OCBC vs UOB: Battle of Singapore's Banking Giants 2025

In-depth comparison between Singapore's second and third largest local banks. Compare savings accounts, home loans, credit cards, wealth management, and business banking services.

OCBC Bank

#2 Bank in Singapore

UOB Bank

#3 Bank in Singapore

Quick Verdict

Choose OCBC if you want:

• Highest savings account rates (up to 3.05%)
• Strong wealth management services
• Comprehensive digital banking
• Better youth banking (Frank)

Choose UOB if you want:

• Better credit card rewards
• ASEAN market expertise
• Art & culture banking
• Premium private banking

Savings Account Detailed Analysis

Interest Rate Structure Comparison

Balance Tier	OCBC 360	UOB One
First S$50,000	0.05% p.a. on first S$50,000	0.05% p.a. on first S$50,000
With Salary Credit	1.2% p.a. with salary credit	1.5% p.a. with salary credit
Maximum Rate	3.05% p.a. with salary + 3 bonus categories	1.9% p.a. with salary + 3 transactions

OCBC 360 Account

Up to 3.05% p.a.

OCBC 360 with salary + 3 bonus categories

Bonus Categories (choose 3):

Spend

Pay

Grow

Insure

Invest

Loan

Requirements for Maximum Rate:

• Salary crediting S$2,000+
• Meet 3 bonus categories
• Minimum balance: S$1,000
• Rate applies to first S$50,000

Pros

• Highest rates in Singapore
• Multiple bonus options
• Clear tier structure
• Good digital integration

Cons

• Complex requirements
• Many conditions to track
• Bonus caps can limit returns
• Rate changes periodically

UOB One Account

Up to 1.9% p.a.

UOB One with salary + 3 qualifying transactions

Qualifying Transactions (choose 3):

Credit card

GIRO

Insurance

Investment

Home loan

Car loan

Requirements for Maximum Rate:

• Salary crediting S$2,000+
• Complete 3 qualifying transactions
• Minimum balance: S$1,000
• Rate applies to first S$50,000

Pros

• Simpler to qualify
• Lower salary requirement
• Good transaction variety
• Stable rate structure

Cons

• Lower maximum rate
• Need multiple transactions
• Limited balance coverage
• Fewer bonus options

Annual Interest Calculation Example

Balance: S$30,000

Meeting all requirements

OCBC: S$915

UOB: S$570

Annual interest earned

Balance: S$50,000

Meeting all requirements

OCBC: S$1,525

UOB: S$950

Annual interest earned

Balance: S$100,000

On qualifying balance

OCBC: S$1,525

UOB: S$950

Interest on first S$50K only

Savings Account Winner: OCBC 360

OCBC 360 clearly wins with significantly higher maximum rates (3.05% vs 1.9%). For someone with S$50,000 meeting all requirements, OCBC provides S$575 more annual interest than UOB. However, UOB One has simpler qualification requirements and may be easier to maintain consistently.

Home Loan Comprehensive Analysis

OCBC Home Loan

From 3.88% p.a.

2-year fixed then SORA + 0.8%

Key Features:

Offset account option
Flexible repayment
Free fire insurance
Rate conversion options

Special Programs:

Green home loan with rebates
BTO renovation packages

Processing Fee: 0.5% of loan amount (min S$500)

Lock-in Period: 2 years

Loan Tenure: Up to 35 years

Max LTV: 75% (citizens), 55% (foreigners)

UOB Home Loan

From 3.90% p.a.

2-year fixed then SORA + 0.8%

Key Features:

Free fire insurance
Flexible payment options
Renovation loan integration
Rate lock facilities

Special Programs:

First-time buyer packages
Eco-friendly home incentives

Processing Fee: 0.8% of loan amount (min S$800)

Lock-in Period: 2 years

Loan Tenure: Up to 35 years

Max LTV: 75% (citizens), 55% (foreigners)

Loan Amount	OCBC Monthly Payment	UOB Monthly Payment	Difference
S$500,000 (25 years)	S$2,485	S$2,492	OCBC saves S$7/month
S$800,000 (30 years)	S$3,656	S$3,668	OCBC saves S$12/month
S$1,200,000 (30 years)	S$5,484	S$5,502	OCBC saves S$18/month

Home Loan Comparison Summary

OCBC Advantages:

• Slightly lower starting rate
• Comprehensive offset account options
• Lower processing fees
• Green home loan incentives
• Better digital loan management
• Flexible rate conversion

UOB Advantages:

• Integrated renovation financing
• Comprehensive first-time buyer support
• Strong relationship pricing
• Better wealth management integration
• Flexible payment schedules
• Regional property expertise

Credit Card Portfolio Analysis

Cashback Credit Cards Comparison

OCBC 365

Base Cashback

0.3% base cashback

Annual Fee

S$196 (waivable)

Bonus Categories

3% on dining, petrol, groceries

Cap: S$80/month per category

Additional Benefits:

• No minimum spend for cashback
• Quarterly category bonuses
• Online shopping protection
• Travel insurance coverage

UOB ONE

Base Cashback

0.5% base cashback

Annual Fee

S$196 (waivable)

Bonus Categories

3.33% on dining/petrol/online

Cap: S$80/month bonus categories

Additional Benefits:

• Higher bonus category rates
• UOB One account integration
• Contactless payment bonuses
• Mobile wallet rebates

Miles Credit Cards Comparison

OCBC 90°N

Base Earning

1.2 miles per S$1

Annual Fee

S$196 (waivable)

Bonus Categories

2 miles per S$1 on travel/dining

Travel Benefits:

• Complimentary airport transfers
• Travel insurance
• Priority Pass

UOB KrisFlyer

Base Earning

1.4 miles per S$1

Annual Fee

S$196 (waivable)

Bonus Categories

2.4 miles per S$1 on dining/travel

Travel Benefits:

• KrisFlyer miles
• Priority boarding
• Complimentary travel insurance

Premium Credit Cards

OCBC Voyage

Earning Rate

1.3 miles per S$1

Annual Fee

S$600

Exclusive Benefits:

• Unlimited lounge access
• Concierge service
• Travel credits

UOB Visa Infinite

Earning Rate

1.4 miles per S$1

Annual Fee

S$650

Exclusive Benefits:

• Unlimited Priority Pass
• Golf benefits
• Luxury concierge

Credit Card Winner: UOB (by narrow margin)

UOB edges out slightly with higher earning rates across multiple card categories (1.4 vs 1.2 miles, 3.33% vs 3% cashback). However, OCBC offers better travel benefits and more comprehensive insurance coverage. The choice depends on spending patterns - UOB for rewards maximization, OCBC for travel perks.

Wealth Management Services

OCBC Premier Banking

Minimum AUM: S$200,000 for Premier Banking

For Premier Banking privileges

Core Services:

Portfolio management
Investment advisory
Estate planning
Tax planning

Investment Products:

Unit trusts

Structured deposits

Bonds

Insurance

Key Highlights:

• Strong research team
• Comprehensive product range
• Regional expertise

UOB Privilege Banking

Minimum AUM: S$200,000 for Privilege Banking

For Privilege Banking privileges

Core Services:

Investment advisory
Portfolio optimization
Legacy planning
Private banking

Investment Products:

Mutual funds

Alternative investments

Structured products

Insurance

Key Highlights:

• Art investment advisory
• ASEAN market focus
• Personalized service

Wealth Management Analysis

OCBC Strengths:

• Larger investment research team
• More comprehensive product range
• Better digital wealth platform
• Strong China market expertise
• Integrated banking relationship

UOB Strengths:

• Unique art investment advisory
• Superior ASEAN market knowledge
• More personalized service approach
• Better alternative investments
• Stronger private banking heritage

Digital Banking Innovation

OCBC Digital Innovation

Digital Features:

OCBC Digital - Award-winning mobile app
PayNow and PayLah! integration
Biometric authentication
AI-powered spending insights
Investment portfolio tracking
Frank by OCBC for youth banking
Chatbot customer service
Digital wealth advisory

Digital Awards:

• Best Digital Bank in Singapore (The Asset 2023)
• Best Mobile Banking App (Asian Banking & Finance)
• Digital Innovation Award (Singapore Fintech Festival)

UOB Digital Excellence

Digital Features:

UOB Mighty - Comprehensive mobile banking
TMRW digital bank integration
Voice banking commands
Augmented reality features
Digital financial planning tools
Real-time expense categorization
Contactless payment solutions
Smart investment recommendations

Innovation Highlights:

• First bank with AR features in Southeast Asia
• TMRW digital bank success across region
• Voice banking technology pioneer

Business Banking Solutions

OCBC Business Banking

Market Position:

• Strong SME market presence
• Comprehensive trade finance
• Wealth management integration
• Regional connectivity

Key Products:

• Business Plus Account
• Trade finance solutions
• Foreign exchange services
• Supply chain financing

Digital Features:

• OCBC Velocity
• API banking
• Digital trade platform
• Real-time liquidity management

Fee Structure: Lower account maintenance fees

Support: Dedicated relationship managers for S$1M+ turnover

UOB Business Banking

Market Position:

• ASEAN market focus
• Corporate banking excellence
• Art & culture banking
• Private wealth expertise

Key Products:

• UOB BizSmart
• Regional cash management
• Investment banking
• Treasury solutions

Digital Features:

• UOB Infinity
• Corporate internet banking
• Multi-currency management
• API integration

Fee Structure: Competitive transaction fees

Support: Industry-specialized relationship teams

International Banking Services

OCBC Global Presence

Regional Coverage

18 countries across Asia-Pacific

Strong China presence

ASEAN connectivity

Cross-border trade finance

International Services:

• Global treasury
• Multi-currency accounts
• International remittances
• Trade documentation

UOB Global Network

Regional Coverage

19 countries across Asia-Pacific

ASEAN market leader

China expertise

Regional corporate banking

International Services:

• Regional cash management
• Cross-border payments
• Trade finance
• FX services

Comprehensive Recommendation

For High Savers

OCBC wins decisively with up to 3.05% savings rates. The S$575 annual advantage on S$50,000 makes it the clear choice for savers.

For Credit Card Users

UOB edges out with better earning rates and higher cashback. Superior rewards structure for active spenders.

For Wealth Management

OCBC for general wealth, UOB for specialized needs. OCBC offers broader products, UOB excels in art and ASEAN markets.

Choose OCBC if you:

Want maximum savings account returns
Prefer comprehensive wealth management
Value better digital banking experience
Need strong China market connectivity
Want youth banking options (Frank)

Choose UOB if you:

Want better credit card rewards
Focus on ASEAN business/investments
Are interested in art investments
Prefer personalized banking service
Need specialized corporate banking

Final Verdict

OCBC wins for most retail customers due to significantly higher savings rates and comprehensive digital banking.UOB is better for specialized needs - credit card rewards, ASEAN business, art investments, and premium private banking. Consider your primary banking goals: savings optimization (OCBC) or specialized services (UOB).