Rent is usually your largest monthly expense, which makes it one of the most powerful ways to earn credit card rewards in Singapore.
The challenge is that simply paying rent with any rewards credit card often leads to missed miles, capped earn rates, or unnecessarily high fees. Platforms like Rently help solve this by letting tenants optimise both sides of the equation - earning rewards from their credit card while also earning additional miles on the same rent payment, or choosing lower-fee eGIRO options that still earn miles. (Learn more at https://www.rently.sg/rentlypay/egiro).
This guide shows you how to maximise rewards on every rent payment through smart card selection, platform choice, and strategic timing.
Choose the Right Credit Card for Rent Payments
Not all rewards credit cards are created equal, especially when it comes to rent.
Prioritise High General Earn Rates
Rent payments usually fall under general spending categories, not retail or lifestyle bonuses. That makes base earn rate the single most important factor.
When choosing a card, look for:
Premium miles earned on general spend
No exclusions for bill payment platforms
Stable earn rates without restrictive caps
Clear eligibility for transactions under MCC 7399
Avoid cards with weak base earn rates; even small differences compound quickly on large rent payments.
Credit Cards With Miles Rewards That Work for Rent (2026)
As of 2026, these cards are commonly used by tenants to earn rewards on rent in Singapore:
Citi PremierMiles – Works well with Citi PayAll, flexible airline transfers
UOB Preferred Platinum – Strong earn rate, but monthly caps apply
HSBC Revolution – Solid for online transactions, subject to eligibility
Important:
DBS cards no longer earn rewards on rent payments following policy changes in late 2025
Before committing, always verify that your card still awards points for rent-related transactions.
Understand Card Limitations Before You Commit
Even strong rewards credit cards come with constraints.
Be aware of:
Monthly spending caps that limit earn potential on high rent
Category exclusions that remove bonus earning
Annual caps that reduce long-term value
Annual fees that may outweigh rewards if not optimised
A high earn rate means little if your rewards are capped early every month.
Select the Optimal Platform to Pay Rent
Your choice of platform can make or break your rewards strategy.
Platform Fees Matter More Than You Think
Every rent payment platform charges a processing fee and that directly reduces your net reward value.
When comparing platforms, consider:
Percentage-based fees per transaction
Whether promo codes or campaigns reduce costs
How fees scale with higher rent amounts
Transparency of pricing over a full year
Lower fees mean more of your rewards stay in your pocket.
Rently’s Unique Double Rewards Advantage
This is where Rently stands apart from traditional platforms.
With Rently Pay:
You earn credit card rewards from your bank
Plus earn Max Miles from Rently on the same rent payment
Rewards are stacked automatically
No other platform in Singapore offers this double-dipping structure
By stacking rewards, rent shifts from a “necessary expense” to a core part of your rewards strategy.
Consider the eGIRO Alternative for Better Economics
Credit cards aren’t always the most efficient way to earn miles on rent.
Rently’s eGIRO option allows tenants to:
Pay rent via automated bank deduction
Earn Max Miles (unique in Singapore)
Enjoy significantly lower fees
Avoid credit card interest and utilisation risks
For many tenants, eGIRO delivers better net value over time, especially on long leases.
Leverage Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses Strategically
Welcome bonuses are one of the fastest ways to earn outsized rewards from rent.
Time New Card Applications Carefully
Rent is ideal for meeting minimum spend requirements.
Why this works so well:
Rent payments are large and predictable
One or two payments often meet minimum spend
Bonus value typically dwarfs processing fees
No need to manufacture extra spending
If you’re applying for a new card anyway, routing rent through it is often the most efficient approach.
Bonus Hunting Best Practices
To maximise bonus value:
Track minimum spend deadlines carefully
Confirm rent payments count toward qualification
Avoid splitting spend across too many cards at once
Calculate total bonus value versus fees paid
Organisation and discipline are key. Missed deadlines wipe out gains.
Cards Worth Getting for Welcome Bonuses
When targeting bonuses:
Focus on cards with substantial welcome offers
Premium cards often have the best bonus-to-spend ratios
Consider downgrading after the first year if fees are high
Rotate cards over time to capture multiple bonuses
This strategy works best for tenants who stay organised and pay balances in full.
Avoid Common Mistakes That Kill Rewards Value
Maximising rewards isn’t just about earning more, it’s about avoiding costly errors.
Never Carry a Credit Card Balance
This rule is non-negotiable.
Credit card interest rates are extremely high
One month of interest can erase months of rewards
Carrying a balance destroys all value instantly
Only use rent-based rewards strategies if you pay your balance in full every month.
Don’t Ignore Total Costs
Always evaluate net value, not headline rewards.
Factor in:
Platform processing fees
Credit card annual fees
Earn caps that reduce actual rewards
Opportunity cost of alternative strategies
A smaller number of “free” miles is better than a larger number that cost too much to earn.
Watch for Card Policy Changes
Banks can, and do, change reward rules.
Stay alert for:
Changes in earn rates
New category exclusions
MCC restrictions
Policy updates affecting rent payments
Recent examples show how quickly a good strategy can stop working if you’re not paying attention.
How Often Should You Review Your Rent Rewards Strategy?
At minimum:
Review your setup once a year
Reassess when renewing your lease
Re-evaluate when banks update terms
Adjust when new bonuses or platforms appear
Optimisation isn’t a one-time exercise, it’s an ongoing advantage.
Maximise Every Rent Payment
The most effective way to maximise rewards on rent is to use a high-earning credit card through Rently Pay, stacking your card’s rewards with Max Miles. This double rewards approach turns rent into one of your most rewarding monthly expenses.
To get started, visit https://www.rently.sg/rentlypay/egiro where you can choose:
Credit card payments for maximum stacked rewards, or
eGIRO payments for lower fees while still earning miles
Both options outperform standard rent payment platforms when optimised correctly.
Time your strategy by applying for new cards with strong welcome bonuses, use rent to meet spend requirements quickly, then continue earning double rewards on every payment throughout your lease.
