CIMB Singapore Launches CIMB Founders Card With Interest-Free*, Instant Cash Flow For Entrepreneurs

Supporting sole proprietors and SME owners’ need for liquidity and cashflow, the CIMB Founders Card provides them with instant cash access, up to 114 days of zero interest* and zero FX fees to fuel growth and resilience.

SINGAPORE, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CIMB Singapore today launched the CIMB Founders Card, the first purpose-built personal credit card tailored for sole proprietors and SME owners, empowering them with tools and support to grow further and faster.  

As Singapore’s entrepreneur scene continues to flourish – from home-based businesses to e-commerce – sole proprietors and SMEs make up 99% of Singapore’s businesses and employ 70% of the workforce^[1]. Yet, many face financing challenges due to irregular income patterns, limited credit histories and lack of collateral, making traditional loans hard to access and alternative options costly. While most personal credit cards are designed to reward consumer spending through perks like cashback and travel benefits, they often fall short in addressing the distinct needs of sole proprietors and SME owners who navigate both personal and business financial responsibilities.

In response to the government’s call for more financing solutions that truly meet the needs of SMEs, especially in maintaining cash flow amid economic uncertainties and trade disruptions^[2], the CIMB Founders Card offers a timely and practical solution. It provides instant access to cash and up to 114 days of zero interest*, enabling business owners to seize growth opportunities, bridge cash flow gaps, and manage unexpected expenses without disrupting operations. Additionally, when making overseas payments or purchases, cardholders enjoy zero FX fees, enabling greater savings that can be reinvested into cash flow or business expansion.

“For sole proprietors and SME owners, what truly matters is financial flexibility and easy access to capital to support growth. CIMB Singapore is proud to be a partner in their entrepreneurial journey with inclusive and innovative solutions. We are committed to advancing customers and society with services and solutions that drive progress, and the CIMB Founders Card is a meaningful step in that direction,” said Merlyn Tsai, Head of Consumer Banking and Digital at CIMB Singapore. 

In line with the purpose of the CIMB Founders Card to empower businesses, CIMB Singapore will be shining a spotlight on SME businesses by inviting them to participate in a campaign offering complimentary bus stop advertising opportunities.

By collaborating with Mastercard, CIMB Founders Card also offers cardholders complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide via Mastercard Travel Pass, along with travel insurance coverage of up to S$1 million, providing peace of mind and convenience for business travel.

Beyond travel benefits, the CIMB Founders Card provides a suite of exclusive privileges to enhance both business productivity and personal lifestyle, including Mastercard‘s Easy Savings Specials and discounted access to co-working spaces. The programme automatically offers savings and discounts on a wide range of products and services, from workplace productivity software to discounts on hotels, making it easier for founders to build their businesses. 

“Mastercard is proud to collaborate with CIMB Singapore to introduce the CIMB Founders Card, an initiative that empowers entrepreneurs with the financial tools, digital solutions, and business travel support they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. This collaboration reflects Mastercard’s unwavering commitment to supporting SMEs beyond payments, and our shared vision to ensure that sole proprietors and small businesses have access to the solutions they need to succeed – today and into the future,” said Deborah Heng, Country Manager, Singapore, Mastercard. 

For more information about CIMB Founders Card, visit https://www.cimb.com.sg/founderscard.

Terms & Conditions apply.

*Working Capital loan is subjected to a 1% processing fee (EIR up to 4.47% p.a.).

Appendix: Overview of CIMB Founders Card Features & Benefits 

Designed to support the growth of new businesses, the CIMB Founders Card offers a suite of practical benefits that help entrepreneurs move forward with real, impactful financial solutions:

• Instant cash from available credit limit via CIMB Clicks mobile app
• Zero interest up to 114 days on working capital loan with 1% processing fee (EIR up to 4.47% p.a.)
• Zero interest up to 113 days on retail purchases
• Zero FX fees with no foreign currency and administrative fees for all overseas spend made in foreign currencies
• Inclusive and accessible to most with qualifying income of S$30,000 for sole proprietor/ self-employed/ business owner/ independent contractor

For a limited time only, receive a Nespresso Essenza Mini Pure White (worth S$209) when you apply for CIMB Founders Card, while stocks last.

About CIMB

CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider, by assets. Listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it had a market capitalisation of approximately RM75.2 billion as at 31 March 2025. It offers consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, transaction banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is present across ASEAN in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Philippines. Singapore is one of its key markets with approximately 1,000 employees serving clients across consumer, commercial, wholesale and transaction banking products and services.

Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in Mainland China, Hong Kong and UK. CIMB has one of the most extensive retail branch networks in ASEAN with 592 branches and over 33,000 employees as at 31 March 2025. CIMB’s investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its award-winning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group’s leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 92.5% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.8% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand.

Sustainability is a core pillar of CIMB’s Forward30 strategy and 2030 roadmap. The Group is guided by its Green, Social, Sustainable Impact Products and Services (“GSSIPS”) framework, an internal taxonomy designed to deliver impactful sustainable finance. Since launching its sustainable finance framework in 2021, CIMB has progressively raised its ambitions, increasing its initial RM30 billion target to RM100 billion for 2021–2024. The Group now targets RM300 billion in sustainable finance by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to enabling a lower-carbon and more inclusive economy across the region.