Overview:
If you are an avid online shopper, this guide will help you maximize your online spending with the best credit cards. I’ve ranked top cards based on cashback rewards, ease of use, and minimum spending requirements. Here’s the Best Cards for Online Shopping!
For example, while some cards offer high cashback rates, they might have strict spending conditions. Others may have lower rewards but more flexible terms, perfect for big-ticket items like electronics or furniture from platforms like Taobao.
I’ve broken down the details so you can choose the card that best suits your shopping habits.
Note: Standard exclusions like government services and insurance payments apply.
From now tiil 31st Dec 2024, HSBC Live+ actually offers a great 8% cashback for selected online shopping categories. Therefore, it ranks top because of the potential cashback. After 31st Dec 2024, HSBC Live+ will offer 5% cashback. You may choose a card like Citi SMRT which has a lower minimum spend required of S$500 and lower cashback of 5%, but you can basically use this in one single month for large online purchases of up to S$12,000 in a single year. This gives you a good S$600 cashback off your purchase. For example, you can buy electronics or furniture on Taobao and get 5% cashback without bursting any monthly cashback cap.
- You qualify if: you have no HSBC credit card right now, AND haven't cancelled any HSBC credit card in the last 12 months
- Spend min. S$500 by the end of the month after you're approved. Example: approved in May → spend by 30 June.
- During the application, tick the box to receive marketing messages from HSBC. Don't unsubscribe until your gift arrives — if you do, HSBC can cancel the reward.
- SingSaver will email you a Rewards Redemption Form — check inbox (and spam folder) after applying. Fill it in within 14 days to claim your gift, or you'll lose it.
- Eligible for new main Citi Cardmembers only (no existing Citi card, no Citi card closed in the past 12 months)
- Spend S$800 in the first 2 months of card approval
- You qualify if: you have no Citibank credit card right now AND haven't cancelled any Citi credit card in the last 12 months
- Spend min. S$500 within 30 days of card approval
- SingSaver will email you a Rewards Redemption Form — check inbox (and spam folder) after applying. Fill it in within 14 days to claim your gift, or you'll lose it.
- Eligible for new main Citi Cardmembers only (no existing Citi card, no Citi card closed in the past 12 months)
- Spend S$800 in the first 2 months of card approval
- You qualify if: you have no Citibank credit card right now AND haven't cancelled any Citi credit card in the last 12 months
- Spend min. S$500 within 30 days of card approval
- SingSaver will email you a Rewards Redemption Form — check inbox (and spam folder) after applying. Fill it in within 14 days to claim your gift, or you'll lose it.
- You qualify if: you have no OCBC credit card right now, AND haven't cancelled any OCBC credit card in the last 12 months
- Spend min. S$400 within 30 days of card approval
- SingSaver will email you a Rewards Redemption Form — check inbox (and spam folder) after applying. Fill it in within 14 days to claim your gift, or you'll lose it.
- You qualify if: you have no HSBC credit card right now, AND haven't cancelled any HSBC credit card in the last 12 months
- Spend min. S$500 by the end of the month after you're approved. Example: approved in May → spend by 30 June.
- During the application, tick the box to receive marketing messages from HSBC. Don't unsubscribe until your gift arrives — if you do, HSBC can cancel the reward.
- SingSaver will email you a Rewards Redemption Form — check inbox (and spam folder) after applying. Fill it in within 14 days to claim your gift, or you'll lose it.
- You qualify if: you have no UOB credit card right now, AND haven't cancelled any UOB credit card in the last 12 months
- Spend min. S$500 within the first 30 days from card approval
- SingSaver will email you a Rewards Redemption Form — check inbox (and spam folder) after applying. Fill it in within 14 days to claim your gift, or you'll lose it.
*keep in mind that sometimes, apple pay or google pay can count as “contactless spend” on some transactions
Conclusion:
The “best” card ultimately depends on your individual spending habits and priorities. I have just provided the options which I think are best in terms of its use and the cashback/miles you’ll get! For cashback, Citi SMRT will be good choice for reasonable cashback with unique proposition that can help you maximise your cashback or savings.
💳 Credit cards change their T&Cs every so often and it is difficult to stay updated. That’s why I created a Telegram Broadcast where you can receive timely bite-sized updates to get the most out of your spending.
💡 We believe in always paying our credit card bills on time and in full. It is only by doing that, can we fully maximise our credit card benefits.
