Best Credit Card for Petrol in Singapore: A 2025 Guide with Esso Insights

Choosing the right credit card for petrol savings in Singapore can make a significant difference for drivers, especially with rising fuel prices. Esso, one of Singapore’s major petrol providers, partners with several banks to offer substantial fuel discounts and rewards. This article, referencing Esso’s own recommendations and the latest expert reviews, breaks down the best credit cards for Esso petrol stations and how you can maximize your savings.

Top Credit Cards for Esso Petrol Savings

DBS Esso Card

• Up to 21.6% instant fuel savings at Esso stations, making it the highest discount offered among co-branded cards.
  
  
• Automatically enrolls users in the Esso Smiles Driver Rewards Programme, allowing you to earn Smiles Points on every purchase.
  
  
• Smiles Points can be redeemed for further fuel discounts or converted to airline miles such as KrisFlyer or Asia Miles, adding flexibility for frequent travelers.
  
  
• No minimum monthly spend required for the base discount, but bonus savings apply for higher fuel spend (e.g., extra 3.6% savings for S$180 nett fuel spend).
  
  
• Annual fee: S$196.20 (first year waiver), minimum income S$30,000.
  
  

Citi Cash Back Card

• Up to 20.88% total savings at Esso, combining Esso’s site discount, Smiles Card discount, Citi Card discount, and 8% cashback.
  
  
• Cashback is applied after all other discounts, maximizing effective savings.
  
  
• Cardholders must present the physical card at the cashier for the full discount; mobile/e-wallet payments may not be eligible for the full Citi discount.
  
  
• Also offers similar savings at Shell stations, making it a versatile choice for drivers who use both brands.
  
  

OCBC 365 Card

• Up to 21.04% fuel savings at Esso, with the added benefit of earning Smiles Points2.
  
  
• Competitive with DBS and Citibank offerings, especially for those who already bank with OCBC.
  
  

Other Notable Cards

• Trust Credit/Debit Card: Up to 19% savings at Esso.
  
  
• Premium cards like DBS Vantage and Insignia, Citi ULTIMA, and OCBC VOYAGE offer high discounts and strong miles earn rates, but typically require higher annual fees and income levels.
  
  

How Esso’s Smiles Rewards Enhance Your Savings

• The Esso Smiles loyalty program lets you earn Smiles Points on every litre of Synergy fuel purchased.
  
  
• Points can be redeemed for fuel discounts or converted to airline miles for added value.
  
  
• Pumping premium Synergy Supreme+ allows you to “double dip” by earning both KrisFlyer miles and Smiles Points (registration required).
  
  
• Achieve a 35% bonus on Smiles Points by pumping over 250 litres of Synergy fuel monthly.
  
  

Maximizing Your Petrol Card Benefits

• Link your credit card to your Esso Smiles account for seamless rewards accumulation and payment.
  
  
• Consolidate fuel purchases to maximize monthly spend bonuses and Smiles Points accrual.
  
  
• Pay at the pump for convenience, but note that some discounts require payment at the cashier with a physical card.
  
  
• Watch for annual fee waivers and cashback caps (e.g., DBS Esso Card has a S$80 monthly cashback cap).
  
  
• Monitor promotions as Esso and partner banks periodically increase discounts or offer bonus points.
  
  

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Expert Tips for Drivers

• Frequent Esso users: The DBS Esso Card offers the most seamless integration with Smiles Rewards and the highest overall discoun.
  
  
• Multi-brand drivers: The Citi Cash Back Card is ideal if you alternate between Esso and Shell, as it provides similar savings at both stations.
  
  
• Maximize rewards: Always use your linked Smiles account and consider premium fuel for extra miles if you travel often.
  
  

Conclusion

For 2025, the DBS Esso Card stands out as the best credit card for petrol at Esso stations in Singapore, thanks to its high discount rate, automatic Smiles enrolment, and ease of use. The Citi Cash Back Card and OCBC 365 Card are excellent alternatives, especially for those seeking flexibility or already banking with these institutions. To get the most out of your petrol spend, link your card to Esso Smiles, consolidate your purchases, and stay updated on the latest promotions.

By choosing the right card and leveraging Esso’s loyalty program, you can enjoy significant savings every time you fuel up.

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