Swipe smart: Your first card doesn’t have to be complicated

People nowadays spend differently. We’re digital-first, pay by tapping our phones, and love perks that feel instant and relevant, whether that’s cashback for cafe hopping, points that convert into miles for booking flights, or rewards for streaming our favourite shows. But before diving into the latest card launches, it’s worth understanding the basics.

Credit vs debit: What’s the difference?

Credit cards, similar to the Buy Now Pay Later concept, let you borrow money from the bank to make purchases up to a set limit. At the end of each month, you’ll receive a bill, and if you pay it in full, you won’t be charged interest. Pay late or carry a balance, however, and you’ll rack up interest and late fees.

Debit cards, on the other hand, pull money directly from your linked bank account or prepaid balance. You can only spend what’s available, making them a better choice for avoiding debt.

Should you use credit or debit cards?

If you want to build a credit score, access high cashback or earn miles, and are disciplined about paying your bills in full each month, credit is your friend. If you want to stick to a budget, avoid the temptation of debt, or spend crypto and other digital assets via a linked card, debit or prepaid options make more sense. Many choose to mix both: Using credit for big, planned purchases to earn rewards, and debit for everyday spending control.

Gen-Z-friendly cards in the market

1. Maybank XL Cashback / Rewards Card (Credit)

Two versions to choose from: cashback (up to 5% on dining, shopping, travel, entertainment and foreign currency) or rewards (up to 4 miles per dollar in similar categories). No overly complicated hoops, just solid bonuses for everyday lifestyle spending.

“The best perks shouldn’t be reserved only for premium cards. … Now [with the Maybank XL Cashback Card,] young adults can enjoy more value on their everyday favourites when they live, spend, and explore,” says Tessa Er, Head of Cards and Personal Loans, Maybank.

Best for: Students and young professionals who want high returns in categories they already spend on.

2. DCS Flex Visa Platinum Card (Credit)

This card from DCS, formerly known as Diners Club Singapore, serves up eco-friendliness and full customisation. Switch reward types once per month and choose between up to 8% cash rebate, 8% investment credits, up to 2.4 miles per dollar, or even 8% carbon credits for the eco-conscious. The physical card is also made of 82% recycled plastic and offers multiple bold card designs.

“At present, the overwhelming preference for cashback — chosen by 97% of Gen Z Flex card users, regardless of gender — signals a strong inclination towards immediate, tangible returns that help offset current expenses over more long-term or intangible rewards such as miles, investment credits, or carbon credits,” shares Dayna Leng, Branding & Marketing Leader, DCS.

Best for: Those who want flexibility in the rewards, and a card that adapts to their changing financial preferences and lifestyle with flair.

3. MariBank Credit Card (Credit)

MariBank delivers 1.7% cashback on local spending, up to 4.5% on overseas purchases, and 3% Shopee Coins on Shopee transactions, all without minimum salary or spending requirements. To top it off, the app is clean, fast, and user-friendly.

Best for: Those who love Shopee shopping or travel frequently and want straightforward cashback with zero hassle.

4. Trust Bank Cashback Card (Credit)

From Standard Chartered and the FairPrice Group, this card gives instant cashback upon spending, with no annual or foreign exchange (FX) fees. You can earn up to 15% cashback on your selected quarterly category, plus access stamps and coupons directly in the app.

If you want debit-style spending control but still enjoy some perks, you can opt for the Trust Link Card instead. You can instantly switch from credit to debit (and vice versa) by pairing with your Trust savings account to avoid the risks of credit.

Best for: Anyone who loves seeing rewards instantly and having fun perks in their banking app.

5. GXS Debit Card (Debit)

GXS, backed by Grab and Singtel, offers a sleek debit card made from recycled materials. Spend at least $10 on eligible transactions and unlock unlimited instant rewards, with no FX fees or exchange rate markups. Eligible overseas Grab spending also earns 2% back in GrabRewards points (promotion valid until 31 December 2025).

If you want to start building your credit score but with low credit limits and minimal risk, you can go for the GXS FlexiCard instead. It swaps the late payment’s high interest for a flat $5 fee, and offers instant cashback and zero FX fees, perfect for beginners learning the ropes.

Best for: Those who want to manage spending safely like a debit card but also crave rewarding perks, especially for Grab-related purchases.

Whether you opt for credit or debit, the rule is simple: Choose a card that fits your spending habits. Don’t overspend just to hit cashback caps. And always check the fine print. Minimum spends, reward caps, FX fees, and annual fee waivers can make a big difference to the value you get. Financial tools can be powerful, but only if you stay in control. The best card is one that rewards your lifestyle and helps you grow your financial confidence without putting you in the red.