OUR TRAVEL ITINERARY

When it comes to overseas spending, choosing the right credit card can make all the difference. Whether you're a frequent jet-setter or an occasional traveler, there’s a card out there that fits your needs. But with so many options available—miles-earning cards, cashback cards, and frill-free options—how do you know which one is right for you?

For many of us, miles-earning cards are the go-to choice for travel. After all, who doesn’t love the idea of turning everyday spending into free flights or hotel stays? However, not everyone wants to juggle multiple cards or navigate complex rewards programs. If you’re someone who values simplicity and ease of use, a single cashback card might be a better fit.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best credit cards for overseas spending into two main strategies:

1. Maximize Rewards: For those who don’t mind managing multiple cards to earn the most miles and rewards.
2. Frill-Free and Easy: For travelers who prefer a single, straightforward card for cashback and hassle-free spending.

Let’s dive in and find the perfect card for your next adventure!

Strategy 1: Maximize Rewards with Multiple Cards

If you’re someone who doesn’t mind a bit of extra effort to maximize your rewards, using multiple credit cards for overseas spending can yield the best returns. However, this approach requires careful planning and organization. If managing multiple cards feels overwhelming, you might want to skip to Strategy 2, where we focus on a single, easy-to-manage card.

Before diving into the recommendations, here are a few things to note:

1. No Minimum Spend: The cards I recommend here don’t require a minimum spend, making them more manageable for most travelers.
2. Personal Experience: These are cards I personally use and find optimal for overseas spending.
3. Current Features Only: We’ll focus on the cards’ ongoing features, excluding temporary promotions or sign-up bonuses.
4. Onsite Swiping: These recommendations are tailored for onsite swiping (e.g., at restaurants, shops, hotels) rather than online spending.

Now, let’s break it down by spending categories and general spend cards.

Cards for Specific Spending Categories

To maximize rewards, it’s a good idea to use different cards for different types of spending. Here are my top picks for specific categories:

1. Dining

• Standard Chartered Beyond:
  • Why it’s great: Offers higher rewards for dining expenses, making it ideal for foodies.
  • This card offers 8 miles per dollar (mpd) for foreign currency spend on dining if you’re a Priority Private client—the highest rate across all cards. For Priority or Regular Banking clients, it offers 3.5 mpd or 3 mpd, respectively.

2. All Spending (Except Travel and Hotels)

• Amaze + Citi Rewards:
  • Why it’s great: A powerful combo for earning rewards on almost all spending categories, excluding travel and hotels.
  • This card offers 4 mpd for foreign currency spend, with a limit of SGD 1,000 per statement month.

3. Travel and Dining (2 Selected Categories)

• UOB Lady’s Solitaire:
  • Why it’s great: Allows you to select categories like travel and dining for higher rewards.
  • You can earn 4 mpd on two selected categories, with a spend cap of SGD 2,000 per calendar month.

Cards for General Spending

If your spending doesn’t match any of the specific categories above, these general spend cards are excellent options:

1. Standard Chartered Beyond

• Why it’s great: A versatile card that works well for a wide range of spending categories.
• This card offers 4 mpd for foreign currency spend if you’re a Priority Private client. For Priority or Regular Banking clients, it offers 3.5 mpd or 3 mpd, respectively.

2. Trust Cashback Card

• Why it’s great: Offers cashback on all eligible spending with no foreign transaction fees, making it a solid choice for overseas use.
• This card offers 1% cashback on all transactions without foreign transaction fees. Note that the 1% cashback does not apply to your selected bonus category.

Pairing the Cards

The number of cards you use ultimately depends on how many you can manage without feeling overwhelmed. Here’s a simple guide:

• If you can manage 2 cards:
  • Use 1 specific spend card for your highest spending category (e.g., dining with Standard Chartered Beyond).
  • Use 1 general spend card (e.g., Trust Cashback Card) for all other expenses.
• If you can only manage 1 card:
  • Skip to Strategy 2, where we focus on a single, frill-free card for simplicity.

Tips for Managing Multiple Cards

If you decide to go the multi-card route, here are some tips to stay organized:

• Track Spending: Use apps or spreadsheets to monitor your spending and ensure you’re using the right card for each category.
• Set Reminders: Keep track of payment due dates and annual fee waivers to avoid unnecessary charges.
• Optimize Rewards: Regularly review your spending habits and adjust your card usage to maximize rewards.

Final Thoughts

Using multiple cards can be a game-changer for maximizing rewards, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re up for the challenge, the cards mentioned above can help you earn more on your overseas spending. However, if managing multiple cards feels like too much work, don’t worry—there’s a simpler solution in Strategy 2.