Looking for the best Singapore credit card?
Choosing the best Singapore credit card isn’t just about picking the highest cashback rate or the flashiest miles programme. The right card depends entirely on how you spend: daily coffee runs, overseas shopping trips, or racking up miles for your next business class redemption.
In this guide, we break down the best credit cards in Singapore for 2026 across every major category: miles, cashback, rewards, and no-fee alternatives. We also cover what traditional credit cards don’t tell you upfront: the foreign transaction fees that quietly eat into every overseas purchase.
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⚡️ TL;DR: Best Singapore Credit Cards at a Glance
| Card | Best For | Local Earn Rate | Overseas Earn Rate | FX Fee | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi PremierMiles | Overall miles & flexibility | 1.2 mpd | 2.2 mpd | 3.25% | S$196.20 (1st yr free) |
| UOB PRVI Miles | Frequent travellers | 1.4 mpd | 2.4 mpd | 3.25% | S$261.60 (1st yr free) |
| HSBC TravelOne | Lounge access | 1.2 mpd | 2.4 mpd | 3.25% | S$196.20 (waived ≥S$25k/yr) |
| DBS Altitude | Flexible rewards, no expiry | 1.3 mpd | 2.2 mpd | 3.25% | S$196.20 (1st yr free) |
| OCBC 90°N | Agoda bookings | 1.3 mpd | 2.1 mpd | 3.25% | S$196.20 (1st yr free) |
| HSBC Revolution | Best no-fee miles card | *4 mpd (online & contactless) | 4 mpd | 3.25% | Free (permanently waived) |
| OCBC INFINITY | Unlimited cashback, no fuss | 1.6% on all spend | 1.6% on all spend | 3.25% | S$196.20 (waived ≥S$10k/yr) |
| Citi Cash Back+ | Unlimited cashback | 1.6% on all spend | 1.6% on all spend | 3.25% | S$196.20 (1st yr free) |
| YouTrip | Zero FX fees, travel spending, and better exchange rates | — | Zero FX fees | ✅ None | Free |
*HSBC Revolution: 4 mpd on eligible spend up to S$1,000/month; 0.4 mpd after.
📚 Table of Contents:
- Why FX Fees Matter More Than Your Earn Rate
- How to Choose the Best Singapore Credit Card
- Best Miles Credit Cards in Singapore
- Best Cashback Credit Cards in Singapore
- Best No-Fee Alternative for Overseas Spending
- Full Card Comparison Table
- Real-Life Savings: S$5,000 Overseas Trip
- The Combination Strategy: Getting the Best of Both
- Annual Fee Waivers: What You Need to Know
- Minimum Income Requirements
- Verdict: Which Card Is Right for You?
- FAQs
Why FX Fees Matter More Than Your Earn Rate
Here’s something most credit card comparison articles gloss over: every Singapore credit card charges a foreign transaction fee of 3.25% on overseas purchases. That’s on top of the bank’s own exchange rate markup.
On a S$5,000 trip, that’s S$162.50 in fees alone, before you’ve earned a single mile.
At 2.2 mpd overseas (Citi PremierMiles), you’d earn roughly 11,000 miles on that trip. At a conservative valuation of 1.5 cents per mile, that’s about S$165 in miles value. So you’re roughly breaking even, and that’s before accounting for the annual fee.
This doesn’t mean miles cards aren’t worth it. It means the maths matters, and FX fees are the variable most people forget to include.
📖 Related Guide: Best Miles Credit Card in Singapore For Overseas Spending
How to Choose the Best Singapore Credit Card
Miles vs Cashback: The Core Decision
- Go for miles if you travel at least twice a year, are aiming for business or first class redemptions, or already have a specific airline loyalty programme you’re building towards. Miles cards reward volume and patience: the more you spend consistently, the more value you extract.
- Go for cashback if you want straightforward returns with no redemption complexity. Cashback goes straight back into your pocket, no transfer partners or blackout dates to navigate.
Key Factors to Compare
- Foreign transaction fees: Every traditional credit card in Singapore charges 3.25% on overseas purchases. This is the single biggest hidden cost for travellers. Factor it in before comparing earn rates.
- Annual fee vs benefits: A card with a S$196.20 annual fee needs to deliver at least that much in value through miles, lounge visits, or cashback to be worth keeping beyond year one. Many cards offer a waiver if you hit a minimum spend threshold.
- Miles earn rate: Local rates (typically 1.2–1.4 mpd) matter for day-to-day spending. Overseas rates (2.1–2.4 mpd) matter for trips. Some cards like HSBC Revolution offer 4 mpd on specific categories regardless of location.
- Miles expiry: Citi Miles and OCBC 90°N Miles never expire. UOB KrisFlyer miles expire after 3 years. DBS Points are permanent. If you’re a slow accumulator, expiry policy matters.
- Lounge access: HSBC TravelOne and UOB PRVI Miles offer 4 complimentary visits per year. Citi PremierMiles and DBS Altitude offer 2. HSBC Revolution and OCBC INFINITY offer none.
- Minimum income: Most premium travel cards require S$30,000–S$80,000 annual income.
📖 Related Guide: Best Multi-Currency Cards In Singapore: A Full Comparison Guide
Best Miles Credit Cards in Singapore
Citi PremierMiles — Best Overall Miles Card
Best for: Straightforward miles accumulation with no expiry and broad transfer partners.
Image Credits: MoneySmart
The Citi PremierMiles is the go-to miles card for most Singaporeans, and for good reason. It earns 1.2 mpd locally and 2.2 mpd overseas, with Citi Miles that never expire. That’s a meaningful advantage for occasional travellers who build up slowly. The card also offers 11 airline and hotel transfer partners, the widest range of any Singapore miles card.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Local earn rate | 1.2 mpd |
| Overseas earn rate | 2.2 mpd |
| Miles expiry | Never |
| Transfer partners | 11 airlines & hotels |
| Lounge access | 2 complimentary visits/year |
| Annual fee | S$196.20 (1st year free; 10,000 renewal miles) |
| FX fee | 3.25% |
| Min. income | S$30,000 |
Pros:
- Miles never expire (ideal for slow accumulators)
- Widest transfer partner network in Singapore
- 2 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits per year
- No minimum spend to earn miles
Cons:
- 3.25% FX fee on all overseas transactions
- Overseas earn rate (2.2 mpd) matched by several competitors
- Annual fee applies from year two
📖 Related Guide: Citi PremierMiles Card: Guide to Benefits, Fees & Rewards
UOB PRVI Miles — Best for Frequent Travellers
Best for: High spenders who travel regularly and want the highest overseas earn rate.
Image Credits: UOB
The UOB PRVI Miles earns 1.4 mpd locally and 2.4 mpd overseas, the highest standard overseas rate among Singapore’s major travel cards. Regional travellers get an even better deal: 3 mpd in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Book via Agoda or Expedia through UOB’s travel portals and that jumps to 8 mpd.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Local earn rate | 1.4 mpd |
| Overseas earn rate | 2.4 mpd |
| Regional earn rate | 3 mpd (MY, ID, TH, VN) |
| Miles expiry | 3 years (KrisFlyer) |
| Lounge access | 4 complimentary visits/year (principal cardholder only; guests charged 35 USD) |
| Annual fee | S$261.60 (1st year free; (waived S$50,000/yr spend)) |
| FX fee | 3.25% |
| Min. income | S$30,000 |
Pros:
- Highest overseas earn rate (2.4 mpd) among standard travel cards
- 4 lounge visits per year (most generous on this list)
- 3 mpd on SEA regional spend (great for frequent regional travellers)
- 8 mpd on Agoda/Expedia via UOB travel portal
Cons:
- Highest annual fee (S$261.60) with spend waiver of S$50,000/year
- Miles expire after 3 years
- 3.25% FX fee still applies
📖 Related Guide: UOB PRIVI Miles Card Guide: Benefits, Fees & Rewards
HSBC TravelOne — Best for Lounge Access
Best for: Travellers who prioritise lounge access and instant point transfers.
Image Credits: MoneySmart
The HSBC TravelOne earns 1.2 mpd locally and 2.4 mpd overseas, and stands out for offering 4 complimentary lounge visits per year (shareable with guests) at a S$196.20 annual fee that’s waived if you spend S$25,000 or more annually. With 20 airline and hotel transfer partners and instant reward transfers, it’s a strong choice for flexible redemption.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Local earn rate | 1.2 mpd |
| Overseas earn rate | 2.4 mpd |
| Miles expiry | Varies by transfer partner |
| Transfer partners | 20 airlines & hotels |
| Lounge access | 4 complimentary visits/year (guest-shareable) |
| Annual fee | S$196.20 (waived ≥S$25,000/yr spend) |
| FX fee | 3.25% |
| Min. income | S$30,000 |
Pros:
- 4 lounge visits per year, sharable with a guest
- Most transfer partners (20) of any Singapore card
- Annual fee waived at S$25,000 annual spend
- Instant point transfers to partners
Cons:
- 3.25% FX fee on overseas spend
- Local earn rate (1.2 mpd) is on the lower end
- Welcome bonus requires minimum spend
📖 Related Guide: HSBC TravelOne Card: Guide to Fees, Miles & Benefits
DBS Altitude Visa Signature — Best for Flexible Rewards
Best for: Travellers who want permanent points with no expiry pressure.
Image Credits: DBS
The DBS Altitude earns 1.3 mpd locally and 2.2 mpd overseas, with DBS Points that never expire. The card’s annual fee waiver (for S$25,000+ annual spend) is ending from August 2026, but it compensates with 10,000 bonus miles on renewal. Two complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits per year round out a solid, if unspectacular, travel package.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Local earn rate | 1.3 mpd |
| Overseas earn rate | 2.2 mpd |
| Miles expiry | Never (DBS Points permanent) |
| Lounge access | 2 complimentary visits/year |
| Annual fee | S$196.20 (1st year free; spend-waiver ends Aug 2026) |
| FX fee | 3.25% |
| Min. income | S$30,000 |
Pros:
- DBS Points never expire (no pressure to redeem before a trip)
- 2 complimentary lounge visits per year
- 10,000 bonus miles on annual fee renewal
- Strong integration with DBS banking ecosystem
Cons:
- Overseas earn rate (2.2 mpd) not the highest on the market
- Annual fee spend-waiver ending August 2026
- 3.25% FX fee still applies
📖 Related Guide: DBS Altitude Card Guide: Miles, Benefits, Lounge Access & Fees
OCBC 90°N — Best for Agoda Bookings
Best for: Travellers who book hotels frequently via Agoda.
Image Credits: Mainly Miles
The OCBC 90°N earns 1.3 mpd locally and 2.1 mpd overseas, with 90°N Miles that never expire and a flat fee of S$25 to airline partners. It also earns 7 mpd on Agoda bookings, making it the strongest card for hotel-heavy travellers on that platform.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Local earn rate | 1.3 mpd |
| Overseas earn rate | 2.1 mpd |
| Agoda earn rate | 7 mpd |
| Miles expiry | Never |
| Transfer fees | S$25 (inc. GST) |
| Annual fee | S$196.20 (1st year free; 10,000 renewal miles) |
| FX fee | 3.25% |
| Min. income | S$30,000 |
Pros:
- Miles never expire
- 7 mpd on Agoda bookings
- Slightly lower annual fee than most competitors
Cons:
- Overseas earn rate (2.1 mpd) is the lowest on this list
- S$25 transfer fee to airline partners
- No lounge access
- 3.25% FX fee on all overseas transactions
📖 Related Guide: OCBC VOYAGE Card Singapore: Guide to Benefits, Miles, Lounge Access
HSBC Revolution — Best No-Annual-Fee Miles Card
Best for: Anyone who wants massive miles on everyday spend without an annual fee commitment.
Image Credits: HSBC Singapore
The HSBC Revolution is the standout no-fee miles card in Singapore. It earns 4 mpd on all online spend and contactless transactions (including dining, shopping, ride-hailing, and travel), a rate that matches or beats cards charging S$196–S$261 annually. The annual fee is permanently waived, making it a genuine set-and-forget card for everyday spending.
From 1 April 2026, the card was upgraded from Visa Platinum to Visa Signature, and the 4 mpd earn rate on eligible categories is now a permanent feature (previously promotional). For high-balance savers, the new 8 mpd “Power Move” tier (unlocked by maintaining S$50,000 in an HSBC Everyday Global Account) makes this the highest-earning card in its class.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Earn rate | 4 mpd (Standard); 8 mpd (Enhanced tier with S$50k EGA) |
| Monthly Bonus Cap | S$1,000(Standard); S$1,200 (Enhanced) |
| Base earn rate | 0.4 mpd on other spend |
| Miles expiry | 37 months |
| Lounge access | None |
| Annual fee | Free (permanently waived) |
| FX fee | 3.25% |
| Min. income | S$65,000 (or S$30,000 with S$50k deposit) |
Pros:
- 4 mpd on most everyday spend categories, with no annual fee
- 8 mpd potential for HSBC EGA account holders—the highest in the market.
- Permanently restored bonus categories for Travel and Contactless spend.
- Upgraded to Visa Signature with reinstated travel insurance benefits.
Cons:
- 3.25% FX fee on overseas spend
- 37-month points expiry (shorter than some competitors)
- Low base rate (0.4 mpd) on non-eligible spend
- No lounge access
- Higher income barrier (S$65k) for those without a linked deposit.
📖 Related Guide: HSBC Revolution Card Singapore: Benefits, Fees, Rewards
Best Cashback Credit Cards in Singapore
OCBC INFINITY Cashback — Best Unlimited Cashback Card
Best for: Fuss-free cashback on all spending with no categories to track.
Image Credits: MoneySmart
The OCBC INFINITY earns a flat 1.6% cashback on all eligible spending: no minimum spend, no monthly cap, no categories to juggle. The annual fee (S$196.20) is waived if you spend S$10,000 or more per year, which works out to roughly S$833/month. Achievable for most regular card users.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cashback rate | 1.6% on all spend (no cap) |
| Annual fee | S$196.20 (1st year free; waived ≥S$10,000/yr) |
| FX fee | 3.25% |
| Min. income | S$30,000 |
Pros:
- Unlimited 1.6% cashback with no cap and no minimum spend
- Annual fee waived at S$10,000/year spend (easily achievable)
- Simple to use, no categories or tiers to manage
Cons:
- 3.25% FX fee on overseas purchases
- 1.6% rate is competitive but not category-beating
- No travel perks, lounge access, or miles earning
📖 Related Guide: OCBC Multi-Currency Account Guide: OCBC Global Savings Account
Citi Cash Back+ — Best for Instant Cashback Redemption
Best for: Cashback seekers who want flexibility and instant redemptions.
Image Credits: Citibank Singapore
Like the OCBC INFINITY, the Citi Cash Back+ earns 1.6% cashback on all spend with no minimum and no cap. What sets it apart is the ability to redeem cashback instantly via SMS, with no waiting for a statement credit. Cashback also never expires.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cashback rate | 1.6% on all spend (no cap) |
| Cashback expiry | Never |
| Annual fee | S$196.20 (1st year free) |
| FX fee | 3.25% |
| Min. income | S$30,000 (Singaporeans/PRs); S$42,000 (foreigners) |
Pros:
- Unlimited 1.6% cashback with no expiry
- Instant SMS redemption, no waiting for credits
- No minimum spend required
Cons:
- 3.25% FX fee on overseas spend
- Annual fee applies from year two (no spend-based waiver)
- No travel perks
📖 Related Guide: Citi Prestige Card: Guide to Fees, Miles, Eligibility & Tips
Best No-Fee Alternative for Overseas Spending
YouTrip — Best for Eliminating FX Fees Entirely
Best for: Travellers who want to stop paying 3.25% on every overseas transaction.
YouTrip isn’t a credit card. It’s a multi-currency wallet and Mastercard that gives you access to wholesale exchange rates across 150+ countries with zero FX fees, zero annual fee, and zero transaction markups. It doesn’t earn miles or cashback, but it eliminates the biggest hidden cost of overseas spending entirely.
Where most credit cards charge 3.25% on foreign transactions, YouTrip charges 0%. On a S$5,000 trip, that’s S$162.50 saved before you’ve touched a lounge or redeemed a mile.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| FX fee | Zero |
| Exchange rate | Wholesale (interbank) rate |
| Free ATM withdrawals | S$400/month (2% fee after) |
| Annual fee | Free |
| Currencies supported | 150+ countries, 12 lockable in-app |
| Travel insurance | Yes (via HLAS) |
| Cashback/Miles | Via YouTrip Perks cashback deals |
Pros
- Zero FX fees (the lowest cost way to spend overseas)
- Wholesale exchange rates with no markup
- S$400 free ATM withdrawals monthly
- Built-in travel insurance
- Cashback deals via YouTrip Perks
- No annual fee, no minimum income requirement
Cons:
- Doesn’t earn miles or traditional cashback on every transaction
- Requires topping up (prepaid wallet)
- Visa credit card top-ups incur a 1.5% service fee
📖 Related Guide: YouTrip Exchange Rates: Everything You Need to Know
Full Card Comparison Table
| Card | Type | Local Rate | Overseas Rate | FX Fee | Lounge | Annual Fee | Miles Expiry | Min. Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi PremierMiles | Miles | 1.2 mpd | 2.2 mpd | 3.25% | 2 visits/yr | S$196.20 | Never | S$30,000 |
| UOB PRVI Miles | Miles | 1.4 mpd | 2.4 mpd | 3.25% | 4 visits/yr | S$261.60 | 3 years | S$30,000 |
| HSBC TravelOne | Miles | 1.2 mpd | 2.4 mpd | 3.25% | 4 visits/yr | S$196.20 | Varies | S$30,000 |
| DBS Altitude | Miles | 1.3 mpd | 2.2 mpd | 3.25% | 2 visits/yr | S$196.20 | Never | S$30,000 |
| OCBC 90°N | Miles | 1.3 mpd | 2.1 mpd | 3.25% | None | S$196.20 | Never | S$30,000 |
| HSBC Revolution | Miles | 4 mpd* | 4 mpd* | 3.25% | None | Free | 37 months | S$65,000 |
| OCBC INFINITY | Cashback | 1.6% | 1.6% | 3.25% | None | S$196.20 | N/A | S$30,000 |
| Citi Cash Back+ | Cashback | 1.6% | 1.6% | 3.25% | None | S$196.20 | Never | S$30,000 |
| YouTrip | Multi-currency | — | Zero FX fees | ✅ None | — | Free | N/A | None |
*HSBC Revolution: 4 mpd on eligible spend up to S$1,000/month; 0.4 mpd after.
📖 Related Guide: Best DBS Miles Credit Cards in Singapore: Altitude vs Woman’s World vs Vantage
Real-Life Savings: S$5,000 Overseas Trip
Here’s what a S$5,000 overseas trip actually costs across different cards, factoring in FX fees, miles earned, and annual fee amortisation.
| Card | FX Fee (3.25%) | Miles Earned | Est. Miles Value* | Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTrip | S$0 | — | — | S$0 |
| HSBC Revolution | S$162.50 | 5,600 miles** | ~S$84 | -S$78.50 (net cost) |
| Citi PremierMiles | S$162.50 | 11,000 miles | ~S$165 | ~S$0 (break-even) |
| UOB PRVI Miles | S$162.50 | 12,000 miles | ~S$180 | ~S$17.50 (net gain) |
| DBS Altitude | S$162.50 | 11,000 miles | ~S$165 | ~S$0 (break-even) |
| Standard bank credit card | S$162.50 | 0 | S$0 | -S$162.50 (net cost) |
*HSBC Revolution: 4,000 at 4 mpd on first S$1,000 + 1,600 at 0.4 mpd on remaining S$4,000
** Miles valued at 1.5 cents per mile (conservative estimate for economy redemptions). Actual value varies based on redemption. Business class redemptions can yield 4–6 cents per mile.
💡 The maths shifts dramatically if you redeem for business class. At 4 cents per mile, 11,000 Citi Miles is worth S$440, turning the same trip into a clear win for the miles card.
📖 Related Guide: Best Citi Miles Credit Cards in Singapore: PremierMiles, Prestige, Rewards
The Combination Strategy: Getting the Best of Both
Many experienced Singapore travellers use a two-card approach:
- Card 1 (miles or cashback card): Use for bookings like flights, hotels, and insurance where the transaction is in SGD and no FX fee applies. Rack up the miles or cashback on the big-ticket items.
- Card 2 (YouTrip): Use for all actual overseas spending: restaurants, shops, transport, ATM withdrawals. Zero FX fees, wholesale rates, no 3.25% drag on every purchase.
This approach captures the best of both worlds: miles on SGD bookings, savings on foreign currency spend. It’s particularly effective for frequent travellers where the FX fee compounds across multiple trips a year.
📖 Related Guide: AMEX Platinum Singapore: Charge Card vs Reserve vs Credit Card
Annual Fee Waivers: What You Need to Know
Most Singapore credit cards waive the annual fee in year one. What matters is year two and beyond.
| Card | Annual Fee | Waiver Condition |
|---|---|---|
| HSBC Revolution | Free | Permanently waived |
| YouTrip | Free | Permanently free |
| OCBC INFINITY | S$196.20 | Spend S$10,000/year |
| HSBC TravelOne | S$196.20 | Spend S$25,000/year |
| DBS Altitude | S$196.20 | Spend S$25,000/year (ending Aug 2026) |
| Citi PremierMiles | S$196.20 | No spend waiver, but 10,000 renewal miles |
| OCBC 90°N | S$196.20 | No spend waiver, but 10,000 renewal miles |
| UOB PRVI Miles | S$261.60 | Spend S$50,000/year; 1st year free only |
| Citi Cash Back+ | S$196.20 | No spend waiver; 1st year free only |
Tips:
- If you’re unsure you’ll hit the minimum spend, call the bank at renewal. Many will waive on request, especially for cards held over a year.
- Cards that award renewal miles (Citi PremierMiles, DBS Altitude, OCBC 90°N) can justify their fee if you value miles at 1.5 cents each: 10,000 miles = S$150, vs a S$192–S$196 fee.
- HSBC Revolution is the only card here where fee management is a non-issue
📖 Related Guide: YouTrip vs Credit Cards: Which Is Better for Overseas Spending?
Minimum Income Requirements
| Card | Min. Annual Income (Citizens/PRs) | Min. Annual Income (Foreigners) |
|---|---|---|
| HSBC Revolution | S$65,000* | S$65,000 |
| YouTrip | None | None |
| Citi PremierMiles | S$30,000 | S$42,000 |
| UOB PRVI Miles | S$30,000 | S$42,000 |
| HSBC TravelOne | S$30,000 | S$40,000 |
| DBS Altitude | S$30,000 | S$45,000 |
| OCBC 90°N | S$30,000 | S$45,000 |
| OCBC INFINITY | S$30,000 | S$45,000 |
| Citi Cash Back+ | S$30,000 | S$42,000 |
*HSBC Revolution: Requirement drops to S$30,000 for applicants with a S$50,000 deposit.
📖 Related Guide: How to Get the Best Exchange Rate in Singapore
Verdict: Which Card Is Right for You?
- Best overall miles card with no expiry: Citi PremierMiles. Solid earn rates, 11 transfer partners, and miles that never expire.
- Best for frequent travellers spending heavily overseas: UOB PRVI Miles. Highest overseas earn rate at 2.4 mpd, 4 lounge visits, and 3 mpd across SEA.
- Best for lounge access: HSBC TravelOne. Four guest-shareable visits per year with a fee waiver at S$25,000 annual spend.
- Best miles card with zero annual fee: HSBC Revolution. 4 mpd (or a market-leading 8 mpd*) on eligible online and contactless spend. Permanently free.
*8 mpd requires S$50,000 ADB in an HSBC EGA account; monthly bonus cap increases to S$1,200. - Best for simple cashback: OCBC INFINITY or Citi Cash Back+. Both offer 1.6% unlimited cashback. OCBC INFINITY has an easier spend-based fee waiver; Citi Cash Back+ has never-expiring cashback with instant redemption.
- Best for eliminating FX fees entirely: YouTrip. No annual fee, wholesale exchange rates, S$400 free ATM withdrawals monthly. Works best as a companion to whichever miles or cashback card you pick for SGD bookings.
📖 Related Guide: Money Changer Near Me: 14 Best Money Changers In Singapore
FAQs
It depends on your spending habits. For miles, Citi PremierMiles is the most versatile. For cashback, OCBC INFINITY or Citi Cash Back+ are the simplest. For no-fee miles, HSBC Revolution is unmatched.
If you travel frequently, pairing any of these with YouTrip for overseas spending eliminates the 3.25% FX fee that all credit cards charge.
No Singapore credit card currently offers zero foreign transaction fees. All charge 3.25% on overseas purchases. The alternative is a multi-currency card like YouTrip, which charges zero FX fees and uses wholesale exchange rates.
Miles cards are better if you’re targeting business or first class redemptions, where the value per mile is much higher (4–6 cents per mile vs 1.5 cents for economy).
Cashback cards are better if you want simplicity and guaranteed returns regardless of where or how you travel.
HSBC Revolution earns 4 mpd standard, but can reach a market-leading 8 mpd if you hold an HSBC EGA account. For non-category spend, UOB PRVI Miles and HSBC TravelOne lead with 2.4 mpd overseas.
Most travel credit cards require a minimum annual income of S$30,000 for Singapore citizens and PRs (S$40,000–S$45,000 for foreigners). HSBC Revolution requires a minimum income of S$65,000, and YouTrip has no income requirement at all.
It depends on the card. Citi Miles, DBS Points, and OCBC 90°N Miles never expire. HSBC Revolution points expire after 37 months. UOB KrisFlyer Miles (when transferred) follow KrisFlyer’s 3-year expiry policy.
Always check your card’s specific terms before a big spend push.
Most banks will waive the annual fee on request, especially if you’ve held the card for a year and have a reasonable spending history. Cards like HSBC TravelOne (S$25,000 spend) and OCBC INFINITY (S$10,000 spend) waive automatically if you hit the threshold.
For others, a call to the bank’s retention team at renewal is usually enough.
Use your credit card for SGD-denominated bookings (flights, hotels booked in Singapore) to earn miles or cashback. Use YouTrip for all actual overseas spending: restaurants, shopping, transport, ATM withdrawals. This combination approach avoids the 3.25% FX fee and gives you the best of both.
For most first-time applicants earning the standard S$30,000/year, the Citi PremierMiles or DBS Altitude are the best entry-level choices. They offer the most accessible income floor (S$30k), 2 free lounge visits, and miles that never expire.
If you are a student or NSF and don’t yet meet the S$30,000 threshold, YouTrip is the best alternative. It has no income requirement, no annual fee, and saves you 3.25% on every overseas purchase immediately.
Sign-up bonuses (typically 10,000–33,600 miles for meeting a minimum spend in the first few months) can be worth S$150–S$500 in miles value. They’re worth pursuing if you have genuine upcoming spend. Don’t manufacture spend just for the bonus.
The Best Travel Card Might Not Be a Credit Card
Whether you’re after miles, cashback, or zero FX fees, the right combination of cards makes every trip cheaper. Pick your miles or cashback card for SGD bookings, and let YouTrip handle the overseas spending.
If you’re looking for a travel card with no annual or foreign transaction fees, consider YouTrip! Singapore’s go-to multi-currency wallet helps you save with great FX rates and zero fees. Skip the money changer and get a free YouTrip card + S$5 YouTrip credits with code <YTBLOG5>.
Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. Join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and Community Group (@YouTripSquad) for travel tips, event invites, and more!
Happy travels!
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