Does having access to funds for emergencies appeal to you? But as a student in Singapore, you may not have a stable income stream. Don’t fret because students are eligible for credit cards too!
Student credit cards are perfect for covering expenses, such as food, transportation, entertainment, and telco bills. What makes student credit cards attractive is that students are able to enjoy the benefits and savings on those expenditures.
Best of all, student cards don’t have a minimum income requirement, have low annual fees, and don’t require the credit history of an applicant. But before you sign up for one, compare your options. Here are some of the top student credit cards in Singapore.
Best Student Credit Cards in Singapore
| Credit Card | Credit Limit | Minimum Age Requirement |
| DBS Live Fresh Student Card | S$500 | 21 years old |
| Maybank eVibes Card | S$500 | 18 years old |
| Citibank Clear Student Card | S$500 | 18 years old |
| Standard Chartered Manhattan S$500 Card | S$500 | 18 years old |
| CIMB AWSM Student Credit Card | S$500 | 18 years old |
1. DBS Live Fresh Student Card – Best for Select Dining and Entertainment
The DBS Live Fresh Student Card is one of the best options in the market for those who spend more on dining and entertainment. Cardholders can enjoy up to 5% cashback on McDonald’s, Starbucks, Netflix, Spotify, and more. It is also being marketed as Singapore’s first eco-friendly credit card since it is made from 85.5% recycled plastic.
Why Choose DBS Live Fresh Student Card?
Choose the DBS Live Fresh Student Card if you spend more on entertaining, such as Netflix and Spotify. You will also earn an incredible 5% cash rebates if you eat at McDonald’s – including McDelivery, Starbucks, and Golden Village. However, the cash rebate is capped at S$15 per month.
That said, it’s an easy way to earn a S$15 cash rebate per month on select dining and entertainment.
Another reason why the DBS Live Fresh Card is attractive for young adults is that it offers another 5% cashback on online and Visa Contactless Spend. Aside from that, you will also earn 0.3% cashback on all other purchases.
Fees and Eligibility Requirements
Fees
- Annual Fee: S$192.60 (5-year annual fee waiver available)
- Late Fee: S$100
Eligibility
- Minimum Age: 21-27 years old
- Minimum Income: No minimum income is required
- Nationality: Singaporean Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Not have an existing DBS/POSB credit card or another unsecured facility with DBS or POSB
- Be an existing student from National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), Temasek Polytechnic (TP), Singapore Polytechnic (SP) or Republic Polytechnic (RP)
Requirements
- Photocopy of your NRIC (front and back)
- Photocopy of your student matriculation card (front and back)
2. Maybank eVibes Card – Best for Maximum Cashback on All Spend
Another student credit card that’s worth considering is the Maybank eVibes Card. Open to tertiary students and NSFs, this student card offers a 1% cash rebate on all spending. This means students will not have to worry about category spending and minimum spend requirements.
Why Choose Maybank eVibes Card?
Cardholders will receive a S$50 cash rebate upon spending S$150 within the first two months upon credit card approval. This is easily attainable for students who spend on food, entertainment, fashion, and transportation.
Aside from that, this student credit card also offers 1% cashback on all spending – no category or merchant restrictions. That said, the Maybank eVibes Card is perfect for students who are looking to maximize their savings.
Need more reasons to get this student credit card? The Maybank student credit card has no minimum spend requirement and the quarterly fee of S$5 is waived by simply using the card. You will also enjoy up to 7% off accommodation bookings with Agoda and will have access to Maybank’s TREAT Programme that offers meal vouchers and discounts.
Fees and Eligibility Requirements
Fees
- Annual Fee: S$20 (S$5 quarterly fee is waived with card use)
- Late Fee: S$100
Eligibility
- Minimum Age: 18 to 30 years old
- Minimum Income: Must not exceed S$30,000
- Nationality: Singaporean Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Must be an existing tertiary student or National Service Full-time (NSF) man that are accepted to these institutions: LASALLE, NAFA, NIE, NP, NTU, NUS, NYP, RP, SIT, SMU, SP, SUSS, SUTD & TP
You must not be:
- An existing Maybank Principal Credit Cardmember or CreditAble customer
- Earning S$30,000 and above per annum
Requirements
Tertiary Student Accepted Documents
- Photocopy of your NRIC (front and back) AND
- Photocopy of Student ID card
NSF Man Accepted Documents
- Photocopy of SAF/SPF/SCDF11B identification card (front and back) AND
- Photocopy of acceptance letter from the tertiary institution you are going to study in.
Additional documents for applicants below 21 years old
- Photocopy of Parent’s/Legal Guardian’s NRIC (front and back) AND
- Photocopy of Legal Documentation of Guardianship (if applicable)
3. Citibank Clear Student Card – Best for Earning Miles
Perfect for students looking to earn rewards, the Citi Clear Student Card offers 1X Reward or 0.4 miles for every dollar spent. This student credit card offers flexibility in reward redemption. On top of that, cardholders will also enjoy exclusive dining deals at over 1,000 eateries in Singapore.
Why Choose The Citi Clear Card?
The Citibank Clear Card stands out amongst students because it offers fantastic dining discounts at a wide selection of eateries in Singapore, including Starbucks, Subway, and Dunkin Donuts. Additionally, this student credit card also offers 1X Reward or 0.4 miles for every S$1 spent.
With this card, you have the option to convert your Citi Rewards to air miles, vouchers, or cash. Plus, it also doesn’t have a minimum spend requirement and no category or merchant restrictions. However, there are several expense categories that are not eligible for rewards, such as bills payment and education expenses.
Fees and Eligibility Requirements
Fees
- Annual Fee: S$29.96 (First-year fee waiver available)
Eligibility
- Minimum Age: 18 years old and above
- Nationality: Singaporean or Permanent Resident
- Applicants below the age of 21 must get their parent/guardian’s consent to the application, and guarantee the payment of outstanding balances.
- You are a student from any of the following institutions: NTU, NUS, SMU, SIM, SUTD, SIT, SUSS, University of Chicago Booth School of Business, DigiPen, ESSEC, GIST-TUM Asia, INSEAD, S P Jain, Tisch, UNLV, Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, LASALLE-SIA, NAFA, EDHEC-Risk Institute and Sorbonne-Assas International Law School.
- You are not an existing primary / basic Citi Credit Card / Citibank Ready Credit customer (supplementary Cardmembers are eligible)
Requirements
- Copy of NRIC (front and back)
- Copy of Matriculation card
- For students below 21 years of age:
- Copy of Parent or Guardian’s NRIC (front and back)
- Signature of Parent or Guardian on the application form
4. Standard Chartered Manhattan S$500 Card – Best for Disciplined Spending
The Standard Chartered Manhattan S$500 Card offers 0.25% cashback on all spending – the lowest among all the student credit cards. However, this credit card is perfect for low-income adults with an annual income of less than S$30,000. An excellent entry-level card with S$500 credit limit, making it ideal for disciplined spending.
Why Choose Standard Chartered Manhattan S$500 Card?
If you’re looking for a no-frills, entry-level credit card, then the Standard Chartered Manhattan S$500 Card is a good option. Additionally, this credit card is not only open for students, but also for salaried employees earning a minimum annual income of S$18,000.
While it’s not the most generous student credit card in the market, you can still earn 0.24% cashback on general spending. No need to worry about a minimum spend requirement or category spending. With a S$500 credit limit, you’ll most likely receive S$1.25 in cash rebates every month.
Lastly, it’s a good credit card to start with if you’re looking to build a credit score.
Fees and Eligibility Requirements
Fees
- Annual Fee: S$32.10 (First-year fee waiver available)
- Late Fee: S$80
Eligibility
Students
- Minimum Age: 18 to 32 years old
Working Adults
- Minimum Age: 18 to 32 years old
- Minimum Income: S$18,000 and above
Requirements
Students
- Copy of NRIC/Passport
- Copy of your Student ID (applicants below 21 years old must provide with your parent’s or guardian’s signature)
- Copy of your parent’s or guardian NRIC/Passport
Working Adults
- Copy of NRIC/Passport
- Latest month computerized payslip OR
- Latest 6 months CPF Contribution History Statement OR
- Latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment + latest month computerized payslip/6 months CPF contribution
5. CIMB AWSM Student Credit Card – Best for Unlimited Cashback
The CIMB AWSM Card offers unlimited 1% cashback for every dollar spent on dining, entertainment, online shopping, and all things Telco. This makes it an attractive student credit card option for young adults. Best of all, this credit card is not only open to students and NSFs but also for working adults with a minimum income of S$18,000.
Why Choose CIMB AWSM Student Credit Card?
An excellent option for students, the CIMB student credit card is perfect for maximizing rewards on common expenses like dining, Telco bills, entertainment, and online shopping. The CIMB AWSM Card is also a great choice for low-income adults to profit from a decent cashback while being virtually maintenance-free.
With this student card, a CIMB credit card holder can earn up to 1% unlimited cashback – one of the highest rates in the market. Plus, it doesn’t have a minimum spend requirement and the annual fee is waived forever.
Fees and Eligibility Requirements
Fees
- Annual Fee: Fee for life for all Principal and Supplementary cards
- Late Fee: S$100
Eligibility
Students
- Minimum Age: 18 to 29 years old
- Nationality: Singaporean or Singapore Permanent Resident
Working Adults
For ages below 35:
- Minimum Income: S$18,000 and above
For ages 35 and above:
- Minimum Income: S$30,000 and above
Requirements
Students
- photocopy of NRIC (both sides) of the applicant and;
- A photocopy of the applicant’s Student ID Card/ Student Card / Matriculation Card (front side)
Applicants Below 21 Years Old
- A photocopy of the NRIC (both sides) of the applicant’s parent/guardian
Working Adults
- Latest computerized pay-slip OR
- CPF Contribution History Statement (for past 12 months) OR
- Latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment AND CPF Contribution History Statement (for past 12 months) OR Latest computerized payslip
Student Credit Card Alternatives
Debit Cards
Aside from student credit cards, you can also consider getting a debit card which you may already have. Most banks provide debit cards when you open a bank account with them.
Credit and debit cards work similarly but debit cards are easier to manage. When you use it, the funds are immediately deducted from your account. That said, you don’t have to worry about paying monthly credit card bills. Just make sure you have enough funds in your account.
Prepaid Cards
Lastly, you can also consider using prepaid cards, such as FEVO cards. This works like an EZ-Link card but is widely accepted. To use a prepaid card, you need to top it up with cash before you can use it. This type of card is good for overseas purchases if you don’t want to disclose your bank details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get a Credit Card As a Student?
Yes, you can. Some banks in Singapore offer credit cards that are specifically tailored for students. These credit cards have no min. income requirement, have low annual fees, and a low credit limit – typically S$500.
At What Age Can You Get a Credit Card in Singapore?
In Singapore, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for a credit card. However, applicants below 21 years old must provide additional documents, such as a photocopy of their parent’s/legal guardian’s NRIC. It’s best to ask the bank for the complete list of requirements.
What Is the Credit Limit for Student Credit Cards?
For student credit cards in Singapore, the standard credit limit is S$500.
Conclusion
Getting a student credit card is a great way to make purchases even when you don’t have cash on hand. It is also a good way to earn cash rebates, enjoy discounts, and get rewards. But not all student cards are the same. So take your time and compare student credit cards to find the one that suits your spending habits and lifestyle.
Key Takeaways:
- You need to be at least 18 years old to apply for a student credit card in Singapore.
- Student credit cards have a standard credit limit of S$100.
- There are student credit cards that are not only open for tertiary students and NSFs with no income but also for salaried employees earning at least S$18,000 annually.
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