2025 Best Credit Cards to use for Dining in Singapore

Dining out is likely one of the largest spending categories (that can be paid using a credit card) for most Singaporeans. Choosing the right card for dining ensures you’re earning 4-6 miles per dollar (mpd). If there is 1 category that you need to be careful on Merchant Category Codes (MCCs), this is the one. They say, "A moment on the lips, forever on the hips," but I’d say, "A meal on the right card, miles for your next getaway!"

How do dining transactions code?

One thing to keep in mind is that it’s not always straightforward. For instance, I’ve dined at a restaurant in Takashimaya that was coded as a "Department Store," and at an overseas restaurant that was categorized as a "Petrol Kiosk" (likely because the merchant fees are lower for different MCCs). Fortunately, in Singapore, most restaurants are correctly coded as 5812 or 5814, making it easier to earn the right rewards.

Special Section: Ya Kun

For some reason,Yakun uses different mcc codes at different outlets. Below are info contributed by community:

What credit cards should I use for dining?

MCC Specific

Cards such as the UOB Preferred Platinum Visa, UOB Visa Signature, and Amaze + Citi Rewards offer 4mpd on all dining transactions when you use PayWave. However, it’s important to check which MCCs the bank classifies under its dining definition to ensure your spending qualifies for the rest of the cards.

Since most sit-down restaurants are coded as 5812 or 5814, both the UOB Lady’s Card and UOB KrisFlyer Credit Card are ideal choices for dining. HSBC Revolution, however, can be a bit tricky. If you’re unsure about the merchant code, it’s safer to avoid using the HSBC Revolution card for those transactions.

What card do you use for dining? Let me know in the comments!

Enjoyed this article? Find more tips to accelerate your miles game! ✈️💳

📌 Beginner’s Guide: How should I start my miles journey?

📌 My 2025 Credit Card Strategy for Maximizing Miles 

📌 2025 Beginner’s Guide: The Best 4-6 mpd Credit Cards in Singapore

📌 How much is a KrisFlyer mile worth in 2025? 

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