Best metal credit cards

Compare credit cards that reward you whether you spend on entertainment and dining out with friends or on everyday purchases at the supermarket and filling station. Save money and get something back with a rewards credit card.

By   |   Verified by Kwok Zhong Li   |   Updated 21 Mar 2024

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Comparing rewards credit cards

American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card

On website

FeaturedApply by 29 May 2024

American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card

Cashback

N/A

Cashback cap

N/A

Minimum spend

N/A

Sign up bonus

57,200 points

Highlights

  • Enjoy a welcome offer of your choice and travel rewards worth over S$1,200: Earn up to 68,000 HighFlyer points or a Samsonite luggage, a complimentary Accor Plus membership worth S$418 offering a free night’s stay every year, and up to 20,000 HighFlyer points worth S$190 when you spend with the Singapore Airlines Group. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Earn up to 8.5 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent on eligible Singapore Airlines Group flights.
  • Earn 1.8 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent on all other eligible spend.

Pros

  • Earn generous welcome offers.
  • Enjoy Priority Pass membership with two complimentary visits per year for you and a guest.
  • Fast-track to KrisFlyer Elite Gold status with S$15,000 spent with the Singapore Airlines Group within the first 12 months.
  • Offers 51 interest-free days.
  • Flexible payment with Pay Small.

Cons

  • The annual fee of S$301.79 p.a (inclusive of 8% GST).
American Express Platinum Charge Card

Apply by 29 May 2024

American Express Platinum Charge Card

Cashback

N/A

Cashback cap

N/A

Minimum spend

N/A

Sign up bonus

Receive up to 135,000 Membership Rewards points. Terms and Conditions apply.

Highlights

  • Receive up to 135,000 Membership Rewards points. Get a welcome offer of 87,500 Membership Rewards points with a minimum spending of S$6,000 within the first 2 months of Card approval, receive 40,000 Membership Rewards points upon Annual Fee payment, and 7,500 Membership Rewards points based on the S$6,000 spent. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Receive up to S$2,247 credits in a calendar year to spend across a selection of travel and premium lifestyle brands.
  • Enjoy unlimited complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges around the world.

Pros

  • Receive up to 135,000 Membership Reward points when you meet the criteria.
  • Get complimentary upgrades for global hotels and lifestyle loyalty programs
  • Receive complimentary upgrades to Hotel Loyalty Programmes.
  • Earn 5 Amex Points for every S$1.60 spent with Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, and Scoot.
  • Earn 2 Amex points for every S$1.60 spent on another qualified spending.

Cons

  • The annual fee is S$1,728 p.a. (inclusive of 8% GST)
American Express Platinum Credit Card

Apply by 29 May 2024

American Express Platinum Credit Card

Cashback

N/A

Cashback cap

N/A

Minimum spend

N/A

Sign up bonus

Receive up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points. Terms and Conditions apply.

Highlights

  • Receive up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points with annual fee payment and min. spending of S$1,000 within first month of Card approval if you are new to American Express. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Receive up to 40,000 Membership Rewards points with annual fee payment and min. spending of S$1,000 within first month of Card approval if you are an existing card member. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Enjoy up to 50% savings at select 5-star hotels and restaurants with Love Dining by Platinum.
  • Enjoy Platinum Lifestyle benefits including deals and discounts at spas, golf, and bars, and the membership Rewards Catalogue.

Pros

  • Receive up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points when you meet the criteria.
  • Get up to 50% savings at 5-star hotels, spa vouchers and discounts, and complimentary green fees at premier golf and country clubs in Singapore and overseas with Platinum Lifestyle.
  • The first 2 Supplementary Cards fees are permanently waived.
  • Redeem points at the Membership Rewards Catalogue or pay with points to downsize your card bills.

Cons

  • Minimum income requirement of $80,000 p.a.
  • The annual fee is $324 p.a. (inclusive of 8% GST).
Citi Prestige Credit Card

Citi Prestige Credit Card

Cashback

N/A

Cashback cap

N/A

Minimum spend

N/A

Sign up bonus

Get 177,500 bonus Citi ThankYou Points when you apply, get approved, and spend S$1,000 or more in the first 2 months. Terms and Conditions apply.

Highlights

  • Earn 5 ThankYou points (2 miles) per $1 overseas spend and 3.25 ThankYou points (1.3 miles) per $1 local spend.
  • Get a complimentary 4th-night stay at any hotel or resort.
  • Enjoy six complimentary golf games in Singapore, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
  • A concierge team to support your lifestyle at home and abroad

Pros

  • Earn 2 miles per $1 overseas spend and 1.3 miles per $1 local spend, miles won't expire on you.
  • No cap on ThankYou points.
  • Access to over 1,000 airport lounges with Priority Pass membership.
  • Up to $1 million travel insurance coverage is awesome.
  • Travel like a boss! Complimentary one-way Airport Limousine transfers to or from Changi International Airport.
  • Fly and stay with no blackout dates all year round.

Cons

  • The high annual fee of S$540 p.a.
  • A minimum income of S$120,000 a year is required to be eligible for this card.
  • Free travel insurance only when your air ticket is charged to your card.

Who are metal credit cards suitable for?

  • High spenders. If you use your credit card to spend big, you might benefit from the rewards and benefits offered by a metal credit card.
  • Frequent travellers. Given their proclivity for generous travel-related rewards, metal credit cards are a good match if your job or leisure takes you around the globe.
  • Status seekers. Let's not deny it - having a metal card feels premium. If that's important to you, a metal credit card might be just what you're after.

Who metal credit cards are not for

  • Low income earners. The minimum income criteria on these cards is generally on the high side. Do not apply if you do not earn enough to qualify.
  • Infrequent travellers. Since most metal credit card offers really packe a travel-related punch, if you don't travel much then you won't get value from — and will waste money paying the annual fee for — their free airport lounge access, travel insurance, etc.
  • First timers. If you are a student or have little to no credit history, you'd probably be best off building your income and credit before considering a higher level card since you're quite likely to be declined.

What to compare for metal credit cards

When considering a metal credit card, it's essential to weigh various factors and ask crucial questions. Here's what to look at:

  • Annual fees. Are you willing to pay a higher annual fee for a metal credit card, and is it worth the rewards and benefits on offer?
  • Rewards and benefits. How do the rewards and benefits of the metal card stack up against other credit cards? Are they truly more valuable or just more flashy? Would a black card do the job?
  • Eligibility requirements. Will you qualify for a particular metal credit card based on your income, credit history, and other factors?

How to compare metal credit cards

  1. List down your financial priorities and goals.
  2. Research the available metal credit cards in Singapore and their features.
  3. Compare the cards based on annual fees, rewards, and benefits that align with your lifestyle.
  4. Check the eligibility requirements for each card to ensure you qualify.
  5. Read review websites and forums for unbiased insights from cardholders.
  6. Talk to friends or family who have experience with metal credit cards.
  7. Review your findings and make an informed decision based on your research.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Prestige and status associated with the card.
  • Often boast premium rewards and benefits.

Cons

  • Higher annual fees compared to regular cards.
  • Additional benefits aren't worth the cost for some.
  • Higher minimum criteria to qualify.

FAQs

Do the rewards and benefits of a metal credit card outweigh the higher annual fees?

Whether the rewards and benefits outweigh the higher annual fees depends on your spending habits and lifestyle. If you're a frequent spender, traveler, and prioritise benefits like lounge access, a metal credit card might be worth considering.