This is currently the only NETS Flashpay that offers a 5% rebate if you make a monthly purchase of minimum $30 at the above participating outlets. Glancing at the list, it does not seem that difficult to hit $30 since the card can be used at supermarkets like NTUC, Giant, Sheng Siong, 7-11, Cheers (where the usual credit card rebate is 5% also) and you get to use the card at places where there are usually no further discounts e.g. Daiso, Old Chang Kee, Donut Factory, National Healthcare polyclinics. Do bear in mind the exclusion criteria for the $30 which excludes payment via Kiosks, ERP and transportation fares.

However, please note that all purchases prior to 1 Aug may only be entitled to rebates after 15 August, so there is a few months of waiting before you get your rebate. Also, remember to spend $30 within the calender month but not to exceed $200 as the maximum amount of rebate is capped at $10/month/card. View more T&C here

Please go to any Transitlink office to get this wonderful card, which is priced at $12, with a value of $5 and a non refundable card fee of $7.

DBS One.Tap – Spend Promotion

• Receive a $10 cashback when you make your 5th transaction using your DBS One.Tap from 01 May to 31 July 2013.
• If you happen to be a DBS One.Tap cardholder with your StarHub NFC mobile subscription, you will receive an additional $2 cashback, on top of the $10 cashback.
• In addition, if you have five transactions with Comfort or CityCab, you will receive an additional $2 rebate

Limited to the first 700 cardmembers per calendar month

Read the T&C here

How to be part of this program:

If you are an existing DBS/POSB Credit Cardmember and an M1, SingTel or StarHub mobile postpaid subscriber, start paying with your phone in 4 easy steps:

	Step 1: For existing M1, SingTel or StarHub NFC-enabled handset users, replace your current SIM card to an NFC SIM card at any M1, SingTel or StarHub shop For M1, SingTel or StarHub mobile postpaid subscribers without an NFC-enabled handset, get an NFC-enabled handset and NFC SIM card at any M1, SingTel or StarHub shop
	Step 2: Apply for the DBS One.Tap Card through DBS/POSB iBanking or mBanking
	Step 3: Once approved, download your mobile service provider’s NFC Wallet Application from Google Play.
	Step 4: Activate your DBS One.Tap through DBS/POSB iBanking or mBanking and you’re ready to go!

Scoot recently had a promotion of 20% off all tickets. As it was the Vesak Day weekend, air tickets were pretty expensive to all cities and Taipei seemed to be the best choice since the tickets were less than $600 for a return ticket via Business Class, which is comparable to an economy class ticket on the normal airlines on the normal days. (during Vesak Day, the prices are super pricey of course!) Anyway, the flight hours for Scoot are very good, as we flew overnight at 0050 and reached at 0540. It costs SGD 99 to upgrade to ScootBiz and you get priority check-in, luggage space of 20kg worth $17, free meal onboard worth $17 and free ScooTV worth $15. We paid $50 more for the Scootbiz ticket per way as compared to a normal ticket with luggage and food and ScooTV, and it was definitely worth it since you are treated like a VIP without having to queue with the crowd to check-in (bearing in mind that Scoot does not allow online check-in), and you are amongst the first to board the plane!

The leather seats when you fly ScootBiz

There are a total of 32 Scootbiz seats on our flight when there were only 14 passengers. Most couples took the window and the entire central portion was empty empty for myself and another lady. Did i mention the leg space too? Check out the photo below!

Check out the legroom! Super spacious compared to the economy seats

The complimentary meal onboard ScootBiz

There’s a 3 pin plug located in between 2 seats so it is very convenient to charge your electrical appliances during the flight. The air stewardess were also very helpful in Scootbiz since the passenger to staff ratio is much lower. They even offered to give us a new ScooTV card should there be problems with the shows during the flight! The meal onboard is definitely not as good as those on SQ/Cathay but at least it is provided in the ticket price and fills your tummy till you reach your destination.

Flying via a budget airline can be a nightmare especially when you travel to popular destinations where the flights are usually full. As such, for a nominal fee, you get to travel in style as a business class passenger. For people who have yet to fly business, this may be the time to indulge without spending a bomb on the airticket!

It’s the time of the year that bargain hunters have been eagerly anticipating! For 1 whole month, many shopping malls have rolled out various promotions to entice shoppers to spend, spend, spend! The promotions are similar to previous shopping mall promotions covered for months of Apr-May and CNY. Paragon, Plaza Singapura and Suntec City seem to offer the best voucher deals for shopping, so do plan your shopping wisely!

Great Singapore Sale 2013

Mark down the 10th of June, July and August 2013 as compulsory dates to pump your petrol! With every $80 spent on fuel and/or convenience store, you get a free car wash worth $8 and a $1 cash rebate which is equivalent to an additional 1.25% off. Remember it’s only for the first 4000 redemptions so do go pump early! T&C here

Wow! This is a 50% offer, much better than the one that I went in May which was only a 20% off. Purchase with the HSBC revolution card to get 5% rebate with budget flights!

If you’re planning to travel to Gold Coast, Sydney, Taipei or Tianjin, fly Scoot and get your return flight FREE! Promotion is valid until 8th July 2013, 2359hrs (GMT+8) or while seats last! Don’t miss this awesome deal! Book now at http://bit.ly/ScootFreeReturn!

*Terms and Conditions apply. Travel period is from 5th July to 30th September 2013. Blackout periods apply over school holidays and event periods.

Since we are on the topic of cinemas in Singapore, i took a look at my previous post and decided to do an update since it was more than 7 months ago. For one, Eng Wah is undergoing renovation and hence has been removed till its Suntec branch is back in operations. Its West Mall branch has since been taken over by Cathay, which is good news for Bukit Batok residents if you are a REBEL member since you get a free upgrade (Refer to previous post).

Cathay has definitely scaled back in terms of credit card tie-ups and they are definitely not my first choice if i want to catch a movie on weekends. UOB has also fled to Shaw! Shaw has decent promotions with UOB/NTUC/Passion. However, GV continues to stand out for their HSBC movie card, which is the best deal for 2D movies on weekends – just $7.50, and the ANZ Prepaid card with the best value for 3D movies and weekdays. In addition, GV Max is superb with its latest ATMOS technology. I would rather fork out an extra $2 ($1.50 with 25% discount with ANZ Prepaid card) and experience the difference.

Standard Chartered used to one of my favourite banks as they had the Xtrasaver card, which provided 0.5% rebate for NETS transaction. Imagine an extra $15 each month per account if you pay $3000 worth of credit card bills at AXS machines. And the 10% rebate at Petrol kiosks, which beats any other cards hands down when combined with the SAFRA card at Caltex. Now all these privileges have been revoked.

In the forums, there have been buzz with news that the rebate will be reduced from 5% to 3% when you spend $3000 or more in a month. It appears that this will take effect in the last quarter this year. Not exactly something to look forward to since this is one of the cards that I keep in the pouch to be wiped out once every quarter for a large purchase of $4000 to earn the $200 rebate and then lie dormant for 2 months after. What’s more, the 1-for-1 weekend movie ticket promo at Cathay with every $100 spent has already been replaced with a lousy $1 off per movie ticket.

I believe the news will come with the upcoming bill this month to allow people to make their final spending on the cards for the 5%. Once this news is confirmed, I guess i will have one less card to keep in my wallet. Till then, make full use such as buying vouchers from NTUC, Giant, Ikea etc to make up to the $4000 cap for this quarter!

Bad news for people who have been paying by credit card for taxi rides (essentially only people who are able to claim from company since the 10% surcharge is too hefty for any real savings on your own)

From 15 July, Visa cards will no longer be accepted at all Trans Cab taxis in Singapore, following the company’s unwillingness to remove the 10 per cent surcharge on fares paid with Visa payment cards.

In March, Visa also withdrew the option of visa payment from ComfortDelGro’s cabs because of the taxi company’s refusal to waive the surcharge.

Original article from Straits Times

Apparently this promotion had been in effect since 4 May 13 and would be ongoing till 31 Dec 13. Simply spend $100 in a maximum of 3 receipts and be the first 50 people each day (Sat/Sun) to qualify for the free parking coupon. Of course, there is only a rebate of $5 per carpark coupon, so be careful! For instance, Tangs does not have per entry, and charges a maximum of $15 per day, so if you decided to spend the whole day in town, you still have to fork out some money for parking.

View the T&C here

Singapore Airlines has finally followed the footsteps of Qantas to allow customers to pay for their air tickets using a mixture of miles and cash, which is not a bad deal considering that sometimes you may be unable to accrue the required number of miles before your miles expire and you are desperate to make that redemption before all your efforts go to waste. Currently SQ charges USD 40 for 1000 miles, and the rate is less than half in the black market. More options are always better, and I will definitely consider this option if I am short of that small number of miles required for my next redemption. Check out http://paywithkrisflyermiles.com/ now

 It is almost a rite of passage that after all of us graduate and once the first paycheck comes in, we start applying for credit cards as a form of societal status and also to enjoy the perks and benefits that they bring. Of course, there will be some who will aspire to own the special invite-only cards such as Centurion, Ultimate or World Elite. BT has an article here with the credit cards for the ultra high networth individuals but unfortunately, these cards will remain out of reach for most of us despite us slogging for the rest of our lives.

In Singapore, there is a herd mentality in almost anything and everything around us. Just look at the number of LAN shops that sprouted in the millennium, or the prices of petrol for that matter. I have compiled a list of credit cards for the “high income earners”, and interestingly enough, you will realise that the minimum income for all these cards happen to $120k per annum. When HSBC Visa Infinite was first introduced, I recall that the minimum income required was $250k, but given the intense competition in this credit card market, I guess the marketing people have to think of ways to make their product more successful.

The above cards come with special perks that are not found in the run of the mill credit cards, such as private check in at JetQuay and free spa and gym in the hotels. And of course, given the hefty annual fees, they do give out a lot of “free miles”. If you recall a previous article that I’ve written on the frequent flier miles cards, ANZ Travel Visa Signature stood out as it offered 1.4 miles for $1 spent locally and 2.8 miles for overseas spending. Well, the T&Cs have been revised for the latter and now 2.8 miles is only for selected partners, airlines and spending in Australia and New Zealand. (Refer here for more details). As for local spending, UOB PRIVI is the fastest earner with 1.6 miles per $1 spent locally and 2.5 miles for overseas spending.

Of course, if you talk about dedicated spending at partner merchants, then AMEX Platinum members would still be the best (Refer here). As everyone has different spending habits, do look through the various cards before deciding on one that will be best suited for your lifestyle.

Wow! This is probably the best dining rebate that I’ve seen in the market. But the catch is that not all dining merchants accept UnionPay. Ion is probably one of the few places.

A quick summary:

- From 1 Jul to 30 Sep 2013, be the first 1,500 registered cardmembers to enjoy 30% cash rebates on dining spend
- No minimum spend
- To register, SMS “BOC<space>Last 12 digits of BOC CUP No” to 79777

Cash Rebates is capped at S$100 rebate per cardmember throughout the promotional period and will be reflected in Nov 2013 statement

Refer to BoC website for more information

Register now

Singtel and Starhub are kind enough to allow us to share in the joy of celebrating our nation’s birthday during this long weekend. Starting from today 7 Aug -11 Aug, Singtel mio TV allows preview of all its channels, and Starhub will allow preview of all channels from today till 12 Aug 13. And i just realised that Starhub can be watched anywhere on http://www.starhubtvanywhere.com/. Just logon with your hubid!

It’s here again! Don’t we love Standchart’s spend and redeem promotion? However, they have imposed a limit on the number of gifts now, and judging from the number of gifts they have given away in the past, there are easily 1000 people who will hit this spending so dont hesitate! Btw have you made your final big item purchase using your Manhattan card while you still get 5% rebate? It will end this month at the end of your billing cycle so hurry!

The August 2013 Spends Promotion is available from 0001 hour (Singapore time) on 01 August 2013 to 2359 hour (Singapore time) on 31 August 2013 (“Promotion Period”).

To participate in the Promotion, eligible cardholders of Standard Chartered credit and MANHATTAN cards (“Cardholders”) must successfully register their Cards online at our Website (“Registered Card”) during the Promotion Period and charge an amount to the Registered Card for retail purchases during the Promotion Period (“Qualifying Transactions”).

The first 1,000 Registered Cardholders who charge between $3,500 and $7,999 to their Registered Card in any number of Qualifying Transactions during the Promotion Period, will receive a Novita Air Purifier (NAP 101) (“Gift 1″).

The first 300 Registered Cardholders to charge $8,000 and above to the Registered Card in any number of Qualifying Transactions during the Promotion Period will receive an OSIM uPhoria Leg Massager (“Gift 2″).

Only principal Cardholders of Registered Cards may qualify to receive either Gift 1 or 2, notwithstanding that multiple Cards may have been successfully registered by such principal Cardholder for the Promotion.

For more details visit here

Well, after the recent article on credit cards for the high income earners, I’ve gone around to do some further digging and discovered a few more cards with pretty good perks. You don’t have to earn a lot of money, but you need to have quite a big sum of savings and put in your money with these banks. Nowadays, apart from deposits, there are a lot of other investment products such as bonds, equities etc, so it may be worthwhile thinking where to consolidate your money so that you can attain these statuses. For people who are interested in share investments, you may refer to my previous article on the cheapest stock brokers in Singapore.

ANZ is very generous with their overseas spending, each $1 spent will earn you 3.2 miles, far better than any other cards there. DBS and Standard Chartered’s offers are very mediocre. For UOB, their welcome gift of 60k miles is pretty generous, and what’s more you are able to enjoy the free use of St Gregory Spa Swimming Pool & Fitness Centre (4 outlets). It’s not easy to upgrade from a Personal Banking account to a Priority Banking account, but with sheer hardwork, planning, saving and investment, one will eventually get there someday

I’ve always loved Watsons’ Members Only Promotion, where they always have additional giveways like vouchers and other goodies on top of the 6% cash rebate with POSB everyday card (usual rebate is only 3%). Will definitely go and check it out to see if they have other discounts in store. Definitely a steal especially if you are after their wide range of facial and cosmetic products! Do you have the Watsons’ card yet? If not get it now! It costs only $5 for a lifetime membership. Find out more information here or click on the image below

Wow! Best credit card voted 5 years in a row! I guess this is essentially a card that is good for the general public for a few good reasons

1. 3% cash rebate on HDB  season parking fees.

Who says Singaporeans are not rich? Even in the HDB carparks, you do see big and expensive cars, not to mention in some more popular carparks, the season parking owners do not have a parking lot when they return home late! Anyway i digressed. HDB offers 2% rebate if you pay through GIRO, but this 3% cash rebate is definitely better. The other card that offers a higher cash rebate is UOB One card which offers an effective rate of 3.33% provided you spend $300 per month for a quarter to qualify for a $30 cash rebate for that quarter.

2. 2% cash rebate on EZ-reload

Refer to my previous article on Best Credit Cards for EZ link topup, the best is HSBC revolution with 7% rebate, but with a lot of terms & conditions. POSB everyday card is a no-frills 2% with every topup.

3. 3% cash rebate at Watsons

Frankly, things at Watsons are not cheap. But with their Members card and frequent Members Only Sale with 6% cash rebate with POSB everyday card, things do become cheaper. Just need to a keep a lookout for them.

4. 3% cash rebate at SPC

Refer to previous post on Best Credit Cards for Petrol Topup. I still prefer Citibank Dividend at Esso, and SAFRA+ Standard Chartered Xtrasaver at Caltex, unless there are special promotions of course. Now there’s a 6% rebate till 31 Aug 13.

5. 5% cash rebate at Sheng Siong

This is a new merchant that’s been added to the list. From my previous post on Best Credit Cards for Supermarkets, it’s the best one out there for Sheng Siong since Sheng Siong has few tie-ups with credit cards.

6. 1% rebate at Popular, Singapore Power, Starhub, Comfort-Taxis

These are all household names that the public is familar with, but honestly the 1% rebate is pathetic and should be avoid since there are better credit cards out there to pay your bills with.

7. 0.3% rebate with everything else!

Honestly, don’t bother. Even Citibank dividend gives you 0.5%, so why settle for something less?

So with all these rebates, what do you do with them? Should you just use it at Sheng Siong when you pay for your grocery shopping at the next visit? Or use it at SPC when you pump petrol?

First and foremost, you need to understand how the rebates are awarded. Whenever you make a purchase, the net amount (after all the discounts) will  be awarded the rebates. For example, you spend $100 at SPC (after all the SPC discount), so you will receive $3 cash rebate (3%). However, if you already have some rebates and want to use them, then the rebates would be used to offset the amount and the final amount would be rewarded the cash rebate. For instance, if you have $3 cash rebate and you want to use it, your final bill becomes $97. That means your final cash rebate is $97* 0.03 = $2.91. Logically speaking, you would want to redeem your cash rebate at the merchants with the lowest rebate right?

Well, if you did not already know, you can actually use your cash rebate to offset your credit card bill instead! Choose option 2 instead of option 1 and maximise your cash rebates!

The Amex KF gold card was superceded by the newly launced KF Asend card. New signups for the KF gold card have already ceased but existing gold cardmembers can continue to hold on or decide to jump ship. I was proscrastinating for a while until I saw their recent promotion, so after a quick comparison, I decided to switch since I do not foresee myself spending so much on the KF gold card.

For a start, in terms of miles acrrual, KF gold earns 0.625/$1. With $5k spent in a year, this increases to 0.9375 and 1.25 with $12k spent in a year. The bonus points only come in one lump sum at the beginning of the following year. As for KF Ascend, you earn 1 mile/$1.20=0.833 miles/$1. If you spend more than $1000 per month, every additional $500 earns you 300 bonus miles. E.g. if you spend $1500 for January on any purchase, you get 1200 miles+300=1500 miles (i.e. 1 mile/$1). If this $1500 was spent on SQ ticket bought from Singaporeair.com, you earn 2400+300=2700 miles (i.e. 1.8 miles/$1) If you spend $4000 on any purchase, you get 3333 miles+1800=5133 miles (i.e. 1.28 miles).

Looking at the above chart, the new KF Ascend card does offer more perks, since the double miles promotion is extended to other merchants like Krishop (Yeah! Can buy more booze each time you travel through DFS! Check out http://www.krisshopair.com/). What’s more, the free one night stay per year at Millennium Hotels sounds really tempting. It is valid for each calender year and you get the M&C Loyalty Gold card as well.

For this short time only, $100 Capita Voucher will be given to the first 10k cardmembers who spend $500 within 30 days of card approval and 2x KF miles on all purchases made in first 3 months, including those with bonus points.Quoting the example from above, for $1500 spent on a SQ ticket, you get 0.833*2*2*1500+300 bonus=5300 points (i.e. 3.53 miles/$1). This is definitely unbeatable in the market! To hit the 10k bonus miles cap, you need to spend $6000 on anything (or $3000 on Singaporeair.com or its double miles partners) within the first 3 miles then can stop using the card after that