Which Credit Card Is Best for Low Income in Singapore?

For low-income earners in Singapore, the ideal credit card is one with low or no annual fees and minimal income requirements. If you do not meet the standard $30,000 annual income for Singaporeans and PRs, you still have 3 practical paths: student credit cards, low-limit standard credit cards, and secured credit cards. Each comes with its own eligibility and perks designed to help you build credit responsibly.

Option 1: Student cards (no minimum income)

Student cards are tailored for students and young adults, typically with a $500 credit limit and no income requirement. They are a safe, beginner-friendly way to start building your credit history without overspending.

• DBS Live Fresh Student Card

  • Up to 5% cashback at popular merchants such as McDonald’s and Netflix

  • Extra 5% “Green” cashback on eco-friendly transport/retail

  • Annual fee waived for 5 years

• Maybank eVibes Card

  • 1% unlimited cashback on all spending

  • $5.45 quarterly fee waived if used at least once every 3 months

• CIMB AWSM Card

  • 1% unlimited cashback on dining, entertainment, online shopping, telco bills

  • For those under 35, minimum annual income is $18,000; no annual fee

These cards help new-to-credit users start building a good repayment record with manageable monthly limits.

Option 2: Low-limit cards (under $30,000 annual income)

Some banks can issue standard credit cards with a $500 maximum limit to qualifying applicants who do not meet the usual annual income cut-off.

• Mari Credit Card 

  • A version of the card with a $500 credit limit is available to Singaporeans/PRs aged 21–55 with annual income below $30,000

  • Unlimited 1.7% cashback on local spending

  • Unlimited 3% Shopee Coins on Shopee

• GXS FlexiCard

  • No minimum income required for Singaporeans/PRs aged 21 - 55 years old

  • $500 credit limit

  • Instant cashback (up to $3) when you spend a minimum of $10 in a single transaction

Low-limit cards offer access to credit and cashback without the risk of large balances.

Option 3: Secured credit cards (use a fixed deposit as collateral)

If you do not meet income criteria, you can secure a “proper” credit card with premium benefits by placing a fixed deposit as collateral—typically at least $10,000. Your deposit becomes your credit limit, broadening your choice of cards.

• Place a fixed deposit (e.g., with DBS, UOB, or HSBC) to unlock a card tied to your deposit amount.

• You can access popular mainstream cards that typically require higher income (such as DBS Altitude, UOB PRVI Miles, HSBC Revolution), letting you earn stronger cashback or miles even with a low salary.

Secured cards are ideal for disciplined savers wanting rewards plus a credit profile boost.

Factors to consider

Always match your card to your lifestyle and financial habits:

• Cashback vs. rewards/miles: Cashback cards exchange small regular spend for tangible rebates—ideal for low spenders, while miles and points rewards usually require higher spend for redemption.

• No annual fee: Favour cards that are free or come with long-term fee waivers to keep your ongoing costs low.

• Credit building: A card can help build your credit score, but only if you consistently pay your bills on time and in full each month. Missed or late payments will hurt your score, regardless of card type.

Choose wisely and reassess annually as your income and needs change.

Details are accurate as of January 2026; check MoneySmart or with each issuer to confirm latest eligibility and offers before you apply.