8 best card promotions for travellers
Many will advise against using your Singapore-issued credit card overseas for fear of high bank charges. But did you know that there are credit cards that give you up to 5% rebate on overseas purchases? With foreign currency conversion fees between 2-3%, you are better off using your credit card overseas than using cash. By finding the right credit card promotion, you could save on overseas spending and even earn rebates for your purchases!
1. UOB Visa Signature Credit Card: Best For Foreign Currency Spending
If you’re a frequent traveller, this credit card promotion could come in handy. If you spend somewhere between S$1,000–S$2,000 each month in foreign currency (other than SGD), you can get 5% back in equivalent cash rebates. Note that you have to charge between S$1000–S$2000 within a single month to earn the cashback. Online spending in foreign currency also counts towards this requirement.
More on this credit card promotion: UOB Visa Signature Credit Card
2. CIMB Visa Infinite Card: Foreign Currency Spending and Cashback
The CIMB Visa Infinite Card is the card to go for if you have no interest in meeting spend requirements or being mindful of rebate caps. This elite card offers unlimited 2% cashback in foreign spend – easy peasy!
More on this credit card promotion: CIMB Visa Infinite Card
3. Bank of China Visa Infinite Card: Zero Foreign Currency Fees
The Bank of China Visa Infinite Card is another elite card that offers zero foreign currency fees. This is Singapore’s first credit card that completely waives off all foreign currency conversion fees, saving you plenty when you spend in a different currency.
More on this credit card promotion: Bank of China Visa Infinite Card
4. Citibank PremierMiles Credit Card: Get Free Lounge Access and Airport Transfer
Signing up for the Citibank PremierMiles Credit Card (either the Visa or American Express version) gives you two complimentary access passes to any Priority Pass airport lounge worldwide. If you’re travelling with a friend or spouse, you may choose to use one for yourself and another for your guest. Signing up for both the Visa and American Express versions means you’ll receive four complimentary passes each year for use.
More on this credit card promotion: Citibank PremierMiles Credit Card
5. DBS Altitude Credit Card: Get Free Lounge Access and Butler Service
This DBS credit card promotion lets you travel in style. Grab yourself a DBS Altitude Credit Card (either Visa or American Express) and enjoy two complimentary Global Airport Lounge visits per year. Also, for a little bit more class, use their DBS Altitude Butler Service around the clock to help with airport transfers and reservations at the best hotels.
More on this credit card promotion: DBS Altitude Credit Card
6. Maybank Visa Infinite Card: Get Free Airport Limousine Transfer
Charge $3000 in a month to your Infinite Card and enjoy 2 airport limousine transfers to and from Changi Airport or the exclusive JetQuay the following month. This benefit can be enjoyed up to six times a year so plan in advance to get the most out of this benefit.
More on this credit card promotion: Maybank Visa Infinte Card
7. UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card: Rebate and Free Limo Transfer
This UOB credit card promotion offers free luxury airport limo transfers so you can travel in comfort. If you charge at least S$1,000 worth of foreign currency to your UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card, you’ll receive a rebate of up to S$45 for your airport limousine transfer. There’s a limit of two limousine rebates per quarter, so be sure to plan your spend.
More on this credit card promotion: UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card
8. American Express Platinum Credit Card: For Complimentary Wi-Fi Access Worldwide
Do you have a need to stay connected during your travels? The American Express Platinum Credit Card offers cardholders complimentary unlimited WiFi at over 1 million hotspots worldwide. In fact, you’ll get access on up to four of your devices at any one time without any associated WiFi roaming fees. All you have to do is to sign up and download the Boingo application on your phone to enjoy complimentary connectivity with any one of Boingo’s partners.
More on this credit card promotion: American Express Platinum Credit Card
Summary of the best credit card promotions
Here’s a summary table of the credit cards and benefits mentioned above. Find the right credit card promotion for you today and start getting perks on your next trip.
| Credit Card | Category | Maximum Benefit | Minimum Spending | Annual Income Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UOB Visa Signature | Cashback | 5% | S$1,000 | S$50,000 |
| CIMB Visa Infinite | Cashback | 2% | N/A | S$120,000 |
| Bank of China Visa Infinite | Cashback | No foreign currency fees | N/A | S$120,000 |
| Citibank PremierMiles | Airport Lounge | Twice a year | N/A | S$50,000 |
| DBS Altitude | Airport Lounge | Twice a year | N/A | S$30,000 |
| Maybank Visa Infinite | Airport Limousine | Up to 6 times a year | S$3,000 | S$150,000 |
| UOB PRVI Miles American Express | Airport Limousine | Up to 8 times a year | S$1,000 | S$80,000 |
| American Express Platinum | WiFi | Unlimited | N/A | S$50,000 |
Have one of these cards in your wallet when you travel and make your spending work for you! Book cheap flights, hotels and car rental via Skyscanner today, or download our free mobile app for easy browsing and booking on the go.
Originally published on September 2017 and updated on October 2018. Any prices are lowest estimated prices only at the time of publication and are subject to change and/or availability
