The Ultimate Family Companion? OCBC Platinum Credit Card Review 2025
For Singaporean families seeking everyday savings, the OCBC Platinum Credit Card positions itself as a versatile lifestyle companion. But does it deliver value in 2025’s competitive landscape? We dissect its perks, pitfalls, and positioning.
💳 Key Features & Benefits: Where the Card Shines
- Rewards Structure:
- 5 OCBC$ per S$5 spent (equivalent to 1 OCBC$ per S$1 or 0.4 air miles per dollar) on all transactions .
- OCBC$ are redeemable for cash rebates, air miles, vouchers, or retail products via OCBC’s Rewards Portal .
- Family-Centric Perks:
- Travel: Exclusive Expedia deals on flights, hotels, and packages .
- Dining: Discounts at Paradise Group outlets and other partner restaurants .
- Wellness: Spa package discounts and 0% instalment plans for health/beauty services .
- Supplementary Cards:
- Free for the first two years (normally S$81.75/year), making it easy to extend benefits to family members .
⚠️ Fees, Eligibility & Fine Print
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fees | S$163.50 (principal), waived first 2 years. Waiver requires S$10,000 annual spend . |
| Income Requirements | S$30,000/year (Singaporeans/PRs), S$45,000/year (foreigners) . |
| Penalties | Late payment fee: S$100; High interest: 26.88% p.a. . |
Note: One user reported aggressive late-fee enforcement after missing a “few dollars” on payment, resulting in a S$200+ charge . Always pay on time!
🤔 How It Compares to Other OCBC Cards
While versatile, the Platinum isn’t OCBC’s top earner:
| Card | Best For | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum Credit | Family deals | 1 OCBC$/S$1 (0.4 mpd) | S$163.50 (waived Y1-2) |
| OCBC 365 | Cashback | 5% dining, 6% petrol, 3% groceries | S$196.20 (waived) |
| OCBC 90°N | Travel miles | 2.1 mpd (overseas), 1.3 mpd (local) | S$196.20 (waived Y1) |
| OCBC Rewards | Shopping | 6 mpd at select retailers (e.g., Watsons) | S$196.20 (waived) |
Verdict: The Platinum lags behind for miles/cashback enthusiasts but wins for bundled lifestyle discounts.
⚠️ Critical Drawbacks to Consider
- Low Rewards Efficiency: At 0.4 mpd base rate, it’s outperformed by most premium cards (e.g., UOB Lady’s Solitaire offers 4 mpd) .
- Strict Waiver Policy: Fee waivers require S$10,000/year spend—higher than some competitors .
- Niche Use Cases: Benefits like Expedia/Paradise deals only matter if you frequent those partners .
💡 Ideal User Profile
This card suits:
- Families leveraging dining, travel, and wellness discounts.
- Occasional spenders who value simplicity over max rewards.
- Supplementary card users benefiting from zero fees in early years.
Skip it if: You chase miles (get OCBC 90°N) or cashback (OCBC 365) .
✅ The Bottom Line
The OCBC Platinum Credit Card is a solid lifestyle card for families but a weak earner for rewards optimizers. Its 2025 relevance hinges on whether you:
- Regularly use Expedia, Paradise Group, or partner spas.
- Value supplementary cards for household spending.
- Can reliably hit S$10,000/year for fee waivers.
Pro Tip: Pair it with OCBC’s high-interest savings accounts (e.g., OCBC 360) to compound value from spending .
For limited-time offers, check OCBC’s site or SingSaver (e.g., free AirPods on sign-up) .
Have you used the OCBC Platinum Card? Share your experiences below! 👇
