DBS Live Fresh vs. UOB EVOL Credit Card Comparison 2022
Even young adults can maximise cashback on their spend with the right credit card. DBS Live Fresh and UOB EVOL Card are both great options worth considering. While both are competitive, however, they also reward different types of spending behaviours. We've looked into the details to clarify exactly how these cards compare, shedding light on comparative strengths and weaknesses across rates, perks and fees.
- Details of rebate system & structure
- General & boosted cashback rates
- Minimum spend requirements & monthly rewards caps
- Maximum potential annual earnings
- Travel insurance offerings
- Current petrol promotions & savings
- SimplyGo & mobile pay compatibility
- Extra rebate programmes & card-specific privileges
- Minimum age & minimum income requirements
- Annual fees, spend-based waivers & sign-on bonuses
- Foreign transaction fees
Comparison of Competitive Rebate Cards in Singapore by Dollar Value
Based on an average monthly spend of S$2,000, we analysed some of the most competitive rebate cards on the market to estimate returned value-to-consumer after 2 years, accounting for rebates and netting out annual fees. As a note, dollar value is heavily dependent on spending habits; intangible benefits (like free travel insurance and airport lounge access) are valuable but difficult to quantify.
Comparison of Competitive Rebate Cards in Singapore by Dollar Value
Based on an average monthly spend of S$2,000, we analysed some of the most competitive rebate cards on the market to estimate returned value-to-consumer after 2 years, accounting for rebates and netting out annual fees. As a note, dollar value is heavily dependent on spending habits; intangible benefits (like free travel insurance and airport lounge access) are valuable but difficult to quantify.
Overview: DBS Live Fresh vs. UOB EVOL Card
If you're a young adult looking to maximise cashback on your spend, you may want to consider DBS Live Fresh Card or UOB EVOL Card. While both are quite competitive, they're also quite different. DBS Live Fresh Card is a great option for modern spenders looking for an easy-to-use rebate card; UOB EVOL Card is better fit for social young adults who mostly spend on weekends. To clarify each card's similarities, differences, strengths and weaknesses, we've provided a detailed analysis below.
Summary Comparison Table: DBS Live Fresh vs. UOB EVOL
| Category | Feature | DBS Live Fresh | UOB EVOL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rates | Min. Spend Req. | S$600/mo | S$600/mo |
| Rebate Boosts |
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| Earnings Cap |
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| Perks | Petrol Savings | Up to 14% fuel savings at Esso | Up to 20% fuel savings at SPC, 14% at Shell |
| Compatibility | SimplyGo & Mobile Pay Compatible | SimplyGo & Mobile Pay Compatible | |
| Card Privileges | #FreshDropFriday Sweepstakes | UOB SMART$, UOB Dining & Lifestyle Deals, Rewards+ on UOB TMRW | |
| Fees | Annual Fee | S$194.40 | S$192.60 |
| Waiver Option | Waived for 1 year | Waived for 1 year, no annual fees if min. 3 transactions per month for 12 consecutive months |
Rewards Rates: DBS Live Fresh vs. UOB EVOL Card
While both DBS Live Fresh and UOB EVOL Card offer similarly competitive rates, they differ when it comes to the cashback categories and the monthly caps. DBS Live Fresh Card allows consumers who spend at least S$600 per month to earn a flat 5% cashback on all online and contactless purchases. For modern spenders, this means virtually all expenditures can earn 5% rebate–especially as more and more vendors in Singapore accept mobile and Visa payWave payments. In addition, DBS Live Fresh now offers additional 5% cashback on sustainable spend, bringing its monthly cashback cap to S$75. All other spend earns 0.3%.
UOB EVOL Card, just like DBS Live Fresh, offers 8% cashback on online and mobile spend, with no merchant restrictions. While it doesn't offer additional cashback on sustainable spend, it does come with a large variety of deals and discounts on sustainable dining and shopping. All other spend earns 0.3% cashback, while total monthly cashback cap is at S$60. Both cards reward the areas that are well-suited to young adults looking to lead a more eco-friendly life.
Comparison Table: Cashback Rewards
| Feature | DBS Live Fresh | UOB EVOL |
|---|---|---|
| Rebate Structure | Monthly System | Monthly System |
| Rate Structure | Category Boosts | Category Boosts |
| Base Rate | 0.30% | 0.30% |
| Min. Spend Req. | S$600 | S$600 |
| Boosts |
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| Mo. Rewards Cap |
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| Max Annual Earnings | S$900 | S$720 |
Despite these slight differences, DBS Live Fresh and UOB EVOL have some rebate system similarities. In both cases, consumers must hit a S$600 minimum spend requirement to unlock higher rates, both reward other spend with 0.3% cashback. However, DBS Live Fresh cashback cap is S$75/month, while UOB EVOL cap is S$60/month. Given that UOB EVOL awards 8% cashback rates for mobile and online spend, it's possible to easily earn S$40 with S$600 min spend (at least S$250 on mobile and online spend, each). DBS Live Fresh awards 5% for mobile and online spend, and an additional 5% on sustainable spend, making it possible to earn S$55/month with S$1,100, or S$40 on mobile and online purchases only with S$800 spend.
Perks & Privileges: DBS Live Fresh vs. UOB EVOL Card
Both DBS Live Fresh and UOB EVOL Card provide perks and privileges that cater to young adults. Both are convenient, with SimplyGo compatibility and tap-and-pay functionality, and both offer special dining, shopping, entertainment and lifestyle deals. DBS Live Fresh stands out for its frequent sweepstakes and contests, usually nested under its "#FreshDropFriday" programme. UOB EVOL offers cardholders big discounts on tickets to music and clubbing events, typically featuring well-known DJs. One big difference is that DBS Live Fresh Card does not offer free travel insurance; this may matter if you frequently travel. UOB EVOL Card offers a fairly comprehensive plan.
Comparison Table: Card Perks & Privileges
| Feature | DBS Live Fresh | UOB EVOL |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Insurance | N/A | S$500k Personal Accident; S$50k Medical, Evac & Repatriation |
| Petrol Savings | Up to 14% fuel savings at Esso | Up to 20% fuel savings at SPC, 14% at Shell |
| Transit Perks | SimplyGo Compatible | SimplyGo Compatible |
| Mobile Pay | Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay & more | Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, UOB Mighty & more |
| Card Privileges | #FreshDropFriday Sweepstakes, DBS Dining & Lifestyle Deals | UOB SMART$ Rebate Programme, UOB Dining & Lifestyle Deals, Rewards+ on UOB TMRW |
Fees, Promos & Requirements: DBS Live Fresh vs. UOB EVOL Card
DBS Live Fresh and UOB EVOL Card are also quite similar in terms of fees and requirements. Both have a S$192.60 annual fee, waived just 1 year for DBS Live Fresh. Meanwhile, UOB EVOL offers the possibility of perpetual zero annual fees if their transaction requirements are met. You may also be able to call in after your 2nd year to request a waiver extension. Banks sometimes grant additional waivers to cardholders whose accounts are in good standing.
Comparison Table: Requirements, Promos & Fees
| Feature | DBS Live Fresh | UOB EVOL |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 yo | 21 yo |
| Minimum Income |
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| Annual Fee | S$194.40 | S$192.60 |
| Waiver Option | Waived for 1 year | Waived for 1 year, no annual fees if min. 3 transactions per month for 12 consecutive months |
| Sign-on Bonus | ||
| FX Fee | 3.25% | 3.25% |
Comparison to Similar Rebate Credit Cards
Overall, DBS Live Fresh and UOB EVOL are amongst the best rebate cards for young adults. There are a few competitive alternatives, however. We've identified other top contenders and reviewed them below.
OCBC Frank: No-Fee Rebates for Young Adults
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If you're unlikely to reliably spend S$600 every month, you can still earn competitive cashback with OCBC Frank Card. With as little as S$400 offline spend, consumers earn 6% rebate online and 5% on weekend local entertainment & at select cafes (3% on weekdays). While these rebates are lower and slightly more limited than those offered by UOB YOLO Card, OCBC Frank's lower minimum requirement means they're also more accessible. Young adults with lower budgets might also appreciate that OCBC Frank Card's annual fee is just S$80, is waived the 1st 2 years, and can subsequently be waived with just S$10k annual spend. Overall, OCBC Frank Card offers social young spenders an accessible way to earn competitive cashback, without worrying about added fees.
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If you're unlikely to reliably spend S$600 every month, you can still earn competitive cashback with OCBC Frank Card. With as little as S$400 offline spend, consumers earn 6% rebate online and 5% on weekend local entertainment & at select cafes (3% on weekdays). While these rebates are lower and slightly more limited than those offered by UOB YOLO Card, OCBC Frank's lower minimum requirement means they're also more accessible. Young adults with lower budgets might also appreciate that OCBC Frank Card's annual fee is just S$80, is waived the 1st 2 years, and can subsequently be waived with just S$10k annual spend. Overall, OCBC Frank Card offers social young spenders an accessible way to earn competitive cashback, without worrying about added fees.
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OCBC 365 Card: No-Fee Rebates on Essentials
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If you'd like to avoid paying an annual fee but still want to earn competitive cashback on daily spend, OCBC 365 Card may be the card for you. Cardholders earn 6% rebate on dining & online food delivery and 3% on groceries, land transport, online travel bookings and even recurring bills (excluded by both DBS Live Fresh and UOB YOLO). While the minimum spend requirement is slightly higher at S$800, the rewards cap is also higher at S$80/month. Even better, the S$192.6 annual fee is waived for 2 years, and then with just S$10k annual spend. Established consumers looking for an everyday card might prefer OCBC 365 Card, while younger spenders may prefer either DBS Live Fresh or UOB YOLO Card.
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spend, OCBC 365 Card may be the card for you. Cardholders earn 6% rebate on dining & online food delivery and 3% on groceries, land transport, online travel bookings and even recurring bills (excluded by both DBS Live Fresh and UOB YOLO). While the minimum spend requirement is slightly higher at S$800, the rewards cap is also higher at S$80/month. Even better, the S$192.6 annual fee is waived for 2 years, and then with just S$10k annual spend. Established consumers looking for an everyday card might prefer OCBC 365 Card, while younger spenders may prefer either DBS Live Fresh or UOB YOLO Card.
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Citi SMRT Card: Easy Cashback for Young Professionals
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Citi SMRT Card is a great option for young professionals because it offers competitive rates with popular merchants without imposing high minimum spend requirements. Cardholders earn 5% rebate on groceries (7.3% for FairPrice Xtra Kallang Wave), 5% on fast food movies & coffee, 3% on online shopping and 2% on health & wellness. While many of these rates are in fact contingent on S$300 minimum spend, those with smaller budgets earn just 0.3% less. Also, while many of these categories are merchant restricted, the eligible vendors are quite popular (Sheng Siong, McDonald's, Starbucks, and Cathay Cineplexes to name a few). As a result, Citi SMRT Card is perhaps the best bet for young professionals with limited budgets who are looking for their own version of an everyday card; DBS Live Fresh and UOB YOLO Card have stricter requirements that make them less accessible.
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Citi SMRT Card is a great option for young professionals because it offers competitive rates with popular merchants without imposing high minimum spend requirements. Cardholders earn 5% rebate on groceries (7.3% for FairPrice Xtra Kallang Wave), 5% on fast food movies & coffee, 3% on online shopping and 2% on health & wellness. While many of these rates are in fact contingent on S$300 minimum spend, those with smaller budgets earn just 0.3% less. Also, while many of these categories are merchant restricted, the eligible vendors are quite popular (Sheng Siong, McDonald's, Starbucks, and Cathay Cineplexes to name a few). As a result, Citi SMRT Card is perhaps the best bet for young professionals with limited budgets who are looking for their own version of an everyday card; DBS Live Fresh and UOB YOLO Card have stricter requirements that make them less accessible.
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Cashback Credit Card Comparison Tables
| Credit Card | Min. Spend | Rebates | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Cash Back | S$800 |
| S$80/mo |
| Citi SMRT | N/A |
| S$50/mo |
| DBS Live Fresh | S$600 |
| S$75/mo |
| OCBC 365 | S$800 |
| S$80/mo |
| OCBC Frank | S$600 |
| S$75/mo |
| POSB Everyday | Varies |
| Varies |
| UOB One | S$500-S$2k |
| S$100+/mo |
| UOB EVOL | S$600 |
| S$60/mo |
| Credit Card | Travel Ins | Petrol Savings | Card Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Cash Back | Coverage up to S$1M | Up to 20.88% fuel savings at Esso & Shell | Citi World Privileges, Citi Gourmet Pleasures |
| Citi SMRT | N/A | Up to 20.88% fuel savings at Esso & Shell | Citi World Privileges, Citi Gourmet Pleasures |
| DBS Live Fresh | N/A | Up to 14% fuel savings at Esso | #FreshDropFriday Sweeps |
| OCBC 365 | Coverage up to S$500k | Up to 22.1% savings at Caltex, 20.2% at Esso, 26.8% at Sinopec and 5% cashback at all other petrol stations | Visa Concierge & Luxury Hotels |
| OCBC Frank | N/A | Up to 23% fuel savings at Sinopec, 16% at Caltex, 14% at Esso | Frank Hot Deals |
| POSB Everyday | N/A | Up to 20.1% + 2% fuel savings at SPC | POSB Merchant Deals |
| UOB One | Coverage up to S$500k | Up to 22.66% fuel savings at SPC, 21.15% at Shell | UOB SMART$, UOB Travel & Dining Advisors |
| UOB YOLO | Coverage up to S$500k | Up to 20% fuel savings at SPC, 14% at Shell | UOB SMART$, YOLO events |
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Spend Waiver | Promotion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Cash Back | S$194.40 | Waived for 1 year | |
| Citi SMRT Back | S$194.40 | Waived for 2 years | |
| DBS Live Fresh | S$194.40 | Waived for 1 year | |
| OCBC 365 | S$194.40 | Waived for 2 years with min spend of S$10,000/year | |
| OCBC Frank | S$80 | Waived 2 years, & subsequently with S$10,000 annual spend | |
| POSB Everyday | S$192.60 | Waived for 1 year | |
| UOB One | S$194.40 | Waived for 1 year | |
| UOB EVOL | S$192.60 | Waived for 1 year, no annual fees if min. 3 transactions per month for 12 consecutive months |
Learn More About Finding the Best Credit Card for You
- In-Depth Comparison: DBS Live Fresh Card vs. POSB Everyday Card
- In-Depth Comparison: POSB Everyday Card vs. OCBC 365 Card
- In-Depth Comparison: OCBC Frank Card vs. OCBC 365 Card
- In-Depth Comparison: UOB One Card vs. OCBC 365 Card
- In-Depth Comparison: UOB One Card vs. UOB EVOL Card
- In-Depth Comparison: Citi Cash Back Card vs. Citi Rewards Card
- In-Depth Comparison of Unlimited Cashback Credit Cards
- How to Use a Credit Card
- How to Find the Best Rewards Credit Card
- Comparing Fee Credit Cards to No Annual Fee Cards in Singapore
- Understanding Credit Cards' Minimum Spend Requirements
- Understanding Rewards Caps on Monthly Earnings
Zoryana is a Senior Research Analyst at ValueChampion, who focuses on evaluating credit cards, savings and fixed deposits in Singapore. She holds a BA in Political Science and an MPA in International Finance and Economic Policy, both from Columbia University. Prior to joining ValueChampion, Zoryana worked in treasury management consulting.