I like to apply for credit cards whenever I can. The idea is to apply as many as possible, and then only use one card the whole time to accumulate the loyalty points. Some friends tell me, however, that that is a bad idea because they will then spend a lot of money if they have many credit cards. I don't have this problem because I don't see how having many credit cards is related to the amount of money I spend shopping.
Anyway, from what I've seen so far, DBS's Esso card is good for petrol discounts, Citibank's is good for dining discounts, HSBS' is useful for reducing the price of a movie ticket by $1, Standard Chartered's is nice for taking off 15% off the Singapore Marathon fees, and UOB's is good for a 13% discount on vPost shipping charges. There is just no excuse whatsoever not to apply as many cards as possible to take advantage of all possible discounts. (Actually the way I see it, these are not really 'discounts'; it's just that those who don't take advantage of such things are 'paying extra'.)
Now, the above will only make sense if you don't pay the annual fees. The banks usually waive the annual fee charges for one or two years. In the third year, people either ask for a waiver by calling customer service, or they cancel the card. There is just no reason to pay any annual fees unless one really likes the credit card in question and refuses to part with it.
So this past week, I received yet another nice invitation to apply for this UOB Infinite card. The application package is very pretty, and I feel the card seems suitable for me as I, too, 'appreciate the finer things in life', particularly if they're not too expensive. (Click below for bigger pictures.)
Here are the usual 'privileges'. The one about 'on the house dining at Hyatt' looks interesting... (Could I just waltz in and get free food?!)
So I took out my pen to fill in the application form, and my eyes nearly popped out! The income requirement is SGD$350,000 per annum. I don't even earn 10% of that. But that's OK. There are many people who earn that amount, and they should go ahead and apply. But look at the next line.
The annual fee is S1500! Which astute rich person in his or her right mind would be willing to pay anything, let alone $1500, just for the annual fee?! Then again, it's understood that a phone call can quickly write off that fee, so everything will be fine eventually. If you appreciate the finer things in life and want to apply, just reply below, and I will send the form to you. ;p
Here are the usual 'privileges'. The one about 'on the house dining at Hyatt' looks interesting... (Could I just waltz in and get free food?!)
So I took out my pen to fill in the application form, and my eyes nearly popped out! The income requirement is SGD$350,000 per annum. I don't even earn 10% of that. But that's OK. There are many people who earn that amount, and they should go ahead and apply. But look at the next line.
The annual fee is S1500! Which astute rich person in his or her right mind would be willing to pay anything, let alone $1500, just for the annual fee?! Then again, it's understood that a phone call can quickly write off that fee, so everything will be fine eventually. If you appreciate the finer things in life and want to apply, just reply below, and I will send the form to you. ;p
Comments
The only thing that I think stands out is they indeed ask you to partake in the "finer" things in life like getting invites to attend Maserati carshowroom opening, sINCERe watch launches, fashion shows etc.
But the question is..are u prepared to spend on those useless stuff.
Even the concerge service is a generic number that will get you to a cust svc officer... .. travel plans u dont get anything cheap too..
So all in, watever credit card u have ..does not matter.. aLl that matters is ..are you willing to spend? :)
And no, I'm not prepared to spend (on useless stuff) because I don't feel that there's a correlation, nor causation, between the type of card/number of cards I have, and the amount of money I'd spend. ;)
The Infinite is better because:
- rewards points have no expiry date
- no monthly cap on rewards points to asia miles conversion
- concierge hotline is direct dial i.e. no pressing of numbers before you reach the UOB officer
- concierge service has better attitude and faster response. Platinum service is like Gold service.
- higher reward point conversion rate
- when I was in US and Europe, some hotels and restaurants, when they see this card, give you a second glance.
Anyway, they have also rejected my request for another waiver 'coz I think they know I don spend enough. :P
martin, the min. spending to get fee waiver is around SGD$60k.
Oh well, guess I will just stick with the normal cards. I have not found any real usage for the card as I am not really a high spender. Living quite a frugal life....
I think one issue like that above shows the difference in service.
thks