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)***
============
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
============
The 'Best credit cards for KF miles accrual' master thread
Apr 8, 2023, 9:27 am
#7576
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ, UA, Delta, BMI(RIP), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond (Thanks Amex) Hyatt Discov
Posts: 1,942
Just found out from UOB CS Agent that (after a long wait and being transferred around to 4 agents)
1; The UOB Preferred Platinum Visa 4 miles per Mobile contactless $ spend uses calendar month and not statement month to apply the Bonus Uni$2,000 (=actual spend of S$1,111) cap
2: And since they do not give you any breakdown of Uni$ earned by transaction or easy way to track it
3: plus the $5 issue,
4: plus no bonus Uni$ on Cold Storage, Giant, & SPC
this card is just good for a fewer large ticket transactions, where you can get close to the $1111 spend in $5 multiples
1; The UOB Preferred Platinum Visa 4 miles per Mobile contactless $ spend uses calendar month and not statement month to apply the Bonus Uni$2,000 (=actual spend of S$1,111) cap
2: And since they do not give you any breakdown of Uni$ earned by transaction or easy way to track it
3: plus the $5 issue,
4: plus no bonus Uni$ on Cold Storage, Giant, & SPC
this card is just good for a fewer large ticket transactions, where you can get close to the $1111 spend in $5 multiples
Last edited by SingaporeDon; Aug 5, 2023 at 2:14 am
Apr 8, 2023, 9:58 am
#7577
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ, UA, Delta, BMI(RIP), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond (Thanks Amex) Hyatt Discov
Posts: 1,942
For those who need to buy Krisflyer miles in a hurry the UOB Payment facility is a cheaper way of buying them (than buying from SQ directly) for between 1.7 cent to 2.1 cents per mile depending on which UOB card you have
The UOB Payment Facility allows you to pay everyday expenses such as monthly bills, rent, taxes and even a one-off large purchase with your UOB Credit Card, with a low one-time administrative fee.
The approved amount will be transferred to your designated bank account and the payment will be reflected on your UOB Credit Card statement. Every dollar approved will earn you UNI$2.5 for every S$5 approved (equivalent to one air mile for every dollar) or 5 KrisFlyer miles for every S$5 approved (applicable to KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card only)
Payment Facility | UOB Singapore
You just get the cash for a one time fee, use the money until statement payment date ( 4 to 6 weeks) - may be even put it on 1 month FD with ICBC to reduce the cost of buying the miles a bit!
The UOB Payment Facility allows you to pay everyday expenses such as monthly bills, rent, taxes and even a one-off large purchase with your UOB Credit Card, with a low one-time administrative fee.
The approved amount will be transferred to your designated bank account and the payment will be reflected on your UOB Credit Card statement. Every dollar approved will earn you UNI$2.5 for every S$5 approved (equivalent to one air mile for every dollar) or 5 KrisFlyer miles for every S$5 approved (applicable to KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card only)
Payment Facility | UOB Singapore
You just get the cash for a one time fee, use the money until statement payment date ( 4 to 6 weeks) - may be even put it on 1 month FD with ICBC to reduce the cost of buying the miles a bit!
Apr 9, 2023, 8:45 am
#7578
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Singapore & Globe trotting
Programs: QR Gold, ITA Club Executive, Hilton Gold, GHA Titanium, Taj Gold, Accor Gold, Marriott Gold Elite
Posts: 425
Just found out from UOB CS Agent that (after a long wait and being transferred around to 4 agents)
1; The UOB Preferred Platinum Visa 4 miles per Mobile contactless $ spend uses calendar month and not statement month to apply the Bonus U$2,000 (=actual spend of S$1,111) cap
2: And since they do not give you any breakdown of U$ earned by transaction or easy way to track it
3: plus the $5 issue,
4: plus no bonus U$ on Cold Storage, Giant, & SPC
this card is just good for a fewer large ticket transactions, where you can get close to the $1111 spend in $5 multiples
1; The UOB Preferred Platinum Visa 4 miles per Mobile contactless $ spend uses calendar month and not statement month to apply the Bonus U$2,000 (=actual spend of S$1,111) cap
2: And since they do not give you any breakdown of U$ earned by transaction or easy way to track it
3: plus the $5 issue,
4: plus no bonus U$ on Cold Storage, Giant, & SPC
this card is just good for a fewer large ticket transactions, where you can get close to the $1111 spend in $5 multiples
The UOB PPV, is in fact one of my go-to cards for everyday use as almost every shop these days has the possibility to pay with mobile contactless. You just need to be mindful of stores like Cold Storage, Baker & Cook, etc. which indeed, do not award UNI$ but rather cashback. You can earn 9xUNI$ though with the UOB Visa Signature card, though the card has different mechanics - Confirmed: UOB$ merchants qualify for bonus miles with UOB cards and Review: UOB Visa Signature Card
Aug 5, 2023, 2:00 am
#7580
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ, UA, Delta, BMI(RIP), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond (Thanks Amex) Hyatt Discov
Posts: 1,942
Miles for Hospital spend. Confirmed UOB Reserve works
A lot of confusion about miles on hospital payments and a lot of mis information on the web and in some blogs, but finally got confirmation that UOB Reserve is the only card in the UOB stable that earns (1.6 miles per $ spend to boot) on hospital spend - both public and private (MCC 8602) and several other medical categories too
Aug 5, 2023, 2:37 am
#7581
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ, UA, Delta, BMI(RIP), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond (Thanks Amex) Hyatt Discov
Posts: 1,942
Make a min. spend of S$500 within 30 days from card approval date and get up to S$250 cashback in your account within 2–3 months of meeting the min. spend
Enjoy upsized 18% cash rebates (36x yuu Points) at over 1,000 places • Earn additional rewards at Cold Storage, Giant, 7-Eleven Guardian, Bread Talk, Toast Box, Food Republic, Food Junction, Mandai Wildlife Reserve and many more!
DBS yuu Cards | DBS Singapore
Aug 6, 2023, 3:25 am
#7582
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SIN (LEJ once a year)
Programs: SQ, LH, BA, IHG Diamond AMB, HH Gold, SLH Indulged, Accor Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,739
A lot of confusion about miles on hospital payments and a lot of mis information on the web and in some blogs, but finally got confirmation that UOB Reserve is the only card in the UOB stable that earns (1.6 miles per $ spend to boot) on hospital spend - both public and private (MCC 8602) and several other medical categories too
Aug 7, 2023, 11:00 pm
#7583
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Singapore & Globe trotting
Programs: QR Gold, ITA Club Executive, Hilton Gold, GHA Titanium, Taj Gold, Accor Gold, Marriott Gold Elite
Posts: 425
Aug 7, 2023, 11:35 pm
#7584
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SIN (LEJ once a year)
Programs: SQ, LH, BA, IHG Diamond AMB, HH Gold, SLH Indulged, Accor Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,739
(10k SGD and you are getting warmer, especially for private ones). Once you start splitting your bill over multiple cards and all the Business Office gets confused mightily, haha.Maybe for specialist visit or so, but in those cases I'm not sure how the transactions code MCC wise, also as hospital or rather some medical services or so?
Jan 6, 2024, 5:20 pm
#7585
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Singapore, Warsaw, Surfers Paradise
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold>>>Silver>>>Blue, Finnair Silver, Royal Caribbean Diamond
Posts: 5,174
Not sure if anyone has tried SQ's Kris+ program but I recently gave it a go and was quite positively surprised by the experience.
In short you can pick up some bonus miles by paying using the Kris+ app on your phone (which for iPhone users works in conjunction with the Apple Pay card stored on your device). Scan the merchant's QR code, type in the amount to be paid, send... and instantly receive your Kris+ points. This is in addition to whatever points/miles your CC generates for this transaction, so I guess you could call it double-dipping.
A list of supported merchants can be found here and the points earnings rate per S$1 ranges from 1 to a whopping 9 points:
https://www.singaporeair.com/saar5/p...tners_2310.pdf
After each transaction the points are credited instantly in the app and you can also send them to your KrisFlyer account straight away (for free, 1:1 ratio).
Hopefully the list of merchants will expand over time but the idea works well and the implementation is flawless, no issues whatsoever.
In short you can pick up some bonus miles by paying using the Kris+ app on your phone (which for iPhone users works in conjunction with the Apple Pay card stored on your device). Scan the merchant's QR code, type in the amount to be paid, send... and instantly receive your Kris+ points. This is in addition to whatever points/miles your CC generates for this transaction, so I guess you could call it double-dipping.
A list of supported merchants can be found here and the points earnings rate per S$1 ranges from 1 to a whopping 9 points:
https://www.singaporeair.com/saar5/p...tners_2310.pdf
After each transaction the points are credited instantly in the app and you can also send them to your KrisFlyer account straight away (for free, 1:1 ratio).
Hopefully the list of merchants will expand over time but the idea works well and the implementation is flawless, no issues whatsoever.
Jan 6, 2024, 8:02 pm
#7586
Join Date: Sep 2018
Programs: Alaska
Posts: 2,188
Not sure if anyone has tried SQ's Kris+ program but I recently gave it a go and was quite positively surprised by the experience.
In short you can pick up some bonus miles by paying using the Kris+ app on your phone (which for iPhone users works in conjunction with the Apple Pay card stored on your device). Scan the merchant's QR code, type in the amount to be paid, send... and instantly receive your Kris+ points. This is in addition to whatever points/miles your CC generates for this transaction, so I guess you could call it double-dipping.
A list of supported merchants can be found here and the points earnings rate per S$1 ranges from 1 to a whopping 9 points:
https://www.singaporeair.com/saar5/p...tners_2310.pdf
After each transaction the points are credited instantly in the app and you can also send them to your KrisFlyer account straight away (for free, 1:1 ratio).
Hopefully the list of merchants will expand over time but the idea works well and the implementation is flawless, no issues whatsoever.
In short you can pick up some bonus miles by paying using the Kris+ app on your phone (which for iPhone users works in conjunction with the Apple Pay card stored on your device). Scan the merchant's QR code, type in the amount to be paid, send... and instantly receive your Kris+ points. This is in addition to whatever points/miles your CC generates for this transaction, so I guess you could call it double-dipping.
A list of supported merchants can be found here and the points earnings rate per S$1 ranges from 1 to a whopping 9 points:
https://www.singaporeair.com/saar5/p...tners_2310.pdf
After each transaction the points are credited instantly in the app and you can also send them to your KrisFlyer account straight away (for free, 1:1 ratio).
Hopefully the list of merchants will expand over time but the idea works well and the implementation is flawless, no issues whatsoever.
For me at the moment, it is just nice to have, but non-essential.
Jan 7, 2024, 2:07 am
#7587
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Singapore & Globe trotting
Programs: QR Gold, ITA Club Executive, Hilton Gold, GHA Titanium, Taj Gold, Accor Gold, Marriott Gold Elite
Posts: 425
Not sure if anyone has tried SQ's Kris+ program but I recently gave it a go and was quite positively surprised by the experience.
In short you can pick up some bonus miles by paying using the Kris+ app on your phone (which for iPhone users works in conjunction with the Apple Pay card stored on your device). Scan the merchant's QR code, type in the amount to be paid, send... and instantly receive your Kris+ points. This is in addition to whatever points/miles your CC generates for this transaction, so I guess you could call it double-dipping.
A list of supported merchants can be found here and the points earnings rate per S$1 ranges from 1 to a whopping 9 points:
https://www.singaporeair.com/saar5/p...tners_2310.pdf
After each transaction the points are credited instantly in the app and you can also send them to your KrisFlyer account straight away (for free, 1:1 ratio).
Hopefully the list of merchants will expand over time but the idea works well and the implementation is flawless, no issues whatsoever.
In short you can pick up some bonus miles by paying using the Kris+ app on your phone (which for iPhone users works in conjunction with the Apple Pay card stored on your device). Scan the merchant's QR code, type in the amount to be paid, send... and instantly receive your Kris+ points. This is in addition to whatever points/miles your CC generates for this transaction, so I guess you could call it double-dipping.
A list of supported merchants can be found here and the points earnings rate per S$1 ranges from 1 to a whopping 9 points:
https://www.singaporeair.com/saar5/p...tners_2310.pdf
After each transaction the points are credited instantly in the app and you can also send them to your KrisFlyer account straight away (for free, 1:1 ratio).
Hopefully the list of merchants will expand over time but the idea works well and the implementation is flawless, no issues whatsoever.
Jan 7, 2024, 7:10 am
#7588
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Singapore, Warsaw, Surfers Paradise
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold>>>Silver>>>Blue, Finnair Silver, Royal Caribbean Diamond
Posts: 5,174
Good point! The transfer needs to be done within 7 days but I usually do shortly after the transaction takes place. It would be useful for the app to have a setting to automatically send miles to KrisFlyer as opposed to having to click on the link each time...
Mar 27, 2024, 9:44 am
#7589
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SIN (LEJ once a year)
Programs: SQ, LH, BA, IHG Diamond AMB, HH Gold, SLH Indulged, Accor Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,739
I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the free Hilton night benefit of the Singapore issued KF Ascend Amex?
I know how to book the free night and all and that a reservation made using the voucher code can also be cancelled if permitted based on the booked properties reservations rules.
What is not clear to me is that if one made a booking using the voucher code and then has to cancel that reservation again due to changes in travel plans, how does one make a new, different reservation then in the future (within voucher validity) if the code has been used already and supposedly works only once?
Does the cancellation "reset" the voucher code use (kind of from redeemed to unredeemed) or does one have to call Amex and ask for another voucher (maybe providing proof of cancellation of the earlier reservation) or worse is one out of luck and won't be able to enjoy the free night even if the voucher is still well within its validity period?
The SG Amex T&Cs for the Hilton night are extremely vague on this point and even the various local credit card reviewing travel blogs are pretty much silent on this topic. If it would mean out of luck, that would be a huge downside to the benefit as it would mean one shot to get a free night and if plans change then tough sh*t for the customer.
Appreciate any pointers. Thanks.
I know how to book the free night and all and that a reservation made using the voucher code can also be cancelled if permitted based on the booked properties reservations rules.
What is not clear to me is that if one made a booking using the voucher code and then has to cancel that reservation again due to changes in travel plans, how does one make a new, different reservation then in the future (within voucher validity) if the code has been used already and supposedly works only once?
Does the cancellation "reset" the voucher code use (kind of from redeemed to unredeemed) or does one have to call Amex and ask for another voucher (maybe providing proof of cancellation of the earlier reservation) or worse is one out of luck and won't be able to enjoy the free night even if the voucher is still well within its validity period?
The SG Amex T&Cs for the Hilton night are extremely vague on this point and even the various local credit card reviewing travel blogs are pretty much silent on this topic. If it would mean out of luck, that would be a huge downside to the benefit as it would mean one shot to get a free night and if plans change then tough sh*t for the customer.
Appreciate any pointers. Thanks.
Mar 29, 2024, 3:17 am
#7590
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SIN (LEJ once a year)
Programs: SQ, LH, BA, IHG Diamond AMB, HH Gold, SLH Indulged, Accor Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,739
Well after some discussions with the Amex Customer Service Team, I can share that definitely one needs to be super careful when "pulling the trigger" to use the Singapore KF Ascend Amex one free night Hilton certificate.
You book a night at one of the permitted properties and you better be damn sure you can make that stay. While the booked room follows the properties cancellation rules and can certainly be cancelled, e.g. two days prior to arrival, your Amex voucher code has been "used / redeemed" and that is it.
No, it does not reset from "redeemed" to "unredeemed" when the certificate reservation is cancelled like it may happen with some hotel loyalty program free night certs, it's gone, used, puff ... The fact that your voucher may still have months validity, again, doesn't matter.
The fact that one never gets to consume the promised free night doesn't matter either, tough luck basically. Is that erm "quirk" spelled out clearly in the voucher T&Cs or anywhere else?
Well to me at least it is not and I deal with contract language on a daily basis. Even the Amex CSRs were baffled when digging into it, but alas the vague T&Cs are probably cooked up by the ominous back room "product managers" and they seem not keen to spell it out clearly as it may turn off some customer from signing up for the card.
So basically, one should treat such a Amex Ascend Hilton certificate booking like a non-refundable booking as that will set the right expectations.
I use the card for SG private hospitals only anyways (after Citibank following DBS, OCBC also stupidly - in my view - wholesale excluded all SG hospital spend from earning any miles instead of just public ones), but that can be achieved with a cheaper fee or even free Blue KF Amex as well (waivable annual fee or hold any of the 3 SG Platinum Amex and it's free too) albeit at a 0.1mls/$ lower earn rate. YMMV.
You book a night at one of the permitted properties and you better be damn sure you can make that stay. While the booked room follows the properties cancellation rules and can certainly be cancelled, e.g. two days prior to arrival, your Amex voucher code has been "used / redeemed" and that is it.
No, it does not reset from "redeemed" to "unredeemed" when the certificate reservation is cancelled like it may happen with some hotel loyalty program free night certs, it's gone, used, puff ... The fact that your voucher may still have months validity, again, doesn't matter.
The fact that one never gets to consume the promised free night doesn't matter either, tough luck basically. Is that erm "quirk" spelled out clearly in the voucher T&Cs or anywhere else?
Well to me at least it is not and I deal with contract language on a daily basis. Even the Amex CSRs were baffled when digging into it, but alas the vague T&Cs are probably cooked up by the ominous back room "product managers" and they seem not keen to spell it out clearly as it may turn off some customer from signing up for the card.
So basically, one should treat such a Amex Ascend Hilton certificate booking like a non-refundable booking as that will set the right expectations.
I use the card for SG private hospitals only anyways (after Citibank following DBS, OCBC also stupidly - in my view - wholesale excluded all SG hospital spend from earning any miles instead of just public ones), but that can be achieved with a cheaper fee or even free Blue KF Amex as well (waivable annual fee or hold any of the 3 SG Platinum Amex and it's free too) albeit at a 0.1mls/$ lower earn rate. YMMV.
Last edited by demue; Mar 29, 2024 at 8:36 pm