Oct 31, 2014, 6:05 am
Last edit by: lifeonthego_k
I'm going to update this first post as more info flows in to create a 'master list' of all credit cards that offer a decent way of accruing miles - so please help out!
If you know of and/or use any other cards (or the ones already mentioned), please share your thoughts.
***ALL VALUES BELOW IN SINGAPORE DOLLARS (SGD)***
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In no particular order (apart from personal preference in terms of good-mileage opportunities):
============
1. UOB PRVI Miles VISA, MasterCard, AMEX
VISA:
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...iles_visa.html
MasterCard:
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...astercard.html
Amex:
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...amex_card.html
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...ard/microsite/
Mileage accrual:
The earn rate will be 1.4 miles for every $1 spent in multiples of S$10 (every multiple of S$5 gives 6 to 7 miles due to 3.5 UNI$ rounding off, every S$10 gives 14 miles), and 2.4 miles for every $1 spent OVERSEAS (every $5 gives 12 miles).
Requirements: min. income $80,000 (not strict).
Cost: First year free, then S$256.80 for main, first two supplementary always free. Annual fee waiver for Amex card if you charge $50,000 or more in a year.
Miles conversion fee: $25 per conversion. UNI$ are combined in 1 cardholder's name/FIN Number/NRIC together for all UOB cards which earn UNI$.
Pros: Best mileage accrual rates for overseas spend only. 20,000 bonus miles and annual fee waiver with spend of $50,000 per year (both only for Amex card). $45 1-way airport transfer voucher for $1,000 overseas spend in a given quarter (Amex only).
Cons: AMEX not always accepted by merchants. Points allocated on every $5 spent, rounded down to next $5. Transfer in blocks of 5000 UNI$ points = 10,000 miles. Points are valid for 2 years (transfer before expiry and they will subsequently be valid for a further 3 years from the date of transfer to KrisFlyer).
2. UOB Preferred Platinum Visa
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards..._platinum.html
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...visa_card.html
Mileage accrual: Earn 4 miles for every $1 spent using ONLY MOBILE CONTACTLESS every $5 gives 10 UNI$ which equal 20 miles). Same incredible mileage-earning ratio for internet shopping with certain restrictions (travel-related, utilities, etc.). Earn 0.4 mile for every $1 for regular, signature-based payments AND ORPHAN SPEND DUE TO $5 ROUNDING OR EXCEEDING THE BONUS U$2000 SPEND (every $5 gives 1 UNI$ which equal 2 miles).
Earning 4 miles/$ is limited to the first S$1110 spent during the per calendar month (via Mobile Contactless). 2,000UNI$ refers to the extra 9UNI$ and does not include the normal 1UNI$.(Stop when you notice you earn 3UNI$ (1 + bonus 2) for the last S$5 transaction. ($1110/5)x9=1998UNI$, hence the last S$5 transaction will earn 2 bonus UNI$. The total bonus UNI$ awarded to you from qualifying spend on Selected Online Transactions and Mobile Contactless Transactions is capped at UNI$2,000 for each calendar month. THE CAP IS ON THE 9 UNI$ BONUS NOT 10UNI$ TOTAL YOU GET WITH BASE OF U$1 PER $ SPEND
Keep in mind that some merchants offer different, non-mileage accruing awards with UOB cards which are called SMART$. Some popular merchants include Cold Storage, Guardian and Giant Supermarket, ToastBox and Starbucks. A full list of merchants where Mobile contactless transactions will NOT earn miles can be found here: http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...smartclub.html
Requirements: min. income $30,000 ($60,000 for foreigners).
Cost: First year free, then $192.60 for main and $96.30 for supplementary. Annual fee waived off easily.
Miles conversion fee: $25 per conversion, in blocks of 5000 UNI$=10,000 miles. UNI$ are combined in 1 cardholder's name for all UOB cards.
Pros: Incredible mileage accrual rates for Paywave transactions (not all merchants - some give SMART$ instead which are different rewards!) as well as internet transactions (some restrictions apply).
Cons: Points allocated on every $5 spent, rounded down to next $5. Transfer in blocks of 5000 UNI$ points = 10,000 miles. Points are valid for 2 years (transfer before expiry and they will subsequently be valid for a further 3 years from the date of transfer to KrisFlyer).
3. Citi PremierMiles MasterCard
https://www.citibank.com.sg/credit-cards/travel/premiermiles-card/?ecid=PSGONSGCCAENPM
Mileage accrual: Earn 1.2 miles for every $1 spent. Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent OVERSEAS. 10,000 bonus miles for each annual membership renewal.
Requirements: min. income $50,000 for VISA. Principal cardholder must be at least 21 years of age.
Cost: First year free, then $192.60 for VISA main, supplementary always free. Annual fee waiver available in exchange for forfeiting the 10,000renewal bonus.
Miles conversion fee: $25 per conversion.
Pros: Decent all-rounder, good for overseas spend. Points never expire. Bonus miles for annual card renewal. 11 frequent flyer programs & 3 hotel programs to choose from, including EVA Air - only 25,000 miles for 1 way Business Class within Asia!!
Cons: No miles awarded for EZ-Link & Transitlink transactions. Miles awarded per S$1. Cents not included. 1.2 miles/S$1. Transfer in blocks of 10,000 miles.
4. DBS Altitude VISA/AMEX
http://www.dbs.com/sg/personal/cards...e/default.aspx
http://www.dbs.com/sg/personal/cards...e/default.aspx
Mileage accrual: Earn 1.2 miles for every $1 spent (every $5 gives 3 DBS points which equal 6 miles). Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent OVERSEAS.
Requirements: min. income $80,000.
Cost: First year free, then $180 for main and $90 for supplementary. Annual fee waiver if you charge $25,000 or more in a year.
Miles conversion fee: S$26.75 per transfer, redeem 1700 DBS points to waive off.
Pros: Points never expire. No rounding down transaction amount to nearest $5 (calculation is done as follows: DBS points = 'transaction amount' divided by 5, multiply by 3, after that round down to nearest whole number. Minimum spend is S$1.67. Each DBS point = 2 miles). Earn 3 miles per S$1 spent on all online Flight and Hotel transactions (capped at S$5,000 per month). 10,000 miles renewal bonus if you have to pay card renewal fees.
Cons: All local spend now down to 1.2 miles/$ (since Dec 1, 2013). AMEX not always accepted by merchants. Transfer in blocks of 5000 DBS points = 10,000 miles (on the plus side points don't expire). Per transfer of S$26.75, redeem 1700 DBS points to waive off.
5. Maybank Horizon Platinum Visa
http://info.maybank2u.com.sg/persona...visa-card.aspx
Earn 3.2 air miles (8X TREATS Points) with every dollar spent on dining, petrol, taxi fares and hotel bookings at Agoda.com/horizon
Earn 2 air miles (5X TREATS Points) with every dollar spent on air tickets, travel packages and foreign currency transactions, with a minimal S$300 in a calendar month
Earn 0.4 mile for every $1 spent elsewhere (1 mile for every $2.50 spent).
Requirements: min. income $30,000 ($80,000 for foreigners).
Cost: $150 for main, supplementary always free. Unsure of any annual fee waiver conditions.
Miles conversion fee: In blocks of 5,000 points to 2000 Asia Miles or KrisFlyer. S$26.75 fee applies.
Pros: Great for ticket purchases and overseas spend. Complimentary access to selected VIP airport lounges when you charge a minimum of S$400 in a single transaction on air tickets or travel packages to your Card 3 months prior to the date of travel.
Cons: Great ONLY for ticket purchases and overseas spend. Points are valid for 1 year only, expire either on 30 June or 31 December of the same year if not Rewards Infinite member.
6. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend AMEX
https://www.americanexpress.com/sg/s...nd-credit-card
Mileage accrual: Earn 1.2 KrisFlyer miles for every S$1 spent on all your eligible purchases with your Card
Earn 2 KrisFlyer miles for every S$1 equivalent in foreign currency spent overseas on eligible purchases during June and December
Requirements: min. income $50,000 ($60,000 for foreigners). Principal cardholder must be over 21 years of age.
Cost: First year free, otherwise $256.80 for main, 2 supplementary cards always free (more available at $80.25 each). Annual fee cannot be waived unless you spend alot.
Miles conversion fee: None - your KrisFlyer miles are transferred to your account directly with no conversion fees or charges.
Pros: None, except for welcome offers (4 complimentary airport lounge access vouchers, one complimentary night with Millennium Hotels and Resorts).
Cons: Simply nothing special - there are better cards available for all types of purchases, including flight tickets, even with all of the bonuses above applied. AMEX not always accepted by merchants.
7. Citibank Rewards Card
http://www.citibank.com.sg/gcb/credi...CACRENCCHOCALM
Earn 10X Rewards (10 Rewards Points or 4 Miles for every S$1 spent) when you shop for clothes, bags and shoes or at departmental stores or online shopping websites, including SingTel & M1 online bill payment!
Pros: Transfer to 11 FFPs & 3 Hotel programs in blocks of 25,000 points=10,000 miles; S$25 fee.
Cons: Points awarded per S$1 spend. Cents not included. Cannot combined Thank You Points across cards.
8. DBS Woman's World MasterCard® Card
http://www.dbs.com.sg/personal/cards...astercard-card
10X Rewards for Online Retail Purchases
T&C Here: https://www.dbs.com.sg/iwov-resource...s_card_tnc.pdf
Pros: Men also can get this card!! DBS points are combined in 1 cardholder's name. No rounding down transaction amount to nearest $5 (calculation is done as follows: DBS points = 'transaction amount' divided by 5, multiply by 10, after that round down to nearest whole number. Minimum spend is S$1. Each DBS point = 2 miles).
Cons: DBS points are valid for 1 year based on card anniversary date. The additional 9X DBS Points for online retail spend in a calendar month will be awarded on the 16th of the next calendar month. If the above days are not working days, the Points will be awarded on the next working day. The additional 9X DBS Points are only applicable to the first S$2,000 online retail spend every calendar month.
9. OCBC Titanium Rewards Card
https://www.ocbc.com/personal-bankin...astercard.html
10x OCBC$ on your shopping Local & Overseas Shopping Transactions, Local & Overseas Department Store Transactions and Local & Overseas Online Transactions.
The remaining 9 OCBC$ will be posted to the Card Account by the end of the next calendar month
https://www.ocbc.com/assets/pdf/card...ons.pdf?rand=1
10,000 KrisFlyer miles requires OCBC$ 25000, For each conversion of OCBC$ to KrisFlyer miles a fee of S$25 will be charged
10. UOB Lady's Card
https://www.uob.com.sg/personal/card...ard/index.page
============
If you know of and/or use any other cards (or the ones already mentioned), please share your thoughts.
***ALL VALUES BELOW IN SINGAPORE DOLLARS (SGD)***
============
In no particular order (apart from personal preference in terms of good-mileage opportunities):
============
1. UOB PRVI Miles VISA, MasterCard, AMEX
VISA:
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...iles_visa.html
MasterCard:
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...astercard.html
Amex:
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...amex_card.html
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...ard/microsite/
Mileage accrual:
The earn rate will be 1.4 miles for every $1 spent in multiples of S$10 (every multiple of S$5 gives 6 to 7 miles due to 3.5 UNI$ rounding off, every S$10 gives 14 miles), and 2.4 miles for every $1 spent OVERSEAS (every $5 gives 12 miles).
Requirements: min. income $80,000 (not strict).
Cost: First year free, then S$256.80 for main, first two supplementary always free. Annual fee waiver for Amex card if you charge $50,000 or more in a year.
Miles conversion fee: $25 per conversion. UNI$ are combined in 1 cardholder's name/FIN Number/NRIC together for all UOB cards which earn UNI$.
Pros: Best mileage accrual rates for overseas spend only. 20,000 bonus miles and annual fee waiver with spend of $50,000 per year (both only for Amex card). $45 1-way airport transfer voucher for $1,000 overseas spend in a given quarter (Amex only).
Cons: AMEX not always accepted by merchants. Points allocated on every $5 spent, rounded down to next $5. Transfer in blocks of 5000 UNI$ points = 10,000 miles. Points are valid for 2 years (transfer before expiry and they will subsequently be valid for a further 3 years from the date of transfer to KrisFlyer).
2. UOB Preferred Platinum Visa
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards..._platinum.html
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...visa_card.html
Mileage accrual: Earn 4 miles for every $1 spent using ONLY MOBILE CONTACTLESS every $5 gives 10 UNI$ which equal 20 miles). Same incredible mileage-earning ratio for internet shopping with certain restrictions (travel-related, utilities, etc.). Earn 0.4 mile for every $1 for regular, signature-based payments AND ORPHAN SPEND DUE TO $5 ROUNDING OR EXCEEDING THE BONUS U$2000 SPEND (every $5 gives 1 UNI$ which equal 2 miles).
Earning 4 miles/$ is limited to the first S$1110 spent during the per calendar month (via Mobile Contactless). 2,000UNI$ refers to the extra 9UNI$ and does not include the normal 1UNI$.(Stop when you notice you earn 3UNI$ (1 + bonus 2) for the last S$5 transaction. ($1110/5)x9=1998UNI$, hence the last S$5 transaction will earn 2 bonus UNI$. The total bonus UNI$ awarded to you from qualifying spend on Selected Online Transactions and Mobile Contactless Transactions is capped at UNI$2,000 for each calendar month. THE CAP IS ON THE 9 UNI$ BONUS NOT 10UNI$ TOTAL YOU GET WITH BASE OF U$1 PER $ SPEND
Keep in mind that some merchants offer different, non-mileage accruing awards with UOB cards which are called SMART$. Some popular merchants include Cold Storage, Guardian and Giant Supermarket, ToastBox and Starbucks. A full list of merchants where Mobile contactless transactions will NOT earn miles can be found here: http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...smartclub.html
Requirements: min. income $30,000 ($60,000 for foreigners).
Cost: First year free, then $192.60 for main and $96.30 for supplementary. Annual fee waived off easily.
Miles conversion fee: $25 per conversion, in blocks of 5000 UNI$=10,000 miles. UNI$ are combined in 1 cardholder's name for all UOB cards.
Pros: Incredible mileage accrual rates for Paywave transactions (not all merchants - some give SMART$ instead which are different rewards!) as well as internet transactions (some restrictions apply).
Cons: Points allocated on every $5 spent, rounded down to next $5. Transfer in blocks of 5000 UNI$ points = 10,000 miles. Points are valid for 2 years (transfer before expiry and they will subsequently be valid for a further 3 years from the date of transfer to KrisFlyer).
3. Citi PremierMiles MasterCard
https://www.citibank.com.sg/credit-cards/travel/premiermiles-card/?ecid=PSGONSGCCAENPM
Mileage accrual: Earn 1.2 miles for every $1 spent. Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent OVERSEAS. 10,000 bonus miles for each annual membership renewal.
Requirements: min. income $50,000 for VISA. Principal cardholder must be at least 21 years of age.
Cost: First year free, then $192.60 for VISA main, supplementary always free. Annual fee waiver available in exchange for forfeiting the 10,000renewal bonus.
Miles conversion fee: $25 per conversion.
Pros: Decent all-rounder, good for overseas spend. Points never expire. Bonus miles for annual card renewal. 11 frequent flyer programs & 3 hotel programs to choose from, including EVA Air - only 25,000 miles for 1 way Business Class within Asia!!
Cons: No miles awarded for EZ-Link & Transitlink transactions. Miles awarded per S$1. Cents not included. 1.2 miles/S$1. Transfer in blocks of 10,000 miles.
4. DBS Altitude VISA/AMEX
http://www.dbs.com/sg/personal/cards...e/default.aspx
http://www.dbs.com/sg/personal/cards...e/default.aspx
Mileage accrual: Earn 1.2 miles for every $1 spent (every $5 gives 3 DBS points which equal 6 miles). Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent OVERSEAS.
Requirements: min. income $80,000.
Cost: First year free, then $180 for main and $90 for supplementary. Annual fee waiver if you charge $25,000 or more in a year.
Miles conversion fee: S$26.75 per transfer, redeem 1700 DBS points to waive off.
Pros: Points never expire. No rounding down transaction amount to nearest $5 (calculation is done as follows: DBS points = 'transaction amount' divided by 5, multiply by 3, after that round down to nearest whole number. Minimum spend is S$1.67. Each DBS point = 2 miles). Earn 3 miles per S$1 spent on all online Flight and Hotel transactions (capped at S$5,000 per month). 10,000 miles renewal bonus if you have to pay card renewal fees.
Cons: All local spend now down to 1.2 miles/$ (since Dec 1, 2013). AMEX not always accepted by merchants. Transfer in blocks of 5000 DBS points = 10,000 miles (on the plus side points don't expire). Per transfer of S$26.75, redeem 1700 DBS points to waive off.
5. Maybank Horizon Platinum Visa
http://info.maybank2u.com.sg/persona...visa-card.aspx
Earn 3.2 air miles (8X TREATS Points) with every dollar spent on dining, petrol, taxi fares and hotel bookings at Agoda.com/horizon
Earn 2 air miles (5X TREATS Points) with every dollar spent on air tickets, travel packages and foreign currency transactions, with a minimal S$300 in a calendar month
Earn 0.4 mile for every $1 spent elsewhere (1 mile for every $2.50 spent).
Requirements: min. income $30,000 ($80,000 for foreigners).
Cost: $150 for main, supplementary always free. Unsure of any annual fee waiver conditions.
Miles conversion fee: In blocks of 5,000 points to 2000 Asia Miles or KrisFlyer. S$26.75 fee applies.
Pros: Great for ticket purchases and overseas spend. Complimentary access to selected VIP airport lounges when you charge a minimum of S$400 in a single transaction on air tickets or travel packages to your Card 3 months prior to the date of travel.
Cons: Great ONLY for ticket purchases and overseas spend. Points are valid for 1 year only, expire either on 30 June or 31 December of the same year if not Rewards Infinite member.
6. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend AMEX
https://www.americanexpress.com/sg/s...nd-credit-card
Mileage accrual: Earn 1.2 KrisFlyer miles for every S$1 spent on all your eligible purchases with your Card
Earn 2 KrisFlyer miles for every S$1 equivalent in foreign currency spent overseas on eligible purchases during June and December
Requirements: min. income $50,000 ($60,000 for foreigners). Principal cardholder must be over 21 years of age.
Cost: First year free, otherwise $256.80 for main, 2 supplementary cards always free (more available at $80.25 each). Annual fee cannot be waived unless you spend alot.
Miles conversion fee: None - your KrisFlyer miles are transferred to your account directly with no conversion fees or charges.
Pros: None, except for welcome offers (4 complimentary airport lounge access vouchers, one complimentary night with Millennium Hotels and Resorts).
Cons: Simply nothing special - there are better cards available for all types of purchases, including flight tickets, even with all of the bonuses above applied. AMEX not always accepted by merchants.
7. Citibank Rewards Card
http://www.citibank.com.sg/gcb/credi...CACRENCCHOCALM
Earn 10X Rewards (10 Rewards Points or 4 Miles for every S$1 spent) when you shop for clothes, bags and shoes or at departmental stores or online shopping websites, including SingTel & M1 online bill payment!
Pros: Transfer to 11 FFPs & 3 Hotel programs in blocks of 25,000 points=10,000 miles; S$25 fee.
Cons: Points awarded per S$1 spend. Cents not included. Cannot combined Thank You Points across cards.
8. DBS Woman's World MasterCard® Card
http://www.dbs.com.sg/personal/cards...astercard-card
10X Rewards for Online Retail Purchases
T&C Here: https://www.dbs.com.sg/iwov-resource...s_card_tnc.pdf
Pros: Men also can get this card!! DBS points are combined in 1 cardholder's name. No rounding down transaction amount to nearest $5 (calculation is done as follows: DBS points = 'transaction amount' divided by 5, multiply by 10, after that round down to nearest whole number. Minimum spend is S$1. Each DBS point = 2 miles).
Cons: DBS points are valid for 1 year based on card anniversary date. The additional 9X DBS Points for online retail spend in a calendar month will be awarded on the 16th of the next calendar month. If the above days are not working days, the Points will be awarded on the next working day. The additional 9X DBS Points are only applicable to the first S$2,000 online retail spend every calendar month.
9. OCBC Titanium Rewards Card
https://www.ocbc.com/personal-bankin...astercard.html
10x OCBC$ on your shopping Local & Overseas Shopping Transactions, Local & Overseas Department Store Transactions and Local & Overseas Online Transactions.
The remaining 9 OCBC$ will be posted to the Card Account by the end of the next calendar month
https://www.ocbc.com/assets/pdf/card...ons.pdf?rand=1
10,000 KrisFlyer miles requires OCBC$ 25000, For each conversion of OCBC$ to KrisFlyer miles a fee of S$25 will be charged
10. UOB Lady's Card
https://www.uob.com.sg/personal/card...ard/index.page
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The 'Best credit cards for KF miles accrual' master thread
Jun 26, 2011, 7:41 pm
#286
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 819
vsepr: I think the point being made by previous posters is that a point here or there is not that important. When redemptions are in the tens of thousands of points, and you get all sorts of random points from flying, hotel stays, car rentals etc, plus the CC points, you are always going to have "orphan" points. And decent spenders/travellers will always have more points than they can spend (FF point inflation).
If hoarding every single point works for you, then good for you. For others, it's just not worth the time. We should just agree to disagree and move on.
If hoarding every single point works for you, then good for you. For others, it's just not worth the time. We should just agree to disagree and move on.
Jun 26, 2011, 8:24 pm
#287
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,803
Anyway, use the card that you prefer. If you think DBS Altitude Card serves you well, go ahead. For me, I usually charge less than S$1000 a month to Citi Premiermiles and the balance $1000 spread out amongst Citi Platinum Visa, Clear Platinum, Citi Rewards Card and Maybank Horizon VISA Platinum, used at specific merchants where there are 5x to 10x points. Hence this way for me, I gain the most miles, even though I charge to different cards. Over a period of 1 year, the miles I earn is definitely more than if I charge everything to Citi Premiermiles or DBS Altitude Card.
The DBS S$5 rounding costs you about 180 miles per month, and I've estimated you need to spend more than $1,450 per month (calculations here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/singa...thread-17.html) in order for the 1.6 mile/$ earn rate to be able to out-earn the loss.
If you only spend $1,000 on Premiermiles and $1,000 on Platinum/Clear/Rewards/Maybank, you're right in avoiding DBS Altitude cos the latter $1,000 spending earns at least 5X which beats even DBS Altitude's post-$1,000 rate (1.6 mile/$, which is effectively 4X right?). The remaining S$1,000 earns the same rate whether charged to Premiermiles or DBS Altitude (the under $1,000 rate), and might as well be charged to Premiermiles to avoid the rounding.
Jun 26, 2011, 8:32 pm
#288
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,803
Back in 2007, I did use and supported DBS Altitude Card when it was launched. I remembered clearly that in 2007, DBS transferred miles in blocks of 250 DBS points to 500 miles. I'm ok with this 250 DBS points = 500 miles. Most banks have this rate.
In 2008, when the annual transfer fee of $42.80 was due, I switched to Citi Premiermiles because 1. It is VISA, 2. Transfer in any amount greater than 500 miles (more flexible). 3. Transfer fee $25 per transfer (Do not see the need to transfer every time the points reach 250 DBS Points. I only transfer once a year or once every 2 years).
Subsequently in 2009 or 2010 (not sure which year), DBS changed the requirement. Transfer in blocks of 1000 DBS points to 2000 miles. This is when I totally boycott DBS Cards, because I find it too high. Same for UOB cards. Transfer in blocks of 5000 points to 10000 miles.
In 2008, when the annual transfer fee of $42.80 was due, I switched to Citi Premiermiles because 1. It is VISA, 2. Transfer in any amount greater than 500 miles (more flexible). 3. Transfer fee $25 per transfer (Do not see the need to transfer every time the points reach 250 DBS Points. I only transfer once a year or once every 2 years).
Subsequently in 2009 or 2010 (not sure which year), DBS changed the requirement. Transfer in blocks of 1000 DBS points to 2000 miles. This is when I totally boycott DBS Cards, because I find it too high. Same for UOB cards. Transfer in blocks of 5000 points to 10000 miles.
It then got changed to $7.5/mile on local spending, $2.5/mile on overseas spending (plus certain travel agents including mine) and $300 flat fee per conversion. So I adapt - I don't spend SCB AE locally unless there's a merchant discount as welll, but use it overseas and at my TA.
$3/mile and 500 mile conversions aren't gonna come back. In fact in HK most banks have minimal conversion fees of $100 for 10,000 miles (you can convert 1,000 miles, but you'll be charged $100 anyway). And a lot of promotional spending offers last years aren't coming back either. We are price takers - we just have to live with what the banks offer.
Jun 26, 2011, 8:51 pm
#289
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 819
In that case I agree you should avoid DBS Altitude, tho not for the statement date crediting you've mentioned.
The DBS S$5 rounding costs you about 180 miles per month, and I've estimated you need to spend more than $1,450 per month (calculations here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/singa...thread-17.html) in order for the 1.6 mile/$ earn rate to be able to out-earn the loss.
If you only spend $1,000 on Premiermiles and $1,000 on Platinum/Clear/Rewards/Maybank, you're right in avoiding DBS Altitude cos the latter $1,000 spending earns at least 5X which beats even DBS Altitude's post-$1,000 rate (1.6 mile/$, which is effectively 4X right?). The remaining S$1,000 earns the same rate whether charged to Premiermiles or DBS Altitude (the under $1,000 rate), and might as well be charged to Premiermiles to avoid the rounding.
The DBS S$5 rounding costs you about 180 miles per month, and I've estimated you need to spend more than $1,450 per month (calculations here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/singa...thread-17.html) in order for the 1.6 mile/$ earn rate to be able to out-earn the loss.
If you only spend $1,000 on Premiermiles and $1,000 on Platinum/Clear/Rewards/Maybank, you're right in avoiding DBS Altitude cos the latter $1,000 spending earns at least 5X which beats even DBS Altitude's post-$1,000 rate (1.6 mile/$, which is effectively 4X right?). The remaining S$1,000 earns the same rate whether charged to Premiermiles or DBS Altitude (the under $1,000 rate), and might as well be charged to Premiermiles to avoid the rounding.
Jun 27, 2011, 6:50 am
#290
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Singapore, Warsaw, Surfers Paradise
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold>>>Silver>>>Blue, Finnair Silver, Royal Caribbean Diamond
Posts: 5,174
If you spend up to $1,000 then Citi PM sounds good. But if you spend more then DBS Altitude is the way to go.
Personally I get WAY, WAY MORE miles on DBS than I would with Citi simply because I am also able to initially charge my serviced apartment to my personal card, thus collecting all the points. So for someone in my position, with many thousands going through the card each month, Citi PM would be a terrible choice when compared to DBS' 1.6 ratio.
Now one thing that Vsepr hasn't looked into was using the DBS Altitude Amex as your main card and backing that up with 2 other Citi cards... but NOT the Citi PM. There's one card that is good for supermarkets and another one that is good for department stores.
Personally I get WAY, WAY MORE miles on DBS than I would with Citi simply because I am also able to initially charge my serviced apartment to my personal card, thus collecting all the points. So for someone in my position, with many thousands going through the card each month, Citi PM would be a terrible choice when compared to DBS' 1.6 ratio.
Now one thing that Vsepr hasn't looked into was using the DBS Altitude Amex as your main card and backing that up with 2 other Citi cards... but NOT the Citi PM. There's one card that is good for supermarkets and another one that is good for department stores.
Jun 27, 2011, 7:44 am
#291
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,803
Citi Premiermiles earns 3X on everything else and a separate redemption fee is payable per redemption.
Jun 27, 2011, 7:47 am
#292
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,803
Personally I get WAY, WAY MORE miles on DBS than I would with Citi simply because I am also able to initially charge my serviced apartment to my personal card, thus collecting all the points. So for someone in my position, with many thousands going through the card each month, Citi PM would be a terrible choice when compared to DBS' 1.6 ratio.
I get both types over in the HK Asia Miles thread. Unfortunately there isn't a clear-cut recommendation for the latter "one card" category in HK as there is with DBS Altitude in Singapore. We came close last year with a Fubon HK Platinum Visa which earned $6/mile on everything ($3/mile overseas); however like Citi SG, Fubon HK decided to let the promotional offer expire in Feb and the replacement is nowhere as good - instantly triggering a massive round of churning.
Jun 27, 2011, 8:11 am
#293
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 819
Each man to his own - vsper's strategy will work for a (typically young) person who doesn't spend much but is willing to carry quite a few cards when spending in shops; your recommendation to centralise on DBS Altitude will work if you are a busy (typically older) person who wants one card that can do it all (or two - as noted by vsper a Visa will still be necessary).
I get both types over in the HK Asia Miles thread. Unfortunately there isn't a clear-cut recommendation for the latter "one card" category in HK as there is with DBS Altitude in Singapore. We came close last year with a Fubon HK Platinum Visa which earned $6/mile on everything ($3/mile overseas); however like Citi SG, Fubon HK decided to let the promotional offer expire in Feb and the replacement is nowhere as good - instantly triggering a massive round of churning.
I get both types over in the HK Asia Miles thread. Unfortunately there isn't a clear-cut recommendation for the latter "one card" category in HK as there is with DBS Altitude in Singapore. We came close last year with a Fubon HK Platinum Visa which earned $6/mile on everything ($3/mile overseas); however like Citi SG, Fubon HK decided to let the promotional offer expire in Feb and the replacement is nowhere as good - instantly triggering a massive round of churning.
Anyway...don't forget that for Citibank cards, you can transfer to THAI's Royal Orchid Plus and Delta Skymiles (no expiry date for miles), on top of KrisFlyer & Asia Miles!
Jun 27, 2011, 8:15 am
#294
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 819
I think he says he's got Citi Platinum to cover supermarkets (5X or $1=2 miles) and Citi Rewards (10X or $1=4 miles) to cover dept stores. He can use one redemption fee to redeem from both (plus any points accumulated on Citi Clear too).
Citi Premiermiles earns 3X on everything else and a separate redemption fee is payable per redemption.
Citi Premiermiles earns 3X on everything else and a separate redemption fee is payable per redemption.
Jun 27, 2011, 8:26 am
#295
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,803
I know only 2 people other than myself, both Gen Y and CPAs, who've >20 cards. We get a kick out of maxing out earn rates.
The people who ask me for "one" card are all baby-boomers with millions in income and/or spending.
Personally if I'm a bank, I'll do the "one" card business and screw people like you and me. I dunno why banks like Citi even go after our business - maybe they think we'd attach sentimental value by rewarding us early? (As if! Strictly transactional - YBG IBG)
The people who ask me for "one" card are all baby-boomers with millions in income and/or spending.
Personally if I'm a bank, I'll do the "one" card business and screw people like you and me. I dunno why banks like Citi even go after our business - maybe they think we'd attach sentimental value by rewarding us early? (As if! Strictly transactional - YBG IBG)
Last edited by percysmith; Jun 27, 2011 at 8:38 am
Jun 27, 2011, 8:33 am
#296
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 819
I know only 2 people other than myself, both Gen X and CPAs, who've >20 cards. We get a kick out of maxing out earn rates.
The people who ask me for "one" card are all baby-boomers with millions in income and/or spending.
Personally if I'm a bank, I'll do the "one" card business and screw people like you and me. I dunno why banks like Citi even go after our business - maybe they think we'd attach sentimental value by rewarding us early? (As if! Strictly transactional - YBG IBG)
The people who ask me for "one" card are all baby-boomers with millions in income and/or spending.
Personally if I'm a bank, I'll do the "one" card business and screw people like you and me. I dunno why banks like Citi even go after our business - maybe they think we'd attach sentimental value by rewarding us early? (As if! Strictly transactional - YBG IBG)
Jun 27, 2011, 9:38 am
#298
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Singapore, Warsaw, Surfers Paradise
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold>>>Silver>>>Blue, Finnair Silver, Royal Caribbean Diamond
Posts: 5,174
Each man to his own - vsper's strategy will work for a (typically young) person who doesn't spend much but is willing to carry quite a few cards when spending in shops; your recommendation to centralise on DBS Altitude will work if you are a busy (typically older) person who wants one card that can do it all (or two - as noted by vsper a Visa will still be necessary).
- If you charge less than $1,000 to your card per month, you should pick Citi PM.
- If you charge more than $1,000 in a month, then you should get the DBS Altitude Amex
Now whether a Visa card is still necessary is still debatable. If I take all my spend, including that which I don't charge to a card, I still get MORE MILES by just using DBS than I would if I ended up charging all my spend to the Citi PM Visa. So ironically, by not having a Visa card at all, I am still getting more miles than if I only had a Visa card.
So technically, the only thing that is truly necessary, if you spend more than $1,000 each month... is the DBS Altitude Amex.
Now if you spend a lot in supermarkets then I would still recommend getting the Citi Platinum as an additional card.
Jun 27, 2011, 9:42 am
#299
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,803
Now whether a Visa card is still necessary is still debatable. If I take all my spend, including that which I don't charge to a card, I still get MORE MILES by just using DBS than I would if I ended up charging all my spend to the Citi PM Visa. So ironically, by not having a Visa card at all, I am still getting more miles than if I only had a Visa card.
Jun 27, 2011, 5:30 pm
#300
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Singapore / India
Programs: SQ QPP, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum, Taj Inner Circle Gold
Posts: 639
I think we're all in agreement that you should choose between Citi and DBS depending on your credit card spend:
- If you charge less than $1,000 to your card per month, you should pick Citi PM.
- If you charge more than $1,000 in a month, then you should get the DBS Altitude Amex
.
- If you charge less than $1,000 to your card per month, you should pick Citi PM.
- If you charge more than $1,000 in a month, then you should get the DBS Altitude Amex
.