Best Credit Cards for Foreigners in Singapore (2026)
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Credit Card Recommendations for Foreigners in Singapore
Credit Card Options by Visa or Pass Type in Singapore
Credit Card Eligibility For Foreigners: What You Need to Qualify
How to Apply For a Credit Card in Singapore as a Foreigner?
Top Credit Cards For Foreigners to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
Credit Card Recommendations for Foreigners in Singapore (2026)
Note: “Mpd” refers to “miles per dollar”.
| Credit card | Key benefits | Annual fee | Minimum annual income (foreigner) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UOB PRVI Miles Card |
|
$261.60 (First year waived) | $40,000 |
| UOB Lady’s Card> |
|
$196.20 (First year waived) | $40,000 |
| Citi Cash Back+ Card |
|
$196.20 (First year waived) | $42,000 |
| Citi Rewards Card |
|
$196.20 (First year waived) | $42,000 |
| Citi Cash Back Card |
|
$196.20 (First year waived) | $42,000 |
| Citi PremierMiles Card |
|
$196.20 (First year waived) | $45,000 |
| DBS Altitude Card |
|
$196.20 (First year waived) | $45,000 |
| OCBC 365 Card |
|
$196.20 (First 2 years waived) | $45,000 |
| HSBC Revolution Card |
|
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:
- DBS Live Fresh Student Card
- OCBC Frank Card
- Maybank eVibes Card
- Citi Clear Card – Student
Not 9-to-5? Not a Problem.
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)
How to Apply For a Credit Card in Singapore as a Foreigner?
Apply via MoneySmart’s Credit Cards page
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.
Provide all necessary documents
Documents required include, but not limited to:
Wait for approval and receive your credit card
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
Citi Cash Back+ Card
- Cash Back on Eligible Spend
- 1.6%
- Min. Spend per month
- S$0
- Cash Back Cap per month
- Unlimited
Get S$420 Cash Reward or 6,140 SmartPoints (use SmartPoints earned to redeem the latest Apple products on our Rewards Store) as quickly as 5 weeks —just spend S$500 within 30 days of card approval!
Celebrate 11.11 with MoneySmart! Be among the first 11 customers to submit the Claim Form at 11am/11pm each day and get an additional S$11 CASH BONUS! T&Cs apply.
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
First 200 to submit the claim form and meet the S$500 spend within 30 days to enjoy S$420 CASH or a S$500 Amazon.sg Gift Card
Or still grab S$400 Cash or 6,140 SmartPoints (use SmartPoints earned to redeem the latest Apple products on our Rewards Store) if you come after.
Celebrate 11.11 with MoneySmart! Be among the first 11 customers to submit the Claim Form at 11am/11pm each day and get an additional S$11 CASH BONUS! T&Cs apply.
OCBC 365 Credit Card
- Cashback on Dining, Groceries, Land Transport & Petrol
- 6%
- in Singapore & Overseas
- Earn on Eligible Spends
- Monthly Cashback, with no category caps
- Up to S$160
Get $200 Cash or 3,000 SmartPoints (enough to redeem an AirPods 5 worth S$219) when you apply and spend a min. of S$400 within 30 days!
Celebrate 11.11 with MoneySmart! Be among the first 11 customers to submit the Claim Form at 11am/11pm each day and get an additional S$11 CASH BONUS! T&Cs apply.
Want To Know More About 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.
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