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Credit cards for retired applicants

Want to get a credit card when you're retired? Compare your options and learn how to apply here.

Sally McMullen
Sally McMullen

&

James Martin
James Martin

Updated . What changed?

Fact checked

You can apply for most credit cards when you’re retired or a senior citizen – as long as you meet the card’s application requirements. The credit card issuer may also ask you for additional documents and details about your income and other financial circumstances.

Read on to learn what you need to know about credit cards for senior citizens or retirees in Singapore.

About credit cards for the elderly

For most banks, retirees are eligible for secured credit cards only, meaning that you will need to have a minimum amount of fixed deposit with them in order to qualify. Bear in mind that the credit limit will mirror the amount of fixed deposit you place with the bank (i.e. if you pledge S$50,000, you will have a S$50,000 credit limit). Also, you will no longer be able to withdraw your fixed deposit as long as you own the secured credit card.

Most banks do not publicise their secured credit card options, so you will need to contact them directly if you wish to apply.

What is the maximum age I can apply for a credit card?

The age limit for credit cards for the elderly in Singapore is typically around 65-70.

According to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), a person above 55 years old (which is the age you are allowed to withdraw your CPF savings) with an annual income of at least S$15,000 can apply for an unsecured credit card. An unsecured line of credit is one that allows you to borrow funds without using any kind of asset as collateral.

If your annual income is less than S$30,000, your maximum credit limit is twice of monthly income. If your annual income is above S$30,000, your maximum credit limit is up to four times your monthly income.

Mistakes to avoid when applying for a credit card

Not doing research on credit cards for retirees

pensioners-apply-credit-cardWhen you apply for a credit card as a retiree, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility requirements and submit a range of documents to support your application. Comparing credit cards and researching your options before you apply will help you make sure you meet these requirements and can increase your chances of approval.

If you’re unsure of what you need to provide for a specific credit card, you can contact the provider to confirm any queries you have before applying. Keep in mind that rejected applications will have a negative impact on your credit file, so doing this research will help maximise your chances of approval. Read more on how to apply for a credit card with our step-by-step guide.

Applying for several cards in a short time period

If your previous credit card application has been rejected, don’t immediately apply for another one. Instead, consider why you weren’t accepted. If you hadn’t organised the necessary documents, confirm which ones you’re missing before applying again. If you were rejected because of your credit history, you’ll need to take some time to improve your credit score before applying again.

Bottom line

While most banks and credit card issuers don’t offer credit cards designed especially for retirees or senior citizens in Singapore, they may have specific requirements you need to meet before you can get a credit card. Once you’re sure you meet all the eligibility requirements, and you’re confident your credit file is in good standing, you’ll want to do your research so that you’re aware of all the different options at your disposal to find a credit card deal for you.

How to ensure your credit card application is approved?

Compare credit cards

Start your search with the cards below, ensuring that you meet the eligibility requirements.

Name Product Reward Cashback Offer Annual Fee Min Income - Singaporean and PR
HSBC Revolution Credit Card
HSBC Revolution Credit Card
Earn up to 10X Reward points or 4 miles per S$1 spent on qualifying purchases.
Choose between a S$150 cashback or Samsonite suitcase if minimum spend requirements are met. T&Cs apply. Ends 31 Dec 2020.
S$0 annual fee
S$30,000
New cardholders will be awarded with a Samsonite Prestige 69cm Spinner Exp with built-in scale (worth S$670) or S$150 cashback with minimum spend of S$800 within the qualifying spend period while existing cardholders will get S$30 cashback. Receive an additional S$30 worth of Lazada vouchers when you apply online with MyInfo via SingPass. T&Cs apply. Ends 31 Dec 2020.
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UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card
UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card
Earn 1.4 miles for every S$1 spent locally with no minimum spend or cap.
Get S$150 cash credit if you spend a minimum of S$1,500 within 30 days. First 200 new customers only.
S$0 annual fee for the first 1 year and S$256.80 thereafter
S$30,000
Enjoy up to 20,000 bonus miles if you charge S$50,000 to your card in a year. Apply today and enjoy free transfers to Changi Airport.
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OCBC Cashflo Credit Card
OCBC Cashflo Credit Card
N/A
Receive S$60 rebate when you apply and spend S$600 within 2 months from your card approval date. Ends 31 Oct 2020.
S$0 annual fee for the first 2 years and S$160.50 thereafter
S$30,000
Receive S$60 rebate when you apply and spend S$600 within 2 months from your card approval date. Ends 31 Oct 2020.
More Info
American Express CapitaCard
American Express CapitaCard
Earn 3X STAR$ when you shop at participating CapitaLand malls, and more
Receive a referral bonus of S$20 CapitaVouchers (awarded in 20,000 STAR$®) for you and your friend when you successfully refer a friend.
S$0 annual fee for the first 1 year and S$171.20 thereafter
S$30,000
Receive Sennheiser CX350BT Wireless In -Ear Headphones (worth S$149) upon S$3,000 minimum spend within the first 3 months of card approval. Ends 30 November 2020.
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American Express True Cashback Card
American Express True Cashback Card
Enjoy cashback on all purchases with no minimum spend or cap. Plus receive up to S$80 CapitaVouchers when a minimum spend of S$500 is made in the first month.
Earn 1.5% cashback on all eligible spending with no minimum spend or cap
S$0 annual fee for the first 1 year and S$171.20 thereafter
S$30,000
Apply today and get a 3% Cashback bonus when you spend S$5,000 in the first six months.
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UOB Yolo Card
UOB Yolo Card
Enjoy a wide variety of discounts and cashback rebates on dining, entertainment, online shopping and travel.
Up to 8% cashback on some weekend dining, travel, and entertainment and 3% cashback on online fashion, weekday dining, travel and more.
S$0 annual fee for the first 1 year and S$192.60 thereafter
S$30,000
Apply today and get S$150 in bonus cash credits. T&Cs apply.
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American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card
Earn 1.1 KrisFlyer Miles per S$1 spent on purchases with no cap.
S$150 cashback for use at singaporeair.com when you spend a minimum of S$12,000 until 30 June 2021
S$0 annual fee for the first 1 year and S$176.55 thereafter
S$30,000
Get up to 13,300 KrisFlyer miles with a minimum spend of S$3,000 in your first 3 months and an additional Acer Monitor KA242Y (valued at S$349) if you are new to American Express.
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UOB PRVI Miles World Mastercard
UOB PRVI Miles World Mastercard
Earn 1.4 miles per S$1 spent locally and 2.4 miles per S$1 spent overseas, including online shopping.
Get S$150 cash credit when you apply. Minimum S$1,500 spend within 30 days. First 200 eligible applicants only.
S$0 annual fee for the first 1 year and S$256.80 thereafter
S$30,000
Apply today and enjoy up to S$150 in cash credits if minimum spend requirements are met.
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UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card
UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card
6 air miles for every S$1 spent through Expedia, Agoda and UOB Travel
Get S$150 cash credit when you apply. Minimum S$1,500 spend within 30 days. First 200 eligible applicants only.
S$0 annual fee for the first 1 year and S$256.80 thereafter
S$30,000
Apply today and enjoy up to S$150 in cash credits. Plus, free travel cover.
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HSBC Advance Credit Card
HSBC Advance Credit Card
Choose between a sign-up gift of a Samsonite Prestige 69cm Spinner Exp luggage or S$150 cashback when minimum spend requirements are met.
Enjoy up to 3.5% cashback on all purchases with no minimum spend
S$0 annual fee for the first 1 year (permanently waived for HSBC Advance banking customers) and S$192.60 thereafter
S$30,000
New cardholders will be awarded with a Samsonite Prestige 69cm Spinner Exp with built-in scale (worth S$670) or S$150 cashback with minimum spend of S$800 within the qualifying spend period while existing cardholders will get S$30 cashback. Receive an additional S$30 worth of Lazada vouchers when you apply online with MyInfo via SingPass. T&Cs apply. Ends 31 Dec 2020.
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