How to Apply for and Use a Credit Card in Singapore
Want to apply for a credit card in Singapore but you're not sure which bank to go for â Citibank, Standard Chartered, American Express, DBS, and many more? Or maybe, as someone whoâs forgotten to pay their telephone bill on occasion, and even misplaced important documents like your passport and work permit, you're concerned that this could wreak havoc on your finances, or land you into a cycle of debt. Fret not, MoneySmart is here to answer all your questions related to credit card application requirements as well as showing you how credit cards work.
How do Credit Cards Work?
A credit card offers you the option to make purchases now and pay later. Think of it as a bank loaning you money to make payments in-store and online, and allowing you to pay the sum back at a later date. Credit cards often come with points accrual programs for you to exchange credit card points for gifts and rewards.
Advantages of having a credit card
Maximize your spending
Responsible credit card usage and spending habits enable you to get the most out of your purchases. Using a credit card allows you to gain from every purchase through benefits like points and cashbacks you wouldnât otherwise get with transactions.
Opportunity to build credit score
Proper and responsible use of your newfound spending power allows you to build your credit score. Lowering your credit utilisation, via a higher credit limit, for example, can also help. The better your score is, the easier it gets for you to apply for loans in the future.
Earn rewards such as cashback or miles points
Do you like the idea of accumulating rewards for every dollar spent? Some cards provide cashbacks, rewards points, or mileage points for everyday purchases, while others offer significant discounts and flexible payment options.
Increased purchasing power
Maximum credit limit refers to what you aren't allowed to spend beyond, i.e. a credit limit of $20,000. Now, this may seem exciting as your purchasing power has now increased by $20,000. However, one should observe responsible spending to maintain a good credit score.
Accessibility and convenience
Credit cards allow you to enjoy online or in-store shopping without the hassle of cash. You can purchase anything within your credit limit simply by swiping or tapping your card. You'll also receive monthly statements to help you keep track of your expenditure.
Want to Find Out More About the Best Credit Cards in Singapore?
Different Types of Credit Cards
There are a variety of options when it comes to choosing a credit card. The 3 most popular types of credit cards in Singapore are air miles, rewards, or cashback cards. Take your time to make Singapore credit card comparisons and familiarize yourself with selecting the right one for your needs.
Types of Credit Cards in Singapore
An air miles credit card allows you to earn air miles for every dollar you spend. Accumulate miles as you spend with no caps on the air miles youâve earned through your purchases. If you want to collect miles to upgrade your seats or redeem free air tickets when you travel, this is the perfect choice.
Cashback cards reward users with a small percentage of the amount they've spent on the card. The cashback amount accumulates in your credit card account until you decide to redeem it to offset your next purchase or bill cycle. Depending on the card you choose, cashback credit cards can provide you rebates for every dollar spent on dining, gas, utilities, groceries, and shopping. Note that most cards have minimum spending requirements â if you donât spend enough, you donât get your cashbacks. However, there are some cashback cards with no minimum spend.
Every time you pay for purchases using a rewards credit card, you earn rewards points. You can then use the reward points youâve earned to redeem products or vouchers from partner companies. Take note that different banks have different reward programs and they each come with their own points earning rate. For example, a $1 online transaction with the Citi Rewards Card will give you 10x points compared to other cards that only give 5x points.
Compare the best credit cards in Singapore with MoneySmart
Compare all of Singapore's best cashback, rewards, air miles, petrol, buffet, grocery, or student credit cards and more.
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How to Choose the Best Credit Card for You?
What will you use the credit card for? What are your spending habits? To help you make the right choice, think about these factors.
Factors to consider when choosing a Credit Card
#1
Lifestyle and spending habits
Are you a frequent traveler? Do you dine in often? Evaluating your lifestyle and understanding your spending habits will help you choose the right card that will best complement your needs.
#2
Sign-up bonus
A lot of credit cards offer special bonuses when a new user meets a specific requirement. For instance, receive 85,000 air miles when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months. Consider this: can you comfortably spend this amount in this time frame? If not, you wonât be getting any of the bonus at all.
#3
Rewards
You can find credit cards that offer fixed percentages for their rewards program, and even offer higher percentages for specific categories like more than 20% savings on groceries and food on selected partner merchants.
#4
Annual fee
Credit cards usually require an annual fee, although some companies waive this annual fee during the first one or two years to make it attractive for you to switch over. Evaluate for yourself if itâs worth paying, considering that it probably comes with several perks you can maximize to offset the cost. Itâs also good to note that your bank can arrange for an annual fee waiver. Your bank will check your credit card usage and payment history before waiving the fee. So, make it a habit to always pay in full and on time.
#5
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
This refers to the interest rate you have to pay if you have balance outstanding. Some credit cards offer low promotional APR initially, which then eventually rises after youâve had the card for a year or more. Thankfully, you wonât have to worry about APR if youâre punctual in fully paying your credit card every month. Full payment is important, as merely paying the minimum amount and rolling over your balance to the next month negates any rewards or cash back you've earned since you will be paying high-interest rates.
Is There A Right Credit Card For You? Our MoneySmart General Manager weighs in
Listen in as Abel Lee, Singapore General Manager of MoneySmart Group, joins Channel News Asia's Money Talks podcast to share essential tips on selecting a credit card that suits your lifestyle and goals.
Compare Credit Cards with Us
When comparing credit cards in Singapore, itâs best that you seek out unbiased opinions to help you decide. You may want to gather more information by checking out reviews from personal finance comparison sites. Comparing different credit cards from different banks may be a bit challenging if you do it on your own.
A site like MoneySmart allows you to view all the available credit cards in Singapore and compare them at a glance, making it easier to select which card suits you. Plus, you can sign up online through MoneySmart directly and save yourself the hassle of going to the bank.
How Do You Know Which Credit Card is Best for You?
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How to Apply for a Credit Card in Singapore
Banks in Singapore have a thorough process for screening first-time credit card applicants. Hereâs what you need to know about the application process and requirements you need to fulfill for a smooth application.
Are You Eligible for a Credit Card?
Now that youâve narrowed down your choices and youâre ready to get your first credit card, letâs have a look at how banks evaluate your application.
Minimum Age
You must be at least 21 years old and above to qualify.
Required Minimum Annual Income
You should earn at least $30,000 -$50,000 annually to qualify. You must also have a stable source of income to pay your credit card obligations. In addition, you may need to submit some official documents, such as your latest income tax notice and payslip.
Good Credit History
Take note that some credit cards require specific minimum years of good credit history before you can apply.
What is the process?
Once youâve decided on which card to get, itâs time to go through the credit card application process.
Step 1
Visit your chosen bankâs website or head to the nearest branch near you to sign up. You can also check out if they have other channels for application, such as affiliate sites and aggregators like MoneySmart. Take note of the necessary documents and prepare them for submission.
Step 2
Complete the questionnaire or application form to help the bank or service provider evaluate your financial standing and eligibility.
Step 3
Submit the documents. Different banks may require different sets of required documents, but the basic requirements they usually ask to submit are as follows: A copy of your NRIC/FIN or Passport, Proof of income (e.g. latest computerised payslip, Income Tax Notice, CPF statements), and Proof of billing.
Step 4
Prepare yourself for the verification process, which may be made via a phone call.
Step 5
Wait for your credit card application to be processed and approved. Once approved, your credit line will be opened, and your new card will be delivered to your place of residence.
Step 6
Activate the credit card either through a verification SMS or phone call, or using your bankâs website, mobile app, or ATM.
What You Need to Know Before Using Your Credit Card
The benefits of a credit card are best enjoyed when you use it responsibly. Understand and plan your payments to use your newfound purchasing power wisely.
What Are the Common Credit Card Fees & Understanding What It Means
Finance Charge
This is also known as credit card interest, which youâll be subjected to if you fail to pay your bills in full. Make every effort to avoid this, since it can get expensive in the long run.
Late Charge
Always take note of the due date so you can avoid paying late fees, as it can hurt your credit score. Some banks allow a 1-day grace period considering that some payment methods, like cheques, take some time to process.
Annual Fees
This is basically the subscription fee for using the credit card. Such fees typically rate at an average of about $192.60. Depending on how often you use your card, you can ask the bank to waive this fee.
Foreign Transaction Fee
This refers to the extra charge you need to pay when you purchase something overseasâpayments processed by a foreign bank or in a currency other than SGD. Typically, this runs at 2.5%-3.5% of your transaction amount.
Understanding credit card minimum payment
Most banks in Singapore compute the minimum sum at 3% of the outstanding amount or $50, whichever is higher. So make sure to check such terms before you sign up. For instance, if your credit limit is $5,000 and you spend $2,000. Your minimum amount due would be $60 (3%) as opposed to $50.
Understanding credit card interest rates
Usually, the interest rate in Singapore is either 25.9% or 26.9% per annum. If you fail to pay your bill in full, you will incur an interest rate of more than 2% per month. For example, if you have an outstanding balance of $2,000, you will have to pay the bank $40 in credit card interest. To avoid these hefty interest payments, make sure to pay your credit card bills in full and on time.
*Take note that interest calculations may also take into account APR, daily rate, and billing cycle, among others. This varies on a case-by-case basis. The example above is a simple computation used to illustrate the basic principle of interest.
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Knowing the parts of your credit card
Card Number
This consists of up to 16 digits and serves as the identifying number of the credit card. The number is stored in the cardâs magnetic strip. So, when the card is swiped for purchases, the number immediately supplies information about the credit card network and issuer to the merchant.
Expiry Date
Keep in mind that all credit cards have an expiration date. The expiry date indicates when itâs time to get a new card, which will have a new expiry date and CVV (Card Verification Value) code. In some cases, it can also have a new account number.
CVV
This is a 3- to 4-digit code located at the back of your credit card. It serves as a fraud-prevention tool when making purchases that donât require the physical card, such as when online shopping.
How to activate your credit card
SMS or Card Activation Hotline
- Youâll find a number and information on how to activate your credit card through SMS verification or a phone call with the letter that came with your new card. Some banks provide the instructions on a removable sticker on the card itself.
Mobile Banking App
- You can activate your credit card via your bankâs mobile app. Find the âCredit Card Settingsâ option on the app. You will be guided through the credit card activation process.
Bankâs Online Website
- Alternatively, you can activate your credit card through your bankâs website. Simply log in to your account and find your way to the âCredit Card Activation and PIN Setâ option and follow the instructions.
ATM
- You can head to your respective bankâs ATM. Insert your new card and input the PIN. Select âActivate Cardâ in the menu and follow the instructions to complete your activation.
How to Use Your Credit Card Wisely & Securely
With increased purchasing power comes great financial responsibility. Check out some tips below to help first-time credit card users make better decisions.
Tips on How to Use your Credit Card Wisely
Only spend what you can afford to pay off monthly
Owning a credit card doesnât mean you have unlimited money. Before you swipe your card, make sure that you have the budget and ability to pay off your monthly credit card bill. If possible, use it sparingly and only when needed.
Pay your monthly bill in full
As much as possible, pay off your monthly credit card bills in full. In the event that you canât, try to pay as much as you can and meet the minimum payment amount to avoid late payment penalties. However, the outstanding balance will still incur high interest rates that may invalidate the rewards or cashbacks youâve earned for that month.
Use your rewards
Many credit cards have minimum spending requirements that you have to meet before you can redeem the rewards or cashbacks youâve earned. Some reward points also come with expiry dates. Make sure to track and use your accumulated points and keep an eye on your bankâs promotions to maximize your credit card benefits.
Pay your bills on time
Increase your credit rating by paying your bills early or on time. This will also help you avoid incurring any additional fees, helping you better handle the flow of your finances.
3 Ways to Pay Your Credit Card Bill in Singapore
Online Banking
This is the most accessible credit card payment mode, especially when you already have a savings account under the same bank. Online banking allows you to make same-day transactions, so you donât have to worry about late charges when you make last-minute payments.
GIRO
For those who often make the mistake of paying bills late, consider automating payments from your savings account using GIRO (General Interbank Recurring Order), an electronic payment service. You can set a minimum or full amount of GIRO deductions before the due date.
AXS
If your savings account is parked under a different bank from your credit card's, you can use AXS to pay your credit card bills. You can make payments at AXS stations, online through the AXS e-Station website, or using the AXS m-Station mobile app.
Exclusive: Most Popular Credit Cards in Singapore
MoneySmart has helped over 3 million users find the best credit cards in the market. Curious to know what people searched for? Find out in this members-only report and get insights on which card you can apply for next!
Plus, try out our personality quiz to find which card matches your taste!
Tips on How to Use your Credit Card Securely
Never disclose your credit card information to anyone
Never share the financial information on your card and your personal details with anyone, including your close friends or family, for security purposes.
Never give out your personal information
Personal information includes your old bills and documents. Dispose of them properly and avoid sharing bank account information with anyone to avoid identity theft and unauthorized purchases.
Check the transaction history in your monthly bill
Make it a habit to check your transaction history every month. This shows how in tune you are with your spending plan and allows you to discover any suspicious activity.
When using your card to shop online, look for the green lock icon or https
The green lock and HTTPS tag in the address bar indicates that the website youâre accessing is secure and that the data being transmitted between your device and the site is encrypted. If the website isnât secure, you should avoid it and not risk having your information exposed.
Donât open suspicious-looking emails and links
Scams are everywhere these days. Donât fall victim to one; ignore unwanted or unsolicited emails or texts, especially those that offer promos that appear too good to be true.
Manage Your Credit Card Wisely and Establish Good Credit
Owning a credit card is one of the ultimate tests to see if you have your finances together and whether or not youâre capable of making responsible financial decisions. Having a credit card is a privilege, so make sure to practice healthy spending habits to maximize the benefits they can provide.
Enjoyed reading our guide on credit card application in Singapore? Now that youâre well-versed in credit card application requirements and everything to do with credit cards, itâs time to review all available credit cards in Singapore so you can make an informed decision. Otherwise, if you have any queries on personal finance, do contact us via our contact form and weâll get back to you as soon as we can.
Find the best Credit Card for your needs
Which credit card should you apply for? Visit MoneySmart to compare and apply for the best credit card to suit your lifestyle and spending habits.