Looking for a travel card that actually makes your overseas spending work for you?
The DBS Altitude Card is one of Singapore’s most popular options for earning air miles, enjoying lounge access, and travel perks. But in 2026, with more travel cards offering zero foreign transaction fees and multi-currency flexibility, is it still worth it?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from benefits, miles, promotions, and fees to comparisons with multi-currency cards like YouTrip.
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⚡ TL;DR
| Feature | DBS Altitude Card |
|---|---|
| Miles / Rewards | Up to 2.2 miles per S$1 overseas; 1.3 miles per S$1 locally |
| Annual Fee | S$196.20 (first year waived; spend-based waiver ending Aug 2026) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3.25% (Visa) / 3% (Amex) |
| Lounge Access | 2 free visits/year (Visa only, via Priority Pass) |
| Current Promotion | Up to 38,000 miles or Samsonite luggage set (valid till 12 May 2026) |
While it’s a solid choice for frequent travellers, those seeking zero foreign transaction fees and multi-currency flexibility might consider a travel card like YouTrip for everyday overseas spending.
📚 Table of Contents:
- What is the DBS Altitude Card?
- DBS Altitude Card Benefits
- Annual Fee
- Requirements & Foreign Transaction Fee
- Miles and Points
- Promotions
- Lounge Access & Priority Pass
- DBS Altitude Card vs YouTrip
- Pros & Cons
- Alternative options
- FAQs
What is the DBS Altitude Card?
Image credits: MoneySmart
The DBS Altitude Card is a travel credit card designed for Singaporeans and PRs who are looking to turn everyday spend into air miles, access some lounge perks, and enjoy travel‑related benefits. The card is available in both Visa Signature and American Express versions.
- Priority Pass lounge access
- Bonus miles and seasonal promotions
It’s positioned as a premium option for frequent flyers.
📖 Related guides: Best Singapore Credit Card: Miles, Cashback & Travel Compared
DBS Altitude Card Benefits
Key benefits of the DBS Altitude Card include:
- Air Miles Rewards: Earn up to 2.2 miles per S$1 on overseas spend and 1.3 miles locally (1 DBS Point = 2 miles).
- Priority Pass Lounge Access: 2 complimentary visits/year (Visa only).
- Points Conversion: DBS Points can be converted to air miles or vouchers.
- Promotions: Bonus miles for first spend, flights, or partner hotels.
💡 Travellers seeking zero foreign transaction fees and multi-currency flexibility may find YouTrip more practical for everyday overseas spending.
📖 Related guides: Best DBS Miles Credit Cards In Singapore
Annual Fee
- Annual Fee: S$196.20 (inclusive of GST), waived in the first year
- Fee Waiver for Subsequent Years: From August 2026, the spend-based waiver (previously triggered at S$25,000/year) is being scrapped. You can still try requesting a discretionary waiver via DBS digibank — though it’s no longer guaranteed. If you do pay the fee, you’ll get 10,000 bonus miles on renewal.
- Supplementary Card Fee: S$98.10
Requirements & Foreign Transaction Fee
- Eligibility:
- 21 to 75 years old
- Singaporeans/PRs: Min. annual income of S$30,000/year (≤55 yrs) or S$15,000/year (56+ yrs)
- Foreigners: Min. annual income of S$45,000
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 3.25%
💡 Frequent overseas spenders may prefer YouTrip, which has 0% foreign transaction fees.
📖 Related guide: Wise Card Singapore Guide: Fees, Limits, Exchange Rates
Miles and Points
- Overseas Spend: Up to 2.2 miles per S$1
- Local Spend: 1.3 miles per S$1
- Points Conversion: DBS Points → KrisFlyer, AirAsia Miles, or Qantas Frequent Flyer; a S$27.25 admin fee applies per conversion, with an optional automatic KrisFlyer conversion available at S$43.60/year
- Points Expiry: No expiry on DBS Points earned
Promotions
New-to-DBS cardholders who apply by 12 May 2026 and spend S$800 within 60 days can pick between 28,000 bonus miles or a Samsonite FLATFORM Spinner 28″ with Foldable Duffle Bag (worth ~S$740). Paying the first-year annual fee upfront bumps the miles option to 38,000. You’ll need a valid DBS PayLah! account to qualify for the full bonus — without it, you get 25,000 miles instead.
Worth noting: the card’s previously popular 3 mpd on online flight and hotel bookings — along with bonus rates for Kaligo and Expedia — have been quietly discontinued over the past year.
Check DBS’s official site for current promo codes and full terms before applying.
📖 Related guide: DBS Multi-Currency Account (MCA) Guide: Features, Exchange Rates, Fees
Lounge Access & Priority Pass
- Access 1,700+ lounges worldwide via Priority Pass
- 2 free visits/year (Visa)
- Ideal for travellers who value comfort and quiet before flights
DBS Altitude Card vs YouTrip
| Feature | DBS Altitude Card | YouTrip |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Travel credit card | Multi-currency travel card |
| Currencies | SGD only | 12 currencies lock-in, spend in 150+ countries |
| Annual Fee | S$196.20 | None |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | Up to 3.25% | 0% |
| Miles / Rewards | Up to 2.2 miles/S$1 | Tracks spend & exchange rates |
| Lounge Access | 2 visits/year (Visa) | None |
💡 Tip: Choose DBS Altitude for miles and perks; choose YouTrip for low fees, multi-currency convenience, and better FX rates.
📖 Related guide: Instarem Amaze Card Singapore Guide: Fees, Rewards & Is It Worth It?
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- High miles earning: Up to 2.2 miles/S$1
- No expiry on DBS Points
- Lounge access: 2 free visits/year (Visa)
- Bonus miles on annual fee payment
- First-year fee waived
❌ Cons
- 3.25% foreign transaction fee (Visa); 3% (Amex)
- Spend-based annual fee waiver (S$25,000/year) being removed from August 2026
- Points transfer fee: S$27.25 per conversion
- Minimum transfer blocks: 10,000 miles
- Bonus earn rates for flights and hotels (Kaligo, Expedia, 3 mpd online) discontinued
- Lounge access (Priority Pass) available on Visa version only
📖 Related guide: OCBC Multi-Currency Account Guide: OCBC Global Savings Account
Alternative Option: YouTrip
If you’re comparing the DBS Altitude Card against other alternatives in Singapore, one of the most popular would be YouTrip.
YouTrip is a multi-currency e-wallet and prepaid Mastercard designed for travellers. It supports spending in 150+ countries with zero foreign transaction fees and lets you lock in competitive rates across 12 popular currencies.
YouTrip is especially useful if you want to lock in favourable exchange rates before your trip, spend without worrying about DCC, or withdraw money overseas without hefty fees.
📚 Read next: Check out our guide to the best multi-currency cards for the biggest savings here
FAQs:
Earn miles, access airport lounges, and participate in promotions.
Yes, 2 free visits/year via Priority Pass (Visa).
S$196.20, first year waived automatically. The spend-based waiver (S$25,000/year) is being discontinued from August 2026; discretionary waivers can still be requested via DBS digibank.
Yes, for frequent travellers who value miles and perks.
Up to 3.25% on overseas spending.
For zero foreign transaction fees and multi-currency spending, a travel card like YouTrip can complement or replace a traditional miles credit card.
Get the Best Rates with YouTrip Today!
The DBS Altitude Card is ideal for frequent travellers who want air miles and lounge access. Its annual fee and foreign transaction charges are worth considering. But if your priority is saving money while travelling, YouTrip’s better FX rates, zero annual fees, and broader currency support usually make it the smarter choice.
Not on YouTrip yet? Sign up today with <YTBLOG5> to get FREE S$5 in your account and experience a smarter way to transfer money internationally!
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Bon voyage!
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