best travel credit card in singapore

Best Credit Cards For Travel & Overseas Spending 2024

Before you go on your vacations or business trips, there are some things you’ll probably have in mind to bring along, and your go-to travel credit cards are definitely one of the best things that you’ll need.

If you’re just starting to look around for better travel credit cards, you may find MoneySmart's credit card page helpful for you to compare different credit cards in terms of free flights, hotel stays, dining rewards, cashback, lowest fees, frequent flyer programme benefits, and more. This guide includes the best travel credit cards you can get in Singapore, plus some useful tips on how to maximise them so you can pick a suitable card for your travel needs.

Best Credit Cards For Overseas Spending

How To Maximise Your Travel Credit Cards

Tip #1: get cards that offer travel perks fast.

Depending on your spending habits, if you’re one who prefers air miles or rewards points for you to convert to air miles or other travel-related discount vouchers, picking an air miles card that offers you a generous amount of air miles for signing up is the fastest way to get the best benefits out of your card.

Travel credit cards which offer higher bonus air miles include Citi PremierMiles, DBS Altitude Card, and Amex KrisFlyer Ascend which gives you up to 45,000 miles, 38,000 miles and 21,000 miles respectively, each with a different minimum spend requirement.

Tip #2: Use a combination of credit cards for different travel benefits

Different cards offer different advantages, i.e. some will offer you bonus air miles upon your annual fee payment like Standard Chartered Visa Infinite X Card (30,000 miles upon annual fee payment), while others offer attractive cashback that is great for cruise vacations and family spending overseas or reward points to redeem shopping vouchers.

In order to maximise your credit card rewards, cashback or air miles, tap on multiple credit cards with each card specialising in a particular spending type or card feature that best suits your travel needs.

Tip #3: Picking cards with flexible rewards

Flexible rewards points programs give you a wider range of options such as redeeming points for a variety of gift cards, cash back and even airfares, hotels, cruises and car rentals.

Depending on the type of rewards points program and credit card you get, this can be a reasonable option to get more rewards from your credit cards. Usually these flexible rewards points programs are more beneficial for those who fly often for business trips and value the international business class cabins on flights or stay in budget and/or luxury hotel suites overseas.

3 Need-To-Knows About Cards For Overseas Spending:

Using your air miles credit card or cashback credit card or rewards points credit card to convert your points to air miles also means that you’ll have to pay for certain fees in exchange for all these benefits. Here are a few things to consider as you leverage on the rewards from your travel credit card for overseas spending .

• Choose flexible rewards whenever possible

Flexible rewards points like those offered by Standard Chartered Rewards+ Credit Card, OCBC 90°N Card and UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card are transferable to a variety of different airline and hotel loyalty programs while others which are more brand-specific like American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card and KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card only gives you the option to redeem them for a specific airline, which is Singapore Airlines in this case.

• Waiver of annual fees or foreign transaction fees or other conversion fees

It’s good to know which cards offer what types of fee waivers so that it’s more worthwhile to use it to gain cashback and other perks. Cards like UOB PRVI VISA Miles Card and DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card offer 1 year of fee waiver, while cards like Maybank World Mastercard will have your conversion fee waived for each conversion of points to frequent flyer miles. Others like American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card do not offer any annual fee waivers.

• Split spending over multiple cards

By using platforms like CardUp to split your overseas spending, it can actually help you to maximise your benefits so that you can gain reward points, cash rebates and air miles at the same time while using all of your cards.

Standard Chartered Rewards+ Card

CIMB VISA Signature Card

HSBC Visa Infinite Credit Card

Citi PremierMiles Card

This card is great if you travel often and spend overseas as it gives you priority pass lounge access in airports, travel insurance, online booking promotions and even miles that do not expire. The miles earn rate for this card is 2 miles for every $1 spent on foreign currency spending and 1.2 miles for every $1 spent locally.

Moreover, with Citi PayAll, you can earn and accumulate Citi air miles, Citi ThankYou PointsSM or Cash Back quickly when you use your Citi PremierMiles card to pay for your big-ticket bills such as rent, insurance premiums, education expenses, taxes, utilities and more.

Standard Chartered Journey Card

If you’re looking for a generous welcome bonus air miles, Standard Chartered’s Journey Card offers 45,000 miles upon sign-up as a new primary cardholder and meet the required minimum spending. To qualify for the 45,000 air miles, you’ll have to spend $5,000 within 30 days of card approval, transact $5,000 worth of spending on overseas transactions, and pay the annual fee.

This card lets you earn 3 miles for every S$1 spent on various categories including transportation, food delivery and online grocery merchants. Moreover, you can enjoy 2 complimentary visits to Priority Pass lounges around the world each year, complimentary travel insurance coverage of up to S$500,000, and more.

HSBC TravelOne Card

The welcome bonus of 20,000 air miles may not seem as attractive as what Standard Chartered Journey Card offers, but the HSBC TravelOne Card’s minimum spending requirement is definitely lesser than that of the SCB Journey Card, and you’re entitled to more lounge benefits including 4 complimentary airport lounge visits per year.

Besides that, the HSBC TravelOne Card’ offers you up to 2.4 miles (6X Reward points) for every $1 spent overseas, upon payment of an annual fee and a minimum spend of S$800. Annual fee waiver benefits are available with a minimum total annual spending of $25,000.

3 Need-To-Knows About Cards For Air Miles:

With so many types of credit cards out there offering air miles, you may wonder which card suits you the most. To get started, you’ll need to know a few things about air miles credit cards before getting one.

• Avoid air miles cards with high fees

Paying off the balance of your account every month can get rather expensive for some air miles credit cards, because the high interest charges will cost more than the value of any miles you could earn.

• Go for cards with lower foreign transaction fees

For those who plan to pay in SGD instead of overseas currencies, it’ll be better to use credit cards offered by banks like CIMB and Standard Chartered that charge some of the lowest foreign transaction fees in Singapore.

• Compare miles earn rates & bonus air miles

Highest mile per dollar spend ratio, most bonus air miles and air miles with no expiry are some of the factors to look out for when choosing your air miles cards. Some cards offer higher miles per dollar spend ratio so you don’t have to spend as much to get more air miles, while some banks offer generous welcome bonus air miles upon signing up for certain air miles credit cards which gives you a lot of air miles in a short amount of time without having you to spend a minimum amount over time to get more air miles. Other cards offer earned miles that don’t expire, which comes in handy in uncertain situations like the COVID-19 pandemic that made travel plans a challenge at times.

Best Air Miles Credit Cards

DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card

UOB KrisFlyer Card

UOB PRVI Miles Card

American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card

Purchase your travel insurance here.

Get up to 40% off your travel insurance with our exclusive Moneysmart promotions!

Sign up for a free MoneySmart account to continue reading

With MoneySmart's free membership, you unlock unlimited access to blog, exclusive rewards on financial products, up to 70% cashback at the MoneySmart Store, and more! Registration only takes 30 secs.

Best Credit Cards For Hotel Stays

UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card

DBS Woman's World Card

DBS Altitude American Express Card

Related links.

Best Credit Cards for Movies Singapore (2024)

Best Credit Cards for Groceries

Best Credit Cards For Concert Tickets

Best Travel Credit Cards in Singapore 2023

Credit cards for travel: 8 best air miles credit card in singapore.

by Whee Ling Chia

A warrior is not complete without his weapon, just as a traveller should not be without his travel essentials. Travel credit cards are like the vital weapon to frequent travellers, picking the right one for oneself can give you huge savings and attractive travel benefits. And just like a warrior, one should always pick a weapon to complement his strengths and personality, so as to maximise the benefits and advantages.

If you’re a frequent traveller, whether for work or play, you should already own a travel focused credit card. But if you don’t, fret not! Cardable has compiled a list of travel credit cards in Singapore to help you in your selection process, identifying the key features and perks you should watch out for. Think about your spending habits, travel patterns and personality while you cruise through this discussion. Do you prefer using your card on overseas transactions? Are miles or cash back your preferred perk? Do other travel-related benefits like insurance and priority pass to airport lounges appeal to you?

Let us get down to the details with a summary of the travel credit cards we will cover.

1. Citi PremierMiles Visa Credit Card

Best for: Points with no expiration date travel credit card

Once your application for the Citi PremierMiles Master Credit Card is approved, you can start earning as much as 42,000 Citi Miles – in just a few months’ time.

You can earn up to 10 Citi Miles for every S$1 spend on specific online travel websites. For every S$1 you spend, you’ll also get Citi Miles. That’s 1.2 Citi Miles (for local spend) and 2 Citi Miles (for overseas spend). You will also get 4 Citi Miles now for every S$1 spend on food delivery and home entertainment, earning Citi Miles even when you are staying home!

The most attractive factor with the Citi PremierMiles Visa credit card is that these miles come with no expiration date. If you make most of your travel bookings online and do not want to keep up with the expiration dates for your miles, this card may be a good fit.

What’s more, in a new feature rolled out by Citibank in April 2019, you can also earn miles/reward points when you pay your tax, rent, condominium management fee, school fee or electricity bill with Citi PayAll on the Citi Mobile® App.

Start earning miles without worrying about expiration with  Citi PremierMiles Visa Credit Card now!

2. AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card

Best for: No conversion travel credit card

If you often fly Singapore Airlines and they are always your preferred choices when it comes to flights, the AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card is probably the best choice for you! For every SGD $1 of in-flight (or online) spending – at Singapore Airlines and KrisShop, you’ll receive 2 KrisFlyer Miles. What’s more, these KrisFlyer Miles will also be auto-credited to your KrisFlyer account, no extra work for you!

Another attractive factor about this card is the additional travel perks, such as discounted car rental rates at Hertz and travel insurance coverage. Besides travelling privileges, you’ll also get 2 KrisFlyer Miles for every S$1 equivalent overseas spend and 1.1 KrisFlyer Miles for S$1 local spend, with no cap. While flights are currently stopped due to the pandemic, you can continue to earn 3.1 KrisFlyer Miles for every S$1 spend while you travel locally with Grab!

Earn KrisFlyer miles without the hassle of conversion with the AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card today.

3. HSBC Visa Infinite Credit Card

Best for: Travel insurance and access to airport lounges worldwide

The appeal factor of the  HSBC Visa Infinite Card  is the automatic travel insurance it offers when you charge your full travel expense to the card. The travel insurance covers over 20 benefits, and insures the cardholder as well as his/her family member. It offers worldwide travel insurance that can go up as much as US $2 million!

The air miles earn rate is at 2 miles per S$1 on overseas spend, and 1 mile per S$1 on local spend for the first year of card membership. From the 2nd year onwards, it can be boosted up to 2.25 air miles for every S$1 on overseas spend, and 1.25 air miles for every S$1 on local spend!

In addition, the HSBC Visa Infinite Card allows cardholders to have unlimited access to over 1,100 VIP airport lounges worldwide, just by presenting the credit card, boarding pass & quoting “Loungekey”. You may also bring a guest along with you at just US$32 per guest per visit.

The HSBC Visa Infinite Card is undoubtedly the most premium card out of all the other travel credit cards we’re looking at. With a minimum annual income of S$120,000 and an annual fee of S$650, it’s no wonder the perks and benefits are also at a premium level.

Travel at ease and in style with the HSBC Visa Infinite card today!

4. Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card

Best for: Priority Pass travel credit card

Travelling in comfort can be a very crucial factor to some frequent flyers, due to the amount of time they have to spend travelling to, from and at airports, and in flights. If you identify with this need, perhaps the Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Card is what you’re looking for.

As a Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Card holder, you’ll get to enjoy up to six complimentary visits to Priority Pass airport lounges annually! What’s more, you also get to enjoy complimentary travel insurance coverage up to S$1M when you charge your full travel to the card.

The air miles earn rate is at 1.4 air miles for every S$1 local spend and 3 air miles for every S$1 overseas spend.

Get your 6 complimentary visits to Priority Pass airport lounges worldwide annually with the Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card .

5. DBS Altitude American Express Card

Best for: Bonus air miles travel card (yearly bonus)

A traveller could really use bonus miles, right? With the DBS Altitude AMEX Card , you’ll receive 10,000 air miles as annual bonus if you choose to pay the annual membership fee.

The DBS Altitude AMEX Card also has exclusive partnerships with Agoda , Expedia and Kaligo. If you frequently book through these sites, you’ll be glad to know that every S$1 spend lets you earn 10 miles at Expedia and Kaligo lets you earn 6 miles Expedia!

Otherwise, you may still earn 3 air miles for online flight and hotel transactions with every S$1 spent, capped at S$5,000 monthly. You’ll also receive 2 air miles for every S$1 of overseas spend, and 1.2 air miles for every S$1 local spend. With all these travel perks, no wonder the card is voted the best travel credit card by Tripzilla!

Earn bonus air miles every year with the DBS Altitude American Express Card !

ALSO READ: Expedia Credit Card Promotions in Singapore

6. OCBC Titanium Credit Card

Best for: Easily convertible reward points travel credit card

Did you know that you can easily convert your OCBC rewards points into air miles? Signing up for the OCBC Titanium Credit Card is the first step. With this card, 25,000 OCBC$ is equal to 10,000 KrisFlyer Miles! You’ll also earn 50 OCBC$ for every S$5 spend on eligible online and retail transactions.

Simplify your rewards points conversion to air miles with OCBC Titanium Credit Card .

7. UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card

Best for: High air mile earn rate travel credit card

Of course, if your main focus is still to earn as many miles as possible, this last card we want to talk about may just be The One. The UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card is amazing in this aspect, with the simple, key feature that allows you to earn 6 miles with every S$1 spent!

By using the UOB PRVI Miles Visa card, you get to earn 6 air miles with every S$1 spent when you book hotels and major airlines through selected partner travel sites such as Agoda and Expedia. You’ll also receive 1.4 miles (for local) and 2.4 miles (for overseas) with every S$1 spend. You can also earn 1.4 miles now for every S$1 spend on train and bus rides. Sounds like a pretty awesome deal to us!

UOB PRVI Miles Card has one of the highest air miles earn rates among other travel credit cards!

8. Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card

Best for: 3 year waived annual fee

Many credit card gives waiver of annual fee to attract sign-ups, but none does it better than Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card. It boast a guaranteed 3 years annual fee waiver, which saves you tons of money, while allowing you to keep your miles on the card

You will also earn 3.2 Air Miles with every S$1 spend on any restaurant dining and at all petrol stations. You will also earn the same when you charge your Grab and taxi rides to your Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card and use it to book hotels at Agoda .

>> Sign up for the Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card here . 

Enjoy guaranteed 3 years annual fee waiver with Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card.

Your choice of travel credit card

We hope this has helped you to decide, or at least narrow down your choices on an appropriate travel credit card. The card features and perks can a lot of information to take in, so take your time to digest the information before you apply for the card that suit your needs best.

Another tip to share, several travel credit cards offer miles in their own “currency” and will require a conversion to air miles for a particular Frequent Flyer programme (eg. KrisFlyer miles). These miles may or may not equate to the same number of miles in the Frequent Flyer programme of your choice, so do keep a lookout for that!

Let us know your choice of weapon if you do decide on one! If you feel like you need more help in visualising your spend and reward, take a look at our article on  Comparison of Air Miles Credit Cards in Singapore  as well.

Feel free to comment below to share your experiences with any of these travel credit cards.

Advertisement

air miles Best Credit Card card consolidation credit card review Top Credit Cards Travel

Top-rated Tourist Attractions You Cannot Miss in Singapore

3 awesome privileges that are yours with the amex capitacard.

© Copyright Cardable 2017. All Rights reserved

Get Notified on the Best Promotions happening in town! Join us on Telegram

•   Argentina
•   Australia
•   Deutschland
•   Magyarország
•   New Zealand
•   Österreich
•   Singapore
•   United Kingdom
•   United States
•   繁體中文 (香港)

Travel Cards: What are the best options in Singapore? 2024

Whenever you’re planning to spend internationally - in person or online - you’ll want to avoid excessive bank fees, and get the very best available exchange rate. If you’ve heard of international debit cards - also known as travel debit cards - you might be wondering if it’s worth getting one to use instead of your normal card when you travel.

International debit cards can offer some great benefits to anyone living an international lifestyle, allowing you to cut the overall costs of spending in a foreign currency, and access a better exchange rate. This guide walks through the key advantages of international debit cards, how they work, and which cards are the best on offer for customers in Singapore.

Our Top 4 Travel Debit Cards in SG:

Wise Travel Card

HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card

Sainsbury Travel Card

Travel cards: the best options in Singapore

How do travel cards work.

Travel cards work much like your normal bank debit card, but with a focus on overseas transactions. You can use your card to spend while you travel, when you shop online with international retailers, and to make overseas ATM withdrawals. Depending on how you want to use your card, you may also find that a travel debit card lets you cut the costs of international transactions and manage your money across currencies more conveniently.

Types of travel card

Travel cards break down into 3 key categories:

Prepaid travel cards

Travel debit cards

Travel focused credit cards

Each option has its own advantages, but depending on how you want to use it, you’ll probably find that one suits you better than the others. Here are some pointers to consider:

Prepaid travel card

A prepaid travel card - also called a travel money card - may be issued by a bank or a specialist provider. It’s not linked to your normal bank account which makes it pretty secure, but can also make it inconvenient to add money. Prepaid cards may have a broad range of fees, and terms and conditions can vary a lot between providers. Not all merchants and websites accept prepaid cards, so you’d need to have a secondary source of funds when you travel, just in case.

International card with traditional banks

Singaporeans love to travel - and of course Singapore is a popular expat destination too. So it’s no surprise that many banks here offer their own international cards which are linked to accounts with multi-currency capability. We’ll look at one of them - the HSBC Everyday Global account and card in more detail later. DBS also offers the popular My Account which has foreign currency options and a linked card.

Using your own bank’s card when you travel can be convenient - but banks may not offer the best fees and exchange rates. There’s also an inherent risk of using your regular bank card when you’re abroad or spending with an international retailer online - if it’s stolen or cloned your full balance could be at risk.

Travel card with neobanks

Online specialist providers and neobanks also offer a strong range of travel cards which can provide a good balance of cost, security and convenience. They can often be the cheapest option out there, with easy to use online and in-app services, industry level security, and some of the lowest fees available.

Cards are easy to order, with a fully online application and verification process in many cases.

Best travel debit cards: a comparison

There are a few money transfer providers which offer cheaper and more flexible alternatives to the international debit cards commonly issued by traditional banks, like the Wise account and card, which is available for Singapore customers.

We’ll dive into a few strong contenders in a moment - first let’s take a look at some highlights from our 4 top Singapore travel debit cards:

Open a free Wise personal multi-currency account and order the Wise card for a one time fee. You’ll get your card details instantly, and your physical card will be with you in around 3 days. You can hold, convert, send and spend in 50+ currencies from your Wise account - and make payments in 200+ countries and in 150+ currencies with your card.

Pros of the Wise card

Personal accounts are free to open with no monthly fees

Hold and exchange 50+ currencies in your Wise account

Auto convert feature so you always get the cheapest available currency conversion

Freeze and unfreeze your card in the Wise app and get instant transaction notifications

Cons of the Wise card

10 SGD fee for your first card

ATM fees apply if you make more than 2 withdrawals a month

Spending limits apply

No option to top up account in cash or with a cheque

HSBC travel card

HSBC offers its Everyday Global Account which allows customers to hold and manage 11 currencies in their account, and spend on a linked debit card. HSBC doesn’t charge a fee when you spend or withdraw currencies you hold from an in-network ATM - but there may be an exchange fee applied when you switch from one currency to another. These fees can be tricky to spot, as they may be wrapped up in the exchange rates used.

Pros of the HSBC travel card

Hold and manage 11 currencies in your account

Earn cashback on spending and interest on your SGD balance

No HSBC fee for withdrawing currencies you own at an HSBC ATM

Access Global Transfers when you want to send funds overseas

Cons of the HSBC travel card

Minimum balance requirements apply - 2,000 SGD for a standard account

In branch international payments cost 55 SGD

Receiving an inward payments cost 10 SGD

Early close fees apply

Revolut Money Travel Card

Revolut offers several different account plans which can be opened and operated online or in the Revolut app. Get a free standard account, or upgrade to a paid plan to unlock more benefits. All accounts come with a linked debit card, and can hold and handle 28 currencies. You’ll also be able to make withdrawals at ATMs internationally, fee free to 350 SGD for the standard plan, or more for fee paid plans.

Pros of the Revolut travel card

Pick the plan that suits your needs

Covers 28 currencies and lets you spend in 150 currencies with your card

Even free standard accounts come with some impressive perks

Some free currency exchange is offered, depending on your account plan

Cons of the Revolut travel card

Fee paid plans cost up to 19.99 SGD/month

Once you’ve hit your ATM withdrawal limits you pay 2% fees for each withdrawal

Out of hours and exotic currency exchange fees apply

YouTrip travel money card

YouTrip cards can be used to hold 10 currencies, spend and make cash withdrawals. There’s no fee to exchange currencies within the account, but there may be a charge rolled up into the exchange rate applied so it’s worth comparing the rates offered against the Google rate so you know exactly what you’re paying.

Pros of the YouTrip travel money card

Popular and recognized local brand

10 supported currencies

Co-branded with EZLink

Manage your account and card from the YouTrip app

Cons of the YouTrip travel money card

5 SGD cash withdrawal fee

Exchange rate markups may apply when you convert from one currency to another

Fees apply when you top up with a credit card

10 SGD fee for replacement cards

How does the travel card work?

Whenever you spend or make a cash withdrawal with your travel card, the money will be deducted from your account balance, which means there’s no interest cost to worry about, and no chance you can accidentally blow your travel budget. However, by choosing a travel card instead of a normal bank card, you’ll often be able to hold your account balance in different currencies, like US dollars or British pounds.

Top up your account in Singapore dollars and switch to the currency you need when you need it - or look out for a great rate and convert in advance so you’re making the most of your money. Holding foreign currency on your travel card makes it convenient to spend internationally, and means you’ll know in advance exactly how much foreign currency you have to enjoy when you travel.

It’s normally easy to get a travel card through an app, website or by calling a provider. Travel cards are also secure as they’re not usually linked to your primary bank account, and mean there’s no need to tell your normal bank you’re heading off overseas.

How can I use a travel debit card abroad?

Use your travel debit card internationally just as you would use your normal card here in Singapore. Travel cards often come with handy contactless and mobile functionality to tap and pay wherever you are.

You’ll need to make sure your card’s network is accepted by the merchant or ATM - look out for the network symbol, like Visa or Mastercard, which will be displayed. You’ll also want to double check all costs of using your card in advance, as these can vary somewhat by provider. And finally, remember to pay in the local currency when you’re abroad. That’s important to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) which is where you’re charged overseas in Singapore dollars, which sounds convenient, but actually means extra fees and a bad exchange rate.

How to request a travel debit card

You may choose to get a specialist international debit card from your normal bank, or through an online and digital provider like Wise or Revolut . Providers like these allow you to open an account easily with a 100% online onboarding process.

To give an example, here’s how to get a Wise card in a few simple steps:

Download the Wise app or head to the Wise desktop site

Sign up for a Wise account with just an email address, Google, Facebook or Apple ID

Get verified using your Singpass and Myinfo - or by manually uploading a photo of your ID documents

Order your card online or in the Wise app for a one off 10 SGD fee

Your physical card will arrive within a few days - or you can access your card details in the Wise app right away for mobile payments

What are the transaction fees applied to a travel card?

There are a few different common types of travel card - which we’ll run through in just a moment. Each has its own fees, but there are a couple of common charges it’s worth looking out for, no matter which card you choose:

Exchange fee

An exchange fee - which can be called a currency conversion charge, a margin or a spread, among other things - covers the costs of exchanging currency for international spending. In some cases this fee is split out so you can clearly see it - but often it’s a cost added into the exchange rate, which is less transparent and means you’ll have to double check the rates applied against the Google rate to see how much it’s costing you.

Withdrawal fee

Even if you hold the currency you need in your account, you might still need to pay a withdrawal fee when you get cash from an ATM. Your bank might add a charge for this service, and there may also be an extra cost added by the ATM operator itself. Keep an eye on the ATM to see any extra charges, as these are usually disclosed during the transaction, or in a notice displayed on the ATM terminal.

Advantages of the travel debit cards

An international debit card can be a good alternative to traditional bank cards to spend money abroad. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:

Depending on the card you pick you may get lower fees and a better exchange rate

It’s easier to set and plan your budget ahead of time by converting currency in advance

Travel cards aren’t usually linked to your normal bank, making them relatively secure

Manage your money on the go through handy mobile apps

Are there any limitations on the travel debit card?

Of course, travel debit cards also have some drawbacks, which may not make them the best choice for everyone. Here are a few things to consider:

You often can’t use a debit card to pay a security deposit or hire a car

Travel cards do come with their own fees - you’ll need to review these before selecting one

Deposits to your account may not apply instantly

Many travel cards don’t offer cash back or interest on funds held

Conclusion: is the travel debit card worth it?

Travel debit cards are a useful tool for many people who travel or spend internationally . They can offer a more flexible and convenient way to manage money across several different foreign currencies, compared to using a normal bank account. Different travel debit cards are available for different customer preferences - use this guide to kickstart your research to find the perfect travel card for your needs.

An international debit card lets you spend and make cash withdrawals in a range of foreign currencies - often with lower fees than using your normal bank card.

Many online and specialist providers allow you to apply for a card easily through a desktop site, app or call centre.

Use your travel debit card just like you would your regular card, to spend and make cash withdrawals around the world.

Travel debit card fees do vary based on the provider, and can include ATM charges, early closure fees and exchange rate markups. Compare a few providers to get the best available deal for your needs.

Personal    |    Business

Best Travel Credit Cards In Singapore 2024

• Yiew Jae-Lyn

What is the best travel credit card for in Singapore? We’re settling this debate once and for all in this comprehensive guide, where we’ll be comparing five of the best travel credit cards in Singapore for your adventures abroad 👇

Planning a trip overseas and looking for the best travel credit cards out there that won’t leave you high and dry when it comes to overseas spending? Well, look no further than this guide where we’ll be comparing five of the best travel credit cards in Singapore for overseas spending. From the convenience of being cash-free to exclusive travel perks, credit cards offer a range of benefits that make them a must-have travel companion. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love earning rewards while exploring the world? 

And because credit cards aren’t the way to go for everyone, we’ll be adding your trusty YouTrip card to the mix for the best rates all day and zero fees. Okay, enough dilly-dallying, check out which travel credit card in Singapore is best suited to your needs!

💜 Stay Up To Date:

– How To Capitalise On The Japanese Yen Right Now – Top 10 Ski Resorts In Hokkaido For All Budgets 2023 – The Best Japan Autumn Destinations To Visit 2023

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Travel Credit Card For Overseas Spending:

When choosing the best travel credit card for your overseas adventures, there are a few factors to consider:

1. Compare The Rewards & Benefits Of Different Credit Cards

Ensure you take a close look at the rewards and perks offered by different credit cards such as miles, cashback, travel insurance, airport lounge access, and hotel discounts. 

After all, what’s not to love about earning points while splurging on a fancy dinner or treating yourselves to a relaxing spa session? 

2. Weigh Benefits Against The Fees

Evaluate the annual fees and foreign transaction fees charged by each card. Most travel credit cards tend to charge a foreign transaction fee of ~3.25% . 

3. Evaluate Your Spending Habits

Analyze your spending habits and determine which benefits align the best with your lifestyle. As most credit cards come with foreign transaction fees, one common strategy would be to look for a card with the highest cashback on international purchases. This can be especially beneficial to those who are seeking to earn rewards (but remember to make sure your costs and benefits balance out!). 

Overall, your best approach would be to pick a travel credit card with the lowest transaction fee or opt for an alternative like the YouTrip card, which comes with no foreign transaction fees.

4. Is It Worth It?

Consider how much you’d typically spend and calculate the potential savings or benefits you’d earn over time. 

5. Partner Discounts & Promotions

Take into account any exclusive deals, discounts, or promotions provided by partners that’ll help enhance your overall savings and travel experience. 

6. Set A Budget & Pay On Time!

To fully maximise your credit card, it’s essential to set a budget and stick to it. Make sure you pay your credit card bills on time to avoid extra interest charges that would offset any rewards earned!

Best Travel Credit Cards In Singapore For Overseas Spending 2024: Check out this guide for the best multi-currency cards in Singapore

Best Travel Credit Cards In Singapore For Overseas Spending:

Here’s a comparison of five of the most popular travel credit cards to consider. And although not a credit card, we’ll be adding YouTrip to the mix for those who’d prefer to get wholesale exchange rates with zero fees for more savings on your travels:

* Do note that the information on the credit cards above is accurate at the time of writing and is subject to change. Partnership promotions will also differ based on the different network providers chosen (Visa/Mastercard/AMEX).

Best Travel Credit Cards In Singapore For Overseas Spending 2024: Here’s how to add your YouTrip card to Alipay & Wechat Pay

Bring Your YouTrip Card Along For The Best Rates All Day

As mentioned above, we’re not a credit card. This means there’s no minimum income required, no minimum spending, and no interest charges or penalties involved with us! 

Furthermore, using your YouTrip Mastercard while you’re roaming the globe means you can lock in the best rates all day from our 10 in-app currencies. Plus, get favourable exchange rates for 150+ currencies worldwide —  all at zero fees. With YouTrip, you also get free monthly ATM withdrawals of up to S$400 with a 2% fee imposed thereafter. 

And because we’re all about making your travel experience convenient and enjoyable, we’re going digital with Apple Pay and Google Pay  — all it takes is just a tap. 

Best Travel Credit Cards In Singapore For Overseas Spending 2024: Check out our enhanced wallet limits here !

Verdict: The Best Travel Card For Overseas Spending?

While there’s no single best travel credit card, there’s no doubt that credit cards are definitely a great way to rack up rewards like cashback and miles as you spend. However, these credit cards do often come with annual fees, foreign transaction fees, as well as interest charges and penalties if you don’t clear your bills on time, so make sure you carefully consider which is best suited for your lifestyle.

And hey, if you’re looking for a travel card with no annual or foreign transaction fees, consider our trusty YouTrip card ! As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers or stay cooped up in your hotel room counting petty cash. Plus, we’re now on Apple Pay — bringing you added convenience at its finest. 

So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with promo code <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.  

And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad ? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 

Happy spending 💜

Related Articles

How To Easily Top Up Your Virtual Suica Card In Japan Via Apple Pay With YouTrip Did You Know You Could Add Your YouTrip Card To Alipay And WeChat? How To Save Money On A Student Exchange Programme 2023

Family-Friendly Hikes Around The World 2024

Your next family adventure!

How To Capitalise On The South Korean Won Right Now

Make the most of every won!

Best Time To Visit New Zealand 2024: Your Month-By-Month Guide

New Zealand days & sunny rays ☁️

Download Youtrip

© 2023 You Technologies Group Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Up to 10% tax free + 5% additional discount

• Valid till 01 Oct 2024
• Flash this at the payment counter & pay with YouTrip during checkout in store
• Enjoy additional 5% discount with min 10,000 yen (JPY) spent excluding tax
• We want to help you get your discount! 1. Ensure that you follow through with your purchase once you click on “Redeem Deal” on YouTrip Perks. 2. If you jump out of the check-out process (even if to check on a message or just happen to close your browser), click through YouTrip Perks again to re-purchase to get your discount.
• Valid until 01 October 2024.
• [Japanese temporary returnees] who purchased tax-free goods are eligible for the coupon.
• Foreign diplomat(s) are not eligible for tax exemption.
• Eligible Stores: Don Quijote, APITA, and PIAGO Stores in Japan (Excluding some stores)
• Tap the coupon banner below to go to the barcode screen.
• Present the coupon screen to the cashier staff at the time of payment.
• Last, tap the “Use Coupon” button.
• This coupon is valid only once for tax-free transactions of 10,000 yen (excluding tax) or more.
• Please note that the following items are not included & eligible for the discount: Alcohol, cigarettes, POSA cards, game consoles, products costing more than 100,000 yen (excluding tax), and products with price restrictions, etc.
• Please be sure to present the coupon at the time of payment.
• Please note that the discount cannot be applied if the coupon is presented after payment has been completed.
• Please note that the coupon is unaccessible from mobile screenshots.
• This coupon cannot be used with other discounts, services, or majica cards.
• Any outstanding balance after deducting the face value of the coupon must be paid in full using YouTrip Card.
• The offer is subject to terms and conditions of Don Quijote. In case of dispute, the decision of Don Quijote and YouTrip shall be final.

Up to 9% cashback at Charles & Keith!

9% cashback (New Charles & Keith users)

• Valid till 31 December 2023
• Pay with YouTrip during checkout
• Receive cashback within 45 days after checkout

3% cashback (Existing Charles & Keith users)

• Valid from 31 December 2023
• We want to help you get your cashback! 1. Ensure that you follow through with your purchase once you click on “Redeem Deal” on YouTrip Perks. 2. If you jump out of the check-out process (even if to check on a message or just happen to close your browser), click through YouTrip Perks again to re-purchase to get your cashback.
• Only purchases made through the Charles & Keith affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Charles & Keith whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Purchase must be made within the same window.
• Cookies must be enabled on your browser for cashback to be tracked.
• Cashback will not be awarded for cancelled or refunded orders.
• Cashback will be awarded after 45 days from the date of purchase.
• Cashback rate will be subjected to the merchant’s discretion and the eligibility of selected products.
• Cashback rate for Charles & Keith varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Purchases made via the Charles & Keith mobile app will not be eligible for cashback.

8% off at SGPomades!

$8 off min S$50 spend

• Valid till 31 December 2021
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUTRIP8' during checkout
• Enjoy 8% off min S$50 spend upon checkout
• Promo code only applicable when using your YouTrip Mastercard upon checkout.
• 1 redemption per customer only
• Promo codes are not exchangeable for cash.
• Valid only for original price items.
• Not stackable with existing promotions.
• Exclusions Apply.

3% cashback at Dyson!

3% cashback

• Only purchases made through the Dyson affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Dyson whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Dyson accessories will not be eligible for cashback.

4% cashback at UNIQLO!

4% cashback

• Only purchases made through the UNIQLO affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to UNIQLO whenever you are making a new transaction.

Up to 6% cashback at Trip.com!

Up to 6% cashback

• Receive cashback 45 days after checkout
• Only purchases made through the Trip.com affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Trip.com whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate will be subjected to the merchant’s discretion and the eligibility of selected activities.
• Cashback rate for Trip.com varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Please refer to the table below for full cashback rates.

25% off at HOUZE!

25% off min $60 spend

• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUTRIP25' during checkout
• Enjoy 25% off min $60 spend upon checkout
• Only 1 promo code may be used at a time.

25% off at Table Matters!

Up to $260 cashback and KrisShop e-Vouchers at Singapore Airlines!

$20 cashback with min $500 spend

• Valid till 26 November 2021
• Pay using YouTrip at checkout
• Register through YouTrip's campaign registration form
• Enjoy up to 4x cashback rewards per booking
• Receive cashback by 31 December 2021
• Limited to the first 1,000 redemptions
• Only bookings made via the SIA website, Mobile App or selected list of SIA appointed travel agents within the campaign period and redemption limit will be eligible for cashback.
• For full T&Cs, please visit https://www.you.co/sg/youtrip-singapore-airlines-cashback-tnc/

$30 KrisShop e-Voucher with min $500 spend

• Enjoy up to 6x KrisShop e-Vouchers per booking
• Limited to the first 4,000 redemptions
• Only bookings made via the SIA website, Mobile App or selected list of SIA appointed travel agents within the campaign period and redemption limit will be eligible for KrisShop e-Voucher rewards
• Offer is strictly applicable to flights to and from the following destinations only: Frankfurt, Munich, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, London, Los Angeles, Milan, New York, PAris, Rome, San Francisco, Seattle or Vancouver
• For full T&Cs, please visit https://www.you.co/sg/youtrip-singapore-airlines-krisshop-tnc/

Up to 10% off at Expedia!

Up to 10% off

• Valid till 30 Jun 2023
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'MASTER10' during checkout
• Enjoy 10% off (Capped at S$70) upon checkout
• Booking period Now till 30 Jun 2023
• Stay period: Now till 31 September 2023
• Participating “Expedia Rate” hotels refer to hotels labelled “Expedia Rate” and are not on the exclusion list available at the booking page.
• Up to 10% discount coupon on hotel bookings at thousands of participating properties globally. 10% savings with promo code MASTER10 – Singapore: Discount value capped at SGD70 per transaction
• No minimum stay requirement.
• Coupon only applies to first room in the booking.

Up to 6% cashback at JD Sports!

6% cashback (Regular-priced items)

2% cashback (Sale Items)

• Only purchases made through the JD Sports affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to JD Sports whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for JD Sports varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.

Up to 5% cashback at ASOS

Up to 5% cashback (New ASOS users)

3% cashback (Existing ASOS users purchases via Web)

2% cashback (Existing ASOS users purchases via App)

• Only purchases made through the ASOS affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to ASOS whenever you are making a new transaction.

10% off at SweatSpot!

10% off all packages

• Valid till 12 April 2022
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUTRIP' upon checkout
• Enjoy 10% off upon checkout

10% cashback at Taobao!

10% cashback with min S$50 spend

• Valid till 31 January 2022
• Register and spend a minimum of $50 and pay with YouTrip during checkout
• Register for promotion here
• For first 750 users only
• 10% cashback with minimum spend of $50.
• Limited to the first 750 users on a first come, first served basis. 
• Payment must be charged to a YouTrip Mastercard. 
• The required minimum spend must be in a single transaction before any other promo codes, vouchers or coupons. Minimum spend excludes all taxes and fees, including but not limited to shipping and handling, unless otherwise stated.
• All purchases made in conjunction with the Offer are subject to prevailing taxes and service charges where applicable. 
• YouTrip makes no warranty or representation as to the quality, merchantability or fitness for purpose of any goods or services purchased from the merchant. Any dispute about the same must be resolved directly with the merchant. 
• YouTrip shall not be responsible for any loss, injury, claim, damage or expense arising from the redemption of the Offer or the use of the goods and services purchased from a merchant.
• YouTrip is not an agent of Taobao or any merchant, or vice versa.
• All information is correct at time of print. YouTrip will not be responsible for any changes which occur after print.
• YouTrip reserves the right to vary the terms and conditions of the Offer or withdraw or discontinue the Offer by providing written notice to the other party at least 7 days in advance and indemnify the direct economic loss of the other party caused by YouTrip’s behavior under the clause.

Up to 10% cashback at Shopee!

Up to 10% cashback (New Shopee users)

3% cashback (Existing Shopee users)

• All cashback will be capped at S$5.00
• Only purchases made through the Shopee affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Shopee whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for Shopee varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Please refer to the table below for product cashback rates

Up to 7% cashback at Sephora!

7% cashback (New Sephora users)

2.5% cashback (Existing Sephora users)

• Only purchases made through the Sephora affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Sephora whenever you are making a new transaction.

$20 cashback at Circles.Life!

$20 cashback (For new Circles.Life customers)

• Only purchases made through the Circles.Life affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Circles.Life whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Not applicable for purchases made via the Circles.Life mobile application

Up to 12% cashback at AirAsia Food

12% cashback (New AirAsia Food Customers)

• Valid till 31 December 2022

6% cashback (Existing AirAsia Food Customers)

• Only purchases made through the AirAsia Food affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to AirAsia Food whenever you are making a new transaction.

10% cashback (New Lazada users)

• Valid till 31 December 2024

3% cashback (Existing Lazada users)

• Pay with YouTrip on Lazada (LazMall excluded) during checkout
• Only purchases made through the Lazada affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Lazada whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for Lazada varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.
• Products not eligible for cashback: Sports shoes and clothing, Electronics Accessories, Groceries.
• Cashback capped at $10

10% cashback at Puma!

10% cashback

• Valid till 30 Dec 2023
• Only purchases made through the Puma affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Puma whenever you are making a new transaction.

15% off at iShopChangi

15% off with no min. spend (For traveller purchases only)

• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUTRIP15' during checkout
• Enjoy 15% off with no min. spend
• Valid for traveller purchases only.
• Payment must be made with YOUTRIP Mastercard.
• Only one Promo Code may be used at a time.
• Promotion is valid until 31 December 2023.
• Promotion is not exchangeable for cash, prizes, products or other vouchers.
• Promotion is not valid in conjunction with privilege holder discounts.
• Chanel and Dior are excluded from this promotion.
• The Shilla Duty Free reserves the right to amend or withdraw any terms & conditions without any prior notice.

S$15 off at The Shilla!

S$15 off min S$150 spend in store

• Flash this at the counter and pay with YouTrip during checkout in store
• Enjoy S$15 off min S$150 nett spend
• Valid until 31 December 2022.
• Limited to one redemption per customer.
• Any outstanding balance after deducting the face value of the voucher must be paid in full using YouTrip Card
• The promotion must be fully utilised and any unutilised amount will be forfeited.
• Not exchangeable for cash, prizes, products or other vouchers.
• Not valid in conjunction with privilege holder discounts.

5% cashback at Chemist Warehouse!

5% cashback

• Only purchases made through the Chemist Warehouse affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Chemist Warehouse whenever you are making a new transaction.

Up to 10% off at Qatar Airways!

Up to 10% off 

• Click through to Qatar via YouTrip Perks, apply code 'YTQR23' & Pay with YouTrip during checkout
• Enjoy up to 10% off upon checkout
• Sales period: 8 May 2023 – 31 December 2023
• Travel period: 8 May 2023 – 31 March 2024
• Booking must be made using promo code YTQR23 to avail of the discount
• Full payment must be made with a YouTrip Card
• Save 10% on Business Class Comfort fares
• Save 10% on Economy Class Convenience fares
• Save 7% on Economy Class and Business Class Classic fares
• Valid only on Qatar Airways flights from Singapore
• Valid to the following destinations: Abu Dhabi, Almaty, Amsterdam, Ankara, Athens, Atlanta, Baku, Barcelona, Belgrade, Berlin, Boston, Brussels, Bucharest, Budapest, Cape Town, Casablanca, Chennai, Chicago, Copenhagen, Dallas, Dar Es Salaam, Doha, Dubai, Dublin, Durban, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Geneva, Harare, Helsinki, Houston, Islamabad, Johannesburg, Kilimanjaro, Larnaca, London, Los Angeles, Lusaka, Luxor, Madrid, Malabo, Manchester, Medina, Miami, Milan, Mombasa, Montreal, Moscow, Mumbai, Munich, Nairobi, New York City, Oslo, Paris, Philadelphia, Pisa, Prague, Rome, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Seattle, Seychelles, Sharjah, Sofia, St Petersburg, Stockholm, Tbilisi, Venice, Vienna, Warsaw, Washington, Windhoek, Yerevan, Zagreb, Zanzibar, Zurich
• All-in fares include all taxes, fees, and surcharges which are subject to currency fluctuation
• Blackout dates and surcharges may apply. Please refer to the fare rules for details at the time of booking.
• Blackout Periods: 18 Nov – 20 Dec 2022 (Doha and Middle Eastern Countries), 1 Jan – 10 Jan 2023 (All destinations)
• Peak period surcharges may apply
• Fares are subject to change without prior notice
• Discount applies to return base fare only of selected fare classes
• Discount does not apply to taxes and all other surcharges
• Seats are limited and are subject to availability of the relevant booking class
• Minimum and maximum stay as well as advance purchase rules apply dependent on the booking class
• Please refer to the fare rules at the time of booking for changes, cancellations and no-show conditions
• Any change or cancellation less than 3 hours prior to the stated time of departure will be considered as no-show
• For travel involving multiple booking classes, the most restrictive fare rules apply to the entire itinerary
• Standard child/infant discount apply
• Please note that market-specific promotional fares may be available for selected dates and destinations, and may not be eligible for the discounts under this offer. All available options, together with the applicable terms & conditions for each fare will be displayed at time of booking for you to make your selection
• Qatar Airway’s terms and conditions will also apply to your booking, please review these at the time of booking
• Other terms and conditions apply. Please review at the time of booking

2.1% cashback at Watsons!

2.1% cashback

• Only purchases made through the Watsons affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Watsons whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for Watsons varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.

3% cashback at 24S!

• Only purchases made through the 24S affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to 24S whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Celine, Louis Vuitton and Dior products are not eligible for cashback.

8% cashback at On The List!

8% cashback

• Only purchases made through the On The List affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to On The List whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Purchases made via the On The List mobile site or app are not eligible for cashback.

5% cashback at AirAsia Grocer!

• Only purchases made through the AirAsia affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to AirAsia whenever you are making a new transaction.

Up to $12 off at FairPrice Online!

$10 off min $135 spend

• Valid till 22 December 2021
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'MCXMAS21' during checkout
• Enjoy $10 off min $135 spend
• First 2,500 redemptions only

$12 off min $150 spend

• Enjoy $12 off min $150 spend
• Redemption of promo code is applicable only for purchases made on FairPrice online at www.fairprice.com.sg and FairPrice Mobile App upon login, and for home delivery only.  
• Only one promo code can be used for each transaction. FairPrice reserves the right to reject any order that has violated this.
• Promo code is to be used for one-time redemption only.
• Promo code cannot be used for the purchase of certain restricted products, for example, certain infant milk formulas. Please visit FairPrice online for more details.
• Qualifying spend refers to a nett spend of at least S$135.00 (excluding delivery fee, service fee, and any other surcharge) in a single transaction at NTUC FairPrice online during the promotional period.
• Using a promo code in conjunction with other free gift promotions, may alter the minimum amount for delivery.
• Additional charges, service fees and minimum nett purchase amount for free home delivery may be required and may differ for promotional periods and will be in accordance to that stated on FairPrice online.
• It is advisable to have at least S$5 nett purchase amount in cart after application of promo code in order to be able to checkout.
• Promo codes are not exchangeable or refundable for cash or other goods and services.
• FairPrice reserves the rights to vary/amend the privileges or terms and conditions of this promotion without prior notice. 
• Other terms and conditions on FairPrice online (https://help.fairprice.com.sg/hc/en us/categories/360001184571-FairPrice-Online) apply.
• Mastercard does not assume any responsibility for the products and services offered under this promotion. The products are sold and services are provided solely by the relevant vendors, under such terms and conditions as determined by such vendors, and Mastercard accepts no liability whatsoever in connection with such products and services. The products and services have not been certified by Mastercard and under no circumstances shall the inclusion of any product or service in this promotion be construed as an endorsement or recommendation of such product or service by Mastercard

2% cashback at Razer!

2% cashback

• Only purchases made through the Razer affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Razer whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Cashback rate for Razer varies for each item and the exact cashback rates would only be known when the item is successfully tracked.

20% off at Zoey!

20% off supplements

• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'ZOEYYT' during checkout
• Enjoy 20% off supplements upon checkout

20% off at noah!

• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'NOAHYT' during checkout

$19 cashback at Starhub!

$19 cashback (For new broadband signups)

• Only purchases made through the Starhub affiliate link provided by YouTrip will be eligible for cashback.
• Return to YouTrip Perks and clickthrough to Starhub whenever you are making a new transaction.
• Only new broadband sign-ups are eligible for cashback

$10 off at Beauty Emporium!

$10 off (No min spend)

• Valid till 30 November 2021
• Pay with YouTrip and apply code 'YOUBF10' during checkout
• Enjoy $10 off upon checkout
• Limited to one time use per transaction.
• Discount will be given to total bill spend. Discounted products and services are eligible for this redemption.
• Discount cannot be used in Strip Merchandise and Clean Beauty Brands.
• Shipping fees apply if the minimum spend for free shipping is not met.
• Cannot be used in-conjunction with any other voucher, codes or redemption of Beauty Rewards points.
• Promotion ends on 30 Nov 2021 2359 hrs.

Tell us more about your business

*By clicking ‘Submit’, you hereby agree and acknowledge that your information will be stored and managed in accordance to YouTrip’s Privacy Policy .

2024 List of the 7 Best Miles Credit Cards for Singapore

After putting travel plans on hold seemingly indefinitely, the world is finally starting to open up again.

That means miles credit cards are back in fashion, especially with rising ticket prices and travellers who are willing to pay more for a getaway.

Today, we’ve shortlisted seven miles credit cards that may pique your interest.

Whether your ideal card is one with the best travel perks or most miles per dollar, there’s bound to be one that will work for you.

Our Picks: 7 Best Miles Credit Cards for Singapore

1. citi premiermiles card.

Citi Premier Miles Card

This is an entry-level miles card great for younger working adults who may not incur a high monthly spend yet. Since Citi Miles never expire, cardholders get a longer timeframe to accumulate enough for redemption.

One of the good things about Citi is that via Citi PayAll , you have the option of earning miles on bills like rent, insurance premiums, taxes, and utilities – categories that are typically excluded with other credit cards. You’ll have to pay a fee for this along with fulfilling a few other requirements (like a minimum spend).

This card also offers 2 airport lounge passes per year, complimentary travel insurance, and a boosted MPD rate when spending with Kaligo and Agoda. 

Annual Fees: S$194.40

Annual Income Requirement: S$30,000 for Singaporeans and PRs; S$42,000 for foreigners.

Best For : Young earners who want a travel-focused card with which they can slowly collect miles.

2. AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Card

American Express KrisFlyer Ascend Card

With its range of travel perks and all the bonus KrisFlyer miles, this card is one of the better ones for SIA loyalists. It’s a well-rounded option offering airport lounge access, complimentary stays at the Hilton, and preferential rates for portal wi-fi routers and Hertz rentals.

This mid-level card is a stepping stone to the KrisFlyer Elite Gold membership tier, which offers benefits like:

• KrisFlyer Gold Lounge access
• Access to over 900 Star Alliance Gold Lounges worldwide
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Priority baggage handling
• Extra 20kg check-in allowance 

Annual Fees: S$340.20

Annual Income Requirement: S$50,000 for Singaporeans and PRs; S$60,000 for foreigners.

Best For : Those who fly mainly with Singapore Airlines and who regularly spend on Grab (e.g. transport, food delivery). The KrisFlyer Ascend offers 3.2 MPD on up to S$200 in Grab transactions every month.

3. DBS Altitude Card

DBS Altitude Card Visa Signature

Like the Citi PremierMiles, the DBS Altitude Card gives you points that don’t expire (1 DBS Point = 2 miles). Combine that with the many ways you can earn bonus miles on this card and it’s no wonder this card is popular as an all-purpose card.

Best used in combination with the DBS Multiplier for higher interest on your savings while you spend.

Annual Fees: S$194.40 (waived with S$25,000 spend yearly, but no bonus miles with fee waiver)

Annual Income Requirement: S$30,000 for Singaporeans and PRs; S$45,000 for foreigners.

Best For : Frequent flyers. You get the most miles out of this card on flight and hotel bookings along with overseas spending.

Current Promotion : Receive up to 40,000 Miles with a minimum spend of S$2,000 within 30 days from card approval date. (Valid until 30 September 2023) Terms and Conditions apply.

4. Maybank Horizon Card

Maybank Horizon Card

This entry-level miles card is a rare gem that offers 3.2 MPD for local spending categories like dining out, public transport, Grab/taxi rides, and petrol . That’s good news for those of us who can’t afford to take frequent trips abroad for boosted MPD rates but still want a way to collect miles.

The card also offers a whole host of travel benefits, like free travel insurance, complimentary airport lounge access, and VIP lounge access when you charge S$1,000 in a single retail transaction within 3 months of your travel date.

At S$300 minimum spending, this card remains one of the most accessible options as well. 

Annual Fees: S$180 (waived for first 3 years)

Annual Income Requirement: S$30,000 for Singaporeans and PRs; S$45,000 for Malaysians; S$60,000 for foreigners.

Best For : Those who want a high local MPD rate for the occasional holiday.

5. Standard Chartered Visa Infinite

Standard Chartered Visa Infinite

Unlike most of the options on this list, the StanChart Visa Infinite is by no means an entry-level card: it requires at least S$150k income annually or at least S$30,000 if you’re a Priority/Private Banking customer.

But if you do meet the requirements, this card offers luxurious perks like:

• 6 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits per year
• Exclusive dining privileges at Marina Bay Sands
• 24/7 access to Visa Infinite Concierge and Emergency Services
• Complimentary travel insurance coverage of up to S$1,000,000
• Option to earn rewards points when you pay taxes, insurance, and so on

Annual Fees: S$594

Annual Income Requirement:

• If Priority/Private Banking client, S$30,000 for Singaporeans and PRs and S$60,000 for foreigners.
• S$150,000 for all other clients.

Best For: Affluent travellers who value luxury perks and exclusive travel privileges over maximising opportunities to earn extra miles.

6. UOB KrisFlyer Card

UOB Krisflyer Card

The UOB KrisFlyer Credit Card is a miles card and bank account rolled into one. With 3 MPD on local spending and another 3 MPD for transactions with SIA brands, this card is designed for travel enthusiasts who take regular trips via Singapore Airlines or Scoot.

A few of the perks that come with this card include:

• GrabFood vouchers and KrisShop rebates
• A high 4.5 MPD for KrisShop purchases
• 10,000 KrisFlyer miles renewal bonus
• Priority check-in and boarding on Scoot
• Extra baggage allowance and standard seat selection on Scoot
• Bonus KrisFlyer miles with the KrisFlyer UOB Deposit Account

Just note that many of the perks are focused on the SIA brand and the high MPD earn rate is only for those who spend at least S$500 on SIA per year. 

Annual Fees: S$194.40 (waived for the first year)

Annual Income Requirement: S$30,000 for Singaporeans and PRs; S$80,000 for foreigners.

Best For : SIA loyalists who want a high local and travel-related MPD earn rate.

7. UOB PRVI Miles Card

UOB PRVI Miles Card

The UOB PRVI strikes a balance between decent MPD earn rates and travel perks typically reserved for more affluent customers. It offers benefits such as:

• Complimentary airport transfers
• UOB PRVI Travel Butler with dedicated hotline for comprehensive travel assistance
• Complimentary travel accident/illness insurance coverage up to S$50,000
• 1.4 MPD for local spend and 2.4 MPD for overseas spend
• 1.4 MPD for public transport rides
• 6 MPD for major airlines and hotel bookings

As far as entry-level cards go, that’s one of the better local MPD rates. That said, you only get the bonus 20,000 miles when you spend at least S$50,000 a year, which makes this card best for high spenders.

Annual Fees: S$259.20 (waived for the first year)

Annual Income Requirement: S$30,000 for Singaporeans and PRs; S$40,000 for foreigners.

Best For: High spenders such as business travellers or those with families.

Summary of 7 Best Miles Credit Cards

As a recap, here’s the basic information of each card at a glance:

From Hong Kong to Singapore: Incorporation Services with Spring Discounts! Explore Today!

Hong Kong Business Account

International and local payments

Payment Cards

Foreign Exchange

Get rewarded

Business Guides

Business Account Reviews

Comparisons

Company Secretary Reviews

Whitepapers & E-Books

Industry Newsletters

PayPal Fee Calculator

Stripe Fee Calculator

Invoice Generator

About Statrys

Customer reviews

Partner Programs

5 Best Credit Cards in the Singapore [2024]

6 minute read

Citi Cash Back Plus Card

UOB One Card

DBS Woman’s World Card

The American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card

OCBC Frank Credit Card

Card payments are the most popular method of payment in Singapore . Singaporeans use credit cards frequently, with an average of 131.2 card payments per person in 2022 , up from 99.7 during the pre-pandemic period in 2019.

However, not all credit cards are the same. Depending on your spending habits and financial situation, it is essential to compare and choose the best option for you. Therefore, we have researched and listed the best credit cards available in Singapore in 2024.

This article will guide you on how to choose the best credit card. We will also examine each card in detail, including its benefits, fees, eligibility, and who should use it. Hence, you can make an informed decision and select the best card for your needs.

How To Pick Your Best Credit Card

Before selecting a credit card, it is important to understand the factors involved. Here are the steps you can take to choose the best credit card for you.

Understand Your Spending Habits

First and foremost, assess where your money typically goes each month. Take a look at your major expenses and identify your primary spending categories.

Are you spending more on supermarkets, dining out, online purchases, or travel? Knowing your spending habits will help you select a credit card that aligns with your lifestyle.

Evaluate the Rewards and Benefits

Common credit card reward programs include:

• Cashback: Receive a percentage of your spending back as cash rewards, which can be applied to your credit card statement or bank account.
• Points: Earn points for every SGD spent, which can be redeemed for merchandise, gift vouchers, or services through the credit card's rewards portal.
• Air Miles: Accumulate miles with each purchase, which can be redeemed for airline tickets, seat upgrades, airport lounge access, or complimentary travel insurance. Therefore, air miles credit cards are ideal for frequent travellers.

Consider which reward matches your lifestyle. For example, if you are a frequent Grab user, choosing a card that rewards points or discounts for Grab transactions might be the best option for your new credit card.

📌 Note: When comparing options, remember to check for introductory rewards. Review the conditions and benefits to fully maximise your gains.

Consider Fees and Charges

Credit cards typically have various fees and charges associated with them, including annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and late payment fees.

It's essential to carefully evaluate these costs and how they impact the overall benefits of the card. Some cards may waive the annual fee for the first year or provide fee waivers if you meet certain spending requirements.

Check Eligibility Requirements

In general, credit card eligibility criteria include age, residency, and minimum income requirements. Typically, credit card providers set the minimum annual income for entry-level credit cards at SGD 30,000. For foreigners, the minimum income requirement is generally higher.

It's important to verify that you meet these criteria before applying to prevent unnecessary credit checks, which could negatively affect your credit score.

Now, let’s explore the list of top credit cards in Singapore.

5 Best Credit Cards in Singapore

📌 Note: The information provided below is subject to change. Ensure you check with each credit card provider for up-to-date information.

1. Citi Cash Back Plus Card

Citibank is a global financial institution that offerings services for both individuals and businesses. Credit cards are also one of the primary financial products.

If you’re looking for an unlimited cashback credit card, you might consider the Citi Cash Back Plus Card . Below are its main benefits.

Citi Cash Back Plus Card Key Benefits

• Earn unlimited 1.6% cash back on all eligible spending.
• No minimum spending requirements
• Secure up to SGD 1 million in coverage by purchasing travel tickets with the Citi Cash Back Plus card.
• Compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

We Recommend Citi Cash Back Plus Card For

✅ Individuals seeking a credit card to earn unlimited rewards on their day-to-day spending.

Citi Cash Back Plus Card Fees

For detailed pricing information, please check the card information sheet .

Citi Cash Back Plus Card Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the card, you must meet the following criteria.

• You are 21 or older.
• You have a minimum annual income of SGD 30,000.

2. UOB One Card

Another cashback credit card on our list is the UOB One Card . Offered by 

United Overseas Bank (UOB), this card is designed to help you save more on your daily expenses.

Whether you're a frequent shopper at Grab and Shopee or looking to maximise savings on every transaction, this card is your gateway to more rewards and savings. Here are key benefits you can expect from the UOB One Card.

UOB One Card Key Benefits

• Earn up to 10% cashback on McDonald’s, Shopee, Grab, DFI Retail Group (Cold Storage, CS Fresh, Giant, Guardian, 7-Eleven & more), and SimplyGo (public transportation).
• Earn up to 10% cashback on UOB Travel.
• Earn up to 4.33% cashback on Singapore Power utilities bills.
• Enjoy up to 22.66% fuel savings at Shell and SPC petrol stations.
• Compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and Fitbit Pay.

It’s important to note that cashback is given out quarterly , and you need to spend at least SGD 500 every month to earn the cash rebate. For the highest cashback rates, your monthly spending should be at least SGD 2,000 for three consecutive months.

However, UOB provides a cash rebate calculator to help you estimate the cashback you can earn from UOB One Card based on your spending history.

We Recommend UOB One Card For

✅ Regular Grab, DFI group, and Shoppee shoppers looking to enhance their shopping experience with maximised rewards.

✅ Anyone seeking a cashback credit card to save on daily essentials.

UOB One Card Fees

For detailed fee information, please visit the UOB One Card page . If you need specifics on certain fees, please refer to the UOB credit card general information document .

UOB One Card Eligibility Criteria

The UOB One Card is open to both residents and non-residents who:

• Are at least 21 years old.
• Earn at least SGD 30,000 annually (locals) or SGD 40,000 (foreigners) or have a fixed deposit of at least SGD 10,000.

UOB provides a list of necessary documents for the application process. Ensure to have your documents prepared before applying for the card.

3. DBS Woman’s World Card

DBS Bank was initially established to focus on industrial financing. Nevertheless, the bank has expanded its financial products and services, including credit cards.

One of the credit cards in their product line is the DBS Woman’s World Card , designed for frequent online spenders, including women and men. Here are some of its key benefits.

DBS Woman's World Card Key Benefits

• Earn 10x DBS Points (4 miles per SGD 1) on online purchases, with an awarding cap of SGD 1,500 per calendar month. 
• Earn 3x DBS Points (1.2 miles per SGD 1) on overseas purchases
• Earn 1x DBS Point (0.4 miles per SGD 1) on other purchases
• Enjoy complimentary ecommerce protection for your online shopping (T&Cs apply).
• Spread the cost of your purchases over up to 24 monthly instalments.
• Compatible with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay.

In addition, when using Woman’s World Mastercard® for online spending, you are entitled to worldwide coverage in the following scenarios:

• You receive an incomplete delivery or an incorrect item is delivered.
• The item you received is malfunctioning due to physical damage during delivery.
• You do not receive your purchase within 30 days of the scheduled delivery.

If any of the above scenarios occur, you can file a claim with Mastercard® directly.

We Recommend DBS Woman's World Card For

✅ Frequent online shoppers who want to accumulate rewards faster.

✅ Individuals who are looking for extra protection when shopping online.

DBS Woman's World Card Fees

Please visit the DBS Woman's World page for more information. Additionally, for details on specific fees, please refer to the DBS Card Rates and Fees section .

DBS Woman's World Card Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the DBS Woman's World Card, you must

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Earn at least SGD 80,000 annually.

You can check with the application checklist to prepare the required documents before applying for the card.

4. The American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card

AMEX stands out as a prominent credit card issuer. It offers a range of cards with diverse rewards programs tailored to personal and business users, including travel, dining, shopping, and more.

One of its offerings in Singapore, The American Express® Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card , is designed to improve cardholders’ travel experiences. Let's look at the key benefits this card offers.

AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Key Benefits

• Earn 3.1 KrisFlyer miles for every SGD 1 spent on Grab Singapore, with a cap of SGD 200 per calendar month.
• Earn 2 KrisFlyer miles for every SGD 1 you spend on singaporeair.com, the SingaporeAir app, and KrisShop, with no cap.
• Earn KrisFlyer miles on every SGD 1 equivalent spent in foreign currency during June and December with no cap.
• Earn unlimited 1.1 KrisFlyer miles for every SGD 1 spent on all eligible transactions.
• All KrisFlyer miles earned are credited directly into your KrisFlyer account.
• Get SGD 150 cashback on purchases at singaporeair.com after spending SGD 12,000 between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024

New to the American Express? You can receive up to 27,000 KrisFlyer miles by spending at least SGD 500 within the first month after your card is approved. Additionally, by granting your consent to direct marketing at the time of application, you'll receive SGD 20 in eCapitaVouchers.

📌 Note: This welcome offer will be valid until 29 May 2024.

We Recommend AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer For

✅ Frequent travellers who regularly use Grab for commutes, food delivery, and other services.

✅ KrisFlyer program members who want to boost their mile accumulations, enhancing their reward potential.

✅ New AMEX card members who seek fast travel reward accumulation.

AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Fees

Please check the KrisFlyer credit card document for detailed pricing information.

AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this AMEX card, applicants must satisfy the criteria below.

• You are 21 years old or over.
• You earn a minimum annual income as required by regulations.

Unfortunately, we could not find information regarding the minimum income requirement. Please contact AMEX directly for more information.

5. OCBC Frank Credit Card

The Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) Bank is recognised as one of the largest banks in Southeast Asia, with a significant presence in terms of assets and profitability. 

OCBC offers an extensive array of financial products tailored to the varied needs of both individuals and businesses. Among these products, the OCBC Frank Credit Card stands out in their personal credit card selection. Here are what you can expect from this credit card.

OCBC Frank Credit Card Key Benefits

• Earn 8% cash back on eligible SGD purchases made online
• Earn 8% cash back on local spending via contactless payment.
• Earn 8% cash back on non-SGD transactions both online and in-store.
• Earn an additional 2% cash back on purchases at eligible green stores, including Scoop, Wholefoods, and Little Farms.
• Compatible with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, Fitbit Pay, and Garmin Pay.

It’s important to note that cardholders need to spend at least SGD 800 per calendar month to earn cashback.

We Recommend OCBC Frank Credit Card For

✅ Eco-conscious customers who want to maximise rewards while supporting sustainable products and initiatives.

✅ International spenders looking to earn generous cashback on foreign currency transactions.

OCBC Frank Credit Card Fees

Please consult the detailed pricing structure with OCBC Fees and Charges .

OCBC Frank Credit Card Eligibility Criteria

You must meet the following requirements to apply for the card.

• Be at least 21 years old
• Earn at least SGD 30,000 (locals) or SGD 45,000 (foreigners)

Credit cards offer various benefits, including earning travel rewards, cash back, and managing expenses. Choosing the right card can impact your financial health and lifestyle. When uncertain, consider your goals, spending habits, credit score, the perks and fees of potential cards, and read the card reviews from real customers. 

To maximize your benefits while maintaining your financial well-being, stay informed about the terms and conditions of your credit card, as issuers may update policies.

Open a Multi-Currency Business Account in Hong Kong

Receive and make payments in all major currencies.

Which credit card is the best in the US?

The "best" credit card in the US depends on your spending habits and goals. For instance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® is one of the best travel credit cards in terms of reward rates, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards is the best no-annual-fee travel card, the Blue Cash Everyday® is one of the best cashback credit cards for groceries, the Discover it® Secured is the best for credit building, and the Citi Rewards+® suits those seeking versatile credit card. Other big names include Chase Ultimate Rewards,  Chase Freedom Unlimited, Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, and more.

What credit card offers the benefits without an annual fee?

Here are some of the top US cards with good benefits and no annual fees: • Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: One of the best rewards credit cards for budget-conscious travelers. • Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Great for building credit with cashback rewards. • Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: A cash reward credit card for everyday spending, especially for groceries and gas. • Citi Rewards+® Card: Great for everyday spending plus some travel-related rewards.

Which credit card is the most accessible for applicants?

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card might be considered the most accessible for applicants because it is tailored for those who are new to credit or those with limited or rebuilding credit. 

What is the most suitable credit card for all purposes?

The Citi Rewards+® Card is a versatile option suitable for various purposes, as it focuses on everyday spending while also offering promotional benefits such as discounts on travel, including hotels and attractions.

Related articles

What is a Virtual Credit Card? Features, Benefits, and Limitations

Payments Rulebook

Virtual Cards Vs. Physical Cards: Key Differences Break-Down

5 Best Credit Cards in the UK [2024]

Banking Insights

5 Best Debit Cards in Hong Kong [2024]

Browse Banking Insights

Looking for a business account.

100% online application

No account opening fee, no initial deposit

Physical and virtual cards

• Credit Cards
• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• Best Credit Card Promotions
• Best Credit Cards for Dining
• Best Credit Cards for Shopping
• Best Cashback Credit Cards
• Best Miles Credit Cards for Travel
• Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards for Petrol
• Best Credit Cards for Businesses/SMEs
• Best Personal Loans
• Best Home Mortgage Loans
• Best Renovation Loans
• Best Car Loans
• Best Education Loans
• Best Debt Consolidation Loans
• Best Business/SME Loans
• Best Car Insurance
• Best Travel Insurance
• Best Home Insurance
• Best Mortgage Insurance
• Best Health Insurance
• Best Endowment Insurance
• Best Critical Illness Insurance
• Best Maid Insurance
• Best Whole Life Insurance
• Best Term Life Insurance
• Best Personal Accident Insurance
• Best Motorcycle Insurance
• Best Pet Insurance

Investments

• Best Online Brokerages
• Best Robo Advisors
• Best P2P/Crowdfunding Platforms

Bank Accounts

• Best Savings Accounts
• Best Fixed Deposit Accounts
• Best Debit Cards
• Best Hotel Booking Sites
• Best Wire Transfers
• Best Electrical Retailers
• Best Travel Deals

Personal Finance Guides

We'll help you make informed decisions on everything from choosing a job to saving on your family activities.

• Average Cost of Home Renovation
• Average Cost of Monthly SP Bills
• Average Cost of Domestic Help
• Average Cost of Moving Your Home
• Average Cost of Renting a Car
• Average Cost of a Wedding
• Average Cost of a Divorce
• Average Cost of a Funeral
• Average Cost of an Engagement Ring
• Research Reports
• Evaluation Methodology
• Which Travel Credit Card Gives You the Most Travel Perks?

Convenience and safety aren’t the only reasons to travel with a credit card.

Travel credit cards also give you perks and privileges that can help you save money on your overseas trip. They can even extend some needed help should you find yourself caught in a pinch.

Here are the best travel credit cards in Singapore to use for your next holiday.

Why Use Travel Credit Cards?

Travel credit cards offer three main benefits that travellers would find useful.

Firstly, travel credit cards let you earn air miles, which can be then traded in for free flights and other perks on-board. You can even use them to upgrade your cabin class without paying extra, making for a nice way to elevate your flight.

Secondly, travel credit cards also come with special discounts and deals at popular travel merchants, including hotel booking sites, restaurants and attractions. These can help you to pare down the cost of your holiday.

In addition, you can also enjoy free airport lounge visits and airport transfers for a more enjoyable transit.

Thirdly, many travel credit cards come with complimentary travel insurance when you charge your trip to your card. The scope and range of benefits differ between providers, so you’ll want to check exactly what your policy entails, in case there are any missing benefits you may need.

Even if your credit card’s travel insurance plan isn’t quite sufficient for your needs, it can still act as a backup to your main travel policy.

Best Travel Credit Cards in Singapore

Uob prvi miles american express card.

• Great for rapid miles accrual
• Awards high spend on airlines & hotels
• Annual fee waiver with Amex card
• Doesn't fit infrequent travellers with mostly local budgets
• Lacks luxury perks & privileges
• 1.4 miles per S$1 spent locally
• 2.4 miles per S$1 spent overseas
• 6 miles per S$1 spent at Expedia, Agoda and UOB Travel
• Receive annual fee waiver and 20,000 bonus miles with annual spend of S$50,000
• Free travel insurance, airport transfer
• Travel and lifestyle concierge services
• Annual fee: S$259.20 (first year waived)

The UOB PRVI Miles has one of the highest air miles earn rates, which means you’ll be getting more bang for your buck. You will earn 1.4 mpd (miles per dollar spent) locally, and 2.4 mpd for overseas transactions. And when you make your travel bookings at Expedia, Agoda and UOB Travel, you’ll earn a whopping 6 mpd.

This card also comes with travel insurance of up to S$500,000 personal accident coverage and up to S$50,000 overseas medical expense benefits. You will also be given access to travel and lifestyle concierge services to help ensure your holiday goes off without a hitch.

While this card offers high air miles earn rates, this is somewhat offset by the costly annual fee of S$256.80. However, if you’re a high spender and charge S$50,000 to your card in a year, the annual fee will be waived, and you’ll be rewarded with 20,000 bonus miles.

American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card

• Easy-to-use miles card
• No conversions & transfer fees
• Great rewards with Singapore Airlines
• Not easy to maximise miles
• Lacks airline/travel rewards aside from SIA
• 1.1 miles per S$1 spent locally
• 1.1 miles per S$1 spent overseas (2 miles in June and December)
• 2 miles per S$1 spent on SingaporeAir, SilkAir and KrisShop in-flight & online
• 3.1 miles per S$1 spent on Grab transactions (capped at 620 miles per month)
• Free travel insurance
• Hertz car rental privileges
• Annual fee: S$178.20 (first year- waived)

If you’re a frequent patron of Singapore Airlines, the American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card (Amex KF Credit Card) is a great choice for you. You can earn bonus air miles on flights operated by Singapore Airlines (including SilkAir and Scoot), as well as purchases made at KrisShop.

For all other purchases, locally and overseas, you’ll earn 1.1 mpd, but this increases to 2 mpd for overseas spends in June and December — a nice way to capitalise on family holidays.

This card provides complimentary travel insurance of up to S$350,000 in travel accident and travel inconvenience benefits. If you need to rent a vehicle, you can enjoy a 10% discount and free vehicle class upgrade via Hertz Gold Plus Rewards.

DBS Altitude Air Miles Card

• Great for online travel bookings
• Those willing to pay an annual fee for more bonus miles
• Affluent travellers who are willing to pay a high fee for luxury travel perks
• 1.2 miles per S$1 spent locally
• 2 miles per S$1 spent overseas
• 3 miles per S$1 spent on online flight and hotel bookings (6 miles on Expedia, and 10 miles on Kalingo)
• Receive 10,0000 bonus miles when you pay your annual fee
• Complimentary 2 lounge visits per year
• S$194.40 (waived with minimum charge of S$25,000 per year)

The DBS Altitude Visa Signature card is a long-standing favourite among Singaporean travellers, likely because of the great value it offers.

The base air miles earn rate is a competitive 1.2 mpd for local spends, and 2 mpd for overseas transactions. For online flight and hotel bookings, this goes up to 3 mpd–6 mpd for Expedia, and 10 mpd for Kaligo.

What’s more, you will also receive 10,000 bonus miles when you pay the annual fee, which honestly isn’t the most egregious, at under S$200.

The DBS Altitude Visa Signature card grants you two free airport lounge visits per year at over 1,300 airports worldwide, which you can use yourself or with a guest.

One drawback though is that this card does not come with complimentary travel insurance, so you’ll need to get your own policy.

Compare the Best Travel Credit Cards in Singapore

Not sure which travel credit card would suit you the most? Read our analyses of the best credit cards in Singapore to help you choose.

• Best Air Miles Credit Cards in Singapore 2023
• Best Reward Credit Cards in Singapore 2023
• Best Credit Card Dining and Buffet Promotions 2023
• Cash Or Credit Cards: Which Is Better To Use When Travelling?
• Guide to Redeeming Miles Credit Card Rewards

Cover Image Source: Unsplash

Keep up with our news and analysis.

Stay up to date.

Our Top Credit Cards

• Overall Best Credit Cards
• Best Air Miles Credit Cards
• Best Agoda Credit Card Promotions
• Best Expedia Credit Card Promotions
• Best Booking.com Credit Card Promotions
• Best Credit Cards with Klook Promo Codes
• Best Miles Cards with No Annual Fee
• Best Cashback Cards with No Annual Fee
• Best Petrol Credit Cards
• Best Cards for SPC Discounts
• Best Cards for Esso Promotions
• Best Cards for Shell Discounts
• Best Shopping Credit Cards
• Best Student Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards for Seniors
• Best Expat Credit Cards
• Best Unlimited Cashback Credit Cards
• Best Cards for High Income
• Best Dining Credit Cards
• Best Cards for Food Delivery
• Best Credit Card 1 for 1 Buffet Promotions
• Best Grocery Credit Cards
• Best Entertainment Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards for TransitLink SimplyGo
• Best EZ-Link Credit Cards
• Best Cards for Insurance
• Medical Credit Cards
• Wedding Credit Cards
• Best Cards for Seniors

Compare Credit Cards by Value

• Rewards Credit Cards
• Cashback Credit Cards
• Petrol Credit Cards
• Travel Credit Cards

Featured Credit Cards

• Citi Cashback Card
• HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card
• Maybank FC Barcelona Visa Signature Card
• Citi PremierMiles Visa Card
• HSBC Revolution Card
• DBS Altitude Card

Credit Card Basics

• How to Find the Best Rewards Credit Card
• How to Use a Credit Card: Best Practices Explained
• Everything You Need to Know To Optimise Points Redemption
• Guide to the Risks of Credit Card Churning
• Everything to Know about 0% Instal Plans
• Understanding Credit Card APRs & Interest Rates
• Average Interest Rate of Credit Cards
• What Is Credit Card Cash Advance?
• Average Cost of Cash Advance
• What Is a Balance Transfer?
• Repercussions of a Late Payment on Your Credit Card
• Credit Card Minimum Payment: What You Need To Know
• Understanding Credit Cards' Minimum Spend Requirements
• A Basic Guide to Supplementary Credit Cards
• VISA vs MasterCard – Which is better?
• Everything to Know about Foreign Transaction Fees
• Cash vs Credit Cards: Which Is Better To Use When Travelling?
• Cash Back vs Points vs Miles
• Cashback Cards vs Miles Cards
• Understanding Caps on Monthly Rewards Earnings
• No Annual Fee Cards vs Fee Cards
• Debit Cards vs Credit Cards
• Common Credit Card Transactions Excluded from Earning Rewards

Featured Credit Card Services

• RentHero vs CardUp
• Youtrip vs. Revolut Digital Wallets
• CardUp Review
• RentHero Review
• Revolut Standard Review
• YouTrip Debit Card Review

Related Articles

• How to Put Your Salary Increment to Good Use
• 10 Best Free-Flow Brunch Buffets in Singapore for All Budgets
• Last-Minute Christmas Shopping Hacks and Gift Ideas For The Procrastinator In All Of Us
• The Best Christmas Dining Specials for a Merry Holiday Season in Singapore (2023)
• 3 Easy Ways to Host Christmas Dinner on a Budget
• Pros and Cons of Contributing to Your Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS)
• Everything You Need To Know About Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS)
• Copyright © 2024 ValueChampion

Advertiser Disclosure: ValueChampion is a free source of information and tools for consumers. Our site may not feature every company or financial product available on the market. However, the guides and tools we create are based on objective and independent analysis so that they can help everyone make financial decisions with confidence. Some of the offers that appear on this website are from companies which ValueChampion receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, this does not affect our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services

We strive to have the most current information on our site, but consumers should inquire with the relevant financial institution if they have any questions, including eligibility to buy financial products. ValueChampion is not to be construed as in any way engaging or being involved in the distribution or sale of any financial product or assuming any risk or undertaking any liability in respect of any financial product. The site does not review or include all companies or all available products.

The Best Credit Cards for Travel to Singapore

The world used to be filled with city-states such as Venice, Florence, and Athens. But today, there are just a few left like Monaco and Dubai.

And in Southeast Asia, you’ll find Singapore to be one of the most successful city-states in the world.

What began as a trading post nearly 200 years ago has grown into a commercial, financial, and transportation powerhouse.

It’s also a great place to visit, as it enjoys warm weather all year long, and boasts an amazing array of cultures including Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, and others.

But when it comes time to plan a trip to Singapore, you’ll realize that it’s just about as far from the United States as you can get. And with that distance comes the high price of airfare.

Fortunately, Singapore has its own major international airport (that’s so impressive that it’s actually considered a destination in itself).

And since most major international carriers fly to Singapore, there are many ways to get there using the frequent flyer miles you can earn from your credit card.

Here are three of the best credit cards that you can use to book an award trip to Singapore:

Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred  is another good option to earn miles for a trip to Singapore.

Known for large welcome bonuses to new customers, you may be able to earn free travel very quickly. And, don't forget the rewards program that is great for those who dine out and travel frequently.

Points are earned in the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, which allows you to transfer points to miles with seven different airline partners, and points with four different hotel programs.

Transfer miles to United, Singapore Airlines, Flying Blue

You can transfer your points to United , which offers round-trip awards to Singapore for 80,000 miles in economy and 140,000 miles in first class.

It flies non-stop to Singapore from its hub San Francisco, which is one of the longest flights in the world. United is also part of the Star Alliance, which includes Singapore Airlines as well as Asiana, ANA, and Thai.

Another option is to transfer your points to the Flying Blue program of Air France and KLM.

Flying Blue is part of the SkyTeam alliance, which includes Delta, Korean, and several Chinese carriers that serve Singapore.

You can redeem 80,000 Flying Blue miles for a flight to Singapore in economy class.

And of course, you can always transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to Singapore Airlines itself, which flies to Singapore via Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and New York (Although only one of its flights from San Francisco is non-stop).

Round-trip flights from New York or Houston are 80,000 miles in economy, and 184,000 in business.

Round-trip flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco are 76,000 miles in economy, and 136,000 in business.

Good for hotels too

The Ultimate Rewards points that you earn from your Chase Sapphire Preferred card are also useful for hotel stays in Singapore.

You can transfer those points to Hyatt and use 20,000 Hyatt points for an award night at the Grand Hyatt Singapore.

Finally, you can redeem your Ultimate Rewards points directly for airfare, hotel, car rentals or activities.

Just use the Ultimate Rewards travel center and your points are worth 1.25 cents each toward travel reservations.

This card has a $95 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

Amex Everyday Preferred

This card offers rewards in the American Express Membership Rewards program , which can be transferred to miles with 17 different airlines.

It features 3x points at US supermarkets (on up to $6,000 spent each calendar year), 2x points at US gas stations, and 1x elsewhere.

In addition, you also get a 50% points bonus each billing period that you make 30 or more transactions, which allows you earn 4.5x, 3x and 1.5x respectively. This is an excellent rate of return for such flexible points.

One option for point transfers is ANA Airlines of Japan. ANA offers round-trip award flights from North America to Singapore for 80,000 miles round-trip in economy class and 136,000 in business class.

ANA is a member of the Star Alliance which is partnered with United, Singapore, Asiana, and Air Canada.

Another option is the Flying Blue program of Air France and KLM. As part of the SkyTeam alliance, you can redeem those miles to book award flights on Delta, Korean, and several Chinese carriers that serve Singapore.

It costs 80,000 Flying Blue miles for a flight to Singapore in economy class.

Singapore is also a transfer partner of the Membership Rewards program. Round-trip awards on Singapore from New York or Houston are 80,000 miles in economy, and 184,000 in business.

There’s a $95 annual fee for this card, but it does have a 2.7% foreign transaction fees.

Using the Right Credit Card in Singapore

Once you reach Singapore, you will still want to have the right credit card for your purchases.

Nearly all merchants there that accept credit cards accept Visa and MasterCard, and most accept American Express. Discover cards are accepted by some places, but not as much as the others.

Like any trip outside of the United States, you’ll want to use a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees.

None of the cards mentioned here has foreign transaction fees except the  Amex EveryDay Preferred , which has a 2.7% fee. Most other cards impose a 3% fee on all charges processed outside of the United States.

Tip:  Also check out the MyBankTracker's list of best credit cards for foreign travel .

Credit cards are widely accepted in Singapore, but you should never use them to access cash.

When you use your credit card in an ATM, it will likely be subject to large cash advance fees, and a very high cash advance interest rate.

In addition, interest will always be incurred on cash advances. Unlike new purchases, there is no grace period for these transactions.

You should take always have an ATM card with you to access cash. An ATM card that works in the United States will work with nearly any ATM machine in Singapore.

You can also bring U.S. Dollars with you for exchange, but you are unlikely to receive as good of an exchange rate as you would with your debit card or credit card.

Singapore is an exciting and exotic place to visit, but it’s hardly next door.

By choosing the right credit card, and redeeming your miles carefully, you can visit this far-flung city state even sooner than you thought.

You might also like

Advertiser Disclosure:

We believe by providing tools and education we can help people optimize their finances to regain control of their future. While our articles may include or feature select companies, vendors, and products, our approach to compiling such is equitable and unbiased. The content that we create is free and independently-sourced, devoid of any paid-for promotion.

This content is not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of the bank advertiser, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. This site may be compensated through the bank advertiser Affiliate Program.

MyBankTracker generates revenue through our relationships with our partners and affiliates. We may mention or include reviews of their products, at times, but it does not affect our recommendations, which are completely based on the research and work of our editorial team. We are not contractually obligated in any way to offer positive or recommendatory reviews of their services. View our list of partners.

MyBankTracker has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. MyBankTracker and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

7 best travel credit card in Singapore for businesses

Whether you are an SME or a multinational corporation, corporate travel is an essential part of business operations.

Business leaders, senior executives, and even sales teams rely on business travel to perform revenue-generating activities.

A travel-centric business credit card is essential to maximize your travel without depleting your resources.

Fortunately, Singapore offers some of the best credit cards for business travel, making it a cost-effective and pleasurable experience.

Looking for corporate credit cards for your business travel in Singapore? Here we have reviewed the features and benefits of some of the best travel credit card in Singapore and compared it with Volopay.

7 best travel credit card in Singapore for business travel

1. AMEX Singapore airlines business

This is one of the best travel credit card in Singapore for business travel for those who wish to get rewarded and save the costs of future trips while traveling.

Through their partnership with Singapore Airlines HighFlyer, AMEX offers exciting perks and features to their customers. The card offers a welcome bonus of SGD 300 statement credit on a spend of SGD 5,000 or more within the first three months.

AMEX offers interest-free purchases of up to 51 days and complimentary travel accidental insurance of up to SGD 1 million and trip cancellation coverage.

Luxury complimentary perks include huge discounts of up to 50% on dining across APAC, exclusive passes to premium airport lounges, and lots more.

AMEX Singapore Airlines Business card has some of the best air miles credit cards have to offer. Users can earn up to 8.5 HighFlyer points per SGD 1 spent on select Singapore Airlines Group flights and 1.8 HighFlyer points for every SGD 1 spent on other payments.

AMEX has waived the annual fee of SGD 299 for the first year, and customers can issue two supplementary cards (worth SGD 99 per card) for free. To be eligible for the AMEX Singapore Airlines Business credit card, applicants must be at least 21 years of age.

The minimum income requirements for this card are SGD 30,000 for citizens and permanent residents, and SGD 60,000 for foreigners with a good credit rating and a valid Unique Entity Number (UEN). One of the glaring drawbacks of this card is that most of the rewards offered are redeemable with Singapore Airlines only.

2. Citi PremierMiles

This credit card is ideal for budget travelers who fly frequently and are content with fewer perks and smaller fees.

Users earn 1.2 miles per SGD 1 local spend and 2 miles for international payments. Citi Premiermiles has some of the best air miles credit cards have to offer.

Their air miles never expire, which allows users to redeem them at their own discretion and offers tie-ups with 60 airlines and 8,000 hotels.

Customers get free travel insurance and two free lounge visits per year. The annual fee of SGD 192.60 is waived for the first year, and can receive a bonus of 10,000 miles when they renew their membership.

Users can earn air miles for payments such as taxes, rent, school fees, and a lot more. Under the Citi PremierMiles rewards program, customers can earn non-expiring CitiMiles, with each CitiMile equal to 1 mile when redeemed. An administrative fee of SGD 25 is levied for each redemption process.

Only citizens and permanent residents with an annual income of SGD 30,000 and foreigners earning SGD 42,000 are eligible for Citi PremierMiles.

Rebate is not applicable on credit card expenses such as institutional payments, gambling and betting, bill payments, and more. While Citi PremierMiles is ideal for frequent flyers, it lacks a lot of luxury perks that other credit cards offer.

3. DBS Altitude Visa

DBS Altitude Visa card is one of the best travel credit card for business travel for average-to-luxury users who do not want to compromise on air miles and perks.

With this card, users can earn 1.2 air miles for every SGD 1 local spend, 2 miles for international travel spends, and 3 miles per SGD 1 spent on shopping, flight, and hotel bookings done online.

DBS offers to waive off the annual fee of SGD 192.60 for the first year and waives it off each subsequent year when your annual spending exceeds SGD 25,000.

If you do choose to pay the annual fee, you instantly receive 10,000 bonus miles.

For the best air miles, credit cards such as DBS Altitude Visa are ideal since the miles earned never expire.

Perks such as free travel insurance, dining, and golfing privileges, and two free-of-cost airport lounge visits are attractive incentives provided by DBS. Users can further earn non-expiring DBS points which are redeemable in the form of vouchers, more air miles, or payment towards the annual fee.

To be eligible for DBS Altitude Visa, income requirements are set as SGD 30,000 for citizens and permanent residents, and SGD 45,000 for foreigners. Credit card expenditures such as bill payments and transfers and bank fees are not eligible for any rebates.

4. UOB PRVI Miles

UOB PRVI Miles is an AMEX offering and a formidable competitor in the best credit cards for business travel segment. It offers big rewards with cost-effective fee waivers and air miles.

Users get 1.4 miles for every SGD 1 local spend, 2.4 miles for every SGD 1 spent internationally, and up to 6 miles with prominent airlines and hotels.

While customers receive complimentary travel insurance and 8 free transfers to Changi Airport every year, they might have to miss out on premium luxury perks such as airport lounge visits, hotel, and car assistance, and more.

To balance this out, UOB PRVI waives off the annual fee of SGD 256.80 for the first year and rewards 20,000 bonus annual renewal miles on an annual expense worth SGD 50,000 and above.

Users can redeem the UOB PRVI UNI$ rewards for air miles or cashback. However, please note that the air miles for this card expire within 2 years from the date of earning.

To be eligible for UOB PRVI Miles, applicants must have an income of at least SGD 30,000 for citizens and permanent residents, and SGD 80,000 for foreigners.

Credit card payments such as tax payments, interest, late payment charges, and gambling are not eligible for any rewards.

5. OCBC Voyage

OCBC Voyage is one of the best credit cards for business travel for those who desire more flexibility owing to their unpredictable travel schedule without missing out on high-quality perks and easy mile redemption.

Users earn 1.3 miles on every SGD 1 local spend and 2.2 miles per SGD 1 spend overseas.

Users can greatly benefit from OCBC Voyage credit card’s eCommerce purchase protection, unlimited lounge access, and exclusive 2X limo transfers a month on spending SGD 5,000 domestically or internationally.

This card is perfect for customers who juggle higher FX payments. Although the card offers a non-waivable fee of SGD 488, it also offers 15,000 Voyage miles which do not expire and can be redeemed via the Voyage exchange hotline.

To be eligible for the OCBC Voyage credit card, users must have an income of SGD 120,000 for citizens and permanent residents, and SGD 120,000 for foreigners.

Credit card expenditures such as membership fees, payments for utilities and telecommunication services, and maintenance fees are not eligible for rewards.

6. Standard Chartered Visa Infinite

This credit card is extremely beneficial for opulent travellers who are keen to maximize their air miles and enjoy the utmost convenience.

With a minimum spend of SGD 2000 per month, users can earn 1.4 miles per SGD 1 spend locally and 3 miles per SGD 1 overseas spend.

Luxuries are in abundance with Standard Chartered Visa Infinite, as cardholders receive transport benefits like rental card upgrades, fuel savings, and a free 4-hour luxury yacht hire for an annual spend of SGD 75,000.

This card caters to frequent and affluent travelers who spend around SGD 6,000 per month. The perks and benefits received to balance out their non-waivable annual fee of SGD 588.50 along with the 35,000 welcome miles.

Unlike other cards, income tax payments made through Standard Chartered Visa Infinite credit card are eligible for non-expiry 360°Rewards Points. 

To be eligible for this card, applicants must have minimum income of SGD 30,000 for citizens and permanent residents, and SGD 60,000 for foreigners.

While SC Visa Infinite credit card allows income tax payments to be eligible for rewards, other expenses such as bank-related fees, bill payments, and insurance premiums are ineligible for rewards or rebates.

7. Maybank Horizon Visa Signature

If you have a bigger budget for local travel but do not want to miss out on overseas perks, then the Maybank Horizon Visa Signature card is one of the best credit cards for business travel.

It has the best air miles credit cards have to offer, with a massive 3.2 miles per local SGD 1 spend on dining, taxis and petrol including Grab which is twice the amount of what other credit cards offer, and an industry average of 2 miles per SGD 1 overseas spend.

Customers also get free travel insurance and access to exclusive airport lounges in form of a voucher for every SGD 1000 retail transaction using the credit card.

With a low monthly spend of SGD 300, users can unlock rewards which is great in comparison to other cards that demand monthly spending to be in thousands.

Maybank Horizon Visa Signature is far more affordable with its annual fee of SGD 180 waived off for three years and then subsequently waived with an annual spend of SGD 18,000. Spend rewards are given in points, redeemable as cash, vouchers, or air miles.

Income eligibility for Maybank Horizon Visa Signature is SGD 30,000 for citizens and permanent residents, and SGD 60,000 for foreigners.

The points acquired are prone to expire within 1 year from the quarterly period in which they were earned.

Furthermore, credit card expenditures such as fund transfers, cash advances, and tax payments are not eligible for reward points or rebates.

Are you a business owner who is planning to get a business credit for your business? Our article on features to look for when selecting business credit card in Singapore , might help you out.

Manage your corporate travel with Volopay

With Volopay, you get to create unlimited virtual cards and give your employees branded physical cards to manage their corporate travel expenses.

From paying at hotels and restaurants, booking travel tickets and hotels to paying for commute and business meetings, assign cards so that your employees do not have to resort to paying for their business-related travel from their own pockets.

In case of any fraudulent transactions, you can always block and freeze your virtual and physical cards any time from any where and get a complete overview of all transactions and spends in real-time.

Interesting read - Business travel industry trends and forecast for 2023

While it is not illegal to use business credit card for personal travel, however, doing so might end up breaking your credit card membership agreement. Therefore, it is advised not to charge your personal travel on your business credit card.

Yes, businesses can get a business credit card even with no revenue as long as they can prove a reasonable intention to turn a profit in near future.

Business credit cards offer unparalleled convenience and eliminate the need to carry large amounts of cash or your checkbook. It is faster than loan qualification and offers purchase protection on your payments. Having a business credit card protects your personal credit score from being affected and builds a business credit score in the process.

Volopay corporate cards are extremely secure and offer utmost protection against theft, accident, misuse, and loss. With Volopay virtual cards, users can make temporary cards for trial subscriptions and one-off payments on unknown sites and stay further protected.

When traveling overseas, avoid using your home country's currency and buying travel money at the airport as the forex and markup fee is exorbitant this way. It is better to use corporate cards such as Volopay that offer the lowest exchange rates than any other establishment.

Enhance your business travel experience with smart corporate cards

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

15 Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024

ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2024 || Best rewards credit cards || Best airline credit cards || Best hotel credit cards

A travel rewards credit card brings your next trip a little closer every time you use it. Each purchase earns points or miles that you can redeem for travel expenses. If you're loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain, consider getting one of that company's branded credit cards. Otherwise, check out the general-purpose travel cards on this page, which give you flexible rewards that you can use without the restrictions and blackout dates of branded cards.

Some of our selections for the best travel credit cards can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet, followed by the full list of our picks.

250+ credit cards reviewed and rated by our team of experts

80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

100+ categories of best credit card selections ( See our top picks )

Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics ( Methodology )

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity .

Show summary

NerdWallet's Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for Flexibility + point transfers + big sign-up bonus

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for Flat-rate travel rewards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for Travel portal benefits

Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best for Cash back for travel bookings

Chase Freedom Flex℠ : Best for Cash back for travel bookings

American Express® Gold Card : Best for Big rewards on everyday spending

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for Bonus rewards + no annual fee

The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for Luxury travel perks

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for Business travelers — bonus rewards + big sign-up offer

Citi Premier® Card : Best for Triple points on multiple categories

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for Flat-rate rewards + no annual fee, and for balance transfers

Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for Bonus travel rewards + high-end perks

World of Hyatt Credit Card : Best for Hotel credit card

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card : Best for Travel rewards for rent payments + no annual fee

United℠ Explorer Card : Best for Airline card

Best Travel Credit Cards From Our Partners

Find the right credit card for you..

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Flexibility + point transfers + big sign-up bonus

Flat-rate travel rewards, travel portal benefits, cash back for travel bookings, big rewards on everyday spending, bonus rewards + no annual fee, luxury travel perks, business travelers — bonus rewards + big sign-up offer, triple points on multiple categories, flat-rate rewards + no annual fee, and for balance transfers, bonus travel rewards + high-end perks, hotel credit card, travel rewards for rent payments + no annual fee, airline card, full list of editorial picks: best travel credit cards.

Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is probably the best-known general-purpose travel credit card, thanks to its ubiquitous advertising. You earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase, without the blackout dates and other restrictions of branded hotel and airline cards. The card offers a great sign-up bonus and other worthwhile perks ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards + no annual fee, and for balance transfers

One of the best no-annual-fee travel cards available, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card gives you a solid rewards rate on every purchase, with points that can be redeemed for any travel purchase, without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards. Bank of America® has an expansive definition of "travel," too, giving you additional flexibility in how you use your rewards. Read our review.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Our pick for: Bonus travel rewards + high-end perks

The high annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives many potential applicants pause, but frequent travelers should be able to wring enough value out of this card to more than make up for the cost. Cardholders get bonus rewards (up to 10X) on dining and travel, a fat bonus offer, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and a 50% boost in point value when redeeming points for travel booked through Chase. Points can also be transferred to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Read our review. 

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Our pick for: Flexibility + point transfers + big sign-up bonus

For a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards (up to 5X) on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review. 

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Our pick for: Bonus rewards + no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories — restaurants, gas stations, transit, travel, streaming and more. Read our review.

Citi Premier® Card

Our pick for: Triple points in multiple categories

The Citi Premier® Card earns bonus points on airfare, hotels, supermarkets, dining and gas stations. There's a solid sign-up bonus as well.  Read our review.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Road trips

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is one of the most generous cards on the market if you're taking to the skies or the road, thanks to the quadruple points it earns on travel and purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations. It's also a solid card for everyday expenses like groceries, dining and streaming, and it comes with ongoing credits that can offset its annual fee:  $0 intro for the first year, then $95 .  Read our review .

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Travel portal benefits

Capital One's premium travel credit card can deliver terrific benefits — provided you're willing to do your travel spending through the issuer's online booking portal. That's where you'll earn the highest rewards rates plus credits that can make back the bulk of your annual fee ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Our pick for: Cash back for travel bookings

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® was already a fine card when it offered 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Now it's even better, with bonus rewards on travel booked through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. On top of all that, new cardholders get a 0% introductory APR period and the opportunity to earn a sweet bonus. Read our review.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers bonus cash back in quarterly categories that you activate, as well as on travel booked through Chase, at restaurants and at drugstores. Category activation can be a hassle, but if your spending matches the categories — and for a lot of people, it will — you can rack up hundreds of dollars a year. There's a fantastic bonus offer for new cardholders and an intro APR offer, too. Read our review.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Our pick for: Luxury travel perks

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee, but travelers who like to go in style (and aren't afraid to pay for comfort) can more than get their money's worth. Enjoy extensive airport lounge access, hundreds of dollars a year in travel and shopping credits, hotel benefits and more. That's not even getting into the high rewards rate on eligible travel purchases and the rich welcome offer for new cardholders. Read our review.

American Express® Gold Card

Our pick for: Big rewards on everyday spending

The American Express® Gold Card can earn you a pile of points from everyday spending, with generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at restaurants and on certain flights booked through amextravel.com. Other benefits include hundreds of dollars a year in available dining and travel credits and a solid welcome offer for new cardholders. There's an annual fee, though, and a pretty substantial one, so it's not for smaller spenders. Read our review.

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card

Our pick for: Rewards on rent payments

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional transaction fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter. You also get bonus points on dining and travel when you make at least five transactions on the card each statement period, and redemption options include point transfers to partner hotel and loyalty programs. Read our review.

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Credit union rewards

With premium perks for a $95 annual fee (which can be waived in some cases), jet-setters will get a lot of value from the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . It also offers a generous rewards rate on travel purchases and a decent flat rate on everything else. Plus, you’ll get travel credits and a Priority Pass membership that offers airport lounge access for $32 per visit. Read our review.

United℠ Explorer Card

Our pick for: United Airlines + best domestic airline card

The United℠ Explorer Card earns bonus rewards not only on spending with United Airlines but also at restaurants and on eligible hotel stays. And the perks are outstanding for a basic airline card — a free checked bag, priority boarding, lounge passes and more. Read our review.

» Not a United frequent flyer? See our best airline cards for other options

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Our pick for: Hotel credit card

Hyatt isn't as big as its competitors, but World of Hyatt Credit Card is worth a look for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. You can earn a lot of points even on non-Hyatt spending, and those points have a high value compared with rival programs. There's a great sign-up bonus, free nights, automatic elite status and more. Read our review.

» Not a Hyatt customer? See our best hotel cards for other options.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Our pick for: Small business — bonus categories + big sign-up offer

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card starts you off with one of the biggest sign-up bonuses of any credit card anywhere: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠. You also get bonus rewards on travel expenses and common business spending categories, like advertising, shipping and internet, cable and phone service. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Learn more and apply .

Are you in Canada?

See NerdWallet's best travel cards for Canada.

OTHER RESOURCES

How travel rewards work.

Modern-day adventurers and once-a-year vacationers alike love the idea of earning rewards toward their next big trip. According to a NerdWallet study , 68% of American adults say they have a credit card that earns travel rewards.

With a travel rewards credit card, you earn points or miles every time you use the card, but you can often earn more points per dollar in select categories. Some top travel credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , offer bonus points on any travel spending, while the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card grants bonus points when you use the card at Marriott hotels, grocery stores, restaurants or gas stations.

Not all points and miles earned on travel rewards credit cards are the same:

General-purpose travel credit cards — including the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , the American Express® Gold Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card — give you rewards that can be used like cash to pay for travel or that can be exchanged for points in airline or hotel loyalty programs. With their flexible rewards, general-purpose options are usually the best travel credit cards for those who don't stick to a single airline or hotel chain.

Airline- and hotel-specific cards — such as the United℠ Explorer Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Card — give points and miles that can be used only with the brand on the card. (Although it's possible in some cases to transfer hotel points to airlines, we recommend against it because you get a poor value.) These so-called co-branded cards are usually the best travel credit cards for those who always fly one particular airline or stay with one hotel group.

How do we value points and miles? With the rewards earned on general travel cards, it's simple: They have a fixed value, usually between 1 and 1.5 cents per point, and you can spend them like cash. With airline miles and hotel points, finding the true value is more difficult. How much value you get depends on how you redeem them.

To better understand what miles are worth, NerdWallet researched the cash prices and reward-redemption values for hundreds of flights. Our results:

Keep in mind that the airline values are based on main cabin economy tickets and exclude premium cabin redemptions. See our valuations page for business class valuations and details about our methodology.

Our valuations are different from many others you may find. That’s because we looked at the average value of a point based on reasonable price searches that anyone can perform, not a maximized value that only travel rewards experts can expect to reach.

You should therefore use these values as a baseline for your own redemptions. If you can redeem your points for the values listed on our valuations page, you are doing well. Of course, if you are able to get higher value out of your miles, that’s even better.

HOW TO CHOOSE A TRAVEL CREDIT CARD

There are scores of travel rewards cards to choose from. The best travel credit card for you has as much to do with you as with the card. How often you travel, how much flexibility you want, how much you value airline or hotel perks — these are all things to take into account when deciding on a travel card. Our article on how to choose a travel credit card recommends that you prioritize:

Rewards you will actually use (points and miles are only as good as your ability to redeem them for travel).

A high earning rate (how much value you get in rewards for every dollar spent on the card).

A sign-up bonus (a windfall of points for meeting a spending requirement in your first few months).

Even with these goals in mind, there are all kinds of considerations that will influence your decision on a travel rewards credit card.

Travel cards are for travelers

Travel cards vs. cash-back cards.

The very first question to ask yourself when choosing a travel credit card is: Should I get a travel card at all? Travel credit cards are best for frequent travelers, who are more likely to get enough value from rewards and perks to make up for the annual fees that the best travel credit cards charge. (Some travel cards charge no annual fee, but they tend to offer lesser rewards than full-fee cards.) A NerdWallet study found that those who travel only occasionally — say, once a year — will probably get greater overall rewards from cash-back credit cards , most of which charge no annual fee, than from a travel card.

Flexibility and perks: A trade-off

Co-branded cards vs. general travel cards.

Travel credit cards fall into two basic categories: co-branded cards and general travel cards.

Co-branded cards carry the name of an airline or hotel group, such as the United℠ Explorer Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card . The rewards you earn are redeemable only with that particular brand, which can limit your flexibility, sometimes sharply. For example, if your credit card's co-branded airline partner doesn't have any award seats available on the flight you want on the day you want, you're out of luck. On the other hand, co-branded cards commonly offer airline- or hotel-specific perks that general travel cards can't match.

General travel cards aren't tied to a specific airline or hotel, so they offer much greater flexibility. Well-known general travel cards include the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . Rewards on general travel cards come as points (sometimes called "miles" but they're really points) that you can redeem for any travel expense. You're not locked into using a single airline or hotel, but you also won't enjoy the perks of a co-branded card.

Evaluating general travel credit cards

What you get with a general travel card.

The credit cards featured at the top of this page are general travel cards. They're issued by a bank (such as Chase or Capital One), carry only that bank's name, and aren't tied to any single airline or hotel group. With these cards, you earn points on every purchase — usually 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, sometimes with additional points in certain categories.

Issuers of general travel cards typically entice new applicants with big sign-up bonuses (also known as "welcome offers") — tens of thousands of miles that you can earn by spending a certain amount of money on the card in your first few months.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best credit card sign-up offers

What do you do with those points? Depending on the card, you may have several ways to redeem them:

Booking travel. With this option, your points pay for travel booked through the issuer's website, using a utility similar to Orbitz or Expedia. For example, if points were worth 1 cent apiece when redeemed this way, you could book a $400 flight on the issuer's portal and pay for it with 40,000 points

Statement credit. This lets you essentially erase travel purchases by using your points for credit on your statement. You make travel arrangements however you want (directly with an airline or hotel, through a travel agency, etc.) and charge it to your card. Once the charge shows up on your account, you apply the necessary points and eliminate the cost.

Transferring to partners. The card issuer may allow you to transfer your points to loyalty programs for airlines or hotel chains, turning your general card into something like a co-branded card (although you don't get the perks of a co-brand).

Cash back, gift cards or merchandise. If you don't plan to travel, you can burn off your rewards with these options, although you'll often get a lower value per point.

Airline and hotel cards sharply limit your choice, but they make up for it with perks that only they can offer, like free checked bags or room upgrades. General travel cards, on the other hand, offer maximum flexibility but can't provide the same kinds of perks, because the banks that issue them don't operate the airlines or hotels. Still, there are some noteworthy perks on general travel cards, including:

Travel credit. This is automatic reimbursement for travel-related spending. Some top travel credit cards offer hundreds of dollars a year in travel credit.

Trusted traveler reimbursement. More and more travel credit cards are covering the application fee for TSA Precheck and Global Entry, programs that allow you to move through airport security and customs more quickly.

Airport lounge access. Hundreds of lounges worldwide operate separately from airlines under such networks as Priority Pass and Airspace, and several general travel cards offer access to these lounges.

Points programs

Every major card issuer has at least one travel card with a points program. American Express calls its program Membership Rewards, while Chase has Ultimate Rewards® and Citi pays in ThankYou points. Wells Fargo has Wells Fargo Rewards, and U.S. Bank has FlexPerks. Bank of America® travel cards offer points without a fancy name. Travel cards from Capital One, Barclays and Discover all call their points "miles."

These programs differ in how much their points are worth and how you can use them. Some offer the full range of redemption options, including transfers to loyalty programs. Others let you use them only to book travel or get statement credit.

» MORE: Travel loyalty program reviews

Evaluating airline credit cards

What you get with an airline credit card.

Airline credit cards earn "miles" with each purchase. You typically get 1 mile per dollar spent, with a higher rate (2 or more miles per dollar) on purchases with the airline itself. (Some airline cards have also begun offering extra miles for purchases in additional categories, such as restaurants or car rental agencies.) These miles go into the same frequent-flyer account as the ones you earn by flying the airline, and you can redeem them for free flights with the airline or its alliance partners.

Co-branded airline cards typically offer sign-up bonuses (or welcome offers). But what really sets them apart are the perks they give you. With some cards, for example, the checked-bag benefit alone can make up for the annual fee after a single roundtrip by a couple. Common perks of airline cards include:

Free checked bags. This commonly applies to the first checked bag for you and at least one companion on your reservation. Some cards extend this perk to more people, and higher-end cards (with higher annual fees) may even let you check two bags apiece for free.

Priority boarding. Holders of co-branded airline credit cards often get to board the plane early — after the airline's elite-status frequent flyers but before the general population. This gives you time to settle in and gives you a leg up on claiming that coveted overhead bin space.

In-flight discounts or freebies. You might get, say, 25% off the cost of food and beverages during the flight, or free Wi-Fi.

Airport lounge access. High-end cards often include a membership to the airline's airport lounges, where you can get away from the frenzy in the terminal and enjoy a complimentary snack. Some less-expensive airline cards give you only limited or discounted lounge access; others give you none at all.

Companion fares. This perk lets you bring someone with you for a lower cost when you buy a ticket at full price.

A boost toward elite status. Miles earned with a credit card, as opposed to those earned from actually flying on the airline, usually do not count toward earning elite status in an airline's frequent-flyer program. However, carrying an airline's high-end card might automatically qualify you for a higher tier within the program.

The biggest U.S. airlines — American, United and Delta — offer an array of credit cards. Each airline has a no-annual-fee card that earns miles on purchases but provides little in the way of perks (no free bags or priority boarding). Each has a high-end card with an annual fee in the neighborhood of $450 that offers lounge access and sumptuous perks. And each has a "middle-class" card with a fee of around $100 and solid ongoing perks. Southwest offers three credit cards with varying fees; smaller carriers may just have a single card.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best airline credit cards

Choosing an airline

Which airline card you get depends in large part on what airline you fly, and that's heavily influenced by where you live. Alaska Airlines, for example, has an outstanding credit card, but the airline's routes are concentrated primarily on the West Coast. So it's not a great option for those who live in, say, Buffalo, New York, or Montgomery, Alabama.

If your local airport is dominated by a single airline, then you're probably flying that carrier most (or all) of the time by default. Delta, for example, is the 800-pound gorilla at Minneapolis-St. Paul and Salt Lake City. United has the bulk of the traffic at Newark and Washington Dulles. American calls the shots at Charlotte and Dallas-Fort Worth. That airline's credit card may be your only realistic option. If you're in a large or midsize market with frequent service from multiple airlines, you have more choice.

» MORE: How to choose an airline credit card

Evaluating hotel credit cards

What you get with a hotel card.

Hotel credit cards earn points with each purchase. As with airline cards, you typically get more points per dollar for purchases from the co-brand partner, and some cards also give bonus points in additional categories. (Hotel cards tend to give you a greater number of points overall than airline cards, but each individual point is generally worth less than a typical airline mile.) Similar to the airline model, the points you earn with the card go into the same loyalty account as the points you earn from actually staying at a hotel. You redeem your points for free stays.

Hotel cards usually offer a sign-up bonus, but like airline cards, they really make their bones with the ongoing perks. Common perks on hotel cards include:

Free nights. Several cards offer this perk, which can make up for the card's annual fee. You may get a free night automatically every year, or you may unlock it by spending a certain amount within a year. In the latter case, it comes on top of the points you earn for your spending.

Upgrades and freebies. Cardholders may qualify for automatic room upgrades when available, or free or discounted amenities such as meals or spa packages.

Early check-in/late check-out. No one likes having to cool their heels in the hotel lobby waiting for 3 o'clock to check in. And no one likes have to vacate their room by 11 a.m. when their flight doesn't leave till evening.

Accelerated elite status. Some hotel cards automatically bump you up a level in their loyalty program just for being a cardholder.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best hotel credit cards

Choosing a hotel group

If you decide to go the hotel-card route, you'll need to decide which hotel group gets your business. Hotels aren't as market-concentrated as airlines, so if your travels take you mostly to metropolitan areas, you'll have a decent amount of choice. Keep in mind that even though there are dozens of nationally recognizable hotel brands, ranging from budget inns to luxury resorts, many of them are just units in a larger hotel company, and that company's card can unlock benefits across the group.

Marriott, for example, includes not only its namesake properties but nearly 30 other brands, including Courtyard, Fairfield, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton and Westin. The Hilton family includes DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn and Waldorf-Astoria. InterContinental includes Holiday Inn, Candlewood, Staybridge and Crowne Plaza. Wyndham and Choice have more than 15 mid-tier and budget-oriented brands between them.

HOW TO COMPARE TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS

No travel rewards credit card is going to have everything you want. You're going to be disappointed if you expect to find a high rewards rate, a generous sign-up bonus, top-notch perks and no annual fee. Each card delivers value through a different combination of features; it's up to you to compare cards based on the following features and choose the best travel credit card for your needs and preferences.

Most of the best travel cards charge an annual fee. Fees in the range of $90 to $100 are standard for travel cards. Premium cards with extensive perks will have fees of $450 or more. Weigh the value of the rewards and perks you'll get to make sure they'll make up for the fee.

Can you find good cards without an annual fee? Absolutely! There are no-fee options on our list of the best travel credit cards, and we've rounded up more here . Just be aware that if you go with a no-fee travel card, you'll earn rewards at a lower rate, your sign-up bonus will be smaller, and you won't get as many (if any) perks.

Rewards rate

Rewards can be thought of in terms of "earn rate" and "burn rate".

The earn rate is how many points or miles you receive per dollar spent. Some general travel cards offer flat-rate rewards, meaning you get the same rate on all purchases, all the time — 2 miles per dollar, for example, or 1.5 points per dollar. Others, including most co-branded cards, offer a base rate of maybe 1 point per dollar and then pay a higher rate in certain categories, such as airline tickets, hotel stays, general travel expenses or restaurant meals.

The burn rate is the value you get for those points or miles when you redeem them. The industry average is about 1 cent per point or mile. Some cards, particularly hotel cards, have lower value per point on the "burn" side but give you more points per dollar on the earning side.

When comparing rewards rates, don't just look at the numbers. Look at the categories to which those numbers apply, and find a card that matches your spending patterns. Getting 5 points per dollar seems great — but if those 5X points come only on purchases at, say, office supply stores, and you don't spend money on office supplies, then you're getting lousy value.

Sign-up bonus

Travel cards tend to have the biggest sign-up bonuses — tens of thousands of points that you earn by hitting a certain amount of spending. But there's more to consider when comparing sign-up bonuses than just how many points or miles you earn. You must also take into account how much you have to spend to earn the bonus. While cash-back credit cards often require just $500 to $1,000 in spending over three months to unlock a bonus, travel cards commonly have thresholds of $3,000 to $5,000.

Never spend money you don't have just to earn a sign-up bonus. Carrying $3,000 in debt for a year in order to earn a $500 bonus doesn't make economic sense — the interest you'll pay could easily wipe out the value of the bonus.

Finally, keep in mind that the biggest bonuses will come on cards with annual fees.

Foreign transaction fees

A good travel card will not charge a foreign transaction fee. These fees are surcharges on purchases made outside the U.S. The industry standard is about 3%, which is enough to wipe out most if not all of the rewards you earn on a purchase. If you never leave the U.S., then this isn't much of a concern, but anyone who travels abroad should bring a no-foreign-transaction-fee card with them.

Some issuers don't charge foreign transaction fees on any of their cards. Others charge them on some cards but not all.

International acceptance

Not all travel credit cards are great companions for international travel. While Visa and Mastercard are good pretty much worldwide, you may encounter limited acceptance for American Express and, especially, Discover, depending on the destination. This doesn't mean world travelers should dismiss AmEx and Discover. Just know that if you take one of these cards with you overseas, you'd be smart to bring along a backup in case you run into acceptance problems. (Having a backup card is good advice within the U.S., too, really.)

Travel protections

Consider which travel protections — car rental insurance , trip cancellation coverage , lost baggage protection — are important to you.

"Rewards" are what you get for using a credit card — the points earned with each transaction and the bonuses you unlock with your spending. "Perks" are goodies that you get just for carrying the card. There's a very close correlation between the annual fee on a card and the perks you get for carrying it. Cards with no annual fee are all about rewards and go very light on perks. Premium cards with annual fees of $450 or more are laden with perks (although sometimes their rewards aren't too special). Midtier cards (in the $100 range) tend to have solid rewards and a handful of high-value perks.

Assuming you take advantage of them, the perks often make up for the annual fee on a card quite easily. This is especially true with co-branded cards. Free checked bags can pay for an airline card several times over, and a free night is usually worth more than the fee on a hotel card. When comparing the perks of various cards, be realistic about which ones you will and won't use. Sure, that card may entitle you to a free spa package the next time you're at a five-star hotel, but how often do you stay at five-star hotels?

SHOULD YOU GET A TRAVEL CARD? PROS AND CONS

Pros: why it's worth getting a travel card.

The sign-up bonus gives you a big head-start on travel. Bonuses on the best travel credit cards typically run $500 or more — enough for a roundtrip ticket in many instances.

Perks make travel less expensive and more relaxing. You won't have to worry about cramming a week's worth of clothes into a carry-on if your travel credit card gives you a free checked bag (or automatically reimburses you for the bag fee). Hate the crush of travelers in the terminal? Escape to the airport lounge. Renting a car? Use a travel card that provides primary rental car insurance.

Rewards get you closer to your next trip with every purchase. Spending money on the mundane activities of daily life has a silver lining when you know that every $1,000 you spend will knock $10 or $20 off the cost of that future beach vacation or trip home to see Mom and Dad.

No foreign transaction fee can mean big savings. Take just any old credit card with you on vacation outside the U.S., and $1,000 worth of purchases can cost you $30 off the top due to the foreign transaction surcharge. Good travel cards don't charge this fee.

"Double dipping" gives you more points on travel purchases. Buy a plane ticket or book a hotel room, and you'll earn loyalty points or miles regardless of how you pay. Use the right credit card, though, and you'll earn even more points and miles on top of those.

Strategic redemption can multiply your value. With cash-back credit cards, 1 cent is worth 1 cent, and that's just how it goes. The points and miles on many travel credit cards have variable value based on how you redeem them — booking travel with them vs. transferring them to a partner, booking domestic vs. international flights and economy vs. business class, staying at budget hotels vs. high-end resorts, and so on.

Cons: Why a travel card might not be for you

The best cards charge annual fees. In many cases, the value you get from a credit card more than makes up for the annual fee. But some people are dead set against paying a fee under any circumstances. If that's you, your options in travel cards will be sharply limited, and you won't get the perks that provide a big portion of the value on many cards.

Sign-up bonus spending requirements can be steep. A bonus worth $500, $600 or $700 is attractive, but only if you can afford to earn it with spending you were going to do anyway. If you have to amass thousands of dollars in debt and then pay interest on it, it's not worth it.

Travel cards aren't ideal for infrequent travelers. In the first year with a travel card, you're probably going to come out ahead: You can earn a big sign-up bonus, and several popular cards waive the first year's annual fee, too. In subsequent years, though, you'll break even on that fee only if you use the card enough to make up for it (with the rewards you earn and redeem and the perks you use). Infrequent travelers are more likely to get more total rewards from a cash-back card with no annual fee.

Cash back is simpler and more flexible. Some travel cards allow you to redeem your rewards only for travel. Others give you poor value unless you redeem for travel. Still others have complicated redemption options, making it hard to get the most out of your rewards. With cash-back credit cards, you can use your rewards on anything, you know exactly how much your rewards are worth, and redemption is usually simple.

Rewards cards tend to charge higher interest rates. If you regularly carry a balance from month to month, a travel credit card — or any rewards credit card — probably isn't your best choice. The interest you pay is eating up the value of your rewards. You're better off with a low-interest card that reduces the cost of carrying debt.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TRAVEL CARD

Maximize your rewards with the following tips:

Plan your credit card application around a big purchase to earn the sign-up bonus.

Seize every opportunity to pick up the tab, especially if your travel credit card pays bonus rewards on dining; your friends can pay you back while you collect rewards.

Redeem rewards for travel instead of gift cards, merchandise or (in most cases) cash back to get the best value.

Join the loyalty program associated with a co-branded card — a frequent-flyer or frequent-guest program.

Shop for essentials in your card’s online bonus mall or through its exclusive offers, if available, to get extra rewards.

OTHER CARDS TO CONSIDER

It’s worth considering whether a travel credit card is even right for you in the first place. A NerdWallet study found that cash-back credit cards often earn more money — even for many travelers.

If you carry a balance from month to month, the higher interest rates typically charged by rewards cards can cancel out any rewards earned. If you have a good credit score, you're better off with a low-interest credit card that can save you money on interest.

A good travel credit card shouldn't charge foreign transaction fees, but there are good non-travel cards that also don't charge them. See our best cards with no foreign transaction fee .

If you value transparency and flexibility in your rewards, you can't go wrong with a cash-back card — and you can still use the rewards for travel, if you want.

Finally, if you're still not sure what's right for you, take a look at our best rewards credit cards for options beyond travel and cash back.

NerdWallet's Sam Kemmis contributed to this article.

To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page .

Last updated on April 25 , 2024

Methodology

NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best travel rewards credit cards based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of travelers. Factors in our evaluation include each card's annual fee, foreign transaction fees, rewards earnings rates, ease of use, redemption options, domestic and international acceptance, promotional APR period, bonus offers, and cardholder perks such as automatic statement credits and airport lounge access. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

Travel credit cards earn points (sometimes called miles) each time you buy something. The standard earning rate is 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, and many cards give you extra points for certain purchases, particularly travel expenses. The value of a point depends on the card that earned it and how you redeem it, but a good rule of thumb is to assume each point is worth an average of about 1 cent.

Your points accumulate in a rewards account, where you can use them to pay for travel. Most cards let you book travel directly using a portal similar to those at online travel agencies or on airline and hotel websites, but instead of paying cash, you pay with your points. Depending on the card, you may also have the option of booking travel any way you want, paying for it with the card and then cashing in your points for a credit against those expenses.

Points and miles are just different names for the same thing: the currency used in a travel rewards program. Some travel credit cards call them points, some call them miles.

Airline frequent flyer programs have long used the term “miles” to refer to the rewards you earn for flying. That’s because at one time, you really did earn rewards according to how many miles you flew — the longer the flight, the more miles you earned. Nowadays, most domestic airlines give out “miles” based on how much you spend, not how far you fly, so they’re really just points. (There are a few exceptions, though, notably Alaska Airlines.)

Especially when it comes to redeeming your rewards, there’s no difference between points and miles. The number of points or miles you need is based mostly on the cost of what you’re redeeming them for. It takes more than 500 miles (value about: $5) to get a free 500-mile flight!

The value of a point or mile depends on the card you earned it with and how you redeem it. A common rule of thumb is to assume that each point or mile is worth an average of 1 cent, although you can certainly get a much higher (or lower) redemption value. See our travel loyalty roundup page for NerdWallet’s current valuations for airline miles and hotel points.

Travel credit cards fall into two main categories: co-branded and general-purpose.

• Co-branded travel cards carry the name of an airline or hotel chain. The rewards you earn on the card can typically be redeemed only with that brand (or maybe its partners). Co-branded cards limit your flexibility, but because they are issued in partnership with an airline or hotel, they can give you special perks, like free checked bags or room upgrades.

• General-purpose travel cards are issued by a credit card company and are not directly tied to any particular airline or hotel. They earn points in the issuer's own program, such as American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards® or Citi ThankYou. These points are a lot more flexible, as you can use them to pay for a range of travel expenses, including flights on any airline or stays at any hotel. However, they don’t offer the airline- or hotel-specific perks of co-branded cards.

Travel cards — like rewards cards in general — typically require good to excellent credit for approval. Good credit is generally defined as a credit score of 690 or better. However, credit scores alone do not guarantee approval. Every issuer has its own criteria for evaluating applications.

About the author

Sara Rathner

I agree to the terms and conditions and agree to receive relevant marketing content according to the privacy policy.

Which Credit Card Is The Best Companion For VTL Travel?

Vaccination certificates, PCR test results, masks, ART kits… Your VTL packing list will look different from before, but don’t forget to bring the right card too! While 2020 was pretty much a write-off for travel, 2021 is shaping up much better, thanks to the launch of the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) agreements. By the end of November, fully vaccinated Singaporeans will be able to enjoy two-way quarantine-free travel to more than a dozen countries, including popular holiday destinations like Australia, South Korea and the UK. 

Now, it’s certainly not going to be travel-as-usual. Your packing list is going to look very different from pre-COVID times: vaccination certificates, PCR test results, masks, and ART kits are very much in vogue now. 

But if there’s one constant throughout all this, it’s your credit card . Whether pre- or post-COVID, using the right credit card helps you maximise rebates, access the lounge, even get free insurance coverage. 

For those who can’t decide which one to bring, let’s take a closer look at which card makes the best VTL companion.

Which cards earn the most miles for overseas spending?

While credit cards should not be an enticement to spend more than you otherwise would, putting your overseas spend on the right card can give you a headstart on collecting miles for your next vacation.

That’s because banks tend to offer higher earn rates for transactions made in foreign currencies (FCY). For example, the UOB PRVI Miles card earns 1.4 miles per dollar (mpd) on all Singapore dollar transactions, but 2.4 mpd on FCY transactions. 

The catch? Unlike using your card in Singapore, swiping it overseas entails an explicit cost. As you’re probably aware, banks charge a fee ranging from 2.8 to 3.5% on all transactions made in FCY. 

The good news is that the math can still make sense. In the table below are the earn rates and FCY fee for some of the more popular miles cards on the market. The CPM refers to ‘cost per mile’, and is derived by dividing the FCY fee by the FCY earn rate. Simply put, it’s how much you’re paying for miles when you use your card overseas. 

To illustrate, a US$100 transaction would be converted to around S$135 based on current exchange rates. If I pay with an OCBC 90N Visa, I’ll be charged a S$4.38 fee (3.25%), while earning 540 miles (S$135 * 4 mpd). In essence, I’ve paid S$4.38 for the privilege of earning 540 miles, which works out to 0.81 cents per mile. 

The value of a mile is subjective, so you need to look at your individual travel and redemption patterns to decide what makes sense. I personally would consider any option that offers miles at less than 1.5 cents each. 

While multi-currency cards like YouTrip and Revolut offer ‘fee-free’ foreign currency transactions, it comes at the expense of rewards. In other words, you could either pay a 3.25% FCY fee on your UOB credit card and earn miles, or no fee on your YouTrip card and earn no miles. 

But a new product has emerged that challenges this trade-off: Instarem’s Amaze Card. Amaze has zero FCY fees and offers 1% cashback on all transactions. Not only that, but you can pair it with a Mastercard credit card to earn regular rewards as per normal.

It’s basically the best of both worlds, and the Amaze has become my default choice for overseas transactions.

Which cards offer complimentary travel insurance?

With all the uncertainty that COVID has brought about, travel insurance is practically essential for your overseas trips. In fact, it’s mandatory in certain cases - travellers to Korea must present proof of at least 30,000,000 KRW (~S$35,000) of medical coverage for COVID-19. 

The good news is that you may be eligible for complimentary travel insurance, provided you charge the cost of your air tickets to your credit card. If you plan to redeem airline miles, some policies will provide coverage as long as you use the credit card to pay the taxes and fees component. Be sure to read the T&Cs carefully!

Here’s a listing of popular travel cards that offer complimentary travel insurance:

Do note that the extent of coverage can vary dramatically. For example, the policy provided by the DBS Altitude only covers accidental death or permanent disability, with no coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost or damaged luggage, or rental car excess. It’s clearly insufficient to depend on this as your primary source of travel cover.

On the other hand, the policy provided by the Citi PremierMiles Card features coverage for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, lost luggage, flight delays, trip cancellation and more. This is much more comprehensive, and could even replace a stand-alone policy for some people. 

One final point to note: while a growing number of travel insurance policies now provide COVID-19 coverage , this trend hasn’t yet diffused to the free travel insurance provided through credit cards. As far as I know, only the Allianz policy provided to Standard Chartered Visa Infinite and Standard Chartered X Card cardholders provides coverage for COVID-19 medical expenses and travel assistance. 

Which cards get you in the lounge? 

As airport crowds start building up again, the ability to escape to a lounge will become increasingly valuable. Lounges usually provide a range of complimentary food and drinks (including alcohol in certain cases), showers, and workstations, providing an opportunity to rest and recharge ahead of your flight. 

Even if you’re not flying in First or Business Class, it’s still possible to access the comforts of an airport lounge by holding the right credit card. 

While the cards with unlimited lounge visits are reserved for higher income earners , there are still a few options at the lower end of the spectrum. For example you can enjoy two free visits with the Citi PremierMiles Card or DBS Altitude Visa, or six free visits with the ICBC Global Travel Mastercard. Visit entitlements stack, so by applying for multiple cards, you can enjoy multiple visits. 

Remember that supplementary cardholders usually don’t enjoy lounge access (the exceptions are the OCBC VOYAGE and HSBC Visa Infinite), so if you want to bring your partner you might want to nudge him/her to apply for a card! 

As you prepare for year-end VTL travel, don’t forget to do a quick audit of your wallet. Holding the right credit card can make your trip that much more rewarding and comfortable. 

Singapore continues to add VTL partners at a regular clip, and that can only be a good thing for those whose wanderlust has reached critical levels.

Read these next:  Singapore Border Category Restrictions By Country Explained Most Popular Credit Cards In Singapore (2021) – Benefits And Drawbacks Best Travel Insurance Plans And Promotions In Singapore (2021) 5 Reasons Travel Insurance Is Extra Important On Cruise Ships Singapore-Germany VTL: Two-Way Quarantine-Free Travel Starts From 8 September

Similar articles DBS/POSB Credit Card Promotions & Deals (April 2024) DBS Vantage Credit Card Review: Is This The Right $120K Card For You? How Does GrabPay Mastercard Compare To Other Credit And Debit Cards? Cash Vs Credit Card Vs Multicurrency Card For Travelling Overseas HSBC TravelOne Credit Card Review: Travel and Earn Rewards All on One App Where to Score the Hottest Korean Makeup in Singapore For Less Which Credit Card Has The Best Travel Insurance? 6 Ways To Maximise Your Credit Card Perks and Travel in Style

Tags travel credit cards 信用卡 Guides & Tips vtl

Aaron founded The Milelion to teach people how to travel better for less, with credit cards, airline and hotel loyalty programmes. With 500,000 miles flown and counting, he’s keen to debunk the myth that you can’t travel in style without breaking the bank.

Related Articles

2023 Round-Up of Credit Card Changes That You Should Know About

Kris+ Guide: How to (Still) Maximise Miles With The Best Credit Cards Pairings After Its Nerf

Which Supplementary Cards Offer The Best Benefits?

Financial tip:, use a personal loan to consolidate your outstanding debt at a lower interest rate.

© 2015-2024 SingSaver PTE LTD. All rights reserved. This online platform is operated by SingSaver Pte. Ltd. and by continuing to use www.singsaver.com.sg (the “SingSaver Website”) or by carrying out a transaction on the SingSaver Website, users are deemed to have agreed with the Terms and Conditions and  Privacy Policy of the SingSaver Website. All insurance product-related transactions on the SingSaver Website are arranged and administered by SingSaver Insurance Brokers Pte. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of SingSaver Pte. Ltd. SingSaver Insurance Brokers Pte. Ltd. is a licensed and authorised broker regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”). SingSaver Pte. Ltd. (which administers all other financial products on the SingSaver Website) is not regulated by MAS. SingSaver is located at Eon Shenton, 70 Shenton Way, 18-08, Singapore, 079118 .