Quick Answer
Sort the spending you already expect into categories. Then enter the same mix for every card in the credit-card comparison, and check caps, exclusions and fees. The example budget is S$1,500 a month. Start by sorting that spending, not by chasing a headline rate or spending more to hit a minimum.
The Useful Number: The example budget is S$1,500 a month. Start by sorting that spending into categories, not by chasing a headline rate.
Where Should You Start Comparing Card Rewards?
The old Credit Card Optimiser used unchecked mid-2025 reward tables, so it no longer shows reward values. Use the credit-card comparison, which uses checked card rules, lists its sources and lets you edit every spending input.
Rewards only count after fees, interest and spending you would not have made anyway. Never carry a balance or buy extra just to hit a minimum spend.
How Do You Classify A S$1,500 Monthly Budget?
Enter the same mix for every card, without changing your spending to favour one. S$1,500 a month is S$18,000 a year only if every month is the same, so check caps and exclusions before multiplying a promo rate by the total.
- Dining: S$400
- Groceries: S$300
- Online Purchases: S$300
- Transport: S$150
- Other Spending: S$350
- Total Planned Spending: S$1,500
Data as of . Source: MoneySense — Managing Your Money.
Does Your Budget Category Decide Your Rewards?
Your bank goes by the merchant’s category code, how you paid, the posting date and its own exclusions, not your budget label. Annual fees, reward rounding and redemption charges also cut value.
Miles are not cash: a redemption may be worth less than the value you set per mile.
What Should You Check In Your Statements And Card Terms?
Check a few normal months, remove transactions that earn no rewards and test lower spending. Confirm minimum spend, caps, fees and expiry with the provider, and pay the statement in full.
Quick Check
Three statements from this guide. Tap True or False to check what you have read. Nothing is saved.
Card 1 Of 3
The old Credit Card Optimiser still works out reward values.
Why?
Use the credit-card comparison instead. It uses checked card rules, lists its sources and lets you edit every spending input.
Card 2 Of 3
A S$1,500 monthly budget is S$18,000 a year only if every month is the same.
Why?
Check caps and exclusions before you multiply a promo rate by the whole total, and remove transactions that do not earn rewards.
Card 3 Of 3
Your budget label decides which bonus category your bank applies.
Why?
These may not match your budget label. Annual fees, reward rounding and redemption charges also cut value.
Your Score
Use The Current Credit Card Comparison
Enter your own spending, then check the rules, minimum spends and caps behind each result.
Compare Credit Cards →Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does The Old Credit Card Optimiser No Longer Show Rewards?
It used mid-2025 reward tables that were never checked.
So it no longer works out or shows reward values, and those tables are not current offers. The credit-card comparison uses checked card rules, lists its sources and lets you edit every spending input.
Does A Merchant Category Guarantee Bonus Rewards?
No.
Your bank goes by the merchant’s category code, how you paid, the posting date and its own exclusions. These may not match your budget label. Annual fees, reward rounding and redemption charges also cut value. Check minimum spend, reward caps, fees and expiry with the provider.
Are Miles Worth The Same As Cash?
Miles are not cash.
The comparison lets you set the value of one mile, but a redemption may be worth less and what you can redeem may be limited. Base your choice on spending you already expect, and pay the statement in full.
Can I Multiply A Promotional Rate By My Yearly Spending?
Not safely.
The S$1,500 monthly budget in the example is S$18,000 a year only if every month is the same. Check caps and exclusions before you multiply a promo rate by the whole total. Look at a few normal months and remove transactions that do not earn rewards first.
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Sources & Assumptions
Sources checked 11 September 2026. These are examples only. Check the stated assumptions and limits before you use a result.
We no longer show the old calculator’s mid-2025 reward tables, and they are not current offers. This guide recommends no product. Check current terms with the provider.