Compare Credit Cards in Singapore

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30 live offers compared from 10 providers, from S$0 /year. Updated daily.

What are credit cards in Singapore?

A credit card lets you borrow up to a set limit for purchases and repay either in full each month or over time with interest. In Singapore they are used heavily for everyday spending, contactless payments and online shopping, and are prized less for borrowing than for rewards, cashback, air miles and lifestyle perks. Cards are broadly grouped into cashback, miles, rewards-points and premium or private-banking tiers, alongside student and secured cards for those building credit.

How the Singapore market works

The market is dominated by the major local and international banks, each running large rewards ecosystems. Sign-up promotions are aggressive, frequently offering cash, miles or gadgets for hitting a minimum spend in the first few months. Eligibility is income-based: MAS sets a minimum annual income requirement, generally S$30,000 for Singapore citizens and permanent residents and higher for foreigners. Applicants must also stay within MAS borrowing limits tied to their income.

Benefits

Cashback and rewards — Earn a percentage back or points on spend, with bonus categories for dining, groceries, transport or online purchases.

Air miles — Miles cards convert spend into frequent-flyer miles, popular for redeeming flights and upgrades from a travel-focused city.

Interest-free period — Pay in full by the due date and purchases are effectively interest-free for up to around 20 to 25 days.

Lifestyle perks — Airport lounge access, dining privileges, travel insurance and instalment plans on larger purchases.

How to choose

Start with how you spend. Cashback cards suit steady local spending, miles cards reward frequent travellers, and rewards cards offer flexibility. Watch minimum-spend and monthly caps that limit how much bonus you can actually earn, and check the annual fee and whether it is waived. If you may carry a balance, the interest rate matters far more than perks. Match bonus categories to your real spending patterns rather than the highest advertised rate.

Leading providers in Singapore

Major issuers include DBS, OCBC and UOB, alongside Citibank, HSBC, Standard Chartered and American Express, with digital bank MariBank offering a simple flat-cashback card. The three local banks run the largest reward programmes and widest merchant tie-ups, while foreign banks often compete on niche categories and welcome offers. Compare the effective earn rate after caps, not just the headline percentage.

What it costs

Many cards carry an annual fee of roughly S 50 to S$300 that is often waived for the first year or on meeting a spend threshold; some digital and entry cards have no fee. Interest on unpaid balances is high, commonly around 26 to 28 percent per year, and cash advances and late payments incur additional fees. Sign-up rewards can be worth up to several hundred dollars in value. Paying in full each month avoids interest entirely.

Protections and regulation

Credit cards are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which sets minimum income criteria and an industry-wide borrowing cap limiting total unsecured credit across all providers to 12 times monthly income for most borrowers. Banks must issue clear statements, disclose interest and fees, and follow fair-dealing guidelines. Cardholders are generally protected against unauthorised transactions when they report promptly, and disputes can be escalated to the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC).

Common questions

How much income do I need? — Typically S$30,000 a year for citizens and permanent residents, and around S$40,000 to S$60,000 for foreigners, depending on the card.

Cashback or miles? — Cashback suits everyday spenders wanting simple value; miles reward those who travel and redeem strategically.

Will many cards hurt me? — Total unsecured borrowing is capped relative to income, and sustained overspending can trigger the MAS credit limit review; paying in full protects your standing.

Credit Cards in Singapore — FAQ