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Best supplementary credit card in Singapore (2024): UOB, OCBC, Citi, AMEX and more
Credit Card Hacks: Here's what you need to know about extending credit card benefits to your loved ones with a supplementary credit card in Singapore.
SINGAPORE – Supplementary cards are an extension of the main credit card and allow the supplementary cardholder to make purchases or other financial transactions using a card linked to the same account.
Supplementary credit cards are a good way to share credit card benefits with your family or loved ones, such as your spouse or child aged 18 years and above, who may not be eligible to sign up for a credit card on their own.
Best supplementary credit card in Singapore
Here are some examples of credit cards with notable supplementary card perks:
Credit Card | Supplementary Card Annual Fee | Notable Perks |
AMEX Platinum Charge | First two cards free | Good for cardholders who travel frequently: - Access to airport lounges such as Priority Pass, Centurion Lounge, International American Express Lounge, Delta SkyClub, and Plaza Premium. - Hotel loyalty programme status like Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold, and Radisson Rewards Gold. |
Standard Chartered Simply Cash | First five cards free | Good for daily expenditure, or if you don't want to bother about hitting minimum spend: - Flat 1.5 per cent cashback on all eligible spend, with no cap. |
HSBC Visa Infinite Card | First five cards free | Good for those who enjoy hotel dining: - Up to 50 per cent off dining at Goodwood Park Hotel, Fairmont Singapore, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza, and Swissotel The Stamford. |
OCBC 365 | S$98.10, waived for first two years | Good for drivers or for daily expenditure: - Six per cent cashback on fuel spend at all petrol stations and three per cent cashback on EV charging stations. - Five per cent cashback on dining. - Three per cent cashback on groceries, land transport, pharmacy, streaming services, and recurring utilities. - Minimum spend of S$800, cashback capped at S$160 per month. |
Citi PremierMiles | Free for life | Good if you're trying to earn air miles: - Earn 1.2 miles per dollar spent locally, and two miles per foreign currency spent. - No expiry on miles earned. |
UOB One | First card free, S$98.10 for second card onwards | Good if you're new to UOB and charge everything to your card: - Earn up to 15% quarterly cashback if you hit a minimum spend of S$500/S$1,000/S$2,000 per month (minimum of five transactions per month). |
What is the difference between a principal and supplementary credit card?
The principal or primary cardholder is the main account owner who is solely responsible for managing the account — this includes making payments on the outstanding balance or any charges or fees related to both the principal and supplementary cards. It is important to note that the principal credit card has a spending limit, and this credit limit is shared with the supplementary credit card.
While the supplementary cardholder's name may appear on the supplementary card, only one billing statement is sent and it is sent to the principal cardholder. The statement will show all charges associated with both the principal and supplementary cards.
Supplementary cardholders also have limited access to account management. While the principal cardholder has full access to account details and can make changes to the account, supplementary cardholders either have limited access or none.
Also read: Best credit card for public transport in Singapore (2023)
Also read: Best credit card for airport lounge access in Singapore (2024)
Also read: Best air miles credit card in Singapore (December 2023)
Do supplementary cards get the same benefits?
Supplementary cardholders usually enjoy the same benefits as the principal cardholder, save for one or two that are reserved only for principal cardholders, such as airport lounge privileges for some credit cards.
In general, transactions made by supplementary cards count towards the credit card rewards programme and minimum spend for cashback, allowing you to earn rewards faster. However, the rewards will go to the principal cardholder's account. This is the same for air miles and cashback.
Are supplementary cards free?
Most supplementary credit cards are free or have a low annual fee. Check with your credit card issuer for more details.
Can supplementary cards affect your credit score?
A supplementary credit card will not affect the supplementary holder's credit score. Missing a payment on the supplementary credit card will affect the primary credit card member's credit score. Paying on time will help keep the primary cardholder's score in good standing.
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