Paying annual fees on your credit cards can feel like such a pain—especially when you’re not even using the perks that come with them. The good news? Most banks in Singapore still let you request a fee waiver, and many of them make the process super straightforward. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you save money without even visiting a branch.
Waivers are generally easy to get for lower- to mid-tier cards, but they’re less consistent for premium or high-fee cards. For those, you might need to hit the minimum spend or just be prepared to pay the fee.
And one more tip: always try the bank’s digital channels first—app, chatbot, or hotline. If the bot rejects your request, don’t stress. Just get routed to a human and try again.
At A Glance: Waiver Options by Bank
Bank | Waiver Method | Hotline / Contact Number |
DBS | App / digibot / Phone | 1800 111 1111 (or +65 6327 2265 from overseas) |
UOB | App (TMRW) / Phone / Digital Assistant | 1800 222 2121 |
OCBC | App / Internet Banking / Online Banking | — |
HSBC | Phone only | 1800 4722 669 (HSBC NOW) |
Standard Chartered (SC) | App / Online Banking | — |
Maybank | Phone | 1800 629 2265 |
MariBank | — | — |
GXS (FlexiCard) | In-app chat / support | — |
Trust Bank (Trust Card / Link Card) | — | — |
American Express (AMEX) | App live chat / Card hotline | the number is indicated at the back of your card, or you can check here |
Step by Step Guide:
1. DBS
DBS makes requesting fee waivers easy—no branch visit required. Whether it’s an annual fee, late charge, or other card fees, everything can be done digitally.
via DBS digibot
- Open the DBS website or mobile app and launch the chat bubble at the bottom-right.
- Type “Fee Waiver” and authenticate using login or card + PIN.
- Choose Credit Card, select the fee type, confirm the card, and submit.
You’ll typically get an SMS or email within 3 working days.
via DBS digibanking app
- Tap the ? icon → Ask Digibot
- Type “Fee Waiver”
- Select Credit Cards Fee Waiver → Annual Fee
- Choose your card
- Review and Confirm
via Phone Banking
- Call 1800 111 1111 (or +65 6327 2265 from overseas).
- Follow the menu: English → NRIC/Card Number → Fee Waiver Request → Credit Card Fee Waiver.
Special Notes:
- For DBS Altitude & Vantage cards, bonus DBS Points will be reversed if a waiver is approved.
- If you need to top up points, DBS charges S$0.0388 per DBS Point.
Tips:
- High success rate if you’ve used the card recently.
- Some cards allow using DBS Points to waive the fee.
2. UOB
UOB now requires all fee waiver requests to be done digitally—calls to customer service officers won’t be accepted.
Channels You Can Use
- UOB TMRW App: Card → Card Settings → Waive Fees (instant decision).
- Phone Banking: Call 1800 222 2121 → Fee Waiver & Application Status.
- UOB Digital Assistant: Website chat → Fee Waiver.
Key Points
- One-time goodwill waiver per 12 months for finance or late payment fees.
- Decisions are final—no appeals.
Tips:
- Recent card usage increases success.
- You can also use UNI$ to waive fees (varies by card).
3. OCBC
OCBC makes fee waiver requests straightforward and fully online.
Steps to Request a Waiver
- Log in via OCBC app or internet banking.
- Go to Card Services → Request Fee Waiver (app) or Customer Service → Credit Card Fee Waiver (desktop).
- Select your card and submit.
Tips:
- Some cards have automatic waivers if you meet a minimum spend.
- If rejected, you can try again later or ask about partial waivers/promotions.
4. HSBC
- How to Request: Call 1800 4722 669 (HSBC NOW)—no app option.
- Tips: Mention your good repayment history. Low spend may lead to a partial waiver.
5. Standard Chartered
SC allows digital requests via Online Banking or SC Mobile app.
Steps
- Help & Services → Service Request → Card Management → Credit Card Fee Waiver
- Select fee type & card(s) (up to 5 cards at once)
- Confirm & submit
Tips:
- One late fee waiver per 12 months.
- Stronger chance if the card is your primary SC card.
6. Maybank
- How to Request: Call 1800 629 2265.
- Tips: Any spend in the past 12 months helps. Some cards auto-waive with minimum spend.
7. MariBank
- Annual fee: $0
- No waiver needed ever.
8. GXS FlexiCard
- First-year annual fee (S$54.50) is automatically waived.
- Subsequent years: request via GXS app → Get help → Requesting a fee waiver.
Tips:
- Waivers are discretionary—based on activity and spend.
9. Trust Bank (Trust Card / Trust Link Card)
- Annual fee: $0
- No waiver needed.
10. American Express (AMEX)
- How to Request: AMEX App → Live Chat → Ask for annual fee waiver, or call the hotline.
Tips:
- Regular users have a higher chance of approval.
- Premium cards may not always get a full waiver but you can ask for retention offers.
Final Tips for a Successful Waiver Request
- Use the card occasionally — banks are more likely to approve waivers for cards that show some activity, even if it’s not high spend.
- Request as soon as the fee posts — timing matters; don’t wait months.
- Highlight good repayment history if you end up speaking to a human.
- Be willing to cancel the card (they will have someone to call you and waive the fees if they want you to keep the card)
Conclusion
Paying credit card annual fees doesn’t have to feel like a sunk cost. As you can see, most banks in Singapore offer simple, mostly digital ways to request a fee waiver, whether it’s DBS, UOB, OCBC, or even AMEX.
By following these steps, you can easily cut unnecessary charges and save hundreds of dollars a year—all without stepping into a branch. It’s a small effort for a big reward, so go ahead, check your cards, and claim the waiver you deserve!
