Just this weekend only (1 & 2 Nov 2014), get additional 4% rebates (to be credited by 28 Feb 2015) by using POSB Everyday card to pay for your petrol at SPC. This is on top of the usual 6% rebates and 15% discount given by SPC&U card.
Just charge a minimum of S$200.00 (posted local and foreign retail sales, posted 0% interest-free instalment plan, posted recurring bill payment but excludes interest, finance charges, cash withdrawal, balance transfer, smart cash and all fees charged by DBS) to your POSB Everyday CC on this weekend (1 & 2 Nov 2014) to enjoy this promotion!
$100 - 15% (SPC&U) - 10% (6% usual rebate + 4% additional rebate) = S$76.50 (23.5% discount)
Max of S$20.00 in rebates to be earned! Equivalent to S$235 gross fuel purchase!
Hurry and pump at SPC this weekend! Of course, don't forget to charge a minimum of S$200 to your POSB Everyday CC to enjoy the additional 4% of SPC fuel!
More information here!
Tags: POSB, Everyday, SPC, weekend promotion, 1 & 2 Nov 2014, 23.5%, discount
Friday 31 October 2014
American Express True Cashback Card
Recently, AMEX has introduced a new credit card targeting consumers who rather have cash rebates (like myself) over miles.
The American Express True Cashback Card
As the name of the card suggests, this card is all about cash rebates. Though the cash rebate of 1.5% is still less than that of the ANZ Travel Visa Signature which is effectively 2.5%. Do continue to read on because, AMEX is offering a whopping 5% cash rebates (inclusive of 1.5%) for the first 3 months, on up to $5000.00 of your purchases (including supplementary card spending)!
So if you are planning to purchase some big ticket items, wait for this card and make use of this offer!
After the 3 months of 5% cash rebate (or up to S$5000.00), you may keep this card in your vault as it is really useless after that.
That means:
Other benefits of the card:
1) 1.5% Cashback on any purchase you make, anytime (Including instalment plans, wedding banquets!)
2) Book with American Express Cards and enjoy attractive offers on hotels and flight bookings with ZUJI Singapore
More information here!
Apply for the AMEX True Cashback Card now!
Tags: American Express, AMEX, True Cashback Card, cash rebates
The American Express True Cashback Card
 |
| Image credit: Amex Singapore |
As the name of the card suggests, this card is all about cash rebates. Though the cash rebate of 1.5% is still less than that of the ANZ Travel Visa Signature which is effectively 2.5%. Do continue to read on because, AMEX is offering a whopping 5% cash rebates (inclusive of 1.5%) for the first 3 months, on up to $5000.00 of your purchases (including supplementary card spending)!
So if you are planning to purchase some big ticket items, wait for this card and make use of this offer!
After the 3 months of 5% cash rebate (or up to S$5000.00), you may keep this card in your vault as it is really useless after that.
That means:
- 5% cash rebates for the first 3 months (up to S$5000.00 spent)
- S$50 AirAsia E-Gift Voucher for the first 3,000 approved applicants
- Receive $20 CapitaVoucher When You Apply Online
Other benefits of the card:
1) 1.5% Cashback on any purchase you make, anytime (Including instalment plans, wedding banquets!)
2) Book with American Express Cards and enjoy attractive offers on hotels and flight bookings with ZUJI Singapore
More information here!
Apply for the AMEX True Cashback Card now!
Tags: American Express, AMEX, True Cashback Card, cash rebates
Thursday 30 October 2014
Shop at VivoCity and earn 2% rebates!
Enrol in VivoCity's Carpark Redemption Scheme and get S$1.00 off carpark charge with every S$50 spent!
Terms and conditions:
- Min S$50.00 required for redemption
- Max combination of 3 receipts per day
- Max of S$5.00 to be redeemed per day (= Max of S$250.00 spent)
The carpark redemption of S$1 per S$50 spent equates to 2% of your spending!
And it's fuss free. You do not need to insert any complimentary coupon or sort. Just insert your cash card into your IU and drive to the gantry. The computer will automatically offset whatever amount you have redeemed and if there is outstanding amount to be paid, the amount will be deducted directly from your cash card.
E.g. Continuing the example above, if you incurred parking charges of S$8.40, the system will deduct S$4.17 from your CRS account and S$4.23 from your cash card! Cool and fuss free, isn't it?
So if you need to do some shopping and VivoCity is not too far away, it might be worthwhile to get it from VivoCity instead of other malls! Besides, VivoCity has one of the lowest carpark rates among shopping malls in Singapore!
| Monday-Friday | Saturday, Sunday, Eve of Public Holiday & Public Holiday |
|
|---|---|---|
| Motorcar | ||
| 0700hrs to 1800hrs | $1.20 for 1st hour; $0.60 for subsequent 30mins block or part thereof | $1.40 for 1st hour; $0.70 for subsequent 30mins block or part thereof |
| 1800hrs to 0400hrs | $3.00 per entry | $3.50 per entry |
| 0400hrs to 0700hrs | $2.50 per hour | $2.50 per hour |
| Motorcycle | $1.00 for first 3 hours, $1.00 for subsequent hour or part thereof | $1.00 for first 3 hours, $1.00 for subsequent hour or part thereof |
So the next time you visit VivoCity, get your IU number and NRIC ready and enrol in VivoCity's Carpark Redemption Scheme!
More information here!
Tags: VivoCity, carpark, redemption, CRS
Good & Cheap Food: Ben's Western Bar (Toa Payoh)
Everyday, I set a budget S$10.00 for my lunch, including drinks and there are plenty of choices for me to choose from.
These aren't paid advertisements and I do not receive a single cent from the owners of these stalls. I DO wish (hint hint) they would give me free lunches!
Let me begin with this:
Ben's Western Bar
The prices of this stall is affordable, from S$6.00 (Chicken Chop with 2 sides) to $15.80 (Ribeye steak with 2 sides). I tried the chicken chop with 2 sides a couple of times and I must say it tastes better than most western stalls out there with this price. And the taste is consistent.
The portion is about palm size, and I chose fries and spaghetti to go with my chicken chop. Though the chicken is a little oily, it is rather tender and juicy. Spaghetti is well cooked in tomato sauce, not too hard and not too soggy. And the crispy fries is the thick, non wavy kind.
Overall, I quite like the taste of this chicken chop. Otherwise, I wouldn't return for the Nth time in 3 months.
Taste: 3.85 out of 5
Price: 1 green note and 1 gold coin (S$6.00) for the chicken chop
Will I return for more: Yes
Nearest carpark: Blk 93A MSCP ($0.50/30min coupon parking)
Tags: Food, western, Toa Payoh, Ben's Western Bar, chicken, beef, spaghetti, fries
These aren't paid advertisements and I do not receive a single cent from the owners of these stalls. I DO wish (hint hint) they would give me free lunches!
Let me begin with this:
Ben's Western Bar
 |
| Blk 95 Toa Payoh Lorong 4 |
The prices of this stall is affordable, from S$6.00 (Chicken Chop with 2 sides) to $15.80 (Ribeye steak with 2 sides). I tried the chicken chop with 2 sides a couple of times and I must say it tastes better than most western stalls out there with this price. And the taste is consistent.
 |
| Palm size juicy chicken chop with fries and spaghetti |
The portion is about palm size, and I chose fries and spaghetti to go with my chicken chop. Though the chicken is a little oily, it is rather tender and juicy. Spaghetti is well cooked in tomato sauce, not too hard and not too soggy. And the crispy fries is the thick, non wavy kind.
Overall, I quite like the taste of this chicken chop. Otherwise, I wouldn't return for the Nth time in 3 months.
 |
| 10 minutes later... |
Taste: 3.85 out of 5
Price: 1 green note and 1 gold coin (S$6.00) for the chicken chop
Will I return for more: Yes
Nearest carpark: Blk 93A MSCP ($0.50/30min coupon parking)
Tags: Food, western, Toa Payoh, Ben's Western Bar, chicken, beef, spaghetti, fries
Wednesday 29 October 2014
Enjoy up to 21% off Esso with min S$75.00 synergy fuel purchase!
Good news for Esso supporters! Pump S$75.00 and get S$3.00 off your purchase when you pay with a DBS Credit Card! Promotion till 11 Nov 2014. POSB credit cards excluded from promotion!
Enjoy 21% discount when you pump S$75.00 worth of fuel and pay with the DBS Esso Credit Card.
S$75.00 - 17% - S$3.00 = S$59.25 (21% discount)
Enjoy 18% discount when you pump S$75.00 worth of fuel and pay with other DBS Credit Card.
S$75.00 - 14% - S$3.00 = S$61.50 (18% discount)
Tags: Esso, DBS, credit card, discount
Enjoy 21% discount when you pump S$75.00 worth of fuel and pay with the DBS Esso Credit Card.
S$75.00 - 17% - S$3.00 = S$59.25 (21% discount)
Enjoy 18% discount when you pump S$75.00 worth of fuel and pay with other DBS Credit Card.
S$75.00 - 14% - S$3.00 = S$61.50 (18% discount)
Tags: Esso, DBS, credit card, discount
Tuesday 28 October 2014
Where do I buy electronic appliances?
Everyone buys electronic appliance. But not everyone knows where to get the best deal.
So, the question is, where can I find the best deal for electronic appliances in Singapore?
Many people will recommend Parisilk, Goh Ah Bee etc.
I recommend Mega Discount Store.
However, before you head down to Mega Discount Store, do your homework.
1) Shortlist what you want to buy, down to the exact brand and model.
2) Head down or call up a few electronics store (especially Parisilk and Goh Ah Bee) and ask for a quotation.
3) Note down the lowest price (normal retail price; not price tied to limited sets)
4) Head to Mega Discount Store
Look for an assistant and tell him what you want. If the price he quoted is higher than your researched price, tell him that and see if Mega can match your lowest researched price. They will reject you if they cannot match. Then you can go back to where you get your lowest researched price to buy. BUT if they can match your lowest researched price, then you are in luck.
BECAUSE, Mega Discount Store allows payment by credit card. Parisilk and Goh Ah Bee may give low prices but they may only accept cash payment for the low price they give. They may allow credit card payments but the price will not be as attractive as when you pay by cash.
Hence, you will get additional discount of between 2.5% (using ANZ Travel Visa Signature) and 3% (using Standard Chartered Manhattan if you exceed S$3000.00) if you purchased from Mega Discount Store.
That's not the end of it!
You can either make full payment at point of purchase and wait for the delivery (recommended due to savings from using credit card), or you may just pay a little deposit (10-20%) and pay the rest upon delivery.
The beauty of this is, if you purchased a TV at S$2000.00 on 1 Jan and due to deliver on 1 May, in the meantime, you find another store selling at S$1800.00 (reduced retail selling price; not flash sale price), you may let Mega know about the new price and if they can, they will match the price. Otherwise, they will allow refund of your payment for the item. I give them 2 thumbs up for the service!
Mega Discount Store offers free delivery and their delivery man is pretty punctual. If they say deliver between 2 and 5pm, you can be certain they will be there within the stipulated time. And they will install for you FOC.
So this is why I highly recommend buying from Mega Discount Store!
By the way, before you think this is a paid advertisement, I must say the above are solely based on my account from buying from Mega about 2 years back. I spent about S$4000.00 in total buying electronic appliances from them for my new BTO. If the practice I stated above is no longer available, do let me know.
Tags: Mega Discount Store, Parisilk, Goh Ah Bee, Harvey Norman, Courts, electronic appliance, Standard Chartered Manhattan, ANZ Travel Visa Signature
So, the question is, where can I find the best deal for electronic appliances in Singapore?
Many people will recommend Parisilk, Goh Ah Bee etc.
I recommend Mega Discount Store.
 |
| Image credit: Mega Discount Store |
However, before you head down to Mega Discount Store, do your homework.
1) Shortlist what you want to buy, down to the exact brand and model.
2) Head down or call up a few electronics store (especially Parisilk and Goh Ah Bee) and ask for a quotation.
3) Note down the lowest price (normal retail price; not price tied to limited sets)
4) Head to Mega Discount Store
Look for an assistant and tell him what you want. If the price he quoted is higher than your researched price, tell him that and see if Mega can match your lowest researched price. They will reject you if they cannot match. Then you can go back to where you get your lowest researched price to buy. BUT if they can match your lowest researched price, then you are in luck.
BECAUSE, Mega Discount Store allows payment by credit card. Parisilk and Goh Ah Bee may give low prices but they may only accept cash payment for the low price they give. They may allow credit card payments but the price will not be as attractive as when you pay by cash.
Hence, you will get additional discount of between 2.5% (using ANZ Travel Visa Signature) and 3% (using Standard Chartered Manhattan if you exceed S$3000.00) if you purchased from Mega Discount Store.
That's not the end of it!
You can either make full payment at point of purchase and wait for the delivery (recommended due to savings from using credit card), or you may just pay a little deposit (10-20%) and pay the rest upon delivery.
The beauty of this is, if you purchased a TV at S$2000.00 on 1 Jan and due to deliver on 1 May, in the meantime, you find another store selling at S$1800.00 (reduced retail selling price; not flash sale price), you may let Mega know about the new price and if they can, they will match the price. Otherwise, they will allow refund of your payment for the item. I give them 2 thumbs up for the service!
Mega Discount Store offers free delivery and their delivery man is pretty punctual. If they say deliver between 2 and 5pm, you can be certain they will be there within the stipulated time. And they will install for you FOC.
So this is why I highly recommend buying from Mega Discount Store!
By the way, before you think this is a paid advertisement, I must say the above are solely based on my account from buying from Mega about 2 years back. I spent about S$4000.00 in total buying electronic appliances from them for my new BTO. If the practice I stated above is no longer available, do let me know.
Tags: Mega Discount Store, Parisilk, Goh Ah Bee, Harvey Norman, Courts, electronic appliance, Standard Chartered Manhattan, ANZ Travel Visa Signature
Monday 27 October 2014
How much do I need to save up for a wedding?
Someone emailed me, asking me to give a breakdown cost of a decent wedding with the usual requirements.
So how much do you really need to save up before a wedding? Let's do a break down of the necessary (or required by GF) expenses for a wedding.
ROM
Estimated cost: min S$26.00
Bethrothal Gold (娉金)
Estimated cost: min S$888.00 (very very very subjective)
Bethrothal Gift (聘礼)
Estimated cost: min S$300.00
*Teochew Dowry Jewellery (四點金)
Estimated cost: min S$3000.00
*Banquet (4 star hotel & above)
Estimated cost: min S$1200.00 per table
*Wedding packages (including actual day gowns, actual day photography, wedding car decor)
Estimated cost: min S$3000.00
*Videographer (from morning gatecrashing to dinner)
Estimated cost: S$2000.00 including OT
Wedding bands
Estimated cost: min S$1000.00
*Engagement (Proposal) Ring
Estimated cost: min S$1500.00
*Wedding car rental
Estimated cost: min S$238.00
*Gatecrashing Angbao
Estimated cost: min S$188.00
Misc expenses for the Newlyweds bedroom
Estimated cost: min S$200.00
Misc angbaos of S$28.00 each
Estimated cost: min S$500.00
Pre-wedding Photoshoot
Estimated cost: min S$2000.00
*Denotes optional items (in my opinion)
Let's assume the couples only invite close friends and relatives. So they require 18 tables (180pax)
The total cost for a decent wedding would be: S$36,440.00.
This is just an estimate that you will need for a wedding. BUT not to worry, there are still ang baos from your guests which you can use to offset the cost.
ALWAYS assume you will make a loss of between 10% and 20% of the banquet. That will let you control your budget and not burst your budget.
Hence, you should get back S$18,360.00 (estimated loss of 15%).
Your total cost for the wedding is now: S$18,080.00.
FRET NOT GUYS! You only need S$18,000.00 to hold a decent wedding with banquet at a 4 star hotel.
It's not as difficult as you think!
If you omit those which I think are optional and can do without, it will only cost you S$5000.00! Take the balance of S$13,000 to go on a honeymoon in Europe instead!
It is always good to work out all these expenses to have a good idea of how much you really need for a wedding! Try not to overspend and keep to a budget (that is if your other half agrees). And SAVE for your BIG day!
Tags: wedding, expenses, budget, banquet, hotel, bethrothal gift, price, angbao
So how much do you really need to save up before a wedding? Let's do a break down of the necessary (or required by GF) expenses for a wedding.
 |
| Image credit: www.theworldofchinese.com |
ROM
Estimated cost: min S$26.00
Bethrothal Gold (娉金)
Estimated cost: min S$888.00 (very very very subjective)
Bethrothal Gift (聘礼)
Estimated cost: min S$300.00
*Teochew Dowry Jewellery (四點金)
Estimated cost: min S$3000.00
*Banquet (4 star hotel & above)
Estimated cost: min S$1200.00 per table
*Wedding packages (including actual day gowns, actual day photography, wedding car decor)
Estimated cost: min S$3000.00
*Videographer (from morning gatecrashing to dinner)
Estimated cost: S$2000.00 including OT
Wedding bands
Estimated cost: min S$1000.00
*Engagement (Proposal) Ring
Estimated cost: min S$1500.00
*Wedding car rental
Estimated cost: min S$238.00
*Gatecrashing Angbao
Estimated cost: min S$188.00
Misc expenses for the Newlyweds bedroom
Estimated cost: min S$200.00
Misc angbaos of S$28.00 each
Estimated cost: min S$500.00
Pre-wedding Photoshoot
Estimated cost: min S$2000.00
*Denotes optional items (in my opinion)
Let's assume the couples only invite close friends and relatives. So they require 18 tables (180pax)
The total cost for a decent wedding would be: S$36,440.00.
This is just an estimate that you will need for a wedding. BUT not to worry, there are still ang baos from your guests which you can use to offset the cost.
ALWAYS assume you will make a loss of between 10% and 20% of the banquet. That will let you control your budget and not burst your budget.
Hence, you should get back S$18,360.00 (estimated loss of 15%).
Your total cost for the wedding is now: S$18,080.00.
FRET NOT GUYS! You only need S$18,000.00 to hold a decent wedding with banquet at a 4 star hotel.
It's not as difficult as you think!
If you omit those which I think are optional and can do without, it will only cost you S$5000.00! Take the balance of S$13,000 to go on a honeymoon in Europe instead!
It is always good to work out all these expenses to have a good idea of how much you really need for a wedding! Try not to overspend and keep to a budget (that is if your other half agrees). And SAVE for your BIG day!
Tags: wedding, expenses, budget, banquet, hotel, bethrothal gift, price, angbao
Thursday 23 October 2014
Uber is offering free rides today!
Uber is offering 2 taxi rides for free (up to S$35.00) today, 23 October 2014!
Details here.
Quickly download the Uber app and grab your free ride now!
Tags: Uber, taxi, free, rides
Details here.
Quickly download the Uber app and grab your free ride now!
Tags: Uber, taxi, free, rides
Wednesday 22 October 2014
OCBC 360 Account - Highest Interest Savings Account!
Earn up to 3.05% interest per year with the OCBC 360 Account.
This is by far the savings account that offers the highest interest rate for deposits, much higher than what you would get for all fixed deposit! And it is a savings account, meaning you can withdraw your money anytime and anywhere you want with an ATM card.
How does it work?
Base interest: 0.05% per year
1.00% per year (applicable to 1st S$50,000.00 of account balance only)
1.00% per year (applicable to 1st S$50,000.00 of account balance only)
1.00% per year (applicable to 1st S$50,000.00 of account balance only)
All Bonus interests will be credited by the 7th business day of each month.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE:
This is by far the savings account that offers the highest interest rate for deposits, much higher than what you would get for all fixed deposit! And it is a savings account, meaning you can withdraw your money anytime and anywhere you want with an ATM card.
How does it work?
Base interest: 0.05% per year
- this is the interest you will earn for whatever amount you have in the account
1.00% per year (applicable to 1st S$50,000.00 of account balance only)
- Earn extra 1% interest if you credit your salary of minimum S$2000.00
- Only salary credit by GIRO will be entitled
- Must have "GIRO - Salary" description to qualify
1.00% per year (applicable to 1st S$50,000.00 of account balance only)
- Pay 3 unique bills using "Pay any bill", "Pay any card" or "GIRO" within a calendar month to qualify
- 3 different credit cards from the same bank is considered 3 unique bill payment
- Multiple payments to the same bill is considered as 1 payment only
- Payments that are subsequently cancelled, reversed or made void will not be considered.
1.00% per year (applicable to 1st S$50,000.00 of account balance only)
- Spend S$400 in total on all OCBC issued credit cards within a calendar month to qualify
- Must be Principal Account Holder as well as Principal Card Holder to qualify
- Eligibility depends on posting date, not transaction date. (Posting date is typically 1 to 3 days from transaction date. Some merchants may take longer)
All Bonus interests will be credited by the 7th business day of each month.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE:
Initial Deposit: S$1,000
Minimum Monthly Balance: S$3,000
Fall below fee: S$2 (waived for the first year)
So long you qualify for 2 Bonus interest categories, you would have gotten yourself a good deal!
For comparison sake, typical savings account gives just 0.05% per year interest!
Quickly go and apply now!
Tags: OCBC, 360, bonus interest, 3.05%, savings account
Tuesday 21 October 2014
Enjoy 10% cash rebates using POSB Everyday on weekends in October 2014!
From 1 – 26 October 2014, charge a minimum of S$300 to your POSB Everyday Card on any weekend (Sat & Sun) to enjoy 10% cash rebate on your weekend dining1 and online grocery shopping1!
What’s more, use your POSB Everyday Card your all-in-one card and enjoy 10% rebate on all your EZ-Reload transactions2 in October 2014!
1POSB Everyday
Cardmembers will enjoy 10% rebate on weekend dining and online grocery
shopping during each eligible weekend period from 4 - 5 Oct, 11 - 12
Oct, 18 - 19 Oct and 25 - 26 Oct 2014, subjected to a minimum spend of
S$300 (Total Account Spend) charged to the POSB Everyday Card during the
Eligible Weekend. The amount of rebate is capped at S$50 per POSB
Everyday Card account.
2POSB
Everyday Cardmembers will enjoy 10% rebate on EZ-Reload charged to
their Card from 1 - 31 October 2014, subject to a minimum spend of S$100
on EZ-Reload transactions and capped at S$10 rebate per Card account.
To sign-up for EZ-Reload, please visit www.ezlink.com.sg. POSB Everyday Card Agreement and Terms and Conditions Governing Accounts apply.
For full terms and conditions, please click here.
For full terms and conditions, please click here.
This is the last weekend to enjoy the 10% cash rebates! Now get your card ready!
Tags: POSB, Everyday credit card, Sheng Siong, 10% cash rebates, weekend, October, dining, online grocery shopping
Get up to 20.6% discount off Caltex petrol with ANZ credit card!
Enjoy additional savings at the Caltex Flash sale
Enjoy an extra S$18 discount on top of the prevailing 15% discount when you purchase the S$500 ANZ StarCash Card at only S$407*. Look out for the exclusive Flash Sale promotion happening at selected Caltex service stations 11am to 9pm, every Saturday and Sunday in the month of October. For the list of participating locations, please call 1800 269 2269.
How do I get 20.6% discount? Easy, pay with the ANZ Travel Visa Signature credit card!
You earn 1.4 Travel$ for every S$1 spent for ANZ Travel Visa Signature credit card, which equats to 2.5% cash rebate. (2750 Travel$ = S$50 cash credit)
Thus, you are paying S$500 - 15% - S$18 - 2.5% = S$396.83 for S$500 worth of Caltex petrol credits! This works out to be a whopping 20.635% discount!!
This is the last weekend to grab the StarCash Card! More information here!
Tags: Caltex, ANZ, StarCash, credit card
Monday 20 October 2014
UOB One credit card 3.3% rebate!
The UOB One credit card is a card I use every month but it is never in my wallet. In fact, it has been in the drawer since day 1. But this card has earned me consistent 3.3% cash rebates for the longest time.
How do I do it?
Let's look at some benefits of the UOB One card
1) Earn up to 3.33% cash rebates
2) Up to 10% SMART$ rebates
Basically, I charged my telco bills, monthly insurance payment, S&CC fees to the UOB One card and make sure that the recurring charges hit one of the S$300 / S$800 / S$1500 min spending every statement period, and I just leave the card in the drawer. Hassle-free and I do not have to keep track of whether I will get the 3.33% cash rebate of not.
For Instance:
S&CC: S$59.00
Telco: S$120.00
Insurance: S$130.00
Total: S$309.00 (and it's 3 transactions)
So every 3 statement periods, I get S$30.00 cash rebate out of S$927.00 which is 3.23%.
Amazing, isn't it?
How do I know which are my qualifying quarters?
I received emails telling me that their statements do not have the qualifying quarters stated on it and I was a little puzzled. Because I have been seeing it for quite some time already. Nevertheless, I monitored my next statement and the qualifying quarters line is still there. And this month, the statement included the amount of SMART$ I have in one of my cards! That's very good information as I do not know how much SMART$ I have in my card actually!
Tags: UOB One, credit card, recurring bills, 3.3%, cash rebate, telco, insurance, S&CC, bills
How do I do it?
Let's look at some benefits of the UOB One card
 |
| Image credit: UOB Singapore |
1) Earn up to 3.33% cash rebates
- Spend at least S$300 / S$800 / S$1500 every statement period and get S$30 / S$80 / S$150 cash rebates to offset your bills every quarter
- Min 3 transactions per statement period is required
- Instalment plans are included as a transaction as well as qualifying amount
| Min Requirement | Purchases made with UOB One Card | Rebate Earned | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statement date | 15 Aug | 15 Sept | 15 Oct | 15 Nov | |
| Total minimum monthly spend tiers | i | S$300 | S$300 | S$300 | S$30 |
| ii. | S$800 | S$800 | S$800 | S$80 | |
| iii. | S$1,500 | S$1,500 | S$1,500 | S$150 | |
| Minimum number of purchases per statement period. | 3 | 3 | 3 | ||
2) Up to 10% SMART$ rebates
- Get up to an additional 10% instant SMART$ rebate at over 600 participating merchants
- Additional 2% rebate applies to all transactions made overseas (excluding "not card-present" transactions example online transactions, mail/phone order),
- Capped at S$5,000 overseas spend per calendar year, awarded to you every month to offset your monthly credit card bills
Basically, I charged my telco bills, monthly insurance payment, S&CC fees to the UOB One card and make sure that the recurring charges hit one of the S$300 / S$800 / S$1500 min spending every statement period, and I just leave the card in the drawer. Hassle-free and I do not have to keep track of whether I will get the 3.33% cash rebate of not.
For Instance:
S&CC: S$59.00
Telco: S$120.00
Insurance: S$130.00
Total: S$309.00 (and it's 3 transactions)
So every 3 statement periods, I get S$30.00 cash rebate out of S$927.00 which is 3.23%.
Amazing, isn't it?
How do I know which are my qualifying quarters?
 |
| Qualifying quarters are stated in your monthly statement |
 |
| UOB statement now tells you how much SMART$ you have! |
Tags: UOB One, credit card, recurring bills, 3.3%, cash rebate, telco, insurance, S&CC, bills
Friday 17 October 2014
Best credit card to use for luxury goods!
To my knowledge, most luxury brands do not have tie-ups with credit cards or banks. Meaning, they do not offer discounts for using a particular credit card.
So which card do I use to get the most out of my luxury purchase?
The answer is, Maybank World Mastercard
What this card offers:
1) CLUB 21
• 3.1 Phillip Lim • A|X Armani Exchange • Alexander Wang • Armani Junior • Balenciaga
• BLACKBARRETT • Bonpoint • Caramel Baby & Child • Carven
• Calvin Klein platinum label • Calvin Klein platinum label Accessories • Club 21
• Club 21 Gallery • Club 21 Men • Club 21b • Comme des Garçons
• Comme des Garçons POCKET • DKNY • DKNY JEANS • Donna Karan
• Dries Van Noten • Emporio Armani • Giorgio Armani • Issey Miyake • Jil Sander
• Kids 21 • Lanvin • Marc by Marc Jacobs • Marc Jacobs • Marni • Mulberry
• Paul Smith • Pleats Please Issey Miyake Bao Bao Issey Miyake • Pomellato
• Proenza Schouler • Stella McCartney • Tsumori Chisato
Valid till 31 December 2014. 10X tr’eats Points is only applicable to standalone boutiques in Singapore.
2) T Galleria by DFS (Scottswalk)
BOUTIQUES
• Bally • Bottega Veneta • Bulgari • Burberry • Celine • Chloe • Coach • Dunhill • Fendi
• Givenchy • Gucci • Loewe • Louis Vuitton • Marc by Marc Jacobs • Mont Blanc
• Prada • Ralph Lauren • Salvatore Ferragamo • Tod’s • Tumi
COSMETICS
• Benefit • Biotherm • Bobbi Brown • Chanel • Clarins • Clinique • Dior • Estee Lauder
• Kiehl’s • Giorgio Armani • Guerlain • Helena Rubinstein • Jurlique • La Mer
• Lancome • L’Occitane • L’Oreal • M.A.C • Origins • Shiseido • Sisley • SK-II
FRAGRANCES
• Anna Sui • Bulgari • Burberry • Calvin Klein • Chloe • Dior • Dolce & Gabbana
• DKNY • Elie Saab • Elizabeth Arden • Ermenegildo Zegna • Estee Lauder
• Fendi • Giorgio Armani • Givenchy • Gucci • Guerlain • Hermes • Hugo Boss
• Issey Miyake • Kenzo • Lancome • Marc Jacobs • Mont Blanc
• Narciso Rodriguez • Prada • Ralph Lauren • Salvatore Ferragamo
• Valentino • Versace • Yves Saint Laurent
JEWELLERY AND WATCHES
• Anne Klein • Baume & Mercier • Bell & Ross • Bulgari • Burberry • Calvin Klein
• Cartier • Certina • Chopard • Coach • Corum • Diesel • Emporio Armani
• Folli Follie • Glashütte • Gucci • Girard Perregaux • Hamilton • Hermes • IWC
• Jaeger-LeCoultre • Longines • Maurice Lacroix • Michael Kors • Mido
• Marc by Marc Jacobs • Mont Blanc • Omega • Piaget • Rado • Skagen • Swatch
• TAG Heuer • Tiffany & Co. • Tissot • Zeniths
SUNGLASSES
• Burberry • Celine • Coach • Dior • Dolce & Gabbana • Emporio Armani
• Ermenegildo Zegna • Fendi • Gucci • Hugo Boss • Marc by Marc Jacobs
• Maui Jim • Oakley • Porsche Design • Prada • Ray Ban • Salvatore Ferragamo
• Tom Ford • Tory Burch
The awarding of 10X tr'eats Points is only applicable at the boutiques listed above.
3) Crystal Jade
• Crystal Jade Palace Restaurant • Crystal Jade Golden Palace • Crystal Jade Dining IN
• Crystal Jade Premium • Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng Chicken & BBQ
• Crystal Jade Jiang Nan • Crystal Jade Pristine • Crystal Jade Steamboat Restaurant
• Crystal Jade Steamboat Kitchen • Crystal Jade Kitchen • Crystal Jade My Bread
• Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao • Crystal Jade HK Café IN
• Crystal Jade Viet Café IN • Crystal Jade Restaurant • Crystal Jade Dining Place
4) Les Amis Group of Restaurants
• Bistro du Vin • Canelé • Casa Verde • Caveau Wines & Bar
• Cine Bar • Cine Café • La Strada • Les Amis
• NamNam Noodle Bar • PACK’D • Peperoni Pizzeria
• Union Square Café
5) SuperNature
• SuperNature • SuperNature (Mother & Child)
So what if you earn 10x TREATS points?
You may redeem S$50 cash credit to offset your petrol bills with 10,000 TREATS points, which is equivalent to 5% cash rebate.
Alternative, you may redeem 1000 Krisflyer miles with 2,500 TREATS points, which is equivalent to 4miles/$spent
OR $50 Capitaland, VivoCity, NEX vouchers with 12,000 TREATS points, which is equivalent to 4.17% discount
There are many other things you may redeem but the above are what I feel is the most value. Check out the rewards system here.
Tags: Maybank, World, Mastercard, luxury, shopping, shell, discount, miles, credit card
So which card do I use to get the most out of my luxury purchase?
The answer is, Maybank World Mastercard
 |
| Image credit: Maybank Singapore |
- 10x TREATS points for every S$1 spent at selected retail, dining establishments and petrol stations islandwide (see list below)
- VIP access to JetQuay
- TREATS points never expire
- 15.5% discount @ Shell with BPDS (Best Petrol & Diesel Supply) Shell Corporate Card
1) CLUB 21
• 3.1 Phillip Lim • A|X Armani Exchange • Alexander Wang • Armani Junior • Balenciaga
• BLACKBARRETT • Bonpoint • Caramel Baby & Child • Carven
• Calvin Klein platinum label • Calvin Klein platinum label Accessories • Club 21
• Club 21 Gallery • Club 21 Men • Club 21b • Comme des Garçons
• Comme des Garçons POCKET • DKNY • DKNY JEANS • Donna Karan
• Dries Van Noten • Emporio Armani • Giorgio Armani • Issey Miyake • Jil Sander
• Kids 21 • Lanvin • Marc by Marc Jacobs • Marc Jacobs • Marni • Mulberry
• Paul Smith • Pleats Please Issey Miyake Bao Bao Issey Miyake • Pomellato
• Proenza Schouler • Stella McCartney • Tsumori Chisato
Valid till 31 December 2014. 10X tr’eats Points is only applicable to standalone boutiques in Singapore.
2) T Galleria by DFS (Scottswalk)
BOUTIQUES
• Bally • Bottega Veneta • Bulgari • Burberry • Celine • Chloe • Coach • Dunhill • Fendi
• Givenchy • Gucci • Loewe • Louis Vuitton • Marc by Marc Jacobs • Mont Blanc
• Prada • Ralph Lauren • Salvatore Ferragamo • Tod’s • Tumi
COSMETICS
• Benefit • Biotherm • Bobbi Brown • Chanel • Clarins • Clinique • Dior • Estee Lauder
• Kiehl’s • Giorgio Armani • Guerlain • Helena Rubinstein • Jurlique • La Mer
• Lancome • L’Occitane • L’Oreal • M.A.C • Origins • Shiseido • Sisley • SK-II
FRAGRANCES
• Anna Sui • Bulgari • Burberry • Calvin Klein • Chloe • Dior • Dolce & Gabbana
• DKNY • Elie Saab • Elizabeth Arden • Ermenegildo Zegna • Estee Lauder
• Fendi • Giorgio Armani • Givenchy • Gucci • Guerlain • Hermes • Hugo Boss
• Issey Miyake • Kenzo • Lancome • Marc Jacobs • Mont Blanc
• Narciso Rodriguez • Prada • Ralph Lauren • Salvatore Ferragamo
• Valentino • Versace • Yves Saint Laurent
JEWELLERY AND WATCHES
• Anne Klein • Baume & Mercier • Bell & Ross • Bulgari • Burberry • Calvin Klein
• Cartier • Certina • Chopard • Coach • Corum • Diesel • Emporio Armani
• Folli Follie • Glashütte • Gucci • Girard Perregaux • Hamilton • Hermes • IWC
• Jaeger-LeCoultre • Longines • Maurice Lacroix • Michael Kors • Mido
• Marc by Marc Jacobs • Mont Blanc • Omega • Piaget • Rado • Skagen • Swatch
• TAG Heuer • Tiffany & Co. • Tissot • Zeniths
SUNGLASSES
• Burberry • Celine • Coach • Dior • Dolce & Gabbana • Emporio Armani
• Ermenegildo Zegna • Fendi • Gucci • Hugo Boss • Marc by Marc Jacobs
• Maui Jim • Oakley • Porsche Design • Prada • Ray Ban • Salvatore Ferragamo
• Tom Ford • Tory Burch
The awarding of 10X tr'eats Points is only applicable at the boutiques listed above.
3) Crystal Jade
• Crystal Jade Palace Restaurant • Crystal Jade Golden Palace • Crystal Jade Dining IN
• Crystal Jade Premium • Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng Chicken & BBQ
• Crystal Jade Jiang Nan • Crystal Jade Pristine • Crystal Jade Steamboat Restaurant
• Crystal Jade Steamboat Kitchen • Crystal Jade Kitchen • Crystal Jade My Bread
• Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao • Crystal Jade HK Café IN
• Crystal Jade Viet Café IN • Crystal Jade Restaurant • Crystal Jade Dining Place
4) Les Amis Group of Restaurants
• Bistro du Vin • Canelé • Casa Verde • Caveau Wines & Bar
• Cine Bar • Cine Café • La Strada • Les Amis
• NamNam Noodle Bar • PACK’D • Peperoni Pizzeria
• Union Square Café
5) SuperNature
• SuperNature • SuperNature (Mother & Child)
So what if you earn 10x TREATS points?
You may redeem S$50 cash credit to offset your petrol bills with 10,000 TREATS points, which is equivalent to 5% cash rebate.
Alternative, you may redeem 1000 Krisflyer miles with 2,500 TREATS points, which is equivalent to 4miles/$spent
OR $50 Capitaland, VivoCity, NEX vouchers with 12,000 TREATS points, which is equivalent to 4.17% discount
There are many other things you may redeem but the above are what I feel is the most value. Check out the rewards system here.
Tags: Maybank, World, Mastercard, luxury, shopping, shell, discount, miles, credit card
Thursday 16 October 2014
Car ownership: Can I afford a car?
Now I have a few queries pertaining to this topic: Car ownership.
How do you know if you are ready to own a car?
Let's go through this together and you will know if you are ready to own a car.
General assumptions made
a) Car purchased: Suzuki Swift 1.4M, S$92,900.00 (from sgcarmart)
b) Free parking at workplace
c) 40% down payment of S$37,160.00
d) 60% loan amount: S$55,740.00
e) Interest rate: 2.28%
f) Loan term: 60 months
g) 26 years old, single male, office based, held licence for 5 years
Monthly car expenses:
1) Instalment: S$1,035.00
2) Road tax: S$50.83
Assumption:
a) 1.4l car
3) Car insurance: S$200
Assumptions:
a) New driver
b) 0% NCD
c) S$2400/year
4) Petrol: S$250.00
Assumptions:
a) Cost: S$1.80/litre after discount,
b) Mileage of 20,000km/year; 1666.67km/month
c) Fuel consumption: 12km/l
5) ERP: S$40
Assumptions:
a) S$2.00 per day
b) Worked 20 days/month
6) Residential car park: S$88.20 (After 2% discount for using GIRO)
Assumptions:
a) Stay in HDB
b) Covered MSCP
7) Misc carpark: S$50
8) Car maintenance: S$30.00
Assumptions:
a) Servicing every 10,000km
b) S$180/servicing
Total monthly expenses: S$1,744.03
Now you know how much the car will cost you (minimally) every month. So what you need to do next is:
TRANSFER S$1745.00 EVERY MONTH INTO AN ACCOUNT WHICH YOU DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO VIA ATM OR INTERNET BANKING
If you are able to do the above consistently for at least 24 months and still feel comfortable to live with whatever is left from your paycheck, YOU ARE READY!
After 24 months, you should have accumulated at least S$41,880 in your account. This amount will be used as down payment for your new car as well as your 1st instalment and car insurance.
Now you are able to live own a car and still live comfortably!
Tags: afford, car, ownership, costs
How do you know if you are ready to own a car?
Let's go through this together and you will know if you are ready to own a car.
General assumptions made
a) Car purchased: Suzuki Swift 1.4M, S$92,900.00 (from sgcarmart)
b) Free parking at workplace
c) 40% down payment of S$37,160.00
d) 60% loan amount: S$55,740.00
e) Interest rate: 2.28%
f) Loan term: 60 months
g) 26 years old, single male, office based, held licence for 5 years
Monthly car expenses:
1) Instalment: S$1,035.00
2) Road tax: S$50.83
Assumption:
a) 1.4l car
3) Car insurance: S$200
Assumptions:
a) New driver
b) 0% NCD
c) S$2400/year
4) Petrol: S$250.00
Assumptions:
a) Cost: S$1.80/litre after discount,
b) Mileage of 20,000km/year; 1666.67km/month
c) Fuel consumption: 12km/l
5) ERP: S$40
Assumptions:
a) S$2.00 per day
b) Worked 20 days/month
6) Residential car park: S$88.20 (After 2% discount for using GIRO)
Assumptions:
a) Stay in HDB
b) Covered MSCP
7) Misc carpark: S$50
8) Car maintenance: S$30.00
Assumptions:
a) Servicing every 10,000km
b) S$180/servicing
Total monthly expenses: S$1,744.03
Now you know how much the car will cost you (minimally) every month. So what you need to do next is:
TRANSFER S$1745.00 EVERY MONTH INTO AN ACCOUNT WHICH YOU DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO VIA ATM OR INTERNET BANKING
If you are able to do the above consistently for at least 24 months and still feel comfortable to live with whatever is left from your paycheck, YOU ARE READY!
After 24 months, you should have accumulated at least S$41,880 in your account. This amount will be used as down payment for your new car as well as your 1st instalment and car insurance.
Now you are able to live own a car and still live comfortably!
Tags: afford, car, ownership, costs
Wednesday 15 October 2014
Best credit card to use for Clothes, Bags, Shoes!
Now, there is a credit card that is great for purchasing clothes, bags and shoes or at departmental stores or online shopping websites.
It is none other than Citibank Rewards credit card.
Hence, this card gives you cash rebate 3.33% for your purchase of clothes, bags and shoes or at department stores or online shopping websites.
The only catch is, the merchant must be registered for sale of such goods. Otherwise, you will not get 10x points!
Apply for the Citi Rewards card now!
NOTE:
If you have noticed, my title indicates "Clothes, Bags, Shoes" only.
This is because OCBC Frank gives 6% for online shopping, BOC SHOP! gives 6% for purchases at departmental stores which are better deals in my opinion. (Terms and Conditions apply)
Tags: Citibank, Rewards, credit card, clothes, bags, shoes, 10x points
It is none other than Citibank Rewards credit card.
 |
| Image credit: Citibank Singapore |
- Earn 10x points (Citi Dollars) whenever you shop for clothes, bags or shoes or at department stores or online shopping websites
- Up to 40% discount on online shopping at selected merchants
- 10X Rewards capped at maximum of 120,000 Rewards Points per card anniversary year
Hence, this card gives you cash rebate 3.33% for your purchase of clothes, bags and shoes or at department stores or online shopping websites.
The only catch is, the merchant must be registered for sale of such goods. Otherwise, you will not get 10x points!
Apply for the Citi Rewards card now!
NOTE:
If you have noticed, my title indicates "Clothes, Bags, Shoes" only.
This is because OCBC Frank gives 6% for online shopping, BOC SHOP! gives 6% for purchases at departmental stores which are better deals in my opinion. (Terms and Conditions apply)
Tags: Citibank, Rewards, credit card, clothes, bags, shoes, 10x points
Tuesday 14 October 2014
Best credit card for petrol purchase!
I have compared and consolidated the various discounts offered by credit cards and their partnering fuel brands. Most are valid till 31 Dec 2014 unless otherwise specified.
SPC&U Card: 15% discount off petrol
UOB One
UOB
Site discount: 5%
Esso Smiles Card discount: 5%
OCBC
Site discount: 5%
Shell Escape card discount: 5%
HSBC Premier Mastercard
HSBC Visa Infinite/HSBC Visa Platinum
Site discount: 5%
Safra Card: 14% discount (including site discount)
AA Card: 11% discount (including site discount)
UOB One
HSBC Premier Mastercard
Citibank Dividend + Safra card (Advisor's choice)
I have listed the credit card/combination with highest possible discount as the first option for every petrol brands. As some of these credit cards/combinations have several criteria to meet before you get the best discount, I have also marked my personal preference (basically fuss-free) with BOLD and ITALICS.
Updated: 7 Nov 2014
Tags: best, credit card, petrol, discount, SPC, Shell, Caltex, Esso
SPC&U Card: 15% discount off petrol
UOB One
- S$3.00 off every S$60.00 (for 15% SPC&U) worth of petrol (gross)
- 3.33% on final charged amount (Subject to minimum spend of S$300/$800/$1500 per month on anything, anywhere, for all 3 months in a quarter)
- Total discount: 22.66%
UOB
- S$3.00 off every S$60.00 (for 15% SPC&U) worth of petrol (gross)
- Total discount: 20.00% + UNI$
- 6% cash rebates on nett fuel purchase
- Total discount: 20.10%
- Applicable to The Centurion Card, American Express Platinum Card, American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card or American Express Platinum Credit Card
- 7.06% credit on final charged amount (credited after 3 months)
- Min of S$100.00 spent in SPC per month to qualify for 7.06% credit
- Total discount: 21.00%
Site discount: 5%
Esso Smiles Card discount: 5%
OCBC
- 4% discount for OCBC Plus! Visa card on nett fuel purchase
- 4% rebate for all other OCBC CC on nett fuel purchase
- S$20.00 rebate for S$300.00 nett fuel purchase per calendar month
- Total discount: 19.60%
- 14% instant discount
- 5% cash rebate (Subject to minimum spend of S$600 per calendar month on anything, anywhere)
- Total discount: 18.30%
- 4% discount on gross fuel purchase
- 5% cash rebate on nett fuel purchase (Subject to min S$50.00 charged)
- Total discount: 18.30%
- 17% instant discount on gross fuel purchase
- Total discount: 17.00% + DBS Points
Site discount: 5%
Shell Escape card discount: 5%
HSBC Premier Mastercard
- 14% instant discount
- 6% cash rebate (Subject to minimum spend of S$800 per month on anything, anywhere, for all 3 months in a quarter) OR
- 3% cash rebate (Subject to minimum spend of S$400 per month on anything, anywhere, for all 3 months in a quarter)
- Rebates are capped at S$60 or S$120 (as the case may be) per Account per Quarter
- Total discount: 19.16% or 16.58%
HSBC Visa Infinite/HSBC Visa Platinum
- 14% instant discount
- 6% cash rebate (Subject to minimum spend of S$800 per month on anything, anywhere, for all 3 months in a quarter) OR
- 3% cash rebate (Subject to minimum spend of S$400 per month on anything, anywhere, for all 3 months in a quarter)
- Rebates are capped at S$60 or S$120 (as the case may be) per Account per Quarter
- Total discount: 19.16% or 16.58%
- 4% Citi Rebates on final charged amount
- 5% cash back on final charged amount (Subject to min S$50.00 charged)
- Total discount: 18.1%
Site discount: 5%
Safra Card: 14% discount (including site discount)
AA Card: 11% discount (including site discount)
UOB One
- 16% instant discount for Caltex Platinum 98
- 14% instant discount for Caltex Premium 95
- 2% Smart$ rebate on final charged amount
- 3.33% on final charged amount (Subject to minimum spend of S$300/$800/$1500 per month on anything, anywhere, for all 3 months in a quarter)
- Total discount: 20.48% for Caltex Platinum 98
- Total disount: 18.58% for Caltex Premium 95
- 16% instant discount for Caltex Platinum 98
- 14% instant discount for Caltex Premium 95
- 2% Smart$ rebate on final charged amount
- Total discount: 17.68% for Caltex Platinum 98
- Total disount: 15.72% for Caltex Premium 95
HSBC Premier Mastercard
- 14% instant discount
- 6% cash rebate (Subject to minimum spend of S$800 per month on anything, anywhere, for all 3 months in a quarter) OR
- 3% cash rebate (Subject to minimum spend of S$400 per month on anything, anywhere, for all 3 months in a quarter)
- Rebates are capped at S$60 or S$120 (as the case may be) per Account per Quarter
- Total discount: 19.16% or 16.58%
- 14% instant discount
- 6% cash rebate (Subject to minimum spend of S$800 per month on anything, anywhere, for all 3 months in a quarter) OR
- 3% cash rebate (Subject to minimum spend of S$400 per month on anything, anywhere, for all 3 months in a quarter)
- Rebates are capped at S$60 or S$120 (as the case may be) per Account per Quarter
- Total discount: 19.16% or 16.58%
Citibank Dividend + Safra card (Advisor's choice)
- 5% cash rebate on nett fuel purchase (Subject to min S$50.00 charged)
- Total discount: 18.3%
- 14% instant discount
- 5% cash rebate (Subject to minimum spend of S$600 per calendar month on anything, anywhere)
- Total discount: 18.30%
I have listed the credit card/combination with highest possible discount as the first option for every petrol brands. As some of these credit cards/combinations have several criteria to meet before you get the best discount, I have also marked my personal preference (basically fuss-free) with BOLD and ITALICS.
Updated: 7 Nov 2014
Tags: best, credit card, petrol, discount, SPC, Shell, Caltex, Esso
Monday 13 October 2014
Best credit card for buying parking coupons!
Do you know that you can use credit card to pay for parking coupons and earn rebates on the purchase?
That is the only way you get discounts out of your parking coupons.
Best deal:
Buy coupons at Sheng Siong, pay with POSB Everyday Credit Card and get 5% rebates on your purchase.
Alternatively, you may purchase your coupons at all Esso stations with fuel purchase. Esso allows you to consolidate all your purchases and charge to your credit card. Now which card to use?
Citibank Dividend Credit card gives you 5% cash rebates with minimum of S$50.00 charge to your credit card at all Esso stations.
Apparently, some Shell stations allow this too. Caltex and SPC do not allow payment by credit card for parking coupons purchase.
Now, enjoy your 5% rebates while it lasts!
Tags: parking coupons, credit card, discount, POSB Everyday, Citibank Dividend, Esso, Sheng Siong
That is the only way you get discounts out of your parking coupons.
Best deal:
Buy coupons at Sheng Siong, pay with POSB Everyday Credit Card and get 5% rebates on your purchase.
Alternatively, you may purchase your coupons at all Esso stations with fuel purchase. Esso allows you to consolidate all your purchases and charge to your credit card. Now which card to use?
Citibank Dividend Credit card gives you 5% cash rebates with minimum of S$50.00 charge to your credit card at all Esso stations.
Apparently, some Shell stations allow this too. Caltex and SPC do not allow payment by credit card for parking coupons purchase.
Now, enjoy your 5% rebates while it lasts!
Tags: parking coupons, credit card, discount, POSB Everyday, Citibank Dividend, Esso, Sheng Siong
Friday 10 October 2014
Best credit card for online purchases!
Now, this is another question that has been frequently asked.
So which credit card do I use for online purchases?
I use the OCBC Frank credit card
What benefits does the Frank credit card offer?
1) 6% cash rebates for online purchases and NETS Flashpay Auto Top Up
2) You get to choose a design for your Frank credit card!
Disclaimer by OCBC:
Online retail transactions are defined as goods or services you buy via the internet and pay with your FRANK Credit Card. These transactions are excluded from the calculation of cash rebates: purchases made via telephone or mail order; bill payments (online mobile bill payment to Singtel, Starhub and M1 are eligible); recurring payments for mobile, telephone, cable, insurance, utility bills or income tax; donations; payment of funds to prepaid accounts, payments using internet banking; annual card fees; Instalment Payment Plans; Cashwise facility, Cash Advances and Balance Transfers; Goods and Services tax; fees and charges such as interest and late payment charges or any other transactions determined by OCBC from time to time.
You may wish to click here to find out which merchants are deemed as online by OCBC.
Apply for the OCBC Frank credit card
Once I maxed out the S$60.00 rebates for online purchases, I use the Bank of China SHOP! credit card.
1) 0.5% or 1% cash rebate on all purchases
2) Additional 5% cash rebates for online purchases and selected departmental stores
Selected local departmental stores:
BHG, Isetan, John Little, Marks & Spencer, OG, Robinsons, Takashimaya & TANGS
Apply for the BOC SHOP! credit card
As you can see, the calculation for BOC SHOP! card is a little complicated.
Now let's look at a few examples and scenarios, comparing the BOC SHOP! and OCBC Frank.
If you were to spend S$600 on online purchases using BOC SHOP!, you will get:
1) 0.5% x S$600 = S$3.00
2) 5% x S$600 = S$30.00
Total: S$33.00
If you were to spend S$600 on online purchases using OCBC Frank, you will get:
1) 6% x S$600 = S$36.00
Total: S$36.00
****************************************************************************
If you were to spend S$400 on online purchases, S$200 on normal purchases using BOC SHOP!, you will get:
1) 0.5% x S$600 = S$3.00
2) Nil because online purchase is less than S$500. You will need more than S$500 online purchases to qualify for additional 5%
Total: S$3.00
If you were to spend S$400 on online purchases, S$200 on normal purchases using OCBC Frank, you will get:
1) 0.5% x S$200 = S$1.00
2) 6% x S$400 = S$24.00
Total: S$25.00
****************************************************************************
If you were to spend S$1001 on online purchases using BOC SHOP!, you will get:
1) 1% x S$1001 = S$10.01
2) 5% x S$1000 = S$50.00 <<< rebate for online spending capped at S$1000.00
Total: S$60.01
If you were to spend S$1001 on online purchases using OCBC Frank, you will get:
1) 0.5% x S$1 = S$0.01 (round up)
2) 6% x S$1000 = S$60.00 <<< rebate for online spending capped at S$1000.00
Total: S$60.01
****************************************************************************
As you can see, if you need to spend more than S$1001 online, BOC SHOP! is your choice of card as you get a base of unlimited 1% for all purchases, which is higher than OCBC Frank's 0.5%. Anything less than S$1001 online, OCBC Frank is your choice.
Moreover, if your online spending is less than S$500, you may "top-up" using normal purchases to S$500 and still qualify for 6% cash rebates for your online spending (so long total spending is more than S$500, you qualify for 6% on online purchases for OCBC Frank). You cannot do the same for BOC SHOP! card which requires your online spending to exceed S$500.
My personal view is the rebates for BOC SHOP! card is a little complicated and requires tracking if you have mutiples small online purchases.OCBC Frank credit card on the otherhand is simpler as you just need to ensure your overall spending is more than S$500 to get 6% cash rebates. Furthermore, if you have access to OCBC internet banking, you may check your transaction details online. Furthermore, spending thousands online is a little risky!
Tags: best, credit card, OCBC Frank, BOC SHOP!, online purchases, departmental stores
So which credit card do I use for online purchases?
I use the OCBC Frank credit card
 |
| Image credit: OCBC Singapore |
What benefits does the Frank credit card offer?
1) 6% cash rebates for online purchases and NETS Flashpay Auto Top Up
- Minimum spending of S$500 (online and offline purchases) to get 6% cash rebate
- Transaction must be recognised as online transaction
- Capped at S$60.00 per calendar month. (Meaning max S$1000.00 for online purchases and NETS Flashpay ATU)
2) You get to choose a design for your Frank credit card!
Disclaimer by OCBC:
Online retail transactions are defined as goods or services you buy via the internet and pay with your FRANK Credit Card. These transactions are excluded from the calculation of cash rebates: purchases made via telephone or mail order; bill payments (online mobile bill payment to Singtel, Starhub and M1 are eligible); recurring payments for mobile, telephone, cable, insurance, utility bills or income tax; donations; payment of funds to prepaid accounts, payments using internet banking; annual card fees; Instalment Payment Plans; Cashwise facility, Cash Advances and Balance Transfers; Goods and Services tax; fees and charges such as interest and late payment charges or any other transactions determined by OCBC from time to time.
You may wish to click here to find out which merchants are deemed as online by OCBC.
Apply for the OCBC Frank credit card
Once I maxed out the S$60.00 rebates for online purchases, I use the Bank of China SHOP! credit card.
1) 0.5% or 1% cash rebate on all purchases
- 0.5% cash rebates if your monthly spending (based on statement date) is S$1000.00 or less
- 1% cash rebates if your monthly spending (based on statement date) is more than S$1000.00
2) Additional 5% cash rebates for online purchases and selected departmental stores
- Min spending of S$500 (online purchases and departmental store purchases) to get additional 5%
- Spending eligible for additional 5% capped at S$1000.00
- meaning rebates for online spending capped at S$50.00
Selected local departmental stores:
BHG, Isetan, John Little, Marks & Spencer, OG, Robinsons, Takashimaya & TANGS
Apply for the BOC SHOP! credit card
As you can see, the calculation for BOC SHOP! card is a little complicated.
Now let's look at a few examples and scenarios, comparing the BOC SHOP! and OCBC Frank.
If you were to spend S$600 on online purchases using BOC SHOP!, you will get:
1) 0.5% x S$600 = S$3.00
2) 5% x S$600 = S$30.00
Total: S$33.00
If you were to spend S$600 on online purchases using OCBC Frank, you will get:
1) 6% x S$600 = S$36.00
Total: S$36.00
****************************************************************************
If you were to spend S$400 on online purchases, S$200 on normal purchases using BOC SHOP!, you will get:
1) 0.5% x S$600 = S$3.00
2) Nil because online purchase is less than S$500. You will need more than S$500 online purchases to qualify for additional 5%
Total: S$3.00
If you were to spend S$400 on online purchases, S$200 on normal purchases using OCBC Frank, you will get:
1) 0.5% x S$200 = S$1.00
2) 6% x S$400 = S$24.00
Total: S$25.00
****************************************************************************
If you were to spend S$1001 on online purchases using BOC SHOP!, you will get:
1) 1% x S$1001 = S$10.01
2) 5% x S$1000 = S$50.00 <<< rebate for online spending capped at S$1000.00
Total: S$60.01
If you were to spend S$1001 on online purchases using OCBC Frank, you will get:
1) 0.5% x S$1 = S$0.01 (round up)
2) 6% x S$1000 = S$60.00 <<< rebate for online spending capped at S$1000.00
Total: S$60.01
****************************************************************************
| Based on online purchase of S$1002.00 | |||
| BOC | Frank | ||
| 1.0% | S$10.02 | 0.5% | S$0.01 |
| 5.0% | S$50.00 | 6.0% | S$60.00 |
| S$60.02 | S$60.01 | ||
As you can see, if you need to spend more than S$1001 online, BOC SHOP! is your choice of card as you get a base of unlimited 1% for all purchases, which is higher than OCBC Frank's 0.5%. Anything less than S$1001 online, OCBC Frank is your choice.
Moreover, if your online spending is less than S$500, you may "top-up" using normal purchases to S$500 and still qualify for 6% cash rebates for your online spending (so long total spending is more than S$500, you qualify for 6% on online purchases for OCBC Frank). You cannot do the same for BOC SHOP! card which requires your online spending to exceed S$500.
My personal view is the rebates for BOC SHOP! card is a little complicated and requires tracking if you have mutiples small online purchases.OCBC Frank credit card on the otherhand is simpler as you just need to ensure your overall spending is more than S$500 to get 6% cash rebates. Furthermore, if you have access to OCBC internet banking, you may check your transaction details online. Furthermore, spending thousands online is a little risky!
Tags: best, credit card, OCBC Frank, BOC SHOP!, online purchases, departmental stores
Thursday 9 October 2014
Best credit card for general purchases!
LATEST UPDATE (2 APRIL 2015)
The ANZ Travel VS card is no longer the best card for earning cash rebates. The redemption scheme for the Travel Card has changed. Please see details here.
This card now earns 1.00% effectively in terms of cash rebate. However, if you are looking at miles, this card will still earn you 1.4 miles/dollar spent.
The best card to use for general spending in term of earning cash rebate is now the AMEX True Cash Back card. The AMEX TCB card earns you 1.5% in terms of cash rebate.
In order of my preference:
1) AMEX True Cashback card
2) UOB PRVI MasterCard
**********************************************************************************
People often asked me which credit card I use mainly for my purchases.
There are so many cards in the market to choose from and different cards have their own perks and rewards system. Some give discounts, some give cash rebates, so gives miles and some give points.
So which card do I consider the "best" for general purchase if I only want to bring 1 card out?
My answer would be: ANZ Travel Visa Signature credit card
Why this card out of so many cards?
Of course, I am not saying that you should pay for all purchases with this card. If you can get more than 2.5% discount for your purchase using another card, then you should use the other card and not this card.
However, this card is good for general purchase with discounts/rebates less than 2.5% if you were to use another card.
Perks of this card:
1) 1.4 Travel$ earned for every S$1 spent locally (up to S$10,000.00)
2) 2.8 Travel$ earned for every S$1 spent for direct flight bookings with Qantas, Jetstar Airlines or retail spending in Australia and New Zealand
3) Complimentary airport limousine departure transfers
4) Unlimited complimentary access to Airport Lounges around the world
5) Use this card to pay for your income tax!
Assuming you need to pay S$1000.00 income tax every month, your processing fee will be $84.00 (S$7.00 monthly). You will earn 1000 Travel$ every month for the tax amount (not the admin fee). Total Travel$ earned will be 12000, which is equivalent to S$218.l8!
How does it work?
Assuming your tax payment of S$1000 is on the 7th every month, ANZ will credit S$1000 on the last few days of the previous month and charge S$1000 to your credit card.
Tax payment due on 7 Oct 2014 on your GIRO account
ANZ credits S$1000 on 30 Sep 2014 to your GIRO account
ANZ charges S$1000 + S$7.00 to your ANZ credit card
Amazing, isn't it?
More information about paying income tax with ANZ credit card here.
Of course, the perks and benefits are more than this, but I would like to point out the few that excite me.
I also omitted the sign-up perks as many cards also have sign-up perks and they change from time to time. Plus, it is not meaningful to look at and compare the sign-up perks too.
Conditions and eligibility for application:
- Applicants must be between 21 and 65 years of age
- Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents: Minimum income of S$60,000 p.a.
- Foreigners: Minimum income of S$90,000 p.a.
Apply for ANZ Travel Visa Signature
Tags: Best credit card, general purchase, ANZ, income tax, cash rebate, free limousine transport, Travel Visa Signature
The ANZ Travel VS card is no longer the best card for earning cash rebates. The redemption scheme for the Travel Card has changed. Please see details here.
This card now earns 1.00% effectively in terms of cash rebate. However, if you are looking at miles, this card will still earn you 1.4 miles/dollar spent.
The best card to use for general spending in term of earning cash rebate is now the AMEX True Cash Back card. The AMEX TCB card earns you 1.5% in terms of cash rebate.
In order of my preference:
1) AMEX True Cashback card
2) UOB PRVI MasterCard
**********************************************************************************
People often asked me which credit card I use mainly for my purchases.
There are so many cards in the market to choose from and different cards have their own perks and rewards system. Some give discounts, some give cash rebates, so gives miles and some give points.
So which card do I consider the "best" for general purchase if I only want to bring 1 card out?
My answer would be: ANZ Travel Visa Signature credit card
 |
| Image credit: ANZ Singapore |
Why this card out of so many cards?
Of course, I am not saying that you should pay for all purchases with this card. If you can get more than 2.5% discount for your purchase using another card, then you should use the other card and not this card.
However, this card is good for general purchase with discounts/rebates less than 2.5% if you were to use another card.
Perks of this card:
1) 1.4 Travel$ earned for every S$1 spent locally (up to S$10,000.00)
- You may redeem 2750 Travel$ for a S$50 credit to offset your bill.
- This means you will get S$50 credit for every S$1964.29 spent locally. This works out to be 2.54%!
2) 2.8 Travel$ earned for every S$1 spent for direct flight bookings with Qantas, Jetstar Airlines or retail spending in Australia and New Zealand
- This works out to be a whopping 5%!
- Of course there will be exchange rates and cross border charges. But these apply to all other cards as well. Based on my experience, it is still worth it!
3) Complimentary airport limousine departure transfers
- This is a collaboration between ANZ and ComfortDelgro.
- Spend S$1500 within 30 days and you may call 1800 269 2269 to obtain a limousine transfer to the airport
- They will send you an email with the booking voucher within a 3 days (based on my experiences)
- You may book a limousine taxi with at least 48 hours notice to the airport
- Generally, you do not have to pay anything if you go directly from your pick up location to the airport. However, if you have other requests/stopovers, charges may apply. (Do check the the terms and conditions on the voucher itself)
4) Unlimited complimentary access to Airport Lounges around the world
- Self explanatory
5) Use this card to pay for your income tax!
- After you receive your NOA or your GIRO payment schedule from IRAS, you may submit the application to ANZ. (NOA for 1 time payment, GIRO payment schedule for monthly payment)
- Processing fee of 0.7% applies but you may get the admin fee waived if you meet the min spending per month on the card with at least 3 transactions every month (details on website)
- Earn 1 Travel$ for S$1.00 of tax paid every month
Assuming you need to pay S$1000.00 income tax every month, your processing fee will be $84.00 (S$7.00 monthly). You will earn 1000 Travel$ every month for the tax amount (not the admin fee). Total Travel$ earned will be 12000, which is equivalent to S$218.l8!
How does it work?
Assuming your tax payment of S$1000 is on the 7th every month, ANZ will credit S$1000 on the last few days of the previous month and charge S$1000 to your credit card.
Tax payment due on 7 Oct 2014 on your GIRO account
ANZ credits S$1000 on 30 Sep 2014 to your GIRO account
ANZ charges S$1000 + S$7.00 to your ANZ credit card
Amazing, isn't it?
More information about paying income tax with ANZ credit card here.
Of course, the perks and benefits are more than this, but I would like to point out the few that excite me.
I also omitted the sign-up perks as many cards also have sign-up perks and they change from time to time. Plus, it is not meaningful to look at and compare the sign-up perks too.
Conditions and eligibility for application:
- Applicants must be between 21 and 65 years of age
- Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents: Minimum income of S$60,000 p.a.
- Foreigners: Minimum income of S$90,000 p.a.
Apply for ANZ Travel Visa Signature
Tags: Best credit card, general purchase, ANZ, income tax, cash rebate, free limousine transport, Travel Visa Signature
Introduction and disclaimer
I often get questions from friends and relatives on financial matters, mostly related to credit cards, savings accounts, life hacks etc.
This is the reason why I decide to start this blog to reach out to more people.
Hence, I advise people and I give advices.
Hope you will benefit from my advices.
PS. If you have anything to share with my readers, feel free to drop me an email at: adviseandadvices@gmail.com
Disclaimer:
This is the reason why I decide to start this blog to reach out to more people.
Hence, I advise people and I give advices.
Hope you will benefit from my advices.
PS. If you have anything to share with my readers, feel free to drop me an email at: adviseandadvices@gmail.com
Disclaimer:
All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes
no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information
on this site or found by following any link on this site.
The owner
will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor
for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable
for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this
information.
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