Compare Credit Cards for Young Adults
In Singapore, there are a handful of credit cards that are designed for students and young adults just getting started in their careers. Our tool analyses the rates and restrictions of each card to show you which ones offer the best value based on your budget.
Great Maximum Cashback for Stable Budgets
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$40,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 5.22% |
Annual Fee | S$192.60 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | none |

If you spend at least S$2,000 per month and want cashback on daily spend and bills, UOB One Card might just be the right fit for you. You can earn up to 5% rebate on general spend, 10% on Grab and 6% on utilities, adding up to S$300/quarter. This card also gets you petrol discounts at Shell and SPC stations.
- Annual fee: S$192.60 (first year- waived)
- 5% rebate on general spend, up to S$200/quarter (S$2,000 min spend) with min 5 transactions/mo
- Up to 10% on Grab, Shopee, Dairy Farm Singapore & select UOB travel, 1% on utilities bills
- 3.33% rebate, up to S$100/quarter (S$1,000 min spend)
- 3.33% rebate, up to S$50/quarter (S$500 min spend)
- 0.03% rebate on all spend if no rebate earned for calendar year
- Up to 21.15% savings at Shell and 22.66% at SPC
If you spend at least S$2,000 per month and want cashback on daily spend and bills, UOB One Card might just be the right fit for you. You can earn up to 5% rebate on general spend, 10% on Grab and 6% on utilities, adding up to S$300/quarter. This card also gets you petrol discounts at Shell and SPC stations.
- Annual fee: S$192.60 (first year- waived)
- 5% rebate on general spend, up to S$200/quarter (S$2,000 min spend) with min 5 transactions/mo
- Up to 10% on Grab, Shopee, Dairy Farm Singapore & select UOB travel, 1% on utilities bills
- 3.33% rebate, up to S$100/quarter (S$1,000 min spend)
- 3.33% rebate, up to S$50/quarter (S$500 min spend)
- 0.03% rebate on all spend if no rebate earned for calendar year
- Up to 21.15% savings at Shell and 22.66% at SPC
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$40,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 5.22% |
Annual Fee | S$192.60 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | none |
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$60,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 4.83% |
Annual Fee | S$180.00 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | S$12,000 |

Maybank Family & Friends MasterCard is a good option for earning cash back on essential spending with a moderate budget. Earn 5% on groceries, food delivery, transport and more if you spend S$500/month. If you spend over S$800/month, the cashback rate increases to 8% with a cap of S$80.
- Annual fee: S$180 (3 years fee waiver)
- Up to 8% rebate on 5 preferred categories (dining & food delivery, groceries, retail, petrol discounts & online TV streaming)
- Up to S$125 cashback per month with S$800 min spend
- 0.3% rebate all other spend
Maybank Family & Friends MasterCard is a good option for earning cash back on essential spending with a moderate budget. Earn 5% on groceries, food delivery, transport and more if you spend S$500/month. If you spend over S$800/month, the cashback rate increases to 8% with a cap of S$80.
- Annual fee: S$180 (3 years fee waiver)
- Up to 8% rebate on 5 preferred categories (dining & food delivery, groceries, retail, petrol discounts & online TV streaming)
- Up to S$125 cashback per month with S$800 min spend
- 0.3% rebate all other spend
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$60,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 4.83% |
Annual Fee | S$180.00 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | S$12,000 |
Great High Flat-Rate Cashback for Low Spenders
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$60,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 3.76% |
Annual Fee | S$80.00 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | none |

If you are a young adult with a monthly budget of S$300-S$500/month looking for a starter card, then you should consider Maybank Platinum Visa. At 3.33% cashback on S300 spend, it offers the highest cashback on low spend on the market. With monthly spend of S$1,000 you can earn up to S$100/quarter.
- Annual fee: S$80 (3 years fee waiver)
- Subsequently quarterly service fee is waived w/ card use at least 1x/quarter
- Up to 3.33% on all local and foreign currency spend
- $30 quarterly rebate with at least S$300 monthly spend
- S$100 quarterly rebate with at least S$1,000 monthly spend
- Free travel insurance
If you are a young adult with a monthly budget of S$300-S$500/month looking for a starter card, then you should consider Maybank Platinum Visa. At 3.33% cashback on S300 spend, it offers the highest cashback on low spend on the market. With monthly spend of S$1,000 you can earn up to S$100/quarter.
- Annual fee: S$80 (3 years fee waiver)
- Subsequently quarterly service fee is waived w/ card use at least 1x/quarter
- Up to 3.33% on all local and foreign currency spend
- $30 quarterly rebate with at least S$300 monthly spend
- S$100 quarterly rebate with at least S$1,000 monthly spend
- Free travel insurance
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$60,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 3.76% |
Annual Fee | S$80.00 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | none |
Great Unlimited Cashback for High Spenders
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$60,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 2.67% |
Annual Fee | S$194.40 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | none |

Standard Chartered Unlimited Cashback Card offers just that, unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases with no minimum spend. Best option for affluent spenders with a monthly budget of S$7,000, with this card you can also enjoy 21% fuel savings at Caltex.
- Annual fee waived for two years
- Unlimited 1.5% cashback on all spend
- Caltex petrol discounts up to 21%
Standard Chartered Unlimited Cashback Card offers just that, unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases with no minimum spend. Best option for affluent spenders with a monthly budget of S$7,000, with this card you can also enjoy 21% fuel savings at Caltex.
- Annual fee waived for two years
- Unlimited 1.5% cashback on all spend
- Caltex petrol discounts up to 21%
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$60,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 2.67% |
Annual Fee | S$194.40 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | none |
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: N/A |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 2.63% |
Annual Fee | S$0.00 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | none |

With CIMB Visa Signature Card, you can earn 10% cashback on online retail, beauty, pet shops, groceries, and cruise line transactions. In addition to the no annual fee, you can enjoy complimentary travel insurance and concierge service.
- Annual fee: free for life
- 10% cashback on groceries, online shopping, beauty, petcare & cruises
- Unlimited 0.2% cashback on all other retail purchases
- Free travel insurance & global concierge
- CIMB 0% Interest i.Pay Instalment Plan
With CIMB Visa Signature Card, you can earn 10% cashback on online retail, beauty, pet shops, groceries, and cruise line transactions. In addition to the no annual fee, you can enjoy complimentary travel insurance and concierge service.
- Annual fee: free for life
- 10% cashback on groceries, online shopping, beauty, petcare & cruises
- Unlimited 0.2% cashback on all other retail purchases
- Free travel insurance & global concierge
- CIMB 0% Interest i.Pay Instalment Plan
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: N/A |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 2.63% |
Annual Fee | S$0.00 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | none |
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$40,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 2.6% |
Annual Fee | S$192.60 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | none |

UOB EVOL is a great and easy-to-use card for young adults who primarily shop online. With a minimum spend of S$600 per month, you can earn 8% rebate on all online and mobile transactions.
- Annual fee: S$192.60 (first year- waived)
- 8% cashback on online and mobile contactless spend
- 0.3% cashback on all other spend
- S$600 min spend, S$60 cashback cap
- Southeast Asia’s first bio-sourced card
UOB EVOL is a great and easy-to-use card for young adults who primarily shop online. With a minimum spend of S$600 per month, you can earn 8% rebate on all online and mobile transactions.
- Annual fee: S$192.60 (first year- waived)
- 8% cashback on online and mobile contactless spend
- 0.3% cashback on all other spend
- S$600 min spend, S$60 cashback cap
- Southeast Asia’s first bio-sourced card
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$40,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 2.6% |
Annual Fee | S$192.60 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | none |
Best for Getting Cashback on Everyday Purchases
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$42,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 2.56% |
Annual Fee | S$194.40 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | none |

The Citi Cash Back Card is a good choice for everyday spend, with a generous 8% cash back on groceries, 6% cash back on dining, and discounted petrol at Esso and Shell. Be prepared for the S$800 monthly spend requirement and the annual fee.
- Annual fee: S$194.40 (first year- waived)
- 8% cashback on groceries
- 6% cashback on dining
- Up to 20.88% fuel savings at Esso & Shell and 8% cashback at other petrol stations
- 0.25% cashback on all other purchases
- Min. monthly spend of S$800 required to earn bonus cashback
- Cashback capped at S$80/month
The Citi Cash Back Card is a good choice for everyday spend, with a generous 8% cash back on groceries, 6% cash back on dining, and discounted petrol at Esso and Shell. Be prepared for the S$800 monthly spend requirement and the annual fee.
- Annual fee: S$194.40 (first year- waived)
- 8% cashback on groceries
- 6% cashback on dining
- Up to 20.88% fuel savings at Esso & Shell and 8% cashback at other petrol stations
- 0.25% cashback on all other purchases
- Min. monthly spend of S$800 required to earn bonus cashback
- Cashback capped at S$80/month
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$42,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 2.56% |
Annual Fee | S$194.40 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | none |
Great Unlimited Cashback for Affluent Local Spenders
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$60,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 2.41% |
Annual Fee | S$120.00 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | S$10,000 |

Maybank FC Barcelona Visa Signature card is a great option for high spenders with a mostly local budget, as well as FC Barcelona fans. You can earn unlimited cashback of 1.6% on all local spend, 5% Discount in FCBotiga official store in Camp Nou, and a fee waiver with annual spend above S$10,000.
- Annual fee: S$120
- Unlimited 1.6% rebate on local spend
- 2 Pts (0.8 miles) per S$1 on foreign currency transactions
- 5% Discount in FCBotiga official store in Camp Nou
- Free travel insurance
Maybank FC Barcelona Visa Signature card is a great option for high spenders with a mostly local budget, as well as FC Barcelona fans. You can earn unlimited cashback of 1.6% on all local spend, 5% Discount in FCBotiga official store in Camp Nou, and a fee waiver with annual spend above S$10,000.
- Annual fee: S$120
- Unlimited 1.6% rebate on local spend
- 2 Pts (0.8 miles) per S$1 on foreign currency transactions
- 5% Discount in FCBotiga official store in Camp Nou
- Free travel insurance
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$60,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 2.41% |
Annual Fee | S$120.00 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | S$10,000 |
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$45,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 2.41% |
Annual Fee | S$176.55 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | none |

While it doesn't carry as many travel perks as the Ascend version, the American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card is still convenient if you want to earn KrisFlyer miles and potentially receive a strong sign-on bonus - plus the same 20% SPC petrol discount as the Ascend.
- Annual fee: S$176.55 (first year- waived)
- 1.1 miles per S$1 local & overseas spend, 2 mi overseas in June & December only
- 2 miles per S$1 spend on SingaporeAir online & app, SilkAir, KrisShop in-flight & online
- 3.1 miles per S$1 spend on Grab transactions (up to 620 mi/mo)
- Free travel insurance
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards & Amex Selects Privileges
While it doesn't carry as many travel perks as the Ascend version, the American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card is still convenient if you want to earn KrisFlyer miles and potentially receive a strong sign-on bonus - plus the same 20% SPC petrol discount as the Ascend.
- Annual fee: S$176.55 (first year- waived)
- 1.1 miles per S$1 local & overseas spend, 2 mi overseas in June & December only
- 2 miles per S$1 spend on SingaporeAir online & app, SilkAir, KrisShop in-flight & online
- 3.1 miles per S$1 spend on Grab transactions (up to 620 mi/mo)
- Free travel insurance
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards & Amex Selects Privileges
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$45,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 2.41% |
Annual Fee | S$176.55 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | none |
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$60,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 2.18% |
Annual Fee | S$194.40 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | none |

With monthly rewards capped at 8,000 miles/year, SC Rewards+ Card is a good fit for people with S$250-350/month dining and overseas budget. You can earn 2.9 miles per S$1 spend overseas and 1.45 miles per S$1 spend on dining.
- Annual fee: S$192.60 (first 2 years - waived)
- 10 pts (2.9 mi) per S$1 overseas, 5 pts (1.45 mi) on dining, 1 pt (0.29 mi) on general spend
- Free travel insurance
- Up to 16% fuel savings with Caltex
With monthly rewards capped at 8,000 miles/year, SC Rewards+ Card is a good fit for people with S$250-350/month dining and overseas budget. You can earn 2.9 miles per S$1 spend overseas and 1.45 miles per S$1 spend on dining.
- Annual fee: S$192.60 (first 2 years - waived)
- 10 pts (2.9 mi) per S$1 overseas, 5 pts (1.45 mi) on dining, 1 pt (0.29 mi) on general spend
- Free travel insurance
- Up to 16% fuel savings with Caltex
Annual Income Needed | Citizen: S$30,000 Foreign: S$60,000 |
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Overall Rewards Rate | 2.18% |
Annual Fee | S$194.40 |
Annual Fee Waiver Amount | none |
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If you're still wondering about how to choose the right credit card as a student, take a look at our shortlist of the best options for a couple of different categories.
- Maybank Family & Friends: No annual fee
- Citi SMRT: Best for general cashback
- UOB YOLO: Best for weekend spending
- DBS Live Fresh: Best for online shopping
- HSBC Revolution: Best for earning miles
How to Choose Your First Credit Card
Choosing the right credit card as a young adult means finding ways to avoid high minimum spend requirements and annual fees. Many cards demand that you charge a certain amount in purchases each month before they begin earning rewards or waiving their annual fee, which can be problematic if you're on a tight budget.
Based on what we've found in the market, cards such as OCBC Frank and Citi SMRT Card offer a no-minimum way to earn rewards on important categories such as groceries, online shopping and more. You should be able to find several other cards by using our tool above.
This brings us to another important point: make sure that you choose a credit card that offers rewards in the categories where you spend most of your budget each month. Rewards categories are one of the biggest differences from card to card, but fortunately they're also one of the details that issuers explain most clearly in their marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions
In our view, the answer depends on which benefits are most valuable to you. If you want a great cashback card, consider something like Citi SMRT Card or OCBC Frank. For earning miles towards a trip abroad, you may prefer KrisFlyer UOB, while students trying to avoid annual fees might like the Maybank Family & Friends Card.
If you're just starting in your career, you'll need to focus on balancing your spending with your income. This means that credit cards with low minimum requirements are the better choice: you won't feel pressured to spend a certain amount each month just to earn rewards or avoid an annual fee.
Yes. The law requires that you be at least 18 years of age in order to apply for a credit card in your own name. You must also obtain your parent's consent if you are under 21 years old.