This July, sign up for a credit card and you could walk away with welcome gifts like:
- Up to $550 cash with $500 minimum spend (plus a chance to win $10,000!)
- Up to 142,500 Membership Rewards® points (enough to redeem to a Return Trip to London on Singapore Airlines)
- A chance to win a Paris getaway for 2 (including flights, hotels and iconic experiences)
Clearly, we’re spoilt for choice—banks in Singapore are competing so hard for new credit card customers that they are practically raining Apple products, Nintendo Switches, ergonomic chairs, and other freebies on us. Even if you don’t see any item you want, some welcome gifts are just straight up cold, hard cash!
But which are the best credit card promotions in Singapore? Here are our top picks from Citibank, Standard Chartered, UOB, DBS, and more.
Best Credit Card Promotions in Singapore (Jul 2025)
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- An overview
- Citibank credit card promotions
- Standard Chartered credit card promotions
- CIMB credit card promotions
- UOB credit card promotions
- HSBC credit card promotions
- AMEX credit card promotions
- DBS credit card promotions
- POSB credit card promotions
- Maybank credit card promotions
- OCBC credit card promotions
- Credit card promotions—is there a catch?
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An overview: Best credit card promotions in Singapore (Jul 2025)
Credit card | Credit card promotion | Minimum spend | Promotion valid until |
Citi Cash Back+ Mastercard, Citi Cash Back Card, Citi Rewards Card, Citi M1 Credit Card, Citi PremierMiles Card | Your choice of gift: – 5,040 SmartPoints – $400 cash via PayNow Redeem your SmartPoints for any gift on our Rewards Store. Plus, get an extra $50 cash when you spend monthly on your card for 3 months. |
$500 (within 30 days) | 7 Jul 2025 |
Citi SMRT Card | Your choice of gift: – 7,000 SmartPoints – Up to $550 cash via PayNow Plus, a chance to win a $10,000 grand prize. |
$500 (within 30 days) | 7 Jul 2025 |
Citi PremierMiles Card + Citi Wealth First Account | Your choice of gift: – 7,000 SmartPoints – $500 cash |
– $500 spend within 30 days – Start a Citigold relationship, join as an AI, make a $300,000 deposit within 3 months |
31 Jul 2025 |
Standard Chartered Simply Cash Credit Card ☆ | Your choice of gift: – $350 cash via PayNow – 4,000 SmartPoints Redeem your SmartPoints for any gift on our Rewards Store. |
$800 (within 30 days) | 7 Jul 2025 |
Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card ☆ | Your choice of gift: – $230 cash via PayNow – 2,990 SmartPoints Redeem your SmartPoints for any gift on our Rewards Store. |
$800 (within 30 days) | 7 Jul 2025 |
Standard Chartered Rewards+ Credit Card ☆ | |||
Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card ☆ | – $180 cash via PayNow – 5GB Eskimo Global eSIM (worth US$25) – Up to 30,000 miles (with payment of annual fee) or 20,000 miles (annual fee waived) |
$800 (within 60 days) | 7 Jul 2025 |
Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card ☆ | – $250 cash via PayNow or 3,000 SmartPoints – 50,000 miles |
– Pay your income tax with the card, and spend $2,000 in eligible transactions within 60 days. – Spend $2,000 in 60 days and pay annual fee |
7 Jul 2025 |
CIMB World Mastercard | – $50 cash – Up to $188 cashback |
– $108 spend within 30 days – $988 spend within 60 days |
31 Jul 2025 |
CIMB Visa Signature | |||
CIMB Visa Infinite | |||
UOB One Card | $350 cash credit from UOB | $1,000 spend/month for 2 consecutive months (first 200 new-to-UOB credit card customers) | 31 Jul 2025 |
UOB Absolute Cashback Card | 10% cashback (capped at $250) during card approval calendar month and the following calendar month | – | 31 Jul 2025 |
UOB EVOL Credit Card | Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen | Spend $800/month for the first 2 consecutive months (first 60 new-to-UOB credit card customers) | 31 Jul 2025 |
UOB One Card, UOB Absolute Cashback Card, UOB Lady’s Card, UOB PRVI Miles Credit Card (MASTERCARD / VISA / American Express) | SG60 promotion: – $60 cash – One lucky winner will win $6,000 cash – 60 consolation winners get $100 cash |
$500 (within 30 days) | – |
HSBC Advance Credit Card | Your choice of gift: – $370 cash via PayNow – 5,000 SmartPoints Redeem your SmartPoints for any gift on our Rewards Store. |
$500 spend from Card Account Opening Date to end of the following month + provide marketing consent | 7 Jul 2025 |
HSBC Live+ Card | |||
HSBC Revolution Credit Card | |||
HSBC TravelOne Card | Your choice of gift: – $370 cash via PayNow or 5,000 SmartPoints Redeem your SmartPoints for any gift on our Rewards Store. |
$500 spend from Card Account Opening Date to end of the following month + provide marketing consent | 7 Jul 2025 |
American Express True Cashback Card | $120 eCapitaVouchers or Apple AirPods 4 (worth $199) | $500 spend within 30 days | 30 Jul 2025 |
American Express Platinum Credit Card | $200 Statement Credits (new customers) / $150 Statement Credits (existing customers) | $1,000 spend and annual fee payment within 2 months | 30 Jul 2025 |
American Express The Platinum Card | 95,000 Membership Rewards® points |
$4,000 minimum spend and annual fee payment within 2 months | 30 Jul 2025 |
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card | 40,000 KrisFlyer miles (new cardmembers) / 30,000 KrisFlyer miles (existing cardmembers) | $2,000 spend and annual fee payment within 3 months | 30 Jul 2025 |
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card | Up to 17,000 KrisFlyer miles | $1,000 spend within 2 months | 30 Jul 2025 |
The American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card | Up to 54,000 HighFlyer points | $3,000 spend and annual fee payment within 2 months | 30 Jul 2025 |
DBS yuu Visa Card / DBS yuu American Express Card | $300 cashback + $80 Esso fuel discount voucher | $800 spend within 60 days | 31 Oct 2025 |
DBS Live Fresh Card | $300 cashback | $800 spend within 60 days | 31 Oct 2025 |
DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card | Up to 38,000 miles | $800 spend and payment of annual fee within 60 days | 31 Aug 2025 |
DBS Altitude American Express Card | Up to 38,000 miles | ||
DBS Takashimaya American Express Card | $180 cashback | $300 spend within Takashimaya within first month from card approval date. | 31 Aug 2025 |
POSB Everyday Card | $300 cashback | $800 spend within 60 days | 31 Jul 2025 |
OCBC INFINITY Cashback Card | 1,960 SmartPoints or $150 Cash via PayNow | Apply and charge at least 1 qualifying transaction within 30 days. | 3 Jul 2025 |
OCBC Rewards Credit Card | |||
OCBC 365 Credit Card | |||
90°N Card / 90°N Visa Card |
☆ Standard Chartered Pinball Sure Win Promotion
From now till 31 Jul 2025, sign up for selected Standard Chartered credit cards to win 1 turn in the SC Pinball Sure Win Promotion. You’ll stand a chance to win prizes like a Paris Getaway for Two (flights, hotels and iconic experiences), Samsonite luggage, FairPrice/ Klook vouchers, and more. T&Cs apply.
1. Citibank credit card promotion
Looking to sign up for a new Citibank credit card? You’re in luck. Citibank credit card welcome gifts are looking very attractive right now.
Among the Citi credit cards on promotion, my top pick this month is the Citi SMRT Card. Don’t judge it by its name. This card is one of Singapore’s underrated cashback cards with 5% cashback on groceries, transport and online spend. The kicker? This month, apply for the Citi SMRT Card and get up to $550 cash, plus a chance to win $10,000!
If you are a miles chaser, another top pick is the Citi PremierMiles Card. This card lets you earn Citi Miles that never expire.
Here’s a summary of all the Citibank credit cards with ongoing promotions:
Citibank credit card | Key features | Promotion | Valid until |
Citi Cash Back+ Mastercard | 1.6% cashback that never expires. No minimum spend required and no cap on cashback | Your choice of gift: – 5,040 SmartPoints – $400 cash via PayNow Spend criteria: Spend a minimum of $500 within 30 days from card approval date. Plus get an extra $50 cash when you spend monthly on your card for 3 months. |
7 Jul 2025 |
Citi Cash Back Card | 6% cashback on dining, 8% cashback on groceries and petrol | ||
Citi Rewards Card | 10X Rewards on online purchases, ride-hailing and shopping |
Your choice of gift: – 5,040 SmartPoints OR – $400 cash via PayNow Spend criteria: Spend a minimum of $500 within 30 days from card approval date. Plus get an extra $50 cash when you spend monthly on your card for 3 months. |
7 Jul 2025 |
Citi PremierMiles Card | $1 = 1.2 Citi Miles on Local spend and 2 Citi Miles on Foreign currency spend. Citi Miles never expire |
Your choice of gift: – 5,040 SmartPoints OR – $400 cash via PayNow Spend criteria: Spend a minimum of $500 within 30 days from card approval date. Plus get an extra $50 cash when you spend monthly on your card for 3 months. |
7 Jul 2025 |
Citi PremierMiles Card + Citi Wealth First Account | – $1 = 1.2 Citi Miles on Local spend and 2 Citi Miles on Foreign currency spend. –Up to 7.51% Interest on your Citi Wealth First Account |
Your choice of gift: – $500 cash – 7,000 SmartPoints Criteria: – Spend a minimum of $500 within 30 days from card approval date. – Start a Citigold relationship and join as an AI, make a $300,000 deposit within 3 months of account opening and maintain the funds until gift fulfilment. |
31 Jul 2025 |
Citi SMRT Card | 5% savings on Online Purchases, Groceries, Taxi, Ride-hailing & Public Transport |
Your choice of gift: – 7,000 SmartPoints – $450 cash via PayNow Spend criteria: Spend a minimum of $500 within 30 days from card approval date. Plus, get an extra $50 cash when you answer our trivia question correctly, and bonus $50 cash when you spend monthly on your card for 3 months. Lucky draw: One lucky winner will win our $10,000 grand prize! |
7 Jul 2025 |
Citi M1 Credit Card | Up to 10% rebate on recurring M1 bills, 10% off device accessories at M1 shops | Your choice of gift: – 5,040 SmartPoints – $400 cash via PayNow Spend criteria: Spend a minimum of $500 within 30 days from card approval date. Plus get an extra $50 cash when you spend monthly on your card for 3 months. |
7 Jul 2025 |
2. Standard Chartered credit card promotions
This month, it’s tough to pick the best Standard Chartered credit card promotion. However, the unlimited cashback Standard Chartered Simply Cash Credit Card promotion comes up top in terms of cash value with $350 cash or 4,000 SmartPoints. Plus, get 2% unlimited cashback on it from now till 31 Oct 2025 when you spend $800 a month.
This month, you can also get $230 cash via PayNow or 2,990 SmartPoints when you apply for the Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card or Standard Chartered Rewards+ Credit Card.
Here’s a summary of all Standard Chartered credit card promotions this month:
Standard Chartered credit card | Key features | Promotion | Valid until |
Standard Chartered Simply Cash Credit Card | – [MoneySmart exclusive] 2% unlimited cashback for transactions charged after the first $800 spend – 1.5% unlimited cashback with no minimum spend on spends below $800 |
Your choice of gift: – $350 Cash via PayNow – 4,000 SmartPoints Redeem your SmartPoints for any gift on our Rewards Store. Spend criteria: Spend a minimum of $800 in eligible transactions within 30 days of credit card approval. |
7 Jul 2025 |
Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card | Up to 10% cashback on digital subscriptions, at fast food outlets and daily commutes (minimum $1,500 monthly spend) | Your choice of gift: – $230 cash via PayNow – 2,990 SmartPoints Redeem your SmartPoints for any gift on our Rewards Store. Spend criteria: Spend a minimum of $800 in eligible transactions within 30 days of credit card approval. |
7 Jul 2025 |
Standard Chartered Rewards+ Credit Card | 10X Rewards Points per S$1 spent in foreign currency, 5X Rewards Points per S$1 local dining spend | ||
Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card | 3 miles per S$1 spent on online Transportation, Food Delivery & Online Grocery transactions | – $180 cash via PayNow – 5GB Eskimo Global eSIM (worth US$25) – Up to 30,000 miles with payment of annual fee / 20,000 miles with annual fee waived when you spend $800 within 60 days. |
7 Jul 2025 |
Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card | 3 miles per S$1 overseas spend; 1.4 miles per S$1 local spend | Your choice of gift: – $250 cash via PayNow OR – 3,000 SmartPoints Plus 50,000 miles from Standard Chartered When you apply, pay your income tax with the card, and spend $2,000 in eligible transactions within 60 days. |
7 Jul 2025 |
From now till 31 Jul 2025, sign up for selected Standard Chartered credit cards to win 1 turn in the SC Pinball Sure Win Promotion. You’ll stand a chance to win prizes like a Paris Getaway for Two (flights, hotels and iconic experiences), Samsonite luggage, FairPrice/ Klook vouchers, and more. The best part? This giveaway runs on top of your welcome gifts in the table above.
3. CIMB credit card promotion
There are 3 credit cards with an ongoing promotion to get $188 cashback for those new to CIMB credit cards.
The most accessible CIMB credit card is the CIMB World Mastercard, which has a $0 minimum spend per month. Note, however, that you’ll need to hit $1,000 spend a month to enjoy the card’s higher 2% unlimited cashback rate.
Here are all the CIMB credit card promotions:
CIMB credit card | Key feature(s) | Promotion | Valid until |
CIMB World Mastercard | 2% unlimited cashback on Wine & Dine, Online Food Delivery, Movies & Digital Entertainment, Taxi & Automobile, Luxury Goods. No annual fees for life. | $50 cash with $108 spend within 30 days + $188 cashback with $988 spend within 60 days OR $88 cashback with $108 spend within 30 days |
31 Jul 2025 |
CIMB Visa Signature | 10% cashback on Beauty & Wellness, Online Shopping, Groceries and more, capped at S$100 per month and up to S$20 per category. Minimum spend $800. | ||
CIMB Visa Infinite | 2% unlimited cashback on Travel, Overseas, Online Spend in Foreign Currencies with $2,000 minimum monthly spend. |
4. UOB credit card promotions
Right now, several UOB credit cards have a special SG60 promotion: get $60 cash guaranteed when you spend $500 within 30 days! Plus, one lucky winner will clinch $6,000 cash in our grand draw, and 60 consolation winners get $100 cash. The applicable credit cards are:
- UOB One Credit Card
- UOB Absolute Cashback Card
- UOB Lady’s Card
- UOB PRVI American Express Miles Card
- UOB PRVI MASTERCARD Miles Card
- UOB PRVI VISA Miles Card
On top of this SG60 promotion, these UOB credit cards come with the following welcome rewards this July:
UOB credit card | Key features | Promotion | Valid until |
UOB One Card | Up to 10% rebate on McDonald’s, DFI Retail Group, Grab, Shopee, SP and more | $350 Cash Credit from UOB (with $1,000 spend per month for 2 consecutive months (first 200 new-to-UOB credit card customers) | 31 Jul 2025 |
UOB Absolute Cashback Card | 1.7% limitless cashback with no minimum spend | Enjoy 10% cashback (capped at $250) during your card approval calendar month and the following calendar month | 31 Jul 2025 |
UOB EVOL Credit Card | 10% cashback on Online, Mobile Contactless, Overseas in-store FX spend | Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen for the first 60 new-to-UOB credit card customers who – Successfully apply for a new UOB EVOL Card – Register via SMS for the promotion – Are the fastest to spend a minimum of $800 per month for the first 2 consecutive months Plus, enjoy 1% cashback on all overseas FX spend till 31 Dec 2025 |
31 Jul 2025 |
5. HSBC credit card promotions
The HSBC credit card line-up gained an exciting new lifestyle card last year—the HSBC Live+ Credit Card. Although the card’s generous 8% cashback on dining, shopping and entertainment was supposed to end on 31 Dec 2024, it’s since been (sort of) extended. If you sign up for the card from now till 30 Sep 2025, you get to enjoy a total of 8% cashback at selected dining, shopping and/or entertainment merchants for the first 2 calendar quarters from your card issue date.
Coupled with the welcome gifts it comes with, the HSBC Live+ is one attractive card.
HSBC credit card | Key feature(s) | Promotion | Valid until |
HSBC Advance Credit Card | 1.5% cashback on local and overseas purchases with no minimum spend | Your choice of gift: – 5,000 SmartPoints, which you can use to redeem any gift from our Rewards Store OR – $370 cash via PayNow Qualifying criteria: Spend $500 from Card Account Opening Date to the end of the following month and provide marketing consent in the application form. |
7 Jul 2025 |
HSBC Live+ Card | Up to 8% cashback on dining, shopping and entertainment; 5% cashback on petrol | Your choice of gift: – 5,000 SmartPoints, which you can use to redeem any gift from our Rewards Store OR – $370 cash via PayNow Qualifying criteria: Spend $500 from Card Account Opening Date to the end of the following month and provide marketing consent in the application form. |
7 Jul 2025 |
HSBC Revolution Credit Card | S$1 = 10X Points on Online Spend on Travel, Shopping & Dining | Your choice of gift: – 5,000 SmartPoints, which you can use to redeem any gift from our Rewards Store OR – $370 cash via PayNow Qualifying criteria: Spend $500 from Card Account Opening Date to the end of the following month and provide marketing consent in the application form. |
7 Jul 2025 |
HSBC TravelOne Card | S$1 local spend = 1.2 miles; S$1 on foreign spend = 2.4 miles | Your choice of gift: – 5,000 SmartPoints, which you can use to redeem any gift from our Rewards Store OR – $370 cash via PayNow Qualifying criteria: Spend $500 from Card Account Opening Date to the end of the following month and provide marketing consent in the application form. |
7 Jul 2025 |
There’s no current promotion for the HSBC Visa Infinite Credit Card.
6. AMEX credit card promotions
This month, the juiciest Amex welcome promotion is the 160,000 Membership Rewards® points (equivalent to 100,000 Air Miles) you’ll earn with the American Express The Platinum Card.
You’ll need to spend $8,000 within the first 6 months from card approval, which will also earn you 10,000 Membership Rewards® points.
Here are all the American Express credit card promotions this month:
American Express credit card | Key feature(s) | Promotion | Valid until |
American Express True Cashback Card | 3% cashback on up to $5,000 spend in the first 6 months | $120 eCapitaVouchers or Apple AirPods 4 (worth $199) Spend criteria: Spend $500 within 30 days |
30 Jul 2025 |
American Express Platinum Credit Card | $1.60 spend = 10 Points at participating Platinum 10Xcelerator Partners / 2X Points on all other spend | $200 Statement Credits (new customers) / $150 Statement Credits (existing customers) with $1,000 spend and annual fee payment within 2 months of card approval. Plus, get up to $200 back when you spend at participating lifestyle brands. |
30 Jul 2025 |
American Express The Platinum Card | $1.60 spend = 2 Membership Rewards / 20 Membership Rewards points on 10Xcelerator spending | Up to 95,000 Membership Rewards® points Spend criteria: $4,000 minimum spend and annual fee payment within 2 months of card approval Plus, get an extra 10 Membership Rewards® points on top of the 2 Membership Rewards® points you earn on your Card if you spend in foreign currency for first 6 months (capped at S$1,000 spend per month). |
30 Jul 2025 |
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card | $1 local spend = 1.2 KrisFlyer miles; S$1 spend on Grab = 3.2 KrisFlyer miles | 40,000 KrisFlyer miles (new cardmembers) / 30,000 KrisFlyer miles (existing cardmembers) with $2,000 spend and annual fee payment within 3 months of card approval. | 30 Jul 2025 |
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card | $1 local spend = 1.1 KrisFlyer miles; S$1 spend on Grab = 3.1 KrisFlyer miles | Up to 17,000 KrisFlyer miles (new cardmembers) with a minimum spend of $1,000 within first 2 months of card approval. | 30 Jul 2025 |
The American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card | Up to 8 HighFlyer Points per S$1 spent on eligible Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights | Up to 54,000 HighFlyer points with $3,000 spend and annual fee payment within 2 months of card approval. | 30 Jul 2025 |
7. DBS credit card promotions
The juiciest DBS credit card sign-up promotion this month belongs to the DBS yuu Card—get up to $380 cash rewards, comprising $300 cashback and $80 Esso fuel discount Voucher:
Here’s the full list of ongoing DBS credit card promotions:
DBS credit card | Key feature(s) | Promotion | Expiry |
DBS yuu Visa Card | 5% cash rebate / 2.8 mpd with no minimum spend, or up to 18% cash rebates or 10 mpd with $600 monthly spend | $300 cashback (new cardmembers) + $80 Esso Fuel Discount Voucher (apply with code YUU380) with $800 minimum spend within 60 days. | 31 Oct 2025 |
DBS yuu American Express Card | $300 cashback (new cardmembers) + $80 Esso Fuel Discount Voucher (apply with code YUU380) with $800 minimum spend within 60 days. |
31 Oct 2025 | |
DBS Live Fresh Card | Up to 6% cashback on shopping and transport spend with $800 minimum monthly spend | $300 cashback (new cardmembers) with $800 minimum spend within 60 days. | 31 Jul 2025 |
DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card | $1 spend on Agoda = Up to 4.3 miles in the form of DBS Points that never expire | Up to 38,000 miles with $800 spend and payment of annual fee within 60 days | 31 Aug 2025 |
DBS Altitude American Express Card | Up to 38,000 miles with $800 spend and payment of annual fee within 60 days | 31 Aug 2025 | |
DBS Takashimaya American Express Card | 2 Taka Bonus Points for every S$10 spend at Takashimaya, 10% additional discount during Takashimaya sales events | $180 cashback with $300 minimum spend within Takashimaya within first month from card approval date. | 31 Aug 2025 |
These other DBS credit cards do not have ongoing sign-up promotions:
- DBS Vantage Visa Infinite Card
- SAFRA DBS Card
- DBS Live Fresh Student Card
- DBS Woman’s Card
- DBS Woman’s World Card
- DBS Esso Card
A word on the DBS Woman’s and Woman’s World Card: Don’t be fooled by the name. You can apply for these cards no matter your gender.
8. POSB Credit Card Promotion
The POSB Everyday Card is a straightforward cash rebates card with (strictly speaking) no minimum spend; certain bonus reward categories require you to spend above $800/month.
As the name suggests, you can apply for the POSB Everyday Card to make the most out of your day-to-day spending. The latest POSB Everyday Card promotion is as fuss-free as the card—$300 cashback when you apply and spend $800 within 60 days.
9. Maybank credit card promotions
While Maybank credit cards aren’t currently offering welcome gifts, they’re still worth checking out.
My top pick is the Maybank Family & Friends Card, a cashback card that offers up to 8% cashback on 5 cashback categories of your choice, plus up to 8% cashback on on Malaysian Ringgit and Indonesia Rupiah spend.
Read our review of the Maybank Family & Friends Card for more details, and check out more Maybank credit cards using our credit card comparison tool.
10. OCBC credit card promotions
This month, OCBC credit cards come with goodies such as 1,960 SmartPoints or $150 cash. Don’t know which card to choose? We got you. For the foodies, the OCBC 365 Credit Card earns you 5% cashback on everyday dining with a minimum monthly spend of $800.
For a card that earns rebates you on a wider range of spend categories, consider the OCBC Rewards Credit Card for up to 4 miles per dollar at selected retailers. Psst, this card is also a good choice to pair with the Amaze Card!
OCBC credit card | Key feature(s) | Promotion | Expiry |
OCBC INFINITY Cashback Card | 1.6% in unlimited cashback with no minimum spend | 1,960 SmartPoints or $150 Cash when you apply and charge at least 1 qualifying transaction within 30 days. | 3 Jul 2025 |
OCBC Rewards Credit Card | S$1 = 10 OCBC$ (equivalent to 4 Miles per S$1) on eligible local and overseas spend | ||
OCBC 365 Credit Card | 5% cashback on everyday dining, 6% cashback on fuel, 3% cashback on groceries, land transport, online travel, recurring telco and electricity bills | ||
90°N Card / 90°N Visa Card | S$1 = Up to 7 Miles on Agoda accommodation S$1 foreign spend = 2.1 Miles S$1 local spend = 1.3 Miles |
Credit card promotions—is there a catch?
With free AirPods Pro, ergonomic standing desks and thousands of miles raining down on us, you might be wondering: Is there a catch to all these freebies?
Truth is, there is one drawback to signing up for credit card promotions: You won’t be eligible for more freebies in the future. Well, at least for a year. Here’s how it works:
Banks and comparison sites like MoneySmart usually offer the best giveaways for new sign ups. Usually this is defined as people who either:
- Have never ever owned a credit card from that bank, OR
- Cancelled their card at least 12 months ago
If you’re thinking of gaming the system by cancelling your card and re-applying, tough luck!
Another thing to note is that you must hit the minimum spend to get your reward. If you’re really lucky, you’ll get your shiny new iPad or cashback immediately upon card approval. However, most banks require you to spend a minimum sum (say, $1,000 in the first month) and sometimes even fork out the first year’s annual credit card fee (goodbye, fee waiver!). After all that, banks will make you wait a few months before you can even smell the freebie.
So what’s the lesson here? Read the T&Cs carefully, and only sign up when you’re confident you can hit the minimum spend.
Psst, we also review credit card promos in Hong Kong! Check out our guide to the Best HK Credit Card Welcome Offers.
Read more about the best air miles, cashback, and rewards credit cards! Plus, learn the differences between air miles vs cashback vs rewards credit cards.
About the author
Vanessa Nah likes her finance articles the way she likes her sitcoms—light-hearted, entertaining, and leaving people knowing a little more about life. She believes money—like life—should be made simple. Outside of work, you’ll find Vanessa attending dance classes, fingerpicking a guitar, and fulfilling her life mission to make her one-eyed cat the most spoiled kitty in the world.
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