Best Credit Cards in Singapore for Travel and Rewards

This post was originally posted on Planner Bee.

What if your daily expenses could help fund your next holiday?

Travel credit cards offer various rewards, such as air miles, hotel points, lounge access, and other travel benefits. You simply earn these by using your card for regular purchases.

With so many choices available, picking the right card can feel like a challenge. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best travel credit cards in Singapore to help you travel more affordably and make the most of your spending.

What to consider when choosing a travel credit card?

Before choosing a travel credit card, keep these important factors in mind:

1. Miles Per Dollar (MPD) earn rate: A higher MPD allows you to earn miles more quickly.
2. Annual fees: Premium cards often offer better benefits but have higher fees.
3. Foreign transaction fees: A card with no foreign transaction fees can save you money when travelling abroad.
4. Redemption flexibility: Look at which airlines or hotel partners allow you to redeem your points.
5. Additional perks: Benefits like lounge access, travel insurance, and hotel discounts can add extra value.

HSBC TravelOne Card

The HSBC TravelOne Card is a good choice for those who want flexibility when they travel.

• Miles per dollar (mpd): 1.2 on local spend, 2.4 on overseas spend
• Foreign currency fee: 3.25%

• Annual fee: S$196.20 (inclusive of GST)

• Minimum income: S$30,000 (Singaporean / PR); S$40,000 (Foreigner)

You’ll get four complimentary airport lounge visits each year, along with travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage.

You can also redeem rewards instantly through the HSBC app with selected airline and hotel partners. This is helpful if you like using your miles quickly.

Tip: Lounge access resets every calendar year. If you apply mid-year, you could get up to 8 visits in your first 12 months.

Citi PremierMiles Card

The Citi PremierMiles Card is a versatile option for frequent travellers who value long-term rewards.

• Miles per dollar (mpd): 1.2 on local spend, 2.2 on overseas spend

• Annual fee: S$196.20 (waived for the first year)

• Minimum income: S$30,000 (Singaporean / PR); S$42,000 (Foreigner)

You’ll receive two complimentary visits each year to Priority Pass lounges worldwide. It’s a simple way to earn miles and enjoy a few travel perks.

Tip: The miles you earn don’t expire, so you can save them up for bigger redemptions later on.

UOB Lady’s Card

While the name suggests it’s made for women, the UOB Lady’s Card is open to everyone. It is ideal if you want to maximise rewards that match your spending categories.

• Miles per dollar (mpd): Up to 6 mpd on one selected category (e.g. fashion, travel, dining) when paired with a UOB Lady’s Savings Account
• Base earn rate: 0.4 mpd on general spend
• Annual fee: S$196.20 (waived for the first year)
• Minimum income: S$30,000 (Singaporean / PR); S$40,000 (Foreigner)

Cardholders can choose one bonus category each quarter to earn higher miles. It’s flexible, so you can change it as your lifestyle changes.

Note: Points earned are valid for 2 years, so it’s important to monitor your balances and redeem them in time to avoid losing out on rewards.

UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card

The UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card is the highest limitless miles card, making it one of the better cards for everyday spending.

• Miles per dollar (mpd): 1.4 on local spend, 2.4 overseas, and 3.0 in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam

• Annual fee: S$261.60 (waived for the first year)

• Minimum income: S$30,000 (Singaporean / PR); S$40,000 (Foreigner)

You can earn up to 8 mpd when booking through selected travel platforms like Agoda and Expedia. The card also includes personal accident insurance and emergency medical support while travelling.

Note: You’ll need to activate the complimentary travel insurance at least five working days before your trip.

Standard Chartered Journey Card

The Standard Chartered Journey Card appeals to travellers who want solid rewards on everyday spend and occasional bonus offers.

• Miles per dollar (mpd): 1.4 on local spend, 2.4 on overseas spend

• Annual fee: S$256.80 (waived for the first year)

• Minimum income: S$30,000 (Singaporean / PR); S$40,000 (Foreigner)

You’ll get complimentary travel insurance and access to a wide range of airline partners for redeeming your miles. From time to time, the card also features limited-time promotions, such as bonus miles or higher earn rates for overseas spend.

DBS Woman’s World Card

The DBS Woman’s World Card is a strong choice for online shoppers and frequent travellers who want to earn accelerated miles on digital purchases.

• Miles per dollar (mpd): 4 on online spend (capped at S$1,500 per month), 0.4 on other spend
• Annual fee: S$163.50 (waived for the first year)
• Minimum income: S$80,000 (Singaporean / PR & Foreigner)

The card offers one of the best rates for online purchases, including travel bookings and retail sites. Although it’s called the Woman’s World Card, it’s open to all. Pairing this with a general miles card can help you earn more across different spending categories.

American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card

Designed for loyal Singapore Airlines passengers, the Amex Ascend card offers KrisFlyer miles on eligible Singapore Airlines, Scoot flight bookings, and KrisShop purchases.

• Miles per dollar (mpd): 1.2 on local spend, 2.0 on Singapore Airlines, Scoot, and KrisShop
• Annual fee: S$ 397.85
• Minimum income: S$50,000 (Singaporean / PR); S$60,000 (Foreigner)

Cardholders get a faster path to KrisFlyer Elite Gold status, which comes with lounge access, extra baggage, and priority services. It’s a solid choice for those who fly often with Singapore Airlines and want added travel perks.

Citi Rewards Card + Amaze

Pairing the Citi Rewards Card with the Instarem Amaze Card is a smart way to earn more miles on almost every purchase, both locally and overseas.

• Miles per dollar (mpd): 4 on online and contactless spend via Amaze (capped at S$1,000 / month), 0.4 on spend beyond that
• Annual fee: S$194.40 (waived for the first year)
• Minimum income: S$30,000 (Singaporean / PR); S$42,000 (Foreigner)

By linking it to the Amaze Card, Citi Rewards earns 4 mpd on most daily expenses, including those made overseas. Additionally, it waives the typical foreign currency fee, offering greater value for travellers.

Read more: 7 Ways To Improve Your Credit Score

Summary of the best travel credit cards by spending needs

Common pitfalls to avoid when using travel credit cards

1. Not redeeming miles on time: Some credit cards have an expiry date for miles, so make sure to redeem them before they expire.
2. Ignoring foreign transaction fees: High foreign transaction fees can add up quickly, making your travel spending more expensive than expected.
3. Overspending for rewards: Don’t spend more than you can afford just to earn miles. The interest charges can often outweigh the rewards.

Closing note

Choosing the right travel credit card is about more than just high earn rates or flashy perks. It should match your spending habits, travel frequency, and the benefits you value most, such as lounge access, insurance, or flexible redemptions.

Consider where and how you spend, what fees you’re comfortable with, and how easily you can redeem your miles. Some cards work best with specific spending patterns, while others offer steady rewards with minimal effort.

A well-matched card can elevate your travel experience and turn everyday purchases into meaningful rewards. Take the time to compare and pick one that truly fits your lifestyle.