What credit/debit cards to use to get the best petrol discounts?

When I drive with smove, the time often comes when the car runs low on petrol, and I have to top up to continue Uber-ing. I've also mentioned in previous blog posts that we are allowed to keep any credit card discounts when we top up petrol, as an acknowledgment of our effort and time.

Given that time and mileage are all precious resources as a Uber driver, it's best to be prepared for any petrol kiosk so you don't waste time and mileage driving around to the "preferred" petrol kiosk. And come to think of it, even as a regular car owner, this may also apply to you!

As such, I always prepare all the credit cards and membership cards for the various petrol kiosks. Membership cards are all free except for Caltex, which charges you $10 and then gives you a $10 voucher.

After a brief google search, I found that http://blog.moneysmart.sg/credit-cards/3-best-credit-cards-for-petrol-in-singapore/ provides a good summary and starting point, but after reading more, I've concluded that banks are good at complicating requirements to get discounts and rebates! But usually, they advertise a high discount number if you hit minimum monthly spend, and give a lower (but still substantial) upfront discount, so I have sorted my preferences based on the upfront discount and in some cases, my personal spending habits. If you are able to hit the monthly spending requirements, your preferred card may be different from mine.

It seems like a hassle to bring around so many credit cards and discount cards. Frankly, I'm starting to feel like an aunty just by writing this post. But hey, if it helps someone save/earn a few extra bucks, I think it's all worth it!

NOTE: I am not a credit card salesman, I do not get any sign-up bonus for any credit cards, and promotions change from time to time. I'm just listing this for your convenience, please don't flame if there are any mistakes. Just drop me an email at tanahguan1@gmail.com!

So without further ado (petrol kiosks sorted by alphabetical order):


Caltex:

My choice: OCBC 365 Card - 16% (up to 23.9% if you hit minimum spending requirements of $600/month and sign up for their Plus card which enables you to earn LinkPoints. LinkPoints can be used to directly get discounts at various merchants including Caltex and NTUC)


2nd choice: HSBC Visa Platinum Card - 16% (up to 19.16% if you hit minimum spending requirements of $800/month)


3rd choice: Standard Chartered credit cards - 14%


Esso:

My choice: OCBC 365 Card - 14% (18.3% if you hit minimum spending requirements of $600/month)


2nd choice: Citibank Cash Back Card - 14% (20.88% if you hit minimum spending requirements of $888/month)


3rd choice: All Citibank cards - 14% (including Cash Back Card, if you can't hit the min spend). The Clear Card is good for students and lower-income earners


Shell:

My choice: UOB One Card - 17% (up to 20.8% if you hit minimum spending requirements of $2000/month)


2nd choice: Citibank Cash Back Card - 14% (20.88% including cashback if you hit minimum spending requirements of $888/month)

3rd choice: HSBC credit cards - 14% (up to 19.16% if you hit minimum spending requirements of $800/month)


SPC:

My choice: POSB Everyday Card - 20.1% (up till 31 Dec 2016)


2nd choice: Other POSB cards (including GO! debit card) - 15%. Debit card means no min. income requirements, but you have to pay the bill immediately

 

3rd choice: UOB cards - 15% (up to 24% if you hit other spending requirements)