If cashback is your thing: If you are able to maintain $500 spending every month, you can consider UOB ONE card to get the $50 cashback every quarter. On top of that, you can get additional cashbank when you spend on Shopee/Mcdonalds/Guardian, etc. If not, consider Citi Bank Cashback (1.6%) or MariBank credit card (1.7%), no min spending required.

Congratulations on tracking your spending habits! This proactive approach is crucial as you transition from university to professional life. Your commitment to financial analysis demonstrates the exact mindset needed when considering your first credit card.

Let's address some common misconceptions:

1. "Significant spending is necessary for credit card benefits." False. With the right card, even modest spending can yield substantial rewards.
2. "Including family members' expenses is dishonest." Actually, many banks offer supplementary cards for family members, which can be a smart strategy when used responsibly.
3. "All cashback offers are equal." Incorrect. Cards offer varying cashback rates for different categories, making it essential to match the card to your spending patterns.

Based on your expenditure details, here are my recommendations:

1. DBS Live Fresh Card:

• 5% cashback on online purchases (great for Shopee/Taobao)
• 5% on contactless payments (ideal for Apple Pay)
• $600 minimum monthly spend for cashback

2. OCBC Frank Card:

• 6% cashback on online spending
• 3% on mobile payments (suitable for Apple Pay)
• Lower $400 minimum monthly spend

Optimization Strategy:

1. Consolidate spending:

• Use the card for all listed expenses ($520/month)
• Include your father's NTUC groceries and transport to meet minimum spend
• Consider adding family phone bills for extra cashback

2. Maximize rewards:

• Time large purchases with promotional cashback offers
• Use the card for fee-free bill payments (e.g., Spotify, Netflix)

3. Build credit responsibly:

• Set up automatic GIRO payments for full monthly settlement
• Keep credit utilization below 30% of your limit

4. Monitor and adjust:

• Use apps like Seedly to categorize expenses
• Review rewards monthly and adjust strategy as needed

Remember, the goal isn't just rewards – it's building a solid financial foundation. A well-managed credit card can lead to better loan rates for future investments like your first home.

For more insights on navigating financial milestones, from CPF optimization to property planning, follow me on Instagram @ngooooied. I regularly share practical advice tailored for young Singaporean professionals.

Here's to making smart financial moves as you start your career. You've got this!