Compare the Best Credit Cards for Overseas Spending 2024

Find the latest credit cards have the lowest foreign transaction fees and the best rewards for overseas spending. Read More
Filters

Refine Your Results

Promotions
Card Association
Reset Filter
Providers
We found 39 Credit Cards for you!
Recommended
HSBC Live+ Card
MoneySmart Exclusive
Up to 8% Cashback | Instant Activation*
Promotion ends in

HSBC Live+ Card

on Dining, Shopping and Entertainment
8% Cashback*
on fuel at Caltex and Shell gas stations in Singapore
5% Cashback*
on All Other Spends
0.3% Cashback*

[Unlock Exclusive Rewards with HSBC]
Stand a chance to win the LATEST MacBook Pro M4 14” (S$2,199), Apple iPad Pro 11" 256GB (S$1,499) or Apple Watch Ultra 2 (S$1,199) when you fulfill the campaign requirements. T&Cs apply.
 
Be the first 30 successful applicants to apply and receive an Apple Watch SE (worth S$382.50). T&Cs apply.
 
PLUS, apply now and get a 1 + 1 Samsonite Luggage (worth S$1,000) or S$200 cashback from HSBC. T&Cs apply.
 
Additionally, enrol in our Rollin’ Rewards campaign today and stand a chance to score an additional 7,460 SmartPoints.

Valid until 30 Nov 2024 - See more details below
Apply Now
Apply Now
promotion banner image
promotion banner image
More Details
HSBC TravelOne Card
MoneySmart Exclusive
Earn up to 2.4 Miles | Instant Activation*
Promotion ends in

HSBC TravelOne Card

on Foreign Currency Spend
S$1 = 2.4 Miles
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee
3.25%
Travel Insurance coverage, Airport Lounge visits
Complimentary

[Unlock Exclusive Rewards with HSBC]
Stand a chance to win the LATEST MacBook Pro M4 14” (S$2,199), Apple iPad Pro 11" 256GB (S$1,499) or Apple Watch Ultra 2 (S$1,199) when you fulfill the campaign requirements. T&Cs apply.
 
Be the first 30 successful applicants to apply and receive an Apple Watch SE (worth S$382.50). T&Cs apply.
 
PLUS, apply now and get a 1 + 1 Samsonite Luggage (worth S$1,000) from HSBC. T&Cs apply.
 
Additionally, enrol in our Rollin’ Rewards campaign today and stand a chance to score an additional 7,460 SmartPoints.

Valid until 30 Nov 2024 - See more details below
Apply Now
Apply Now
promotion banner image
promotion banner image
More Details
Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card (Annual Fee Payable)
MoneySmart Exclusive
Up to 45k Miles Offer
Promotion ends in

Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card (Annual Fee Payable)

for every S$1 spend on Transportation, Food Delivery & Online Grocery merchants. Capped at 3,000 Miles in a statement cycle
S$1 = 3 Miles
for all Eligible Foreign Spends
S$1 = 2 Miles
for all Eligible Local Spends
S$1 = 1.2 Miles

Get S$180 Cash via PayNow when you apply through MoneySmart and spend a min. of S$500 in eligible transactions within 30 days from card approval date! T&Cs apply.
 
PLUS stand a chance to win a Porsche Taycan Base (model year 2025) in SC Million Reasons to be Happier! T&Cs apply. Earn up to 45,000 Miles when you sign up for the Journey Credit Card, meet the eligible spends and pay your card's first year Annual Fee. T&Cs apply

Valid until 30 Nov 2024 - See more details below
Apply Now
More Details
KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card
Online Promo
Earn up to 3 Miles per S$1 spend

KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card

on Singapore Airlines, Scoot, KrisShop, Kris+ purchases
S$1 = 3 Miles
Min spend per annum on Singapore Airlines Group
S$800
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee
3.25%
Online Promo:
Get up to 31,000 Miles plus first year annual fee of S$196.20 (inc GST) waived when you successfully apply for a UOB personal KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card and spend a min. of S$2,000 within 60 days from card approval date on their new KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card. Limited to the first 100 eligible participants. T&Cs apply. 
Valid until 30 Nov 2024 - See more details below
Apply Now
More Details
Citi PremierMiles Card + Citi Wealth First Account
MoneySmart Exclusive
BUNDLE | SINGLE SEAMLESS APPLICATION JOURNEY

Citi PremierMiles Card + Citi Wealth First Account

on Foreign Currency Spend
S$1 = Up to 2.2 Miles
on your Citi Wealth First Account
Up to 7.51% Interest
Application Journey for the Bundle
Single

Get up to S$400 Cash or an Apple 10.9-inch iPad 10th Gen WiFi 64GB (worth S$529) or a Sony HT-AX7 Portable Theatre System (worth S$769), plus an EXTRA S$80 Trip.com Coupon when you meet the relevant criterias! T&Cs apply.

Valid until 30 Nov 2024 - See more details below
Apply Now
More Details
American Express True Cashback Card
Unlimited Cashback

American Express True Cashback Card

all eligible purchases
1.5% Cashback
Min. Spend per month
S$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
3.25%
Apply Now
More Details
Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card (No Annual Fee)
MoneySmart Exclusive
Annual Fee Waived

Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card (No Annual Fee)

for every S$1 spend on Transportation, Food Delivery & Online Grocery merchants. Capped at 3,000 Miles in a statement cycle
S$1 = 3 Miles
for all Eligible Foreign Spends
S$1 = 2 Miles
for all Eligible Local Spends
S$1 = 1.2 Miles

Get S$180 Cash via PayNow when you apply through MoneySmart and spend a min. of S$500 in eligible transactions within 30 days from card approval date! T&Cs apply.
 
PLUS stand a chance to win a Porsche Taycan Base (model year 2025) in SC Million Reasons to be Happier! T&Cs apply. Earn up to 25,000 Miles when you sign up for the Journey Credit Card, meet the eligible spends and waive your card's first year Annual Fee. T&Cs apply.

Valid until 30 Nov 2024 - See more details below
Apply Now
More Details
CIMB Visa Signature
Online Promo
Up to 10% Cashback

CIMB Visa Signature

Cash Back on Cruises
Up to 10%
Min. spend per month to qualify for the 10% Cash Back
S$800
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
Online Promo:
Get up to S$188 Cashback when you spend a minimum of S$988 in Eligible Transactions within 60 days from card approval date. T&Cs apply.
Valid until 31 Jan 2025 - See more details below
Apply Now
More Details
HSBC Visa Infinite Credit Card

HSBC Visa Infinite Credit Card

Overseas Spending Rewards
S$1 = Up to 2.25 Miles
Min. Spend per month
S$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
3.25%
Apply Now
More Details
Citi Cash Back+ Card
MoneySmart Exclusive
ASCOTT MILLIONAIRE LUCKY DRAW | EXCLUSIVE TO CITI

Citi Cash Back+ Card

Cash Back on Eligible Spend
1.6%
Min. Spend per month
S$0
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee
3.25%

[MoneySmart x Ascott Travel Like A Millionaire Lucky Draw]
Get S$350 Cash or 5,040 SmartPoints in as fast as 5 weeks when you meet the spend criteria. T&Cs apply. PLUS stand a chance to win up to $6,500 worth of Staycay, Flights and Rewards! T&Cs apply.
 
Additionally, enrol in our Rollin’ Rewards campaign today and stand a chance to score an additional 7,460 SmartPoints. That’s a grand total of 12,500 SmartPoints if you apply today.

Valid until 30 Nov 2024 - See more details below
Apply Now
More Details
HSBC Advance Credit Card
MoneySmart Exclusive
Earn up to 2.5% Cashback | Instant Activation*

HSBC Advance Credit Card

Base Cashback
1.5%
Cashback when you spend more than S$2,000
2.5%
Cashback Cap per month
S$70

[Unlock Exclusive Rewards with HSBC]
Stand a chance to win the LATEST MacBook Pro M4 14” (S$2,199), Apple iPad Pro 11" 256GB (S$1,499) or Apple Watch Ultra 2 (S$1,199) when you fulfill the campaign requirements. T&Cs apply.
 
Be the first 30 successful applicants to apply and receive an Apple Watch SE (worth S$382.50). T&Cs apply.
 
PLUS, apply now and get a 1 + 1 Samsonite Luggage (worth S$1,000) or S$200 cashback from HSBC. T&Cs apply.
 
Additionally, enrol in our Rollin’ Rewards campaign today and stand a chance to score an additional 7,460 SmartPoints.

Valid until 30 Nov 2024 - See more details below
Apply Now
Apply Now
promotion banner image
promotion banner image
More Details
UOB Lady's Card
Up to 10 Miles per S$1 spent

UOB Lady's Card

Base Earn Rate
S$5 = 1X UNI$ (or 2 miles)
Category of Choice
S$5 = Up to 25X UNI$ (equivalent to 10 miles per S$1)
Rewards to Miles Conversion, no min. spend
1 UNI$ = 2 Miles
Apply Now
More Details
The American Express® Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card
Online Promo
Ideal for frequent small business travellers

The American Express® Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card

per S$1 spent on eligible Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights
Earn up to 8.5 HighFlyer Points
per S$1 spent on all eligible purchases (worth 1.8 KrisFlyer miles)
Earn 1.8 HighFlyer Points
worth S$418 offering a free night's stay every year
Complimentary Accor Plus Membership
Online Promo:
Get up to 33,000 HighFlyer points upon annual Card fee payment and min. S$3,000 eligible spend within the first 2 months of Card approval. T&Cs apply.
Valid until 15 Jan 2025 - See more details below
Apply Now
More Details
Standard Chartered Rewards+ Credit Card
MoneySmart Exclusive
Earn up to 10X Rewards Points

Standard Chartered Rewards+ Credit Card

Overseas Spending Rewards
S$1 = 10X Points
Min. Spend per month
S$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
3.50%

Get S$230 Cash via PayNow or 2,990 SmartPoints when you apply and spend a min. of S$500 in eligible transactions within 30 days from card approval date. T&Cs apply. PLUS stand a chance to win a Porsche Taycan Base (model year 2025) in SC Million Reasons to be Happier! T&Cs apply.
 
Additionally, enrol in our Rollin’ Rewards campaign today and stand a chance to score an additional 7,460 SmartPoints. That’s a grand total of 10,450 SmartPoints if you apply today.

Valid until 30 Nov 2024 - See more details below
Apply Now
More Details
Citi PremierMiles Card
MoneySmart Exclusive
ASCOTT MILLIONAIRE LUCKY DRAW | EXCLUSIVE TO CITI

Citi PremierMiles Card

All Foreign Currency Spend including Retail and Online
S$1 = Up to 2.2 miles
Min. Spend per month
S$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
3.25%

[MoneySmart x Ascott Travel Like A Millionaire Lucky Draw]
Get S$350 Cash or 5,040 SmartPoints  in as fast as 5 weeks when you meet the spend criteria. T&Cs apply. PLUS stand a chance to win up to $6,500 worth of Staycay, Flights and Rewards! T&Cs apply.
 
Additionally, enrol in our Rollin’ Rewards campaign today and stand a chance to score an additional 7,460 SmartPoints. That’s a grand total of 12,500 SmartPoints if you apply today.

Valid until 30 Nov 2024 - See more details below
Apply Now
More Details
OCBC 365 Credit Card
High Spend on Dining

OCBC 365 Credit Card

on Overseas Dining
Up to 5% Cashback
on Overseas Groceries
Up to 3% Cashback
Foreign Transaction Fee
3.25%
Read More
More Details
OCBC 90°N Visa Card
Earn Miles That Don't Expire

OCBC 90°N Visa Card

on Foreign Currency Spend
S$1 = 2.1 Miles
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee
3.25
Minimum Spend
S$0
Read More
More Details
OCBC 90°N Card
Earn Miles That Don't Expire

OCBC 90°N Card

on Foreign Currency spend
S$1 = 2.1 Miles
Min. spend per month
S$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
3.25%
Read More
More Details
Maybank Horizon Visa Signature
Online Promo

Maybank Horizon Visa Signature

on Air Tickets and Foreign Currency Spend
S$1 = 7X Points
Min. Spend per month to unlock 7X Points
S$800
Rewards to Miles Conversion for Selected Airline Parnters
1 Point = 0.4 Miles
Online Promo:
Receive a Samsonite ENOW SPINNER 69/25 EXP (worth S$570), or 10,000 Bonus Air Miles*, or S$200 Cashback when you apply for a new Maybank Credit Card and a CreditAble account, spend a min. of S$600 in Eligible Transactions each month for the first two consecutive months upon card approval. T&Cs apply.
Valid until 30 Nov 2024 - See more details below
Apply Now
More Details
DBS Vantage Visa Infinite Card
Online Promo
Miles or Cashback – you decide

DBS Vantage Visa Infinite Card

Overseas Spend
S$1 = 2.2 miles or 2.2% cashback
Min. Spend per month
S$0
Foreign Transaction Fee
3.25%
Online Promo:
Get up to 60,000 miles (for New Cardmembers) or up to 40,000 Miles (Existing Cardmembers) when you sign up and make a min. spend of S$4,000 within 30 days of card approval and payable annual fee required. T&Cs apply.
Valid until 31 Jan 2025 - See more details below
Apply Now
More Details

Disclaimer: At MoneySmart.sg, we strive to keep our information accurate and up to date. This information may be different than what you see when you visit a financial institution, service provider or specific product’s site. All financial products and services are presented without warranty. Additionally, this site may be compensated through third party advertisers. However, the results of our comparison tools which are not marked as sponsored are always based on objective analysis first.

How To Pick A Credit Card for Overseas Spending

There are many reasons to use your credit card overseas, many of which are too good to resist. So when it comes to choosing the most suitable credit card for your overseas spending, the benefits that come with it have to be compatible with your spending habits and lifestyle needs so that you can fully maximise the rewards, cashback and other perks that you’re entitled to. Here are a few things to look out for while you’re still deciding which card to get.

Air Miles for travelling

One of the main reasons to use your credit card for your shopping overseas is for the air miles. Certain credit cards, which are also known as air miles credit cards or frequent flyer credit cards, enable you to accumulate frequent flyer miles with purchases made on your cards, such as online shopping, travel and even transport like Grab. With these air miles, you can redeem free air tickets or get great discounts for your next airfare.

Cashback benefits

Cashback credit cards let you earn some cashback when you use your credit card to pay your bills, such as telco, medical and utilities bills, while others give you the most cashback for dining, online shopping and other stuff like petrol. There are certain credit cards which focus on giving you the best cashback benefits for overseas spending such as the UOB EVOL Credit which provides you with up to 8% cashback on weekend dining, entertainment and Grab rides for your weekend trips.

Reward Points system

Rewards credit cards are all about you collecting points and redeeming them for specific things that you like i.e. air tickets to your dream destination, dining, shopping and staycation vouchers, and even Apple gadgets, Dyson Tower Fan, wireless in-ear earphones and other popular tech merchandise.

So every time you use your credit card locally or overseas, you’ll get to collect points, which usually can be converted to air miles or vouchers and trendy gadgets. The more you spend, the more points you get, and the more attractive the redemption item is going to be.

Annual fees

Annual fees are usually charged by most credit cards and it’s kind of like for the convenience of you enjoying using the card to make your purchases. Of course, there are administrative costs, which are also included as part of the annual fees, for maintaining your credit card account.

Many banks do offer a waiver of your annual fee when you make a request through phone calls or email.

Dynamic currency conversion fees

Dynamic currency conversion fees or DCCs in short, make up that extra percentage of your monthly credit card bill when you use it to pay for something you bought overseas.

If you choose to have the convenience of being able to see how much you’re paying in Singapore dollars just for that particular product or service you get on your overseas vacation or business trip, instead of just paying in overseas currency, you’re actually wasting precious money that you can spend on something else, or simply save it for rainy days.

Foreign transaction fees

These foreign transaction fees are very much “hidden” most of the time as many banks do not list them upfront unless it’s part of a promotion that they charge lower fees than the standard market rate.

Sometimes, the dynamic currency conversion fees are included in the foreign transaction fee too, if you’ve chosen to pay in SGD for your overseas purchases. So picking cards that offer waivers or discounts for these foreign transaction fees do matter if you mind paying for these fees.

Foreign Currency Credit Card Charges By Banks

Foreign currency charges, which are also known as foreign transaction fees (which we briefly talked about above), are not that noticeable and there’s not that much hype about it unlike the great cashback benefits or attractive air miles and reward points promotions.

This means that it’ll take you a little more effort to spot them in the terms and conditions of your credit card documents or your credit card bills. Each foreign transaction fee is made of 3 parts - a fee that is charged by a credit card network i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, UnionPay, etc, and another fee that is charged by your card issuer company i.e. DBS, UOB, Citibank, OCBC, etc, and finally, the third component which is the dynamic currency conversion fee (only if you pay in SGD instead of overseas currency).

Tips To Lower Overseas Credit Card Fees

Tip #1 Make payments in overseas currency when abroad

Dynamic currency conversion fees will be jacking up your credit card bills if you choose to pay in SGD for shopping or on other purchases overseas. Paying in SGD may also cause you to lose your potential cashback, rewards or miles for foreign currency spending if that particular credit card you own offers any of such benefits. So be sure to let the cashier know that you wish to make your payments in overseas currency just in case they assume that you would like to pay in SGD.

Tip #2 Compare waivers or discounts on foreign transaction fees

Foreign transaction fees are charged by the bank which you got your credit card from, and these fees are for the transactions you made overseas or through an online merchant based overseas. It includes the dynamic currency conversion fee which was mentioned above, plus an administrative fee on the foreign transaction amount charged by the bank. Such fees usually range from 2.5% to 3.5%, depending on which bank you picked.

Some credit card issuing banks offer waivers and better discounts on such fees, so choosing certain credit cards with such benefits can help you save some money on your monthly credit card bills.

Tip #3 Use a multi-currency account or mobile wallet

By using a multi-currency account or mobile wallet, you can convert your currency without having to pay dynamic currency conversion fees. For a multi-currency account, you’ll be able to exchange SGD with the currencies that you want when the exchange rates are favourable, deposit that money into your account and use your debit card for overseas purchases. This will enable you to escape currency conversion and foreign exchange fees altogether.

Using a mobile wallet gives you similar benefits, just that you don’t have to open a multi-currency bank account. Multi-currency travel cards like YouTrip, TransferWise, Revolut and InstaReM lets you convert currency on the go with a mobile wallet, without paying for any currency exchange fees.

Tip #4 Link your cashback credit card with Instarem Amaze Card

This tip only works for Mastercard-issued cashback credit cards and once you link them (only up to 5 cards) with the Instarem Amaze Card, all of your transactions will have the Amaze affix, which is based in Singapore. With this Instarem Amaze Card, you’ll be able to combine your current cashback rewards with the Amaze card’s 1% cashback reward.

background image

How to Activate Credit Card for Overseas Use

Banks enforce stringent security measures to curb unauthorised overseas credit card charges. To use your card overseas, you simply need to activate overseas use for your credit card. So if you’ll be travelling abroad, make sure that you’ve enabled this function to be able to use your credit card. You can activate your credit card for foreign travel via SMS, online banking or mobile banking. Some banks allow ATM or personal activation too. While activating your card for overseas usage, you need to set the dates when you plan to use it abroad. It will then be deactivated automatically.

Credit Card Overseas Rebate

The concept of credit card overseas rebate is simple – use your credit card overseas and earn a small percentage of the amount your paid for in return. Of course, you can’t expect banks to be generous in giving cashback on your foreign currency transactions. Usually, banks only give 2% to 8% cashback tops. Sometimes they also require you to hit the minimum spend requirement to enjoy overseas rebate.

Credit Card Foreign Transaction Fee

Foreign transaction fee often comes as a surprise to most overseas credit card users. Why? Because this fee is usually hiding in the terms and conditions section of credit card providers. So if you’re still scratching your head and wondering what this fee is all about, here’s a quick lowdown. Whenever you purchase something and make a foreign currency charge using your Singapore-issued credit card, you’ll be subject to a foreign transaction fee. Very rarely will you encounter banks that charge 0%. The usual foreign transaction fee is 2.5% to 3.25%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my credit card overseas?

Of course, you can use your credit card for foreign travel as long as you enable overseas use. Take note that if you charge a different currency, the foreign exchange rate will be a spot rate and you may incur a foreign transaction fee.

Do I need OTP when using a credit card overseas?

OTP is not needed for credit card use overseas. You’ll only be asked for an OTP while you’re activating your credit card for foreign travel.

How to check credit card foreign exchange rate and currency transaction charges?

Banks usually follow the foreign exchange rate of the credit card network (VISA, Mastercard). You can check their website for real-time currency conversion. As for the overseas transaction fee, you can check the terms and conditions section of your credit card provider.

Can all credit cards be used internationally?

This depends on which credit card network i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, UnionPay, etc. your credit cards are tagged to. For cards which are tagged on Visa, Mastercard and American Express, and Discover networks, they are widely accepted globally. Certain networks like UnionPay have an extensive presence, but they are accepted by fewer merchants around the world.

Do I need OTP when using a credit card overseas?

OTP is not needed for credit card use overseas. You’ll only be asked for an OTP while you’re activating your credit card for foreign travel.

How do I check credit card foreign exchange rate and currency transaction charges?

Most banks do not state the credit card foreign exchange rates and currency transaction charges upfront, so you’ll need to check the terms and conditions of your credit card documents or your credit card bills. Many of the Help Centre and FAQs sections of the banks’ websites provide information on these charges as well.

Is there a credit card with no foreign transaction fee?

There are many credit cards which you can waive your foreign transaction fees for, but you’ll have to call in or email or log into your account with your credit card issuing bank to request for it.

Is it better to use debit or credit cards abroad?

It depends on your spending habits abroad. If you are going for rewards points to redeem for attractive perks such as air miles for your next airfare or dining and shopping vouchers or other tech gadgets, then using credit cards which are linked to reward programmes would be better.

On the other hand, if you just want to withdraw amounts of cash, debit cards will suffice as it relieves you of the hassle of carrying large amounts of cash with you as you travel. Moreover, some debit cards let you earn bonus interest on money you spend overseas.