CIMB introduces Founders Card to strengthen SME financial resilience

As Singapore ramps up initiatives to support small and medium enterprise (SME) growth and competitiveness, CIMB has introduced the CIMB Founders Card, a new credit card designed exclusively for sole proprietors and SME owners. The card aims to ease cash flow pressures for these smaller business owners and providing greater financial flexibility, and ultimately facilitate growth.

SMEs play a vital role in Singapore’s economy, making up 99% of all businesses and employing 70% of the workforce. Recognising their significance, Singapore’s Budget 2025 unveiled new measures to strengthen SME resilience, including a 50% Corporate Income Tax Rebate and enhancements to existing schemes such as the Progressive Wage Scheme.

Despite this large role, SMEs often grapple with rising costs, limited resources, challenges in talent retention, and restricted access to financing due to insufficient collateral. These vulnerabilities leave them exposed to crises and hamper long-term growth.

CIMB has identified cash flow management as one of the most pressing issues for SMEs. Unlike personal credit cards, which are not always suited to business needs, the CIMB Founders Card is structured to give business owners flexibility to seize growth opportunities, bridge cash flow gaps, and manage unexpected costs, all while continuing business as usual.

Features include instant cash access and up to 114 days of zero interest, with Working Capital Loans subject to processing fees and an effective interest rate of up to 4.46% per annum. To support cross-border operations, the card eliminates foreign exchange fees for overseas payments and purchases. Through its partnership with Mastercard, cardholders gain access to 1,300 airport lounges worldwide via Mastercard Travel Pass, alongside $1 million in complimentary travel insurance coverage.

Additional benefits include discounted access to co-working spaces, and products and services ranging from productivity software to hotel bookings. These are meant to facilitate productivity and reduce the strain of business travel.

“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,” said Deborah Heng, Country Manager, Singapore, Mastercard. “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.”

Complementing the card launch, CIMB has also rolled out a campaign offering SME businesses complimentary bus stop advertising space, giving smaller enterprises greater visibility.

“For sole proprietors and SME owners, what truly matters is financial flexibility and easy access to capital to support growth,” said Merlyn Tsai, Head of Consumer Banking and Digital at CIMB Singapore. “CIMB Singapore is proud to be a partner in their entrepreneurial journey with inclusive and innovative solutions.”