Miles vs Cashback

Best Credit Cards for Students in Singapore

Most Singapore credit cards require a minimum annual income (commonly S$30,000), which many full-time students won't meet — a supplementary card on a parent's account is often the realistic first step. If you do have qualifying income, start with a no-fee, simple card you can't lose money on while you learn.

  1. 1
    Rewards points

    Why it fits: No annual fee ever, and strong rewards on online and contactless spend — ideal while you learn the ropes.

    No annual fee · Min income S$65,000

    Pros

    • +No annual fee, permanent — no waiver to chase
    • +Up to 4 mpd (10X points) on online/contactless spend
    • +Beginner-friendly, simple day-to-day
    • +Rewards points convertible to miles via Visa

    Cons

    • −4 mpd capped at ~S$1,000/month spend
    • −High rate limited to eligible online/contactless spend
    • −Low base earn ~0.4 mpd on everything else
    Full breakdownOfficial site →
  2. 2
    Cashback

    Why it fits: Genuinely no fee, fully app-managed, with a flexible bonus category.

    No annual fee · Min income S$30,000

    Pros

    • +No annual fee
    • +Up to 15% cashback on 1 self-picked category per quarter
    • +Fully managed in-app, no paperwork
    • +Visa, widely accepted at home and abroad

    Cons

    • −15% rate needs ~S$2,000/mo spend, caps ~S$250/quarter
    • −Only 1 preferred category; just 1% local / 0.5% foreign base
    • −Foreign-spend cashback was cut in Mar 2026
    Full breakdownOfficial site →
  3. 3
    Cashback

    Why it fits: Flat, uncapped cashback with nothing to track — the simplest possible first card.

    Annual fee S$196.20 · Min income S$30,000

    Pros

    • +1.5% flat cashback on all spend, no categories to track
    • +Cashback is uncapped, no monthly limit
    • +No minimum spend needed to earn rewards
    • +Simple and beginner-friendly, easy to understand

    Cons

    • −Not free for life: S$196.20 annual fee after first year
    • −Flat 1.5% is low vs category cards' higher tiered rates
    Full breakdownOfficial site →

Frequently asked questions

Can students get a credit card in Singapore?
Usually only if they meet the bank's minimum annual income (often S$30,000). Students who don't qualify can hold a supplementary card on a parent's account, which is a sensible way to start.
Which card is best for a student with no income?
A supplementary card on a parent's principal account, or a secured card backed by a fixed deposit. Most principal cards need qualifying income.
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