimum Payment | Whichever is greater, 3% of the statement balance; or SGD 50 |
International Transaction Fee | Up to 3.25% |
Supplementary Cards | SGD 98.10 |
Please visit the DBS Woman's World page for more information. Additionally, for details on specific fees, please refer to the DBS Card Rates and Fees section.
DBS Woman's World Card Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the DBS Woman's World Card, you must
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Earn at least SGD 80,000 annually.
You can check with the DBS application checklist to prepare the required documents before applying for the card.
5
OCBC Frank Credit Card
The OCBC Frank Credit Card is one of the standout offerings from Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC), one of the largest banks in Southeast Asia, with a significant presence in terms of assets and profitability.
Designed to meet the needs of individuals, this card offers an exciting mix of rewards and benefits, including perks for foreign spending and green merchants.
OCBC Frank Credit Card Key Benefits
- Up to 8% in cashback on foreign currency transactions
- Up to 8% cash back on eligible SGD purchases made online
- Up to 8% cash back when spent via contactless payment, such as smartphones, watches, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay and Garmin Pay in stores.
- Earn an additional 2% cash back on purchases at eligible green stores, including Scoop, Whole Foods, and Little Farms.
- Enjoy up to SGD 100 in cashback each month when you spend at least SGD 800 monthly.
We Recommend OCBC Frank Credit Card For
✅ International spenders looking to earn generous cashback on foreign currency transactions.
✅ Eco-conscious customers who want to maximise rewards while supporting sustainable products and initiatives.
OCBC Frank Credit Card Fees
Fee | Amount |
Annual Fee | SGD 196.20, GST included, the first two years waived. After that, it is waived if the annual expense reaches SGD 10,000 |
Interest Rate | Purchase: 27.78% Cash Advance: 28.92% |
Minimum Payment | Whichever is greater 3% of the statement balance; or SGD 50 |
International Transaction Fee | 3.25% |
Supplementary Card | SGD 98.10, GST included |
Please refer to OCBC Fees and Charges for the detailed pricing structure.
OCBC Frank Credit Card Eligibility Criteria
You must meet the following requirements to apply for the card.
- Be at least 21 years old
- Earn at least SGD 30,000 (locals) or SGD 45,000 (foreigners)
Other Notable Credit Card Choices in Singapore
Beyond the five options mentioned earlier, here are additional popular credit cards in Singapore with distinct selling points.
- HSBC Live+ Credit Card: A lifestyle-focused card offering perks for dining, shopping, and entertainment, including discounts at cinemas and popular streaming platforms. Enjoy 15% off at restaurants and up to 8% cashback across other categories.
- CIMB World Mastercard®: A daily lifestyle card with a touch of luxury, offering 2% cashback on eligible dining, online food delivery, digital entertainment, luxury and retail shopping, and ride-hailing. Plus, golf course discounts across Southeast Asia.
- POSB Everyday Card: A family-friendly card offering 10% cashback on dining and 50% off family attractions, plus exclusive deals for a variety of activities.
- American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card: Ideal for Singapore Airlines frequent flyers, this card helps you earn KrisFlyer miles and access exclusive Amex perks.
- Maybank Family & Friends Card: Choose five categories to earn 8% cashback when you spend at least SGD 800 a month, capped at SGD 125. An additional 0.3% cashback applies to all other spending. Examples of categories are dining, food delivery, transport, entertainment, online shopping, and spending in MYR or IDR.
- UOB Lady's Card: Select the rewards categories that fit your needs, such as fashion, dining, travel, beauty and wellness, family, transport, or entertainment, and change them each quarter.
- Citi Cash Back Plus Card: A popular choice for those looking for a Citi rewards card, you can earn unlimited 1.6% cashback on all eligible spending with no minimum spend required, plus extra benefits for Citi Plus card members.
- DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card: Earn miles on retail spending that never expires. Requires a minimum spend of SGD 1,000 per month.
Final Note
Credit cards offer various benefits, from earning travel rewards and cash back to helping manage expenses. Choosing the right card can impact your financial health and lifestyle. When uncertain, consider your goals, spending habits, credit score, the perks and fees of potential cards, and read the card reviews from real customers.
To maximise your benefits while maintaining your financial well-being, stay informed about any updates to the terms and conditions of your credit card, as issuers may update policies over time.
FAQs
What are the best credit cards to use in Singapore?
Our picks for the best credit cards in Singapore are the UOB One Card, Citi PremierMiles Card, Standard Chartered Simply Cash, DBS Woman’s World Card, and OCBC Frank Credit Card, each catering to different spending needs like cashback, travel, and online shopping.
What is the best credit card for travelling in Singapore?
What is the best credit card for everyday spending in Singapore?
What is the best credit card with no minimum spending?
What is the income requirement for a credit card in Singapore?
