Several credit cards sticking out of a blue denim jean pocket

How To Choose the Best Credit Cards for Beginners

Getting your first credit card in Singapore can feel shiok but also confusing when you don’t know which one fits. Choosing the best credit cards for beginners helps you avoid unnecessary fees and unlock real rewards right from the start. 

Experts advise that many young Singaporeans risk overspending or falling into debt if they don’t choose wisely. So, you must be clear about your needs and habits. 

Know Your Spending Patterns

Think about where you spend the most—on dining, groceries, online shopping, transport, or travel. Matching your card to your lifestyle ensures you get the most value back, whether cashback, miles, or points.

Check Fees and Eligibility

Look for cards with low or no annual fees and pay attention to minimum spend requirements. Also, check the income eligibility—most cards require at least S$30,000 for Singaporeans/PRs.

Reward Simplicity Beats Complexity

Beginners benefit from clear reward structures. Avoid confusing tiered systems. Choose a card that rewards your usual categories consistently rather than a card with difficult-to-hit bonus levels. 

Bonus Tip 

Start with one card to avoid overspending or tracking nightmares. Having just one card gives you time to build good habits and a credit history without stress. 

Watch my Youtube Video on This:

HSBC Revolution Card

Earn 4 miles per dollar on selected online and contactless spend (until 28 February 2026)

Citi Rewards Card

Earn 4 miles per dollar on online spend and selected retail

DBS Woman's World Card

Earn 4 miles per dollar on online spend

UOB Krisflyer Card

Earn uncapped 3 miles per dollar on SIA group spend and 2.4 miles per dollar on dining, online shopping, transport & select travel with min. S$1,000 SIA spend/year.

Cashback Cards

UOB Evol Card

Earn max possible 6.4% cashback on all online and mobile contactless spend and gym, telco, and streaming services

DBS Live Fresh Card

Earn 6% cashback on shopping and transport

AMEX True Cashback Card

Earn 1.5% unlimited cashback on almost everything

Smart First Step for Your Credit Journey 

Once you pick your card, use it wisely—pay in full, stay within your budget, and let good habits help your credit score climb. 

Choosing the best credit cards for beginners sets the stage for smart financial growth. Are you ready to begin with clarity and confidence? 

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lobangsis

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lobangsis

Audz, your lobang sis shares personal finance to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for us all.

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DBS YUU

Receive S$300 cashback + S$80 Esso Fuel Voucher (promo code: YUU380) when you spend S$800 within 60 days of card approval

Valid till: October 31, 2025

Citi Rewards

Get Apple iPad (A16) 11" Wi-Fi 128GB or Dyson Airwrap Origin or Apple Watch SE Gen 3 40mm (GPS + Cell) or S$450 Grab Voucher or S$400 Cash via PayNow when you spend S$500 within 30 days of card approval

Valid till: October 31, 2025

HSBC Live+

Get Apple iPad (A16) 11" Wi-Fi 128GB or S$250 cash + Apple iPad 9th Gen or Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer or S$475 Grab Voucher or S$400 Cash via PayNow when you spend S$500 by the end of the following calendar month + provide marketing consent

Valid till: November 2, 2025

UOB PRVI

Get S$60 Cash via PayNow when you spend S$500 within 30 days from approval

Valid till: November 2, 2025

Valid for new-to-bank credit cardholders or does not own any of the bank’s credit cards in the last 12 months, unless otherwise stated.

Gift confirmation are usually sent after you have completed rewards redemption form (sent to your email) & fulfilled qualifying spend within stipulated period.

DBS YUU

Receive S$300 cashback + S$80 Esso Fuel Voucher (promo code: YUU380) when you spend S$800 within 60 days of card approval

Valid till: October 31, 2025

Citi Rewards

Get Apple iPad (A16) 11" Wi-Fi 128GB or Dyson Airwrap Origin or Apple Watch SE Gen 3 40mm (GPS + Cell) or S$450 Grab Voucher or S$400 Cash via PayNow when you spend S$500 within 30 days of card approval

Valid till: October 31, 2025

HSBC Live+

Get Apple iPad (A16) 11" Wi-Fi 128GB or S$250 cash + Apple iPad 9th Gen or Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer or S$475 Grab Voucher or S$400 Cash via PayNow when you spend S$500 by the end of the following calendar month + provide marketing consent

Valid till: November 2, 2025

UOB PRVI

Get S$60 Cash via PayNow when you spend S$500 within 30 days from approval

Valid till: November 2, 2025

HSBC Revolution Card

  • Get Apple iPad (A16) 11″ Wi-Fi 128GB (worth S$499) or S$350 cash + Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.2″ WiFi 64GB (worth S$479) or Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer (worth S$559) or S$475 Grab Vouchers or S$400 Cash via PayNow when you spend S$500 by the end of the following calendar month + provide marketing consent
  • Valid from from 17 October to 02 November 2025
  • Available for New HSBC Cardholders
    • New cardholder is defined as customers with no existing principal HSBC credit card and who haven’t canceled one in the past 12 months.

 

For Existing HSBC Cardholders:

  • Get S$50 cashback when you spend S$500 by the end of the following month
  • Valid until 31 December 2025
  • Available for Existing HSBC Cardholders
    • Existing Cardholder is defined as customers whose most recent principal HSBC Credit Card was issued more than 12 months ago and who haven’t canceled one in the past 12 months.
    • Eg. You already hold an HSBC TravelOne Card and you apply for HSBC Live+ Card, you are already an existing cardholder.
  • Read Terms and Conditions here
  • Must provide marketing consent to HSBC
  • This gift will be fulfilled directly by HSBC

HSBC Revolution Card

  • Earn 4 miles per dollar on selected online and contactless spend categories, capped at S$1,500 per calendar month (until 28 February 2026)
  • The categories include:
    • Department Stores and Retail Stores
    • Dining (excluding hotel dining)
    • Transportation & Membership Clubs
    • Travel-Related 
  • You will only earn 0.4 miles per dollar on other categories outside of these online categories and if you spend above $1,000 per calendar month.
  • The rewards points conversion fee is waived indefinitely— transferring your points is completely free!
  • Note: Contactless payment, upsized cap of S$1,500, and travel-related category will only be available until 28 February 2026. 

 

Special hack: 

Even though you may not be able to use the card for flights or hotel bookings directly, you can actually use atome to make your bookings via agoda or trip.com and pay via atome platform. Atome’s MCC is 5999 which falls under 4 mile per dollar category. In addition, spreading your travel spending across 3 months instalments can help you keep within the S$1,000 spending cap. However, you will not be able to earn extra cashback on platforms like Shopback or Azgo.

If you are new to Atome, you can sign up here to receive points that is equivalent to S$10 off your first transaction. 

 

Annual Fee
  • None

 

Income Requirement

  • The amount of  Total Relationship Balance—combined value of your deposits, investments, and insurance with HSBC, based on average monthly balance over the last 3 months— will determine the income requirement
    • Less than S$50,000 TRB 
      • Salaried (locals/PRs): S$65,000 
      • Self-Employed/Commission-based (locals/PRs): S$65,000
      • Foreigners: S$65,000
    • S$50,000 and above TRB
      • Salaried (locals/PRs): S$30,000 
      • Self-Employed/Commission-based (locals/PRs): S$40,000
      • Foreigners: S$65,000
         

Points Expiry
  • 37-month period, starting from the month after the month in which the points were acquired

 
Transfer Partners
  • Japan Airlines, Air Canada Aeroplan, Fortune Wings Club, Qatar Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Mileage Plus, Krisflyer, Thai Royal Orchid Plus, Flying Blue, Air Asia, British Airways, Asia Miles, Etihad, EVA Air, Qantas, Vietnam Airlines

 

Know what this card is best for:

 

Terms and Conditions

Read Full Review

Citi Rewards Card

Option 1: Direct Bank Promotion

  • Receive 40,000 bonus Points Welcome Offer when you spend S$800 in the first 2 months of account opening.
  • Valid til 28 February 2026
  • Read Terms and Conditions here
  •  

Option 2: Singsaver Promotion

Flash Deal:

  • Get Dyson Airwrap 2.0 (worth S$859) when you spend S$500 within 30 days of card approval and must be among the first 5 successful applicants at 2PM & 8PM daily. This will be on top of the existing rewards.
    • Tip: Do not click before time, apply at exactly 2PM or 8PM.
  • Remaining applicants will get the existing rewards
  • Valid from 21 – 31 October 2025

 

Existing Rewards:

  • Get Dyson Airwrap Origin (worth S$549) or Apple iPad (A16) 11″ Wi-Fi 128GB (worth S$499) or Apple Watch SE Gen 3 40mm (GPS + Cell) (worth S$419) or S$450 Grab Voucher or S$400 Cash via PayNow upon activating and spending a min. S$500 within 30 days of card approval
  • Valid until 31 October 2025
  • Promotion is valid for new to bank credit card holders
  • Read Terms and Conditions here
  • Must fulfill spending requirement to receive gift confirmation
  • Remember to check for SingSaver email and complete the registration to secure your reward!
  •  

Citi Rewards Card

  • Earn 4 miles per dollar on online spending, with no minimum spend and a spending cap of S$1,000 per statement month.
  • You can use this card for any online spending inclusive of ride-hailing apps or taxis.
  • Pro tip: Pair this card to Amaze for Overseas Offline Spending
  • Do not use on travel-related spending: Car Rentals, Hotels, Flights, Train Tickets or Public Transport (eg. SimplyGo)
  • Get 17% instant fuel discount on Techron® fuels with all Citi Credit/Debit cards when you pay with the CaltexGO app. Get 16% instant fuel discount on Platinum 98 or 14% instant fuel discount on other grades of petrol and diesel with all Citi Credit/Debit Cards.
    This is on top of 4 miles per dollar on Citi Rewards + Amaze.

 

Annual Fee
  • S$194.40 (First year waived)

 

Income Requirement
  • S$30,000 (locals/PRs); S$42,000 (foreigners)

 

Points Expiry
  • After 60 months (5 years) from the date the card is opened (i.e. not from the transaction date)., reward points will expire.

 

Transfer Partners
  • Krisflyer, Flying Blue, British Airways, Thai Royal Orchid, Etihad, Asia Miles, EVA Air, IHG, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Qantas

 

Know what this card is best for:

 

Terms and Conditions

Read Full Review

DBS Woman’s World Card

This card doesn’t offer any sign-up promotions. To make the most of your sign-up rewards, consider applying for the DBS Altitude card first. This is because you can combine points from both DBS cards, and the DBS Altitude card also includes two complimentary airport lounge passes.

DBS Altitude Card

Earn 1.3 miles per dollar on local spend and 2.2 miles per dollar on foreign currency spend

2 Priority Pass visits per membership year (Visa version only)

DBS Woman’s World Card

  • Earn 4 miles per dollar (10X DBS points per S$5) spent online, regardless of local or foreign currency. Capped at S$1,000 spending per calendar month
  • Earn 1.2 miles per dollar (3X DBS Points per S$5) spent abroad in-store 
  • No minimum monthly spending required
  • Best used for online or in-app spend (e.g Kris+) locally

 

Annual Fee
  • S$196.20, (First year waived)

 

Income Requirement
  • S$80,000/year (The income requirement is arbitrary – I was approved for the card even though I didn’t meet that income threshold.)

 

Points Expiry
  • 1 year from transaction (therefore you need to be able to earn miles fast or have multiple DBS points earning credit cards). Minimum redemption is 5,000 points (10,000 miles), leaving smaller amounts unusable (you can redeem mall vouchers, if you really need to.)

 

Transfer Partners
  • KrisFlyer, Asia Miles, Qantas Frequent Flyer

 

Know what this card is best for:

 

Terms and Conditions

Read Full Review

UOB Krisflyer Card

NIL

UOB Krisflyer Card

  • Earn uncapped 3 miles per dollar on SIA-related spend—Singapore Airlines, Scoot, KrisShop, and Kris+ purchases 
  • Earn 2.4 miles per dollar on eligible everyday spends with a minimum spend of S$1,000 on SIA-related spends in a card membership year
  • Earn 1.2 miles per dollar on all other purchases

 

Annual Fee
  • S$194.40 (incl. GST), waived for first year

 

Income Requirement
  • S$30,000 (locals/PRs); S$40,000 (foreigners)

 

Know what this card is best for

 

Terms and Conditions

Read Full Review

UOB Evol Card

Flash Deal:

  • Get S$100 eCapitaVoucher when your are among the first 3 successful new-to-bank cardholders at 12PM daily and spend S$500 within 30 days of card approval
  • Remaining applicants will receive the existing rewards
  • Valid until 30 October 2025

 

Existing Rewards:

  • Get S$60 Cash via PayNow when you spend S$500 in the first 30 days from card approval date
  • Valid until 02 November 2025
  • Valid for New-to-Bank Cardholders
  • Read Terms and Conditions here

UOB Evol Card

  • Earn 10% cashback on all online and mobile contactless spend (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay)
  • Earn 10% cashback on Selected Gym, Telco, and Streaming Services (NEW!)
  • Earn 1% cashback on ALL Overseas Foreign Currency Spends (until 31 December 2025)
  • 0.3% cashback for all other spends
  • Minimum spend of S$800 each statement month
  • S$100 total cashback cap (until 31 December 2025) per statement month, capped at:
    • S$30 – online & mobile contactless
    • S$20 – selected gym, telco, and streaming services
    • S$20 – all overseas foreign currency spend
    • S$30 – other spends
  • Max possible cashback of 6.4% earned (not 10%)
Annual Fee
  • S$196.20 (incl. GST), waived with 3 monthly transactions for 12 consecutive months
Income Requirement
  • S$30,000 (locals/PRs); S$40,000 (Foreigners
Know what this card is best for:

Terms and Conditions

Read Full Review

DBS Live Fresh Card

  • Get S$300 cashback when you use the promo code: LFC300, and spend S$800 and have a valid DBS PayLah! account within 60 days from card approval date
  • Valid until 31 October 2025
  • Read Terms and Conditions here

DBS Live Fresh Card

  • Earn 6% cashback on shopping and transport when you spend S$800 per calendar month
 
Annual Fee
  • S$196.20 (including GST), waived for the first year
 
Income Requirement
  • S$30,000 (locals/PRs); S$45,000 (foreigners)
 
When is Cashback Credited
  • Cashback will be awarded to the account (that is of good standing) by the end of the following calendar month.
  • Cashback awarded will be reflected in the monthly Card Account statement. Cashback will automatically be applied to pay part of the billed amount for that statement month.

Terms and Conditions

Read Full Review

AMEX True Cashback Card

      • Get S$160 eCapitaVoucher when you spend S$500 within 30 days from card approval
      • Valid from 29 December 2025
      • Promotion is valid for new to bank credit card holders
      • Read Terms and Conditions here

      AMEX True Cashback Card

      • Earn 1.5% Unlimited Cashback with minimum monthly spending requirement and no maximum spending cap
      • Best used on commonly excluded merchants
       
      Annual Fee
      • S$174.40 (incl. of 9% GST) waived for the first year
       
      Income Requirement
      • S$30,000 (locals/PRs); S$45,000 (foreigners)
       
      When is Cashback Credited
      • Receive cashback in the same month’s statement
       
      Know what this card is best for

      Terms and Conditions

      Read Full Review

      HSBC TravelOne Card

      • Get Apple iPad (A16) 11″ Wi-Fi 128GB (worth S$499) or S$350 cash + Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.2″ WiFi 64GB (worth S$479) or Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer (worth S$559) or S$475 Grab Vouchers or S$400 Cash via PayNow when you pay the annual fee, spend S$500 by the end of the following calendar month + provide marketing consent
      • Valid from from 17 October to 02 November 2025
      • Available for New HSBC Cardholders
        • New cardholder is defined as customers with no existing principal HSBC credit card and who haven’t canceled one in the past 12 months.

       

      For Existing HSBC Cardholders:

      • Get Up to 24,000 miles when you pay the annual fee and spend S$1,000 by the end of the following month
      • Valid until 31 December 2025
      • Available for Existing HSBC Cardholders
        • Existing Cardholder is defined as customers whose most recent principal HSBC Credit Card was issued more than 12 months ago and who haven’t canceled one in the past 12 months.
        • Eg. You already hold an HSBC Live+ Card and you apply for HSBC TravelOne, you are already an existing cardholder.
      • Read Terms and Conditions here
      • Must provide marketing consent to HSBC
      • This gift will be fulfilled directly by HSBC

      HSBC TravelOne Card

      • Earn 2.4 miles per dollar on foreign currency spend, and 1.2 miles per dollar on local spend. This card is best for travelers due to the fact that it has twice more than the usual lounge passes that you can acquire in other similar earn rate entry level credit cards; you are entitled to 4 free airport lounge visits (via DragonPass) per calendar year! Plus, it has an extensive list of transfer partners allowing flexibility.
       
      Annual Fee
      • S$196.20 (inclusive of GST), first year free waiver
       
      Income Requirement

      • The amount of Total Relationship Balance—combined value of your deposits, investments, and insurance with HSBC, based on average monthly balance over the last 3 months— will determine the income requirement
        • Less than S$50,000 TRB 
          • Salaried (locals/PRs): S$65,000 
          • Self-Employed/Commission-based (locals/PRs): S$65,000
          • Foreigners: S$65,000
        • S$50,000 and above TRB
          • Salaried (locals/PRs): S$30,000 
          • Self-Employed/Commission-based (locals/PRs): S$40,000
          • Foreigners: S$65,000
             
      Points Expiry
      • After 37 months
       
      Transfer Partners
      • Asia Miles, Vietnam Airlines, British Airways, EVA Air, Qantas, Air Asia, Flying Blue, Krisflyer, Fortune Wings Club, Turkish Airlines, United Mileage Plus, Air Canada, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines
       
      Know what this card is best for:

      Terms and Conditions

      Read Full Review

      HSBC Advance Card

      • Get Apple iPad (A16) 11″ Wi-Fi 128GB (worth S$499) or S$350 cash + Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.2″ WiFi 64GB (worth S$479) or Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer (worth S$559) or S$475 Grab Voucher or S$400 Cash via PayNow when you spend S$500 by the end of the following calendar month + provide marketing consent
      • Valid from from 17 October to 02 November 2025
      • Available for New HSBC Cardholders
        • New cardholder is defined as customers with no existing principal HSBC credit card and who haven’t canceled one in the past 12 months.

       

      For Existing HSBC Cardholders:

      • Get S$50 cashback when you spend S$500 by the end of the following month
      • Valid until 31 December 2025
      • Available for Existing HSBC Cardholders
        • Existing Cardholder is defined as customers whose most recent principal HSBC Credit Card was issued more than 12 months ago and who haven’t canceled one in the past 12 months.
        • Eg. You already hold an HSBC TravelOne Card and you apply for HSBC Live+ Card, you are already an existing cardholder.
      • Read Terms and Conditions here
      • Must provide marketing consent to HSBC
      • This gift will be fulfilled directly by HSBC

      HSBC Advance Card

      • Earn 1.5% cashback on all local & overseas purchases with no minimum spend and 2.5% cashback on all local & overseas purchases if you spend more than S$2,000 in a calendar month. Cashback capped at S$70 per calendar month; maximum sweet spot spend is S$2,800
      • This card is best used when you have a large monthly spending of S$2,000 to S$2,800. Particularly best for wedding banquets.
       
      Annual Fee
      • S$196.20, first year waived
       
      Income Requirement
      • The amount of  Total Relationship Balance—combined value of your deposits, investments, and insurance with HSBC, based on average monthly balance over the last 3 months— will determine the income requirement
        • Less than S$50,000 TRB 
          • Salaried (locals/PRs): S$65,000 
          • Self-Employed/Commission-based (locals/PRs): S$65,000
          • Foreigners: S$65,000
        • S$50,000 and above TRB
          • Salaried (locals/PRs): S$30,000 
          • Self-Employed/Commission-based (locals/PRs): S$40,000
          • Foreigners: S$65,000
             
       
      When is Cashback Credited
      • It will appear on your card statement and be credited to your account before the end of the next calendar month.
       
      Know what this card is best for:

      Terms and Conditions

      Read Full Review

      HSBC Live+ Card

      • Get Apple iPad (A16) 11″ Wi-Fi 128GB (worth S$499) or S$350 cash + Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.2″ WiFi 64GB (worth S$479) or Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer (worth S$559) or S$475 Grab Vouchers or S$400 Cash via PayNow when you spend S$500 by the end of the following calendar month + provide marketing consent
      • Valid from from 17 October to 02 November 2025
      • Available for New HSBC Cardholders
        • New cardholder is defined as customers with no existing principal HSBC credit card and who haven’t canceled one in the past 12 months.

       

      For Existing HSBC Cardholders:

      • Get S$50 cashback when you spend S$500 by the end of the following month
      • Valid until 31 December 2025
      • Available for Existing HSBC Cardholders
        • Existing Cardholder is defined as customers whose most recent principal HSBC Credit Card was issued more than 12 months ago and who haven’t canceled one in the past 12 months.
        • Eg. You already hold an HSBC TravelOne Card and you apply for HSBC Live+ Card, you are already an existing cardholder.
      • Read Terms and Conditions here
      • Must provide marketing consent to HSBC
      • This gift will be fulfilled directly by HSBC

      HSBC Live+ Card

      • Earn 5% cashback capped at S$3,125 spending on dining, entertainment, and shopping categories.
      • There is a minimum spend required monthly of S$600 in each quarter, per calendar month but it is easy to hit the amount of spending with just one category. This means that you could spend S$600 on dining category in Jul, S$600 in shopping category in Aug, S$600 in entertainment category in Sept and receive your full 5% cashback.

      Pro-tip: You can buy vouchers via heymax to clock the minimum spending or for large electronic purchases at Courts, Best Denki or furniture purchases at IKEA.

       

      Annual Fee
      • S$196.20 (first year waived) (For subsequent years, you can request for a waiver)

       

      Income Requirement

      • The amount of  Total Relationship Balance—combined value of your deposits, investments, and insurance with HSBC, based on average monthly balance over the last 3 months— will determine the income requirement
        • Less than S$50,000 TRB 
          • Salaried (locals/PRs): S$65,000 
          • Self-Employed/Commission-based (locals/PRs): S$65,000
          • Foreigners: S$65,000
        • S$50,000 and above TRB
          • Salaried (locals/PRs): S$30,000 
          • Self-Employed/Commission-based (locals/PRs): S$40,000
          • Foreigners: S$65,000
             
      When is Cashback Credited
      • It will be credited within 2 months, after the end of each calendar quarter.

       

      Know what this card is best for:

       

      Terms and Conditions

      Read Full Review

      DBS Altitude Card

      • Get 38,000 miles when you use the promo code: ALTP38, pay the annual fee, have a valid DBS PayLah! account, and spend S$800 within 60 days from card approval date. 
      • Get 28,000 miles when you use the promo code: ALTPW28, choose not to pay the annual fee, but must have a valid DBS PayLah! account and spend S$800 within 60 days from card approval
      • Valid until 30 November 2025
      • Read Terms and Conditions here

      DBS Altitude Card

      • Earn 1.3 miles per dollar (3.25 DBS Points per S$5) spent locally, including bus and train rides and 2.2 miles per dollar (5.5 DBS Points per S$5) spent on overseas purchases in foreign currency with no minimum monthly spending required and no maximum spending cap
      • This comes with two complimentary lounge passes per 12-month membership period

       

      Annual Fee
      • S$196.20 (inclusive of GST), first year waived

       

      Income Requirement
      • S$30,000 (locals/PRs); S$45,000 (foreigners)

       

      Points Expiry
      • No expiry

       

      Know what this card is best for:

       

      Terms and Conditions

      Read Full Review