The difficulty here is not getting one but not getting too many. You will find application forms at shopping centre directories, MRT information stands, restaurants etc.
All banks offer Visa and/or Master cards, some of them American Express and you can get ‘separate’ (non bank related) American Express, Diners Club or JCB cards to name a few. For an Employment pass holder the easiest cards to get are with the bank where you have an account or direct from the issuance companies. Getting a card from a bank where you do not have an account is a little bit tougher but probably also wholly unnecessary. You may need to show them your employment contract (with salary) though as long as you do not have computerized pay slips or CPF statements.
Note that all these cards have some sort of benefit scheme and some banks offer several ‘types’ of cards offering different benefits. Yearly fees are often waved for the first x-years etc. and if you are here a while you will no doubt get offers to join ‘exclusive’ platinum cards with memberships to clubs and spa’s included etc. (at a price ofcourse).
If you like sorting through this, have a ball. A few different cards can certainly get you some nice discounts at restaurants but at first we’d suggest to just get the one coming with your bank account.
Do you need more info? Leave a message on our expat message board!
Interested in advertising with us?
