Best Credit Cards for Public Transport & MRT Spending

Navigating Singapore’s public transport system is easier—and potentially more rewarding—when you use the right credit card. This guide highlights the best transport credit card Singapore options for MRT and bus spending, covering up-to-date benefits, eligibility, and practical tips. Whether you’re a daily commuter, student, frequent flyer, or visitor, discover which card best suits your needs and how to maximise every ride.

Best Transport Credit Cards by User Scenario

Finding the most effective transport credit card really comes down to your commuter profile—whether you value cashback, are collecting miles, are a student just starting out, or a tourist/visitor seeking convenience. Here’s a scenario-based guide.

1. Best for cashback: UOB One Card and Citi SMRT Card

If maximising cashback on your daily commute is your priority, these 2 cards stand out:

UOB One Card

The UOB One Card is your top pick if you regularly spend S$2,000 a month, as you can unlock up to 10% cashback on SimplyGo rides, as well as other everyday essentials like Grab, Shopee, and McDonald’s. If your monthly spending is lower, you’ll enjoy lower rates of 3.33% cashback with $600 or 5% cashback with $1,000 spend. This card suits consistent spenders who can meet the minimum required each month.

Citi SMRT Card

For those with a more modest budget, the Citi SMRT Card is a strong choice. Spend just S$500 a month and earn 5% cashback on SimplyGo, as well as groceries, online shopping, and ride-hailing. It’s a practical option for commuters looking to maximise savings without committing to higher spend tiers.

Both cards provide value for public transport users, but the best fit depends on your typical monthly expenses. 

Learn more about cashback cards in Singapore.

2. Best for miles: UOB PRVI Miles Card & Citi PremierMiles Card

If you’re focused on earning air miles from your public transport spending, both the UOB PRVI Miles Card and Citi PremierMiles Card let you accrue miles at their regular local spend rates when you use them for MRT and bus fares.

UOB PRVI Miles Card

The UOB PRVI Miles Card offers the highest local earn rate among entry-level cards at 1.4 miles per S$1 spent. There’s no minimum spend and no cap on the miles you can earn, making it suitable for both everyday commuters and frequent travellers.

• Downsides: An annual fee of S$261.60 applies from the second year, and you’ll earn miles as UNI$. Note that earned UNI$ expires two years from the end of the quarter in which it was earned.

• Bonus: Enjoy 4 complimentary airport lounge visits per year.

Citi PremierMiles Card

The Citi PremierMiles Card gives you 1.2 miles per S$1 spent locally, with miles that never expire—a key advantage for infrequent flyers. The annual fee is also lower and is waived for the first year. There’s no minimum spend and no cap on miles earned.

• Downsides: Lower local earn rate compared to UOB PRVI.

• Bonus: Get 2 complimentary airport lounge visits per year.

Both cards are strong options for those who want to earn air miles on their public transport and other everyday spending. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritise a higher earn rate or the peace of mind that your miles will never expire.

Compare more travel rewards cards easily on MoneySmart.

3. Best for students: DBS Live Fresh Student Card & OCBC FRANK Card

DBS Live Fresh Student Card

Perfect for tertiary students, the DBS Live Fresh Student Card requires no minimum income and comes with a 5-year annual fee waiver. You can tap to ride on SimplyGo and earn rebates at popular student-friendly spots.

• Eligibility: Full-time students aged 21–27 at local universities or polytechnics; Singapore Citizens/PRs only.

• Benefits:

  • 5% cashback at McDonald’s, Starbucks, Netflix, and similar outlets

  • Extra 5% cashback on eco-transport, including SimplyGo trips

  • No minimum spend required

• Restrictions:

  • Cashback capped at S$15 per month per category (regular and additional cashback)

4. Best for tourists and visitors: Maybank Family & Friends Mastercard

The Maybank Family & Friends Mastercard is ideal for visitors or frequent travellers, offering 8% cashback on a wide range of transport options—including bus, train, taxi, and ride-hailing—across Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This card works effortlessly with contactless payments and mobile wallets.

• Benefits:

  • Up to 8% cashback on transport, dining, and groceries with a minimum S$800 monthly spend

  • 3-year annual fee waiver for the principal card

• Restrictions:

  • Cashback capped at $25 per category per month

  • Foreign applicants must meet a higher income threshold of $60,000

For tourists or short-term residents seeking convenience and solid rewards, this card provides flexible coverage for both local and cross-border travel.

Quick Reference Table

How to Use Credit Cards for MRT and Bus in Singapore

Travelling on public transport in Singapore is easy with contactless credit cards and mobile wallets. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure smooth rides on the MRT and buses—plus handy troubleshooting tips if things go sideways.

1. Set up your card or mobile wallet

• Contactless credit cards: Make sure your card displays the contactless symbol (Visa payWave, Mastercard PayPass, or American Express contactless). Most Singapore-issued cards linked to Visa, Mastercard, or Amex work on public transport.

• Mobile wallets: If you prefer to use your phone or smartwatch, add your credit card to Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay. Make sure your device’s NFC (Near Field Communication) feature is switched on.

No registration or preloading is required to use either method. However, creating a SimplyGo account and adding your card on the SimplyGo app lets you track trips and check your fare payment history easily.

2. Use Tap-and-Go on MRT and buses

To tap and go on MRT or buses, hold your card or device close—within a few centimetres—to the fare reader, and wait for a beep or green light to confirm a successful tap. Always remove your chosen card from your wallet to prevent card clash, then use the same card or device to tap in and out at the fare readers for correct fare calculation.

3. Check your credit card statement

On your credit card statement, expect to see:

• Consolidated fare charges: Instead of seeing each ride on your statement, banks typically show a daily total for your MRT/bus trips with descriptors like “BUS/MRT" or "TransitLink”.

• Temporary “test” authorisation: You may spot a $0.10 charge—this is a test charge to confirm card validity, not an actual fare. It usually disappears or is refunded shortly.

Quick fixes and expert tips for hassle-free rides

Stay on track with these quick solutions to common issues—and follow these pro tips for smooth, hassle-free rides every time.

Common issues and fixes

• Card clash: Remove other contactless cards before tapping.

• Device error: Check battery and NFC.

• Gate error: Tap again or use a different gate.

• Wrong charge: Check SimplyGo app or contact TransitLink.

Tips

• Use a transport credit card to earn rewards.

• Tap in and out with the same card or device.

• Track rides using the SimplyGo app.

• Remove expired or blocked cards from your wallet.

Singapore Transport Credit Card Comparison Table

Looking to maximise MRT, bus, or LRT savings? Use this table to quickly compare the top transport credit cards in Singapore for SimplyGo and mobile payments—covering key fees, compatibility, rewards, and eligibility.

* For more details on card eligibility, see credit card income requirements in Singapore.