4 mpd on foreign currency once you clear S$1,000 in a statement month — the strongest simple option for proper trips. Skip it for short, cheap getaways where you won't hit the minimum.
4mpd
on overseas and foreign-currency spend
Capped at S$1,200/statement monthMin S$1,000/statement month
The two caps are separate buckets — each needs its own S$1,000 minimum.
Watch out for
Spend S$999 in a category and you earn 0.4 mpd on everything — the S$1,000 minimum is all or nothing.
Always pay in local currency — never accept the terminal's offer to bill you in SGD. That's DCC, and the rate is terrible.
The sweet spot is narrow: S$1,000 minimum to S$1,200 cap, per category, per statement month.
The 3.25% foreign-currency fee means you're effectively buying miles at ~1¢ each — worth it only if you redeem well.
Also consider
Good picks when the top card doesn't fit how you spend.
No minimums to trip over: your phone tap works overseas too, same 4 mpd, S$600 cap. The honest pick for short trips.
4mpd
on mobile contactless — tap your phone or watch
Capped at S$600/calendar monthPhone/watch tap only
Includes SimplyGo — your MRT and bus rides earn miles too.
Watch out for
Physical card taps don't earn the bonus — it has to be your phone or watch.
Always pay in local currency — never accept the terminal's offer to bill you in SGD. That's DCC, and the rate is terrible.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 3.25% foreign currency fee worth paying for miles?
At 4 mpd you're effectively buying miles at roughly 0.8–1.1 cents each — worth it if you redeem for premium cabins, marginal if you redeem economy. That's the honest math.
Should I pay in local currency or SGD overseas?
Always local currency. The terminal's offer to bill in SGD is dynamic currency conversion (DCC) and the exchange rate is terrible.
What if I won't spend S$1,000 on my trip?
Skip UOB Visa Signature — below its minimum you earn almost nothing. Use the UOB Preferred Visa (phone tap, no minimum, S$600 cap) for short or cheap trips.
