Do you want to secure the best metal credit card in Singapore with the most generous perks on both local and overseas spending? If so, you’ve come to the right place. From travel credits and hotel resorts benefits to dining privileges whenever you eat out at your favorite restaurants, the best metal credit cards offer tons of exclusive perks to their principal cardholder.
But there’s a catch. While some metal credit cards might be great for complimentary airport lounge access and exclusive golf privileges in exotic countries overseas, others might charge hefty conversion fees on foreign currency transactions and be a better fit for local spend here in Singapore.
Every metal credit card has its own exclusive benefits – the trick is to pin down the right credit card that offers the most appropriate rewards, perks and annual fee structure to suit your unique spending habits. You’ll also need to think carefully about green fees, annual income requirement criteria and other important factors, too. In this guide, Loan Advisor will walk you through the best metal credit cards on the market right now.
Today’s Top Metal Credit Card Options Here in Singapore
Finding the right metal credit card for you means knowing your spending habits, annual fee budget and overall expectations. The below table runs through the best exclusive benefits and rewards offered by some of today’s top metal cards, as well as their annual fees, minimum income requirements and more.
| Welcome Bonus | Annual Income Requirement | Annual Fee | Effective Interest Rate (EIR) | Top Rewards | |
| Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Metal Card X | New customers receive 30,000 miles (or 75,000 or 360 rewards points) at sign up with a qualifying minimum spend | $80,000 for non-customers $30,000 for Priority or Private Banking customers | $695.50 | 26.9% p.a. | Get exclusive hotel and resorts benefits at the Shangri-La and St. Regis, as well as other hotels Shopping, travel and lifestyle privileges, including ecommerce purchase protection $6,000 cash reward for investing with Standard Chartered Bank Up to 100,000 KrisFlyer miles available to any principal cardholder who puts down $300k in a Private Banking account |
| OCBC Voyage Card | Enjoy additional benefits whenever you top up your GrabPay, ShopeePay or Singtel Dash wallets 30% off green fees in Southeast Asia | $120,000 | $488 | 26.88% p.a. | Excellent for travel credits, with a great miles rate on eligible local and overseas spend Dining privileges at participating resorts and restaurants Free limo transfers Money off green fees in Southeast Asia |
| UOB Visa Lady’s Solitaire Metal Card | N/A | Available by invitation only | $588 | Apply online for details | Earn 4 miles per $1 spend on selected products in regularly rotating categories UOB travel concierge 2 free airport lounge visits and airport transfers per year Complimentary travel insurance Global Hotel Alliance Black Loyalty Membership |
| American Express Centurion Card | Enjoy $100 worth of credits with an $800 minimum spend when you fly to eligible destinations overseas | Apply online for full details | $7,490 (plus additional $7,490 joining fee) | Apply online for details | Unlimited lounge access at airports worldwide Elite Visa luxury hotel collection privileges Tower Club access Unlimited meet and greet perks at international airports when travelling overseas Elite hotel statuses 40% off yacht charters and $800 credit towards private jets and cars |
| DBS Insignia Visa Infinite Card | Get 100,000 welcome air miles as a new customer | $500,000 | $3,210 | Apply online for details | Exclusive Club Hyatt membership Hotel privileges and resorts benefits at Grand Hyatt Singapore and other participating hotels Complimentary lounge access with Priority Pass and expedited immigration clearance when travelling Get a free 2 nights’ hotel stay at Visa luxury hotel collection participating hotels |
| Citi Prestige Card | 62,500 Citi ThankYou Points or a free gadget available as a welcome gift for new customers Existing Citi customers can claim a $120 cash reward with a qualifying spend | $120,000 | $535 | Apply online for details | Unlimited airport lounge access worldwide Four nights available for free at participating hotels Resorts benefits globally Exclusive golf privileges and free golf games at eligible golf clubs all across Asia |
Which Metal Credit Card Should You Get?
Whether you’re a frequent flyer keen to secure complimentary airport lounge access, or you’d rather just grab your golf clubs and enjoy exclusive golf privileges and resorts benefits locally, there will always be a metal card available to meet your needs. Let’s dive a little deeper and review the pros and cons of each of the metal credit cards listed in our comparison.
1. Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Metal Card X – Most Accessible Metal Card
Why we picked it:
This flexible and generously equipped metal card from Standard Chartered Bank will probably be the most accessible metal card choice for most Singaporeans. The minimum income threshold for applying sits at just $30,000 for anyone who already has a Standard Chartered bank account – and that goes for both Priority and Private banking relationships. New customers will need a minimum income of $80,000 in comparison but can get their hands on 30,000 miles or 75,000 Standard Chartered 360 rewards points when they register.
Pros:
- Low minimum income requirement for existing Standard Chartered Bank customers
- Excellent sign up bonus available
- Up to 100,000 KrisFlyer miles available to big investors
Cons:
- Hefty annual fees of $695.50
- Best bonuses are only available to affluent individuals
- Rewards rates are higher with other metal cards
Rewards & Perks:
- 1.2 miles per $1 local spend and 2 miles per $1 overseas spend
- Exclusive hotel and resorts benefits at the Shangri-La and St. Regis, as well as other hotels
- Shopping, travel and lifestyle privileges, including ecommerce purchase protection
Rates & Fees:
- Annual fee of $695.50
- Supplementary card fee of $107
- Effective interest rate of 26.9% p.a.
2. OCBC Voyage Card – Best for Well-Rounded Promotions
Why we picked it:
While other popular metal cards might be available on an invitation only basis, anyone with a salary of $120,000 or more is free to apply for the OCBC Voyage Card. That’s a reasonably high minimum salary limit, but this increasingly popular card packs a real bunch in the rewards department, making it well worth your while if you’re able to apply. Cardholders get great miles rates on local and overseas spending, no conversion fees and even 30% off green fees in Southeast Asia.
Pros:
- Great miles rates on most types of spending
- Annual fees are cheaper than other metal cards
- 2 free limo transfers a month and 30% off green fees in Southeast Asia
Cons:
- Recurring bills are not eligible for rewards
- There may be minimum spend requirement to unlock limo transfers
- No annual fee waiver is currently available
Rewards & Perks:
- 1.2 miles per $1 local spend and 2.3 miles per $1 overseas spend
- Exclusive 1.6 miles per 1$ dining privileges at participating restaurants
- Complimentary access to airport lounges, limo transfers and exclusive golf privileges
Rates & Fees:
- Annual fee of $488
- Supplementary card fee of $188
- Effective interest rate of 26.88%
3. UOB Visa Lady’s Solitaire Metal Card – Best for Regular Retail Spend
Why we picked it:
Despite exclusively only being available on an invitation-only basis, this excellent UOB Visa card offers some amazing perks to regular retail shoppers who are lucky enough to get their hands on it. Customers get to enjoy earning 4 miles per $1 spend at eligible retailers in travel, dining, beauty, fashion and other industries. However, only 2 categories can be selected for these bonus rates and, confusingly, the eligible retailers are rotated every quarter, too.
Pros:
- Huge miles earning potential on eligible local purchases
- 2 free airport lounge visits and airport transfers per year
- Complimentary travel insurance and Global Hotel Alliance Black Loyalty Membership
Cons:
- Only 0.4 miles per $1 earned on general spend (i.e. transactions that are ineligible for promotions)
- Eligible categories rotate every quarter – which could be confusing
- Rewards are capped at 10,800 miles per month
Rewards & Perks:
- 4 miles per $1 on local spend in select categories (0.4 miles on other spend)
- Unlimited Boingo WiFi access
- Complimentary travel insurance, unlimited lounge access and much more
Rates & Fees:
- Annual fee of $588 applies
- No fees on supplementary cards
- No minimum spend required
4. American Express Centurion Card – Best for Exclusive Benefits and Luxury Perks
Why we picked it:
If you’re looking for a metal card that just screams exclusivity, this is one of the best metal cards on the market right now. Existing member customers are the only people who will be invited to apply for an American Express Centurion Card, which offers every principal cardholder unlimited lounge access, $800 credit for private jet charters and an excellent 7.12 miles per $1 spend on eligible luxury transactions. That said, this card won’t be accessible to most Singaporeans and offers a much lower miles rate on regular purchases.
Pros:
- Earn 7.12 miles with every $1 spend at participating restaurants and merchants
- Get unlimited lounge access, $800 credit for private jet charters and free airport meet and greets around the world
- Enjoy members only Tower Club benefits, private shopping privileges, dining privileges and more
Cons:
- Very hefty annual fees of $7,490 plus an additional $7,490 joining fee
- This metal credit card is available to members only Tower Club customers
- Customers will only earn 0.87 miles per $1 on regular purchases
Rewards & Perks:
- Members only Tower Club access
- Unlimited lounge access and meet and greet perks
- Elite hotel statuses, 40% off yacht charters and $800 credit towards private jets and cars
Rates & Fees:
- Annual fee of $7,490
- Additional joining fee of $7,490
- Enquire online here for discreet fee structure
5. DBS Insignia Visa Infinite Card – Best for Hyatt Hotel Regulars
Why we picked it:
The DBS Insignia Visa Infinite Card might require customers to make a high annual fee payment of $3,210, but there’s a lot of amazing perks on the table for that money – particularly if you’re the kind of person who frequents Hyatt Hotels. Cardholders get to enjoy members only Hyatt perks worth up to $298, discounts at participating restaurants, free airport lounge access via a Priority Pass and much more. That said, the DBS Insignia Visa Infinite Card has well above average minimum salary requirements of $500,000 – meaning this metal card won’t suit everyone.
Pros:
- Earn 1.6 miles per $1 on local spend and 2 miles per $1 on overseas spend
- Get Hyatt membership worth up to $298
- Enjoy Insignia luxury yacht access, 20% off Willow Stream spa treatments and much more
Cons:
- Hefty annual fees of $3,210
- High minimum annual income requirement of $500,000
- Available by invitation only
Rewards & Perks:
- Grand Hyatt Singapore and other Hyatt membership hotel privileges
- Complimentary lounge access with Priority Pass and expedited immigration clearance when travelling through eligible airports
- Get a free 2 nights’ hotel stay at Visa luxury hotel collection participating hotels
Rates & Fees:
- Annual fee of $3,210
- Contact Insignia Support Services here for full rates and fees
6. Citi Prestige Card – Best for Frequent Travelers
Why we picked it:
Regular travelers and lifestyle lovers would be hard put to find a better metal credit card than the Citi Prestige Card. Customers get to enjoy as much airport lounge access as they like with no limits whatsoever, a fourth night free at eligible hotels and a 2 miles per $1 rebate on all overseas spend. The bad news, however, is that this metal credit card reserves its best perks exclusively for loyal Citigold and Citigold Private Client customers only – and requires a very high minimum income threshold to be met before you can apply.
Pros:
- Earn 2 miles per $1 on overseas spend and 1.3 miles per $1 on local spending
- Get 30% additional points if you are a Citigold or Citigold Private Client customer
- Earn unlimited Citi Prestige Card ThankYou points with no expiry date
Cons:
- Only Citigold and Citigold Private Client customers get to enjoy the best perks
- Very high minimum annual salary requirement of $120,000
- Golf benefits are only valid at certain courses in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and China
Rewards & Perks:
- Unlimited airport lounge access worldwide
- Fourth night free at participating hotels and resorts globally
- Exclusive golf privileges and free golf games at eligible golf clubs
Rates & Fees:
- Annual fee of $535
- Handling fee of 3% on foreign currency transactions
- Administrative fees may apply on some purchases
How to Pick the Best Metal Credit Card – Look for a Low Annual Fee, Relevant Rewards and More
With so many tantalizing perks on offer and such a broad selection of metal credit cards available in Singapore right now, it can be difficult to pin down which is the best fit for you. Here are a few important questions to ask yourself when narrowing down which metal credit card might be your perfect match:
- Will the Rewards Offset the Annual Fee?
With some of the metal cards listed in our comparison charging thousands of dollars in annual fees, it’s important to consider what you’re getting for your money – and whether the breadth and quality of rewards on offer is really worth it for you. Always calculate how much you’ll need to pay in fees, interest and other charges – as well as how often you’ll realistically use perks like limo transfers or unlimited lounge access at participating airports.
- Can you Realistically Meet the Minimum Spend Requirement for the Welcome Bonus?
While some welcome bonuses might appear majorly attractive at first glance, it’s not uncommon for banks to require the principal cardholder to hit a minimum spend limit before they are entitled to claim these perks. Make sure you review the full terms and conditions of your preferred metal card, then calculate whether you think you can fairly meet or exceed any limits they have set.
- Will You Use the Benefits?
While a Priority Pass enabling unlimited airport lounge access or special discounts at participating golf courses might be a big draw for some customers, you might find some of the benefits offered by certain metal cards to be a bit too niche for your tastes. Closely review what perks are up for grabs with each card, then make an informed decision as to how often you think you’d realistically use them.
- Does the Card’s Earning Structure Match Up with Where You Spend the Most?
Most metal cards will enable customers to rack up air miles or reward points on eligible purchases – but naturally, these are only worthwhile if you fly regularly or spend a lot of money at the stores where your reward points are redeemable. Try to find a metal card that matches up nicely with your spending habits.
- How Are the Rewards Redeemed?
While some rewards points or discounts can clearly only be claimed at specific hotels, restaurants, spas or luxury shops, other perks – like air miles – might be a little more ambiguous in their terms. Double-check which vendors participate in the rewards schemes you intend to use and find out what you need to do to take full advantage of your exclusive benefits.
- What Are the Costs on Foreign Currency Transactions?
Some metal cards will charge expensive fees on foreign currency transactions, which might not be so convenient if you are a frequent traveler whose main motivation for getting a metal card is to spend big overseas. Always check your preferred card’s T&Cs before you sign up.
- Can You Get a Better Deal with Your Existing Bank?
Many of the metal credit cards listed in our comparison offer enhanced perks and spruced-up miles rates or cashback to loyal customers who have established a relationship with their bank over a period of many years. If you are considering signing up for a metal card with a brand new bank, it might be worth enquiring whether your existing provider can offer you a better deal on one of their own top-tier credit cards first.
Methodology – How Did We Narrow Down Our Best Metal Credit Card List?
In our efforts to find and narrow down the best metal credit cards currently on the market in Singapore, we studied a cross-section of cards offered by several top national and international banks. We then carefully assessed each card’s rewards, sign up bonuses and special offers, and compared these alongside one other. We also took into consideration any annual fee payment costs, interest rate charges and other fees, as well as minimum salary requirements and other important eligibility criteria, to determine which cards might be best match for regular Loan Advisor readers.
Read More about Credit Card Benefits.
Final Thoughts – Which Metal Credit Card is Best for You?
From luxury hotel discounts and free limo transfers when you travel, to international golf perks and huge rebates on local spend, metal credit cards in Singapore offer a broad and very varied range of perks to consumers. So, how do you decide which card is best for you? Well, we’d recommend keeping the following in mind:
- Look for the rewards and bonuses that are most relevant to your interests
- Consider minimum salary requirements and annual fees very carefully
- Remember that some metal card types are available by invitation only
- Calculate whether any annual fee costs are worth it for you
- Find out how to redeem any rewards points you might earn
Here at Loan Advisor, we like to keep our readers regularly updated with the latest financial news regarding loans, credit cards and other financial products. We also offer a free, quick and easy loan comparison service that enables our readers to retrieve and compare up to three loan quotes from licensed moneylenders from across Singapore.
