Top 9 credit cards for miles in Singapore: 2026 review

Having the right Singapore credit card can make a big difference – but for expats and new arrivals, understanding Singapore credit card options can be a bit overwhelming.

This guide walks through some important things to think about including how to choose the right miles credit card in Singapore, and how to improve your credit score as a new arrival.

Top 9 miles credit cards for Singapore expats

We selected these 9 cards by evaluating products in the Singapore market. We prioritised cards with foreigner-friendly income thresholds (averaging 40k–65k SGD, while including select premium options for high-earning expats seeking enhanced travel perks). Key selection criteria included high miles-per-dollar earn rates, perks like complimentary lounge access, and competitive foreign transaction fee structures.

Here’s a summary of 9 popular Singapore miles credit cards side by side, looking at key features and fees. We’ve got more on each coming right up.

Card name	💡 Important fees to know	💱 Exchange rates and fees	🔑 Key benefits
Citi Premier Miles	Annual fee – 196.20 SGD Cash advance fee 15 SGD or 8%, whichever is greater	Network exchange rate Foreign transaction fee – 3.25%	1.2 miles per dollar on local spend, 2.2 miles on foreign spend, 2x annual airport lounge access
HSBC TravelOne	Annual fee – 196.20 SGD Cash advance fee 15 SGD or 8%, whichever is greater	Network exchange rate Foreign transaction fee – 2.25%	1.2 miles per dollar on local spend, 2.4 miles on foreign spend, 4x annual airport lounge access
DBS Altitude	Annual fee – 196.20 SGD Cash advance fee 15 SGD or 8%, whichever is greater	Network exchange rate Foreign transaction fee – 3.25%	1.2 miles per dollar on local spend, 2.2 miles on foreign spend
UOB PRVI Miles	Annual fee – 261.60 SGD Cash advance fee 15 SGD or 8%, whichever is greater	Network exchange rate Foreign transaction fee – 3.25%	1.4 miles per dollar on local spend, 3 miles on foreign spend, 4x annual lounge access
KrisFlyer UOB	Annual fee – 196.20 SGD Cash advance fee 15 SGD or 8%, whichever is greater	Network exchange rate Foreign transaction fee – 3.25%	3 miles per dollar on SIA, up to 2.4 miles on select categories including dining, 1.2 miles on everything else, Fast track KrisFlyer Elite Silver status
Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card	Annual fee – 196.20 SGD Cash advance fee 15 SGD or 8%, whichever is greater	Network exchange rate Foreign transaction fee – 3.5%	1.2 miles per dollar on local spend, 2 miles on foreign spend, 3 miles on select categories including online shopping, 2x annual lounge access
HSBC Revolution Credit Card	No annual fee Cash advance fee 15 SGD or 8%, whichever is greater	Network exchange rate Foreign transaction fee – 2.25%	4 miles per dollar on online spend, up to 1 reward point per dollar on other spend
Maybank Horizon Visa Signature	Annual fee – 196.20 SGD Cash advance fee 15 SGD or 8%, whichever is greater	Network exchange rate Foreign transaction fee – 3.25%	2.8 miles per dollar on foreign and flight spend, 1.2 miles on travel spend, 0.16 miles on other select spend categories, some airport lounge access offered
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card	Annual fee – 179.85 SGD Cash advance fee – 5%	Network exchange rate Foreign transaction fee – 3.25%	2 miles per dollar on SIA and Grab, 1.1 on everything else

In this guide we’ve looked at the best miles credit cards in Singapore. However, bear in mind that there are still usually some fees to consider when using a credit card – such as a cash advance fee which applies on ATM usage, interest or penalty costs to pay as well, depending on card use. We’ll look at each one – and who the card may suit best – next.

1. Citi Premier Miles credit card

💡 Great for: No expiry and no cap on the amount of miles you can earn

⭐ Key features:
Annual or monthly fees	Annual fee – 196.20 SGD
Exchange rates and conversion fees	Network exchange rate Foreign transaction fee – 3.25%
Benefits	1.2 miles per dollar on local spend, 2.2 miles on foreign spend, 2x annual airport lounge access

Pros of Citi Premier Miles	Cons of Citi Premier Miles
✅Good miles earning potential if you spend overseas ✅Get lounge access to make travel more comfortable ✅Welcome gifts may be offered, including bonus miles ✅Mastercard member perks available ✅Low minimum income of 30,000 SGD – 42,000 SGD	❌Annual fee of 196.20 SGD ❌Foreign transaction fee applies when you spend overseas ❌Interest and penalties may apply depending on how you spend

2. HSBC TravelOne credit card

💡 Great for: Relatively low foreign transaction fee, plus 4x annual airport lounge access

⭐ Key features:
Annual or monthly fees	Annual fee – 196.20 SGD
Exchange rates and conversion fees	Network exchange rate Foreign transaction fee – 2.25%
Benefits	1.2 miles per dollar on local spend, 2.4 miles on foreign spend, 4x annual airport lounge access

Pros of HSBC TravelOne	Cons of HSBC TravelOne
✅Earn miles at up to 2.4 miles/SGD spend ✅ID Theft Protection included ✅4x annual lounge access when you fly ✅Some complimentary travel insurance when you chargee travel to your card ✅Relatively low foreign transaction fee at 2.25%	❌65,000 SGD minimum income ❌Annual fee applies ❌Other fees and charges can apply depending on spending type

3. DBS Altitude credit card

💡 Great for: Point and mile earning on spend, plus DBS Payment Plan to spread payment costs over several months

⭐ Key features:
Annual or monthly fees	Annual fee – 196.20 SGD
Exchange rates and conversion fees	Network exchange rate Foreign transaction fee – 3.25%
Benefits	1.2 miles per dollar on local spend, 2.2 miles on foreign spend

Pros of DBS Altitude	Cons of DBS Altitude
✅Higher miles earning on overseas spend ✅DBS points available when you use your card ✅Bonus miles may be released when you pay your annual fee ✅2 free lounge visits at over 1,700 airport lounges annually ✅DBS Digibank access to manage your cards easily	❌Foreign transaction fee of 3.25% when you travel ❌Annual fee applies ❌Minimum income of 15,000 SGD – 45,000 SGD needed

4. UOB PRVI Miles credit card

💡 Great for: Bonus miles when you spend with Agoda and Expedia and 4x annual lounge access

⭐ Key features:
Annual or monthly fees	Annual fee – 261.60 SGD
Exchange rates and conversion fees	Network exchange rate Foreign transaction fee – 3.25%
Benefits	1.4 miles per dollar on local spend, 3 miles on foreign spend, 4x annual lounge access

Pros of UOB PRVI Miles	Cons of UOB PRVI Miles
✅Up to 8x miles when you spend with Agoda and Expedia ✅Lounge access is generous at 4x annually ✅High earning on overseas spending ✅Specific Amex offers available ✅Some complimentary insurance provided	❌High annual fee of 261.60 SGD ❌Income of 15,000 SGD – 40,000 SGD or a collateral deposit needed ❌Interest applies if you don’t repay on full and on time

5. KrisFlyer UOB credit card

💡 Great for: 3 miles per dollar spent with Singapore Airlines, and Fast track KrisFlyer Elite Silver status

⭐ Key features:
Annual or monthly fees	Annual fee – 196.20 SGD Cash advance fee 15 SGD or 8%, whichever is greater
Exchange rates and conversion fees	Network exchange rate Foreign transaction fee – 3.25%
Benefits	3 miles per dollar on SIA, up to 2.4 miles on select categories including dining, 1.2 miles on everything else, Fast track KrisFlyer Elite Silver status

Pros of KrisFlyer UOB	Cons of KrisFlyer UOB
✅Great rewards for bookings with SIA companies ✅Fast track KrisFlyer Elite Silver status ✅Select categories earn extra miles, even when you spend locally ✅Exclusive privileges on Scoot, KrisShop, and Grab ✅Quick way to amass Krisflyer miles for your next flight	❌Foreign transaction fee of 3.25% ❌Annual fees apply ❌Minimum income or deposit amounts apply

6. Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card

💡 Great for: High 3 miles per dollar on select categories of spending, including online shopping

⭐ Key features:
Annual or monthly fees	Annual fee – 196.20 SGD Cash advance fee 15 SGD or 8%, whichever is greater
Exchange rates and conversion fees	Network exchange rate Foreign transaction fee – 3.5%
Benefits	1.2 miles per dollar on local spend, 2 miles on foreign spend, 3 miles on select categories including online shopping, 2x annual lounge access

Pros of Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card	Cons of Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card
✅Extra miles on Transportation, Food deliveries and Online Merchants ✅2 miles per dollar on overseas spend ✅No cap on the earning for most categories ✅2x annual lounge access granted ✅Travel insurance may be included	❌Annual fee of 196.20 SGD ❌Foreign transaction fee may outweigh benefit of extra miles on overseas spend ❌Cash advance fees when you use an ATM

7. HSBC Revolution Credit Card

💡 Great for: No annual fee, with high reward earning opportunities for online spend

⭐ Key features:
Annual or monthly fees	No annual fee
Exchange rates and conversion fees	Network exchange rate Foreign transaction fee – 2.25%
Benefits	4 miles per dollar on online spend, up to 1 reward point per dollar on other spend

Pros of HSBC Revolution Credit Card	Cons of HSBC Revolution Credit Card
✅No annual fee ✅Relatively low foreign transaction fee ✅High rewards on online spending ✅Partner merchant discounts and rewards available ✅No minimum spend to earn points/miles	❌Interest and penalties may apply depending on how you spend ❌Overseas spending costs more than locally ❌Low earning/miles conversion on spend that’s not online

8. Maybank Horizon Visa Signature credit card

💡 Great for: High miles earning when you buy flights with your card

⭐ Key features:
Annual or monthly fees	Annual fee – 196.20 SGD Cash advance fee 15 SGD or 8%, whichever is greater
Exchange rates and conversion fees	Network exchange rate Foreign transaction fee – 3.25%
Benefits	2.8 miles per dollar on foreign and flight spend, 1.2 miles on travel spend, 0.16 miles on other select spend categories, some airport lounge access offered

Pros of Maybank Horizon Visa Signature	Cons of Maybank Horizon Visa Signature
✅2.8 miles per dollar on foreign and flight spend ✅Contnue to earn on select local spending ✅Lounge access offered if you meet eligibility criteria ✅Travel insurance may be included ✅Fuel ciscounts at Caltex Stations	❌Annual fee applies ❌Foreign transactions cost 3.25% more than local ❌Annual income and employment rules apply

9. American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card

💡 Great for: Frequent spenders with SIA and Grab, with higher mile earning rates on these categories

⭐ Key features:
Annual or monthly fees	Annual fee – 179.85 SGD
Exchange rates and conversion fees	Network rate Foreign transaction fee – 3.25%
Benefits	2 miles per dollar on SIA and Grab, 1.1 on everything else

Pros of American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card	Cons of American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card
✅2 miles per dollar on SIA and Grab ✅Continue to earn Krisflyer miles on local spend ✅Refer a friend for bonus miles ✅Krisflyeer and SIA offers and cashback perks ✅Sign up bonus miles for new customers	❌Annual fees are payable ❌Foreign transaction fees apply ❌Amex isn’t as widely accepted globally as some other networks

What makes a credit card “good” for expats?

In this guide we’re focussed on the best miles credit card for expats, as getting a card which has travel benefits is a common choice across people living an international lifestyle. As an expat, having a miles credit card can mean you get discounts on flights, upgrades and other perks, as well as extra travel optimised benefits.

Key features to look for

Choosing the best miles credit card is important, to make sure you don’t incur unnecessary fees or charges when you spend. Here are a few things to think about when you pick the right credit card for your needs:

• Look out for foreign transaction fees – if your card charges a foreign transaction fee you’ll pay an extra percentage every time you transact in a foreign currency. This can push your spending up by about 3% on overseas purchases.
• Choose competitive exchange rates – credit cards usually use the network exchange rate for overseas depending which is a relatively good rate compared to the mid-market rate. However, do watch out for hiked up rates or high exchange fees.
• Get a card with global acceptance – not all card networks are as well accepted as others. Choosing the Visa or Mastercard networks can often mean it’s easier to use your card in some countries compared to Amex for example.
• Look for travel benefits and protections – if you’re an expat and need to travel often look for cards with complimentary insurance, lounge access or travel concierge programs.
• Pick reward programs that suit international lifestyles – many cards offer reward points or cash back on spending, and some have higher rates of earning on travel spend – this can be a big bonus if you travel a lot.
• Select a card with easy online management and customer support – finally make sure you know how to get in touch with your card issuer if you have a problem when you’re overseas. Most cards have 24/7 services online, in app or by phone.

Understanding credit card fees for international spending

If you travel a lot, or spend online in international retailers, you’ll need to think about the way your card charges for foreign currency transactions. Here are a few things to know:

• Foreign transaction fees: Foreign transaction fees are usually a percentage added to the mid-market rate which push up the cost of your overseas spending. This can mean a purchase overseas costs about 3% more than buying in Singapore.
• ATM withdrawal fees abroad: Using your card to get cash from an ATM may incur a cash advance fee – plus instant interest and any foreign transaction fee which applies. This can be very costly in the end.
• Dynamic currency conversion traps: If you’re asked if you’d prefer to spend in SGD when you’re overseas, just say no. Spending in your home currency (so SGD in this case) means the merchant converts your payment for you, with higher fees than your bank or card issuer will. Pay in the currency of the country you’re in, every time, for the best overall cost.
• Annual fees vs. benefits analysis: Finally, make sure you weigh up the cost of annual fees for your credit card against the benefits you expect to receive. Annual fees can be hundreds of dollars so making sure you get value for money is essential.

Pro-tip: Using a multi-currency account to complement credit cards

Using a credit card may not always be the right choice for your needs. An international debit card like the Wise card can be an excellent alternative to credit cards for expats in Singapore.

With your Wise card you can spend globally. When you have sufficient balance in the currency needed, there’s no conversion fee. ATM withdrawal fees may apply. If you don’t have enough of the required currency, the card can manage the conversion for you using the mid-market exchange rate and transparent fees, and no foreign transaction fee added.

The Wise card is a debit card not a credit card which means you will need a balance in your account before you spend. It also means there’s no risk of running into interest or penalty charges, and no need for a credit check when you apply.

Wise debit card benefits

The Wise Multi-Currency Card is not a credit card but can be an attractive option for expats who love these benefits:

• Mid-market exchange rates
• Transparent fees — Wise currency conversion fees start from 0.26% and vary by currency route. See pricing: https://wise.com/sg/pricing
• Hold and manage 40+ currencies and spend in 160+ countries and territories (You can also spend in currencies you don’t hold in your Wise Account)
• Debit card that works globally without foreign transaction fees
• Real-time notifications and spending control

How to choose the right credit card as an expat

Ready to choose the right Singapore miles credit card for your needs? Here are a few things to think about before you submit that application.

Step-by-step selection process

First, a quick look at the steps to take overall when you decide to apply for a credit card in Singapore:

1. Assess your spending patterns – decide if a credit card is really the right option for you, based on how you like to transact
2. Calculate potential fees and savings – weigh up the costs including annual fees and foreign transaction fees against the miles you’ll earn when you spend
3. Evaluate additional benefits needed – some credit cards offer powerful perks like travel insurance, lounge access and additional discounts with partner merchants
4. Check eligibility requirements – finally make sure you’re eligible based on your income, employment status and credit history

Questions to ask before applying

Once you’ve narrowed down your credit card choices in Singapore, consider these questions to help you to decide:

• What are the total costs of international spending?
• Do I qualify based on my credit history?
• What additional benefits do I actually need?

Application tips for expats

• Bear in mind that expat salary requirements are often higher than those for Singapore citizens and PRs
• Eligibility might also depend on your employment status including any workpass you might hold
• Remember to read through the fee schedule carefully before you apply as there may be charges you’re not familiar with

Improving your approval chances

• Check and provide the required documentation – banks might ask for a suite of supporting documents which can depend on your income and employment, so check what’s needed before you apply
• Income verification for expats – you’ll need to show you can pay for the card, by giving proof of income or a collateral deposit. Having this prepared in advance can be helpful
• Address history requirements – some banks may need extensive proof of your address history, such as utility bills or bank statements

Common rejection reasons

If you’ve been rejected for a Singapore credit card, it may be because of one of these common rejection reasons:

• Insufficient Singapore credit history
• Income verification issues
• Address verification problems
• Too many recent applications

You may be able to reach out to the card issuer to ask for more details about the rejection, or talk to bank staff. If you need to build Singapore credit history there are also some key steps to take, which we’ll look at next.

Building credit history as an expat

Building credit history as an expat is important as you may find that without a solid credit score it’s harder to access any sort of financing. The good news is that with careful use credit cards can help build credit. You can apply for a secured or basic credit card and use it responsibly to grow your credit score. By avoiding maxing your card limit monthly, and paying back on time and in full every time, you can see improvements in your credit score. Look out for credit cards in Singapore which allow you to put down a collateral deposit if you don’t have local credit history to rely on.

Managing your credit card abroad

Here are some ideas for managing your Singapore miles credit card abroad to help make sure you make the most of your new card.

Best practices for international spending

Once you have a Singapore credit card you may want to use it when you travel overseas. Don’t forget that there are usually a few common sense steps you’ll need to take before you travel with your credit card:

• Notify your bank of travel plans – check if your bank needs you to tell them of your travel plans to avoid your card being blocked when you use it overseas
• Update your contact details if needed – make sure your bank has the right details for you in case of any issues when you’re away
• Monitor transactions regularly – use your bank’s app to keep on top of your transactions and in case of fraudulent card use
• Choose local currency over home currency when you pay – avoid the extra costs of dynamic conversion by paying in the local currency wherever you are rather than in dollars
• Keep emergency contact numbers handy – know how to call your bank if your card is lost or stolen to avoid adding stress to a difficult situation if you misplace your credit card

Avoiding common pitfalls

Let’s finish up with a few common issues with using a credit card internationally so you can avoid any unnecessary headaches:

• Watch out for ATM fee accumulation: If you’re taking cash from an ATM with your card, the cash advance fees can be high, with interest payable immediately. This can accumulate quickly
• Overspending due to currency confusion: Keep an eye on the currency exchange rate so you’re not caught out by confusion over what a purchase might cost you in dollars when you travel
• Missing payment due dates while traveling: Avoid late payment penalties by paying all your bills on time, even when you’re away from home

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a Singapore credit card as a new expat?

Credit card issuers set their own eligibility criteria which may include a minimum credit score. If you’re a new arrival in Singapore and do not have a local credit history, this may mean your choice of cards is somewhat limited.

If you’re applying as a foreigner you’ll need your passport, employment pass or similar, proof of address and income. You may need to have at least 6 months left on your work pass in order to apply.

What exactly is a foreign transaction fee?

A foreign transaction fee is a percentage charge which is added to the costs of your overall spending. This can run from about 2.5% to 3.5% on all spending in foreign currencies. Providers like Wise do not use a foreign transaction fee, instead charging a small conversion cost based on currency.

How can I minimize costs when spending abroad?

Check your card provider’s foreign transaction fee and exchange rate. Using cards with no FX fees or a multi-currency debit card.

Conclusion

Having a miles credit card as an expat in Singapore can be a helpful tool, both for day to day spending and also to grow your credit score to help you access more financial services in future. However, you’ll need to weigh up the costs and benefits of any cards you consider to make sure you get a good deal in the end. This guide gives you some pointers to think about, and a few cards to compare – but there are many options on the Singapore market which mean you’ll need to do a bit of research yourself too.

This information is for general guidance only. If you’re unsure which financial product is right for you, consider seeking independent financial advice.

Useful Resources

• Wise – manage your money across borders easily
• Citi Premier Miles Credit Card – popular Singapore credit card for miles
• HSBC TravelOne Credit Card – global provider offering miles credit card in Singapore
• DBS Altitude Credit Card – local Singapore bank with various miles credit card options
• UOB PRVI Miles Credit Card – earn miles as you spend with UOB
• KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card – Singapore Krisflyer branded credit card for SIA miles
• Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card – Singapore credit card for miles
• HSBC Revolution Credit Card – no annual fee miles credit card in Singapore
• Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Credit Card – high miles earning card for when you buy flights
• American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card – AMEX card for SIA rewards in particular