Best Credit Cards for Foreigners in Singapore
Foreigners typically need a higher minimum income than Singaporeans/PRs and a valid Employment Pass. Thresholds vary a lot. Some cards ask for S$40,000, others S$90,000, so it pays to start with the more accessible ones.
- 1Cashback
UOB One Card
UOB
Why it fits: One of the lower foreigner income thresholds, with strong everyday cashback.
Annual fee S$196.20 · Min income S$30,000
Pros
- +Up to 10% cashback on selected merchants (Grab, McDonald's, SimplyGo, Shopee) plus groceries, with monthly minimum spend
- +Rewards consistent monthly spenders across everyday categories
- +Visa-based, so wide acceptance in SG and overseas
- +First-year annual fee waived
Cons
- −Annual fee S$196.20 from year two onwards
- −Top rates need consistent minimum quarterly spend
- −The 20% headline is a limited new-customer promo (first quarter); standing max ~10%
- Miles
Why it fits: Accessible foreigner threshold for a travel miles card, strong on overseas spend.
Annual fee S$261.60 · Min income S$30,000
Pros
- +First-year annual fee waived (S$261.60 thereafter)
- +~2.4 mpd base on foreign spend
- +Airport lounge access included
- +Visa option means wider acceptance than Amex variant
Cons
- −S$261.60 annual fee from year two onwards
- −Local rate only ~1.4 mpd, weak for SG spend
- −Standard foreign-currency fee still applies on FX spend
- 3Miles
Citi PremierMiles Card
Citibank
Why it fits: Flexible, non-expiring miles with a moderate foreigner income requirement.
Annual fee S$196.20 · Min income S$30,000
Pros
- +Citi Miles never expire, so no rush to redeem
- +~2.2 mpd on foreign spend, good for travel
- +Wide transfer-partner list for flexible redemptions
- +Lounge access; first-year fee waived
Cons
- −S$196.20 annual fee from year two onward
- −Low ~1.2 mpd on local spend
- −Not especially beginner-friendly
- Miles
Why it fits: One of the lower foreigner income thresholds (S$40,000) for a miles card, auto-crediting KrisFlyer miles.
Annual fee S$196.20 · Min income S$30,000
Pros
- +Miles auto-credit to KrisFlyer monthly, no transfer fee
- +Up to 3 mpd on SIA Group, up to 2.4 mpd on dining/online
- +Bonus rates are uncapped (no annual limit)
- +Scoot perks: priority check-in and seat selection
Cons
- −Bonus miles can take up to 14 months to credit
- −Everyday bonus rates need annual SIA Group spend first
- −No complimentary lounge access; weak base earn rate
What you'll need to apply
Expect to show a valid work pass (banks most commonly ask for an Employment Pass), your passport, and proof of income — recent payslips, an employment letter or tax statements. Some banks also care about how long your pass has left to run, so applying right after a renewal is easier than applying just before one.
Income thresholds for foreigners vary far more than most people expect: the same bank that asks Singaporeans for S$30,000 may ask foreigners for S$40,000–45,000, and some issuers set the bar as high as S$90,000. The picks above start with the more accessible thresholds, but always confirm the current requirement with the issuer — these numbers move.
Why the bar is higher for foreigners
Banks price the risk that a cardholder leaves the country with a balance outstanding, and foreigners on a work pass can do exactly that. A higher income requirement, and sometimes a shorter credit limit leash, is how issuers manage it. It isn't personal — it's the same logic across almost every bank in Singapore.
The upside: once you've held a card and paid it in full for a while, you're building a local credit history with the Credit Bureau Singapore, which makes every later application — cards, car loans, even some rentals — easier.
If you don't meet the threshold yet
You still have options. Some banks offer secured cards backed by a fixed deposit, which sidestep the income requirement entirely. For foreign-currency spending, a multi-currency account with a debit card covers most day-to-day needs without a credit line. And if your income is close to a threshold, waiting for your next increment often beats applying early — a failed application still adds an enquiry to your Credit Bureau Singapore file, and several enquiries in a short window can make lenders cautious.
Frequently asked questions
- What income do foreigners need for a Singapore credit card?
- It varies by card. Commonly around S$40,000–45,000, but some (e.g. Standard Chartered) require up to S$90,000. You'll also generally need a valid Employment Pass. Always confirm with the issuer.
- Can foreigners get a no-annual-fee card?
- Yes, but eligibility still depends on meeting the income and work-pass requirements. Check each card's current terms.
- Can S Pass holders get a credit card in Singapore?
- It depends on the bank. Many issuers require an Employment Pass, while some consider S Pass holders with sufficient income. Check the specific card's eligibility terms or ask the bank directly before applying.
- What happens to my credit card if I leave Singapore?
- Tell your bank before you go, settle the full balance, and formally cancel the card — don't just stop using it, since annual fees can keep billing. An unpaid balance can follow you through collections and hurt any future return to Singapore.