HSBC Live+ vs Citi Cashback+ vs SCB Simply Cash: Best Cashback Credit Cards
Best for Lifestyle & Dining Cashback
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HSBC Live+ vs Citi Cashback+ vs SCB Simply Cash: Card Features & Fees Comparison
Compare three popular cashback credit cards in Singapore: HSBC Live+ Card, Citi Cash Back+ Card, and Standard Chartered Simply Cash Card. This head-to-head analysis breaks down cashback rates, annual fees, minimum spend requirements, and more to help you choose the right card for your spending patterns.
Feature | HSBC Live+ | Citi Cashback+ | SCB Simply Cash |
Cashback rate | 8% cashback on eligible dining / shopping / entertainment (local & overseas) 5% cashback on fuel (Caltex / Shell SG) 0.3% cashback on all other spend | 1.6% unlimited cashback on all eligible spend 0.4% bonus cashback for Citi Plus customers | 1.5% unlimited cashback on all eligible spend |
Cashback cap | Up to $250 per quarter | No cap | No cap |
Minimum spend | $1,000 in your first quarter, then $600 per month every subsequent quarter to maintain 8% cashback | None | None |
Annual fee & waiver | $196.20 (1st year waived) Subsequent waivers if spend ≥ $12,500 annually | $196.20 (1st year waived) | $196.20 (1st year waived) |
Minimum annual income | Singaporeans / PRs
Foreigners: $65,000 | Singaporeans / PRs: $30,000 Foreigners: $42,000 | Singaporeans / PRs: $30,000 Foreigners: $90,000 |
⭐ Best for | High spenders on dining, shopping, entertainment who hit $600+ per month consistently to earn 8% cashback (capped at $250 per quarter). Includes dining perks (15% off 200+ restaurants, 1-for-1 deals). | Varied spenders who want unlimited cashback without tracking categories. Simple, predictable, instant redemption. | Varied spenders seeking unlimited cashback without tracking categories. Note high $90,000 foreigner requirement. |
Card limitations |
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Quick decision: Card recommendations
- Spend $600+ per month on dining / shopping / entertainment? → HSBC Live+
- Diversified spending under $1,000 per month? → Citi Cashback+ or SCB Simply Cash
- Overseas spending matters? → Consider alternative credit cards with zero FX fees (No 3.25% or 3.5% FX fee)
Key MCC exclusions
All three cards exclude certain merchant category codes (MCCs) from cashback earnings:
Excluded category | HSBC Live+ | Citi Cashback+ | SCB Simply Cash |
Insurance premiums | ❌ Excluded | ❌ Excluded | ❌ Excluded |
Utilities | ❌ Excluded | ❌ Excluded | ❌ Excluded |
Government payments | ❌ Excluded | ❌ Excluded | ❌ Excluded |
AXS/SAM transactions | ❌ Excluded | ❌ Excluded | ❌ Excluded |
Stored value top-ups (EZ-Link, NETS FlashPay) | ❌ Excluded | ❌ Excluded | ❌ Excluded |
Cash advances | ❌ Excluded | ❌ Excluded | ❌ Excluded |
Financial institution payments | ❌ Excluded | ❌ Excluded | ❌ Excluded |
Bill payment services (CardUp, iPayMy) | ❌ Excluded | ❌ Excluded (Citi PayAll may earn—check T&Cs) | ❌ Excluded |
💡 Important: Only retail, posted (not pending), and non-refunded transactions earn cashback. Always verify current MCC exclusions on bank websites before applying.
HSBC Live+ vs Citi Cash Back+ vs SCB Simply Cash: Application Requirements & Approval
Ready to apply for the HSBC Live+, Citi Cashback+, or SCB Simply Cash credit card? Here’s a no-fluff, step-by-step guide to eligibility, required documents, application channels, and what to expect post-approval—highlighting where the banks differ.
Eligibility criteria & document requirements
Requirement | HSBC Live+ | Citi Cashback+ | SCB Simply Cash |
Age | 21+ years | 21+ years | 21+ years |
Min. annual income (Singaporean / PR; Salaried) | $65,000, or $30,000 with ≥$50k HSBC TRB | $30,000 | $30,000 |
Min. annual income (Singaporean / PR; Self-employed) | $40,000 with ≥$50k HSBC TRB, else $65,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 |
Min. annual income (Foreigner) | $65,000 | $42,000 | $90,000 |
Required documents (Singaporean / PR) |
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Required documents (Foreigner) |
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*Proof of address: Utility/phone bill, bank statement, or tenancy agreement dated within 3 months
💡 MoneySmart Tip: If you’re a Singaporean or PR, use your Singpass MyInfo to auto-fill personal data seamlessly and skip manual document uploads during credit card application.
How to apply for cashback credit cards in Singapore: Step-by-Step Guide
Step | Action | Details |
1 | Compare credit cards via MoneySmart | Use MoneySmart's cashback credit card comparison tool to review cashback rates, annual fees, minimum spend requirements, and income eligibility side-by-side. Filter by your spending categories (dining, shopping etc.) to identify which card maximises your returns. |
2 | Apply online via MoneySmart | Click "Apply Now" via MoneySmart for your chosen card (HSBC Live+, Citi Cash Back+, or SCB Simply Cash). You’ll be redirected to the bank’s application portal. Singpass MyInfo (recommended): Log in with SingPass to auto-fill personal details and income verification—no manual document uploads needed for Singaporean or PR applicants. If manual upload: Enter details manually and upload required documents (NRIC, payslips, NOA for Singaporeans / PRs; passport, work pass, proof of address for foreigners). |
3 | Wait for card approval | All cards featured here should be approved almost instantaneously when applied online via MoneySmart (if there are no pending issues); otherwise, they may take up to 1–7 business days. Meanwhile, manual applications (without MyInfo) may take 5–10 business days. |
4 | Receive and activate card | Once approved, most banks offer instant virtual card access via their mobile app within 24 hours. You can add it to Apple Pay / Google Pay immediately. Physical cards arrive in 3–5 business days via registered mail. Activate via SMS/app instructions before first use. |
5 | Review card benefits and start earning | Familiarise yourself with your card's cashback structure, caps, and MCC exclusions to maximise earnings. Check if there are any minimum spend requirements (e.g., HSBC Live+’s $600 per month threshold) and plan your spending accordingly. |
6 | Bonus: Meet minimum spend to claim sign-up gifts | Most cards require a minimum spend within a specified timeframe (typically 30-60 days) to unlock welcome bonuses. Check MoneySmart’s card comparison tool for current exclusive promotions offering cash rebates, SmartPoints, bonus miles, or lucky draw entries for new cardholders. These offers often include:
Log into your MoneySmart account after meeting the minimum spend requirement to claim your welcome bonus within the stipulated deadline (typically 60-90 days post-approval). |
⭐ For more guidance on credit card applications in Singapore, check out our credit card application basics page.
Annual Cashback Earning & Value Comparison
Spending profile | Monthly spend breakdown | HSBC Live+ | Citi Cashback+ | SCB Simply Cash |
Light spender ($800 per month) | Dining / shopping / entertainment: $600 Others: $200 | $387–$583.20 annual cashback | -$42.60 loss to $153.60 annual cashback | -$52.50 loss to $144 annual cashback |
Moderate spender ($1,500 per month) | Dining / shopping / entertainment: $1,000 Others: $500 | $978 annual cashback* | $288–$91.80 annual cashback | $73.80–$270 annual cashback |
Heavy spender ($2,500 per month) | Dining / shopping / entertainment: $1,800 Others: $700 | $1,025.20 annual cashback (Capped at $250 per quarter) | $283.80–$480 annual cashback | $253.80–$450 annual cashback |
Disclaimer: Calculations determined by various eligible spend qualifications under each card’s terms. The annual cashback range reflects the variance between gross earnings and net value after accounting for annual fees from the second year onwards. *Annual fee (year 2 onwards) waived at $18,000 eligible annual spend.
💡 MoneySmart Tip: Don't just accept the annual fee once your first-year waiver expires—call your bank and ask for another one. Many banks are willing to extend it, especially for cardholders with a consistent spending history.
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FAQs: HSBC Live+ vs Citi Cash Back+ vs SCB Simply Cash Card Comparison
Which cashback credit card is best for everyday spending in Singapore?
The HSBC Live+ Card offers the best cashback rate at 8% on dining, shopping, and entertainment if you spend $600+ monthly in these categories. For diversified everyday spending without category restrictions, Citi Cash Back+ (1.6% unlimited cashback) outperforms Standard Chartered Simply Cash (1.5% unlimited cashback) with no minimum spend required.
What are the foreign transaction fees and their impact?
All three cards charge foreign transaction fees: HSBC Live+ and Citi Cashback+ charge 3.25%, while SCB Simply Cash charges 3.5%. Only HSBC Live+ delivers positive net cashback (4.75%) on overseas dining, shopping, and entertainment after deducting fees.
Which cashback card should I choose in Singapore?
Choose based on your monthly spending habits:
- HSBC Live+ Card: Spend $600+ per month on dining / shopping / entertainment + value dining perks
- Citi Cash Back+ Card: Unlimited cashback across almost all categories + prefer simplicity (no caps or minimums)
- SCB Simply Cash Card: Consider only if existing Standard Chartered Banking customer (1.5% cashback vs Citi's 1.6%; higher FX fees 3.5% vs 3.25%)
⚠️ Avoid all three if: Monthly spend consistently under $900 where annual fees from year 2 will exceed cashback earned.