Best Credit Cards for Foreigners in Singapore (2026)

Just arrived in Singapore and wondering what the credit card scene is like? Here's the lowdown on credit card eligibility requirements for foreigners in Singapore, and some recommendations for different types of expats.
Best credit card options for foreigners and expats in Singapore

Credit Card Recommendations for Foreigners in Singapore (2026)

Here are the top credit cards for foreigners and expats in Singapore, based on minimum annual income ranked in ascending order.

Note: “Mpd” refers to “miles per dollar”.

Credit card Key benefits Annual fee Minimum annual income (foreigner)
UOB PRVI Miles Card
  • 3 mpd in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam
  • 2.4 mpd on eligible foreign currency spend
  • 1.4 mpd on eligible local spend
  • Up to 8 mpd on major airlines and hotels worldwide via Agoda and Expedia
  • 4 complimentary airport lounge visits per year
  • Up to S$500,000 complimentary travel insurance coverage when you charge travel fare to card
$261.60 (First year waived) $40,000
UOB Lady’s Card>
  • 4 mpd on enrolled category (e.g. dining, travel, shopping)
  • No minimum spend
$196.20 (First year waived) $40,000
Citi Cash Back+ Card
  • 1.6% unlimited cashback on all eligible spend
  • No minimum spend
  • No cashback cap
$196.20 (First year waived) $42,000
Citi Rewards Card
  • 4 mpd on eligible online transactions and in-store shopping
  • Up to S$1 million complimentary travel insurance when you charge travel fare to card
$196.20 (First year waived) $42,000
Citi Cash Back Card
  • Up to 8% cashback on eligible private commute and petrol spend worldwide
  • 6% cashback on eligible dining and groceries worldwide
  • Up to 23.64% fuel savings at Caltex, Esso, and Shell plus 8% cashback
  • Up to S$1 million complimentary travel insurance coverage when you charge travel fare to card
$196.20 (First year waived) $42,000
Citi PremierMiles Card
  • 1.2 mpd on local spend
  • 2.2 mpd on foreign currency spend
  • Citi Miles never expire
  • Complimentary 2 airport lounge visits per year
  • Receive 10,000 bonus renewal miles when annual fee is paid
$196.20 (First year waived) $45,000
DBS Altitude Card
  • Up to 1.3 mpd on local spend
  • Up to 2.2 mpd on foreign currency spend
  • Receive 10,000 bonus renewal miles when annual fee is paid
$196.20 (First year waived) $45,000
OCBC 365 Card
  • 6% cashback on petrol + up to 29.5% off fuel at Caltex, Esso, and Sinopec
  • 5% cashback on eligible dining worldwide and online food delivery (Deliveroo, foodpanda, GrabFood)
  • 3% cashback on groceries worldwide (including online groceries), land transport, Watsons, streaming services, and EV charging
$196.20 (First 2 years waived) $45,000
HSBC Revolution Card
  • 10X Reward points or 4 mpd on eligible online and contactless shopping, dining, ride-hailing/taxis, memberships, and even travel (till 28 Feb 2026 only)
None $60,000

Credit Card Options by Visa or Pass Type in Singapore

If you're a foreigner in Singapore, the type of pass you hold—Work Permit, S Pass, PR, Employment Pass, or Student Visa—affects which credit cards you can apply for. Banks generally welcome expats, but eligibility depends on your visa type, annual income, and supporting documents. Here's a breakdown of the best options per pass type.

Work Permit Holders (Limited Options)

Finding an unsecured credit card for work permit holders in Singapore is challenging. Work Permit holders usually refer to semi-skilled or unskilled foreign workers in certain sectors like construction, manufacturing, and domestic work.

Most banks do not issue one to them since eligibility requirements usually require higher income and employment stability, which many Work Permit holders do not meet.


  • Typical outcome: Standard credit card applications are likely to be rejected.
  • Alternatives: Work Permit holders can still access secured credit cards (using fixed deposit as collateral) or opt for prepaid multi-currency cards for everyday spend and overseas use.

S Pass Holders

If you hold an S Pass, you’re eligible for mainstream credit cards—provided you meet the higher foreigner income thresholds (usually S$40,000–S$45,000 per year). Viable credit card options with these minimum annual income requirements include:


  • UOB PRVI Miles Card: $40,000
  • Citi PremierMiles Card: $42,000
  • DBS Altitude Card: $45,000

Permanent Residents (PRs) & Expats

As a PR or Employment Pass holder (Expat), you’ll enjoy nearly the same eligibility as Singapore citizens. PRs are typically assessed under the same annual income requirement of around $30,000 as Singaporeans, whereas expats may still need to meet the higher threshold set for foreigners. Nonetheless, this group boasts access to the widest selection of cards, including premium, lifestyle, and cashback options.


Here are some examples of higher foreigner income requirements:

  • HSBC Revolution Card: $60,000
  • HSBC Revolution: $42,000
  • UOB Lady’s Card: $40,000

International Students

For international students, banks offer student credit cards with no income requirements. These cards usually carry a low credit limit (≈ $500) and require proof of enrolment in a recognised Singapore tertiary institution such as a matriculation card.

Popular student credit cards include:

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Not 9-to-5? Not a Problem.

Discover credit cards and alternatives that work for freelancers, gig workers, and expats in our guide below.

Credit Card Eligibility For Foreigners in Singapore: What You Need to Qualify

Understanding credit card eligibility for foreigners in Singapore is key before you apply. While most banks welcome expats, Permanent Residents (PRs), and Employment Pass holders, the minimum income for foreigners credit cards in Singapore is typically set higher than for locals.

  • Locals (Singapore Citizens/PRs): From S$30,000 annual income
  • Foreigners (EP/S Pass holders): Between S$40,000–S$90,000, depending on the bank and card.

On top of income, banks will also require:

  • Valid passport and work pass (Employment Pass or S Pass; PRs can use NRIC)
  • Proof of income (latest payslips or employment letter)
  • Proof of address (utility bill, tenancy agreement, or phone bill)
💡 To refer to credit card income thresholds for foreigners across various banks, refer to our comparison table at the top.


How to Apply For a Credit Card in Singapore as a Foreigner?

Follow these steps to apply for your preferred credit card in Singapore via MoneySmart:
Step 1

Apply via MoneySmart’s Credit Cards page

Start your application by clicking the “Apply Now” button via MoneySmart.

Upon application, your SingPass MyInfo will be accessed to verify your identity and retrieve income details.

Once successfully submitted, the approval-in-principle page should appear within a few minutes.
Step 2

Provide all necessary documents

You’ll need to provide all the necessary documentation in order for Standard Chartered Bank to approve your credit card application.

Documents required include, but not limited to:
  • Valid passport and work pass (Employment Pass or S Pass; NRIC for PRs)
  • Proof of income (latest payslips or employment letter)
  • Proof of address (utility bill, tenancy agreement, or phone bill)
  • Step 3

    Wait for approval and receive your credit card

    Banks usually require 1–5 working days to review and process credit card applications.

    Once your application is approved, congrats! You can either wait to receive your physical credit card, or simply activate your digital card online via the bank’s app to start using it immediately.

    Top Credit Card for Foreigners to Consider

    MoneySmart Exclusive
    Enjoy up to 10% Cashback!
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    Enjoy up to 10% Cashback!

    UOB One Card

    cashback on daily spend at McDonald's, Grab, SimplyGo & Shopee
    Up to 10%
    cashback at all grocery spend
    Up to 8%
    cashback cap a year
    Up to S$2,240

    Get a SURE-WIN S$30 Cash for New-To-UOB customers who apply and make just one eligible transaction within 30 days from approvalT&Cs apply.

     

    PLUS, enjoy highest cashback of up to 20% on daily spend! T&Cs apply.

    Valid until 30 Jun 2026
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    Up to 10 Miles per S$1 spent
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    Up to 10 Miles per S$1 spent

    UOB Lady's Card

    Base Earn Rate
    S$5 = 1X UNI$ (0.4 miles per S$1)
    Category of Choice
    S$5 = Up to 25X UNI$ (equivalent to 10 miles per S$1)
    Min. Spend
    S$0

    Get a SURE-WIN S$30 Cash for New-To-UOB customers who apply and make just one eligible transaction within 30 days from approvalT&Cs apply.

    Valid until 30 Jun 2026
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    Earn up to 8 Miles per S$1
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    Earn up to 8 Miles per S$1

    UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card

    on agoda and Expedia bookings via UOB PRVI Miles website.
    S$1 = Up to 8 miles
    on Overseas Spend
    S$1 = Up to 3 miles
    on Local Spend
    S$1 = 1.4 miles

    Get a SURE-WIN S$30 Cash for New-To-UOB customers who apply and make just one eligible transaction within 30 days from approvalT&Cs apply.

    Valid until 30 Jun 2026
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    FASTER REWARD FULFILMENT | UNLIMITED 1.6% CASHBACK
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    FASTER REWARD FULFILMENT | UNLIMITED 1.6% CASHBACK

    Citi Cash Back+ Card

    Cash Back on Eligible Spend
    1.6%
    Min. Spend per month
    S$0
    Cash Back Cap per month
    Unlimited

    Apply and spend S$500 within 30 days to choose your reward: S$380 Cash Reward or 6,140 SmartPoints (worth up to S$499 of Gifts) and receive them as quickly as 5 weeks after meeting the spend criteria!

     

    PLUS, double your excitement with a chance to win the ultimate S$15,000 getaway to your dream destination in our exclusive lucky draw! T&Cs apply.

    Valid until 30 Jun 2026
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    FASTER REWARD FULFILMENT | EARN CITI MILES
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    FASTER REWARD FULFILMENT | EARN CITI MILES

    Citi PremierMiles Card

    Local Spend
    S$1 = 1.2 miles
    All Foreign Currency Spend including Retail and Online
    S$1 = Up to 2.2 miles
    Selected Online Hotel Bookings
    S$1 = Up to 10 miles

    Apply and spend S$500 within 30 days to choose your reward: S$380 Cash Reward or 6,140 SmartPoints (worth up to S$499 of Gifts) and receive them as quickly as 5 weeks after meeting the spend criteria!

     

    PLUS, double your excitement with a chance to win the ultimate S$15,000 getaway to your dream destination in our exclusive lucky draw! T&Cs apply.

    Valid until 30 Jun 2026
    Online Promo
    Earn Miles That Never Expire
    Online Promo
    Earn Miles That Never Expire

    DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card

    Local Spend
    S$1 = 1.3 miles
    Overseas Spend (made in foreign currency)
    S$1 = Up to 2.2 miles
    on DBS Points earned
    No Expiry
    Online Promo:
    Get a Samsonite FLATFORM Spinner 28” and Foldable Duffle Bag (worth S$740) or up to 38,000 miles when you apply, pay the card's annual fee, charge a min. spend of S$800 within 60 days from card approval date and have a valid DBS PayLah! account by the end of the Qualifying Spend period. T&Cs apply.
    Valid until 30 Jun 2026
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    High Spend on Dining
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    High Spend on Dining

    OCBC 365 Credit Card

    Cashback on Fuel Spends
    6%
    Cashback on Everyday Dining
    5%
    with min. spend of $1,600 per month
    Unlock up to $160 Cashback

    Get $250 Cash or 3,900 SmartPoints (enough to redeem an Apple AirPods Pro 3 worth S$349) when you apply and spend a min. of S$400 within 30 days! T&Cs apply.

    Valid until 30 Jun 2026
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    Earn up to 4 miles per S$1 | Instant Activation*
    MoneySmart Exclusive
    Earn up to 4 miles per S$1 | Instant Activation*

    HSBC Revolution Credit Card

    on Contactless & Online Spending for cardholders who maintain at least S$50,000 average daily balance in your HSBC EGA SGD Account
    S$1 = 20X Points (8 miles)
    on Contactless & Online Spending for all other cardholders
    S$1 = 10X Points (4 miles)
    on All Other Spend
    S$1 = 1X Point

    Get UPSIZED S$450 Cash or 6,140 SmartPoints (worth up to S$499 of Gifts) when you spend S$500 from Card Account Opening Date to end of the following calendar month!

     

    PLUS, double your excitement with a chance to win the ultimate S$15,000 getaway to your dream destination in our exclusive lucky draw! T&Cs apply.

    Valid until 30 Jun 2026

    Want To Know More About Credit Cards?

    Check out our breakdown of the different credit cards.

    FAQs About Credit Cards for Foreigners in Singapore

    Can foreigners apply for a credit card in Singapore?

    Yes. Minimum annual income usually starts from $40,000—$90,000.

    What is the minimum income requirement for foreigners?

    The minimum annual income for foreigners typically ranges between $40,000—$90,000 depending on bank/card.

    Which credit cards are best for foreigners in Singapore in 2026?

    While there’s no best credit card for foreigners in Singapore, the best approach to decide would be based on the minimum annual income requirement in conjunction with card benefits. Top card recommendations that fulfill these include:

    For miles:
  • HSBC Revolution Card
  • UOB PRVI Miles Card
  • Citi PremierMiles Card
  • DBS Altitude Card
  • UOB Lady’s Card

  • For cashback:
  • Citi Cash Back Card
  • UOB One Card
  • OCBC 365 Card
  • Can Work Permit or S Pass holders get a credit card?

    Yes, foreigners with Work Permits or S Pass can get a credit card but with stricter requirements and fewer options.

    Do foreigners get fewer benefits compared to locals?

    No. Benefits are the same, though annual income and required documentation thresholds are higher.

    Which cards offer the best cashback for foreigners?

    The UOB One Card, Citi Cash Back Card, OCBC 365 Card, and UOB EVOL Card are good cashback credit cards for foreigners.

    How do foreigners apply for a credit card in Singapore?

    Foreigners can apply for a credit card in Singapore either with us on MoneySmart or directly with banks.

  • On MoneySmart: Select your preferred credit card > click on the “Apply Now” button > be redirected to application form and MoneySmart Rewards Form (so you don’t miss out on our exclusive sign-up bonuses!). Personal particulars will also be seamlessly retrieved for application through SingPass (if PR).
  • For expats and other foreign workers: Provide the relevant documents like passport, work pass, proof of income, and more as requested.