Best no annual fee credit cards

Get a no annual fee card for a rainy day. If you don't use it, it won't cost you anything to keep the account open.

Yvonne Taylor avatar
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Kwok Zhong Li avatar
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Updated 6 May 2025   |   Rates updated regularly

Comparing of 19 no annual fee credit cards

American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card

On website

FeaturedApply by 28 May 2025

American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card

Cashback

N/A

Cashback cap

N/A

Minimum spend

N/A

Sign up bonus

Receive S$300 Statement Credits

Highlights

  • Receive S$300 statement credits with annual fee payment and minimum spend of S$3,000 within the first 2 months of card approval for general business expenses. Terms and conditions apply.
  • Earn up to 8 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent on eligible Singapore Airlines Group flights.
  • Earn 1.8 HighFlyer points per S$1 on all other eligible business expenditures.

Pros

  • Unlock generous welcome offers upon approval.
  • Enjoy Priority Pass membership with two complimentary lounge visits per year, valid for you and a guest.
  • Fast-track to KrisFlyer Elite Gold status by spending S$15,000 on Singapore Airlines Group within the first 12 months.
  • Receive a complimentary annual night’s stay across Asia Pacific, valued at S$418, with Accor Plus membership.
  • Benefit from up to 51 interest-free days on your purchases.

Cons

  • The annual fee of S$400 p.a (inclusive of 9% GST).
HSBC Advance Credit Card

On website

HSBC Advance Credit Card

Cashback

2.50% on any spend

Cashback cap

$70.00 on any spend

Minimum spend

N/A

Sign up bonus

Apply and get approved for your new card to receive S$200 cashback or a Samsonite ZELTUS 69cm Spinner Exp with built-in scale when you spend S$500. Spend an additional S$500 and enjoy another S$100 cashback.T&Cs apply.

Highlights

  • Get up to 2.5% Base Cashback on local and overseas spend (Terms and Conditions apply).
  • Get an additional 1% Bonus Cashback with HSBC Everyday+ Rewards Programme.
  • 1-year annual credit card fee waiver.

Pros

  • Earn up to 2.5% cashback when you meet the criteria.
  • No minimum spend is required.
  • Split your purchases into installments at 0% interest over 3 to 24 months.
  • Comes with complimentary travel insurance.
  • Enjoy shopping, dining, and travel deals.

Cons

  • The annual fee reverts to S$196.20 p.a. after the initial year (waived if you spend S$2,000 per month every year).
  • The ongoing interest rate of 27.80% p.a.
  • Cashback is capped at S$70 a month.
HSBC Revolution Credit Card

On website

HSBC Revolution Credit Card

Cashback

N/A

Cashback cap

N/A

Minimum spend

N/A

Sign up bonus

Apply and get approved for your new card to receive S$200 cashback or a Samsonite ZELTUS 69cm Spinner Exp with built-in scale when you spend S$500. Spend an additional S$500 and enjoy another S$100 cashback.T&Cs apply.

Highlights

  • Up to 10X Reward points on online purchases and contactless payments (equivalent to 4 miles per S$1 spend).
  • 1X Reward point per S$1 spend on other purchases.
  • No minimum spend is required.
  • $0 annual credit card fee.

Pros

  • Earn 10x rewards points on online and contactless spending.
  • Get an additional 1% Bonus Cashback with HSBC Everyday Global Account
  • S$0 p.a. annual fee.
  • Includes travel insurance coverage against flight inconvenience and personal accidents.
  • Get instant discounts of up to 14% off at Shell stations and 16% off petrol at Caltex stations.

Cons

  • There is a 10,000 monthly cap on rewards points earned (online and contactless spending only).
American Express Platinum Charge Card

Not available for application via this website

Apply by 28 May 2025

American Express Platinum Charge Card

Cashback

N/A

Cashback cap

N/A

Minimum spend

N/A

Sign up bonus

Get 100,000 air miles when you meet the criteria. Terms and Conditions apply.

Highlights

  • Get 100,000 air miles (awarded as 160,000 Membership Rewards points) when you spend S$8,000 in the first 3 months and pay the annual fee.
  • Relax before your flight with unlimited access to over 1,400 airport lounges for you, a Supplementary Card Member, and one guest each.
  • Get up to S$1,000 in yearly statement credits across dining, travel, lifestyle, fashion, and entertainment with qualifying spends.
  • Book premium hotel stays and unlock exclusive perks at participating properties worldwide.

Pros

  • Earn 10 Membership Rewards points per S$1 spent at Platinum 10Xcelerator partners (on cumulative spend up to S$16,000 annually).
  • Continue earning 10 points per S$1 at these partners even after the cap is reached.
  • Get 5 points per S$1 on Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights, and 2 points per S$1 on all other purchases.
  • Receive up to S$200 Airline Credit each year with eligible spend on Singapore Airlines or Scoot.
  • Enjoy up to S$400 in Global Dining Credits annually when you dine locally or overseas.
  • Unwind with S$400 in Lifestyle Credits each year on fine wines, spa treatments and more.
  • Get up to S$17 monthly to spend on streaming or event platforms like Disney+, Netflix, and Ticketmaster.
  • Use S$150 Fashion Credit yearly at NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER.
  • Access Platinum concierge service for travel planning, dining reservations, and lifestyle requests.

Cons

  • The annual fee is S$1,744 p.a. (inclusive of 9% GST)
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card

Not available for application via this website

Cashback

N/A

Cashback cap

N/A

Minimum spend

N/A

Sign up bonus

Receive up to 40,000 KrisFlyer miles when you meet the criteria. Terms and Conditions apply.

Highlights

  • Earn up to 40,000 KrisFlyer miles as a welcome bonus. Receive 40,000 miles with annual fee payment and a minimum spending of S$2,000 within the first 3 months of Card approval. Available to new American Express Card Members. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Get a complimentary one-night stay at Hilton Properties in the Asia Pacific and 4 complimentary lounge access passes each year with exclusive Hertz privileges worldwide.
  • Accelerated upgrade to KrisFlyer Elite Gold Membership with a minimum spend of $16,000 on singaporeair.com within the first 12 months of card approval. This comes with an additional 20kg baggage allowance and other priority privileges.

Pros

  • Enjoy an accelerated upgrade to KrisFlyer Elite Gold membership with a minimum spend of $16,000 on SIA within 12 months of getting your card.
  • On top of 1.2 KrisFlyer Miles per 1$ on local spend, you can earn KrisFlyer Miles at accelerated rates when spending overseas, for transactions with Grab, Singapore Airlines, and KrisShop.
  • Includes travel inconvenience and travel accident benefits.
  • Annual supplementary card fee is waived in the first year.

Cons

  • Min annual income of $50,000 for citizens/PRs and $60,000 for foreigners.
  • The annual fee is $397.85 (inclusive of 9% GST)
  • Free travel insurance only when your air ticket is charged to your card.
  • Supplementary cards have a fee of $81 p.a. second year onwards.
  • Late payment fee is $100.

American Express Platinum Credit Card

Not available for application via this website

Cashback

N/A

Cashback cap

N/A

Minimum spend

N/A

Sign up bonus

N/A

Highlights

  • Receive up to S$400 cashback. Get S$200 cashback with annual fee payment and minimum spend of S$1,000 within first month of card approval if you are new to American Express. Plus earn up to S$200 cashback when you spend at participating lifestyle brands. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Earn 10 membership rewards points at Platinum 10Xcelerator Partners.
  • 2 membership rewards points on all other purchases.

Pros

  • Get up to $400 cashback when you meet the criteria.
  • 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

  • The annual fee is $327 p.a. (inclusive of 9% GST).
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card

Not available for application via this website

Apply by 28 May 2025

American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card

Cashback

N/A

Cashback cap

N/A

Minimum spend

N/A

Sign up bonus

Receive up to 17,000 KrisFlyer miles. Terms and Conditions apply.

Highlights

  • Receive up to 17,000 KrisFlyer miles with min. spending of S$1,000 within first month of Card approval if you are new to American Express, Terms and Conditions apply.
  • First-year fee waiver for main cardholder and supplementary card.
  • Get $150 cashback for use on your next purchase on singaporeair.com when you spend $12,000 on eligible purchases with your Card from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.
  • Earn 2 KrisFlyer miles Singapore Airlines, Scoot, and KrisShop transactions.

Pros

  • First year fee waiver
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spend on Grab rides, up to $200 each month.
  • All other purchases earn you 1.1 miles per $1 spend.
  • All miles are auto-credited to your KrisFlyer account, sparing you the hassle.

Cons

  • Min annual income of $30,000 for citizens/PRs and $45,000 for foreigners.
  • Annual fee waived the 1st year, but $179.85 for the principal card and $54.50 for each supplementary card thereafter.
  • Free travel insurance only when your air ticket is charged to your card.

Citi Rewards Credit Card

Not available for application via this website

Citi Rewards Credit Card

Cashback

N/A

Cashback cap

N/A

Minimum spend

N/A

Sign up bonus

Get 40,000 bonus Citi ThankYou Points when you apply, get approved, and spend S$800 or more in the first 2 months. Terms and Conditions apply.

Highlights

  • Earn 10X Reward on online purchases and shopping purchases.
  • Earn 10X Reward on rides with Grab, Gojek, and more.
  • Earn 10X Reward on online food delivery.
  • Earn 10X Reward on online groceries.

Pros

  • All other purchases still earn you a 1X Reward.
  • The first-year annual fee is waived.
  • Enjoy complimentary travel insurance when you use your card to purchase an airline ticket.
  • Get deals and discounts with Citi World Privileges.

Cons

  • Annual fee is waived for the 1st year, but $194.40 for the principal card and $97.20 for the supplementary card after.
  • There is a 3.25% foreign conversion fee.
  • Sign-up promo is only applicable to new Citi cardholders.
  • A rewards cap applies.
OCBC Rewards Credit Card

On website

OCBC Rewards Credit Card

Cashback

N/A

Cashback cap

N/A

Minimum spend

N/A

Sign up bonus

N/A

Highlights

  • Earn 15 OCBC$ per S$1 at featured retailers that change every quarter, keeping things fresh.
  • Rack up 10 OCBC$ per S$1 on everyday retail spending, both online and in-store.
  • Redeem OCBC$ for cash rebates, air miles, vouchers, gifts, or unique experiences.
  • Score an extra 2% cash rebate when you buy electronics at BEST Denki.

Pros

  • Annual fee is waived for the first 2 years.
  • Points can be redeemed for miles, vouchers, or cash rebates to offset purchases.
  • Earn up to 180,000 bonus OCBC$ each year.
  • Comes with exclusive access to dining perks, curated experiences, and e-commerce protection.
  • Get 15 OCBC$ (6 air miles) per S$1 spent at Watsons and department stores — a limited-time boost from the usual 4 miles.

Cons

  • Minimum annual income requirement of S$30,000 for Singaporeans/PRs and S$45,000 for foreigners.
  • After the 2-year waiver, the annual fee is S$196.20 for the main card and S$98.10 for each supplementary card.
Citi Prestige Credit Card

Not available for application via this website

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.
Citi Lazada Credit Card

Not available for application via this website

Citi Lazada Credit Card

Cashback

N/A

Cashback cap

N/A

Minimum spend

N/A

Sign up bonus

N/A

Highlights

  • Earn 10X reward points when you shop on Lazada Singapore. Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Earn 5X reward points on your dining, travel, entertainment, and commute transactions.
  • Enjoy a shipping rebate when you spend a minimum of S$50 per transaction at Lazada.

Pros

  • Get exclusive Lazada offers.
  • You can use your points to pay for any purchase.
  • Enjoy discounts locally and in 95 other countries.
  • Feel secure with this card's complimentary travel insurance.

Cons

  • Points earning is capped at 9,000 Reward Points per statement month.
  • Shipping rebate is capped at 4 shipping rebates per month.
OCBC Platinum Credit Card

On website

OCBC Platinum Credit Card

Cashback

N/A

Cashback cap

N/A

Minimum spend

N/A

Sign up bonus

N/A

Highlights

  • Earn 5 OCBC$ for every S$5 spent on your card.
  • Get access to lifestyle perks and family-friendly deals across travel, dining, health, and wellness.
  • Redeem points easily through the OCBC Rewards Catalogue for vouchers, products, or experiences.

Pros

  • Unlock hotel, flight, and travel package deals perfect for planning family getaways.
  • Enjoy dining promotions across a wide range of restaurants and cuisines.
  • Annual fee is waived for the first 2 years.
  • Use your OCBC$ to redeem air miles, vouchers for petrol or shopping, or offset your purchases instantly with cash rebates.

Cons

  • After the first 2 years, the annual fee kicks in at S$163.50 for the principal card and S$81.75 for each supplementary card.
CIMB Visa Infinite Card

Not available for application via this website

CIMB Visa Infinite Card

Cashback

Up to 2.00% on online shopping foreign currency spend

Cashback cap

N/A

Minimum spend

S$2,000.00 per month, every month

Sign up bonus

Get S$188 cashback when you apply and meet the criteria. Terms and Conditions apply.

Highlights

  • Enjoy 2% unlimited cashback on Travel, Overseas spending, and Online Spend in Foreign Currencies when you spend at least S$2,000 every statement month.
  • $0 p.a, annual fee.
  • Get up to $1M in travel insurance coverage.

Pros

  • Get additional cards for free.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges.
  • Comes with Visa Infinite Concierge.

Cons

  • A minimum of $120,000 annual income is required for citizens/PRs.
  • Bank promo is only applicable to new CIMB cardholders.
  • Free travel insurance only when your air ticket is charged to your card.
CIMB Visa Signature Credit Card

Not available for application via this website

CIMB Visa Signature Credit Card

Cashback

Up to 10.00% on grocery spend

Cashback cap

N/A

Minimum spend

N/A

Sign up bonus

N/A

Highlights

  • Earn 10% cashback on online Shopping, Groceries, Beauty & Wellness, Pet Shops & Veterinary Services, and Cruises.
  • $0 p.a, annual fee.
  • Get up to $500,000 in travel insurance coverage.

Pros

  • Get additional cards for free.
  • All other purchases get you an unlimited 0.2% rebate, with no minimum spending needed.
  • Cash rebate is auto-credited to you.

Cons

  • Min $30,000 annual income for citizens/PRs or min $10,000 fixed deposit collateral
  • Bank promo is only applicable to new CIMB cardholders 
  • Free travel insurance only when your air ticket is charged to your card.
OCBC 90°N Card

Not available for application via this website

OCBC 90°N Card

Cashback

N/A

Cashback cap

N/A

Minimum spend

N/A

Sign up bonus

N/A

Highlights

  • Earn 2.1 Miles per S$1 on foreign currency spend (Miles will be awarded as 90°N Miles in blocks of S$5 per transaction)
  • Earn 1.3 Miles per S$1 on local spend
  • Waived annual fee on the first year.

Pros

  • Earned miles never expire,
  • No minimum spend required
  • No cap on miles earned.

Cons

  • After the first year, you will be charged an annual fee of S$54.00 for the principal card and S$54.00 if you have an additional card.

What is a no annual fee credit card?

If you consider yourself to be only an occasional spender or you’re applying for a credit card for the first time, a no annual fee credit card can be an affordable option.

A credit card with no annual fee is the exception rather than the norm. Many credit card providers will charge an annual fee just for keeping the account open. But an annual fee typically applies to credit cards that offer benefits like rewards points, KrisFlyer miles, or free travel insurance and airport lounge access. The higher the annual fee, the greater the benefits that come with your account. But a credit card with no annual fee enables the cardholder to waive the yearly cost, freeing up space in their budget.

Three types of no annual fee card

No annual fee credit cards come in three flavours:

  • No annual fee ever. This type of card promises a $0 annual fee for the life of the card.
  • No annual fee introductory offer. Some cards which do have an annual fee will waive the fee for new cardholders for an introductory period, typically for the first year only.
  • No annual fee for reaching a target spend. In this case, no annual fee is charged in any year where the cardholder reaches a minimum spending target.

Why many credit cards have an annual fee

Card issuers may charge an annual fee for various reasons, but it can be summed up as a way to cover the cost of the card's package of perks and benefits, but also the risk of extending credit.

  • Sign up bonus. To justify a hefty annual fee, some credit cards offer an incentive that attempts to vindicate the steep fee. You might, for instance, pay an annual fee of $100 to earn a one-time bonus of KrisFlyer miles or rewards points. However, the cardholder is still required to achieve a particular spending amount within a given period, and the fee will be charged every year while the sign-up bonus comes only once.
  • Rewards exceeding the cost of the fee. Some credit cards provide higher-value rewards, cashback or complimentary benefits, partly paid for by a larger yearly fee. If your household's spending habits outweigh the cost of the fee because the rewards points earned are substantial, the annual fee might make it worth keeping the account open.
  • Credit score rebuilding. Applicants with a poor or nonexistent credit score won't always qualify for a credit card without an annual fee. To work on increasing their creditworthiness, applicants might have to open an account with a higher interest rate and a substantial yearly fee.

Who are no annual fee credit cards suitable for?

An annual fee isn't always worth the benefits it comes with. A no annual fee credit card might be useful for the following purposes:

  • Credit card first-timers. Someone new to the world of credit cards won't always have a strong grasp of the market. A no annual fee credit card can get them into the habit of meeting monthly payments and keeping within budget while working towards an eventual account upgrade.
  • Emergency card. Even if you're not a regular credit card user, it could be a good idea to keep a no annual fee card in your wallet for emergency expenses like unexpected medical bills or car repairs.
  • Rebuilding credit. Similar to first-time credit card users, those without a credit history, or with poor credit, can use a no annual fee card to re-establish a positive score. By focusing on making timely payments instead of bagging rewards, holders of credit cards with no annual fee can improve their credit score in less than a year.
  • Debt consolidation. Individuals with debt on multiple credit cards can consolidate debts with a balance transfer, ideally to a no annual fee card. Some balance transfer cards will offer a low or 0% introductory APR on the transferred amount. These promotional interest rate periods on balance transfer cards last anywhere between six to 24 months.
  • Multiple cards. For experienced cardholders looking for an option to add value to their spending, a credit card without an annual fee is an affordable way to cover everyday expenses.
  • No fuss, no frills. Anyone wanting a credit card just as a convenient form of payment, and nothing else, need look no further than a no annual fee credit card.

What to compare for no annual fee credit cards

When looking for the best no annual fee credit card, it's important to consider various factors before making a decision. Here are some key features to compare:

  • Rewards. What kind of rewards points or cashback can you earn? Are they tailored to your spending habits?
  • Interest rates. Are the interest rates competitive with other cards? Can you find a card with lower rates to help keep costs down should you carry a balance?
  • Foreign transaction fees. Do you travel often or shop from overseas stores? If so, check what the foreign transaction fees are (since some cards have none).
  • Additional perks. Does the card offer any extra benefits, like travel insurance or dining discounts? Are these perks valuable to you?

How to compare no annual fee credit cards

To make the comparison process easier and more efficient, follow these steps:

  1. List your spending habits and priorities. This will help you identify the features and rewards that would actually be of benefit to you.
  2. Research options. There are lots of different credit cards available in Singapore, each with different offers, rates, fees, and benefits.
  3. Evaluate the additional perks and benefits each card offers. Don't expect these cards to be as interesting as those with an annual fee.
  4. Compare your shortlisted cards and choose one. Check that you meet the minimum criteria and apply.

How to eliminate a credit card annual fee

If you're unhappy about your current commitment to a card with an annual fee, you can eliminate the charge in several ways:

  • Close your account. If you're already maintaining other credit cards, closing one with the highest annual fee and a high interest rate is an option. Before doing so, you must pay off any existing debt. If you're closing an account you've held for a long time with a good payment history, consider how removing its payment history from your file will impact your credit score. If the result will be a lower score, think about closing a different account.
  • Downgrade your credit card. Closing an account isn't always an easy process. Instead, you could downgrade your card to one without an annual fee if its rewards aren't of any use to you. A card downgrade is similar to that of a balance transfer, except that everything on your previous card is switched over, including your account number, payment history and existing credit limit. By keeping your credit limit you can work to keep credit utilisation low, which helps maintain a healthy score.
  • Ask to have the annual fee waived. Though difficult to achieve, it isn't impossible to lobby for your issuer to waive your annual fee. Whether or not you succeed will depend on a case-by-case basis. Perhaps you'd prefer to shoulder a higher interest rate in lieu of a yearly credit card fee. Before granting a fee waiver, card issuers will look into your payment history, spending habits, and how much money they are making out of you in terms of merchant fees.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • No annual fees are budget-friendly.
  • Suitable for a wide range of cardholders.
  • Test the waters for first-time credit card users.

Cons

  • Typically have less appealing — or no — rewards compared to cards with annual fees.
  • Benefits and perks usually limited compared to cards with annual fees.
  • No real different in interest rates.

FAQs

What does "no annual fee" mean?

The annual fee is the yearly fee charged to keep the account open. A credit card with no annual fee is free and does not charge this fee.

Are annual fees necessary for a credit card?

Annual fees are not necessary for every credit card, though it is true that cards with annual fees generally offer superior rewards and additional benefits. That being said, no annual fee credit cards are still useful and can build credit when managed responsibly.

Do no annual fee credit cards offer rewards and cashback?

If a credit card with no annual fee does offer rewards or cashback rebates, they will be less competitive compared to cards with an annual fee.

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