Rewards Updates: Warning: UOB expands instant UNI$ redemptions to Johor Bahru

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/10/05/warning-uob-expands-instant-uni-redemptions-to-johor-bahru/

ChatGPT:

UOB has expanded its controversial instant UNI$ redemptions programme to Johor Bahru, allowing Singapore cardholders to offset purchases at over 150 participating outlets. While marketed as a benefit, the value is poor: redemptions in JB are fixed at UNI$500 = S$5, or 0.5 cents per mile, far below the 1.8–2 cents per mile you’d get by converting to airline miles. Worse, cashiers can sometimes trigger redemptions without explicit consent, and once done, they can’t be reversed.

Participating JB merchants include popular retailers (Courts, Decathlon, Samsung), clinics, beauty services, and F&B outlets like Subway, with more expected to join. Redemptions are tied to prevailing foreign exchange rates, but UOB waives its usual 3.25% FX fee. Still, the opportunity cost makes this unattractive—you lose both the chance to earn miles and the superior redemption value miles provide. Even if you hold a small UNI$ balance, converting them to KrisPay miles (minimum 1,000 UNI$), where they’re worth 1 cent per mile, is a better deal.

Unlike in Singapore, where mobile wallet payments can also trigger UNI$ redemptions, JB transactions require the physical card. This means digitising your card on Apple Pay or Google Pay provides protection, while still earning bonus miles with cards like the UOB Preferred Platinum Visa. UOB AMEX cards are immune to instant UNI$ redemptions, so using a PRVI Miles AMEX, for instance, avoids the risk.

Confusion can arise because UOB also offers UOB$, a cashback currency that should be redeemed at merchants. Both UNI$ and UOB$ may appear at the same outlets, so customers must be clear which currency they want to use.
Bottom line: UOB’s instant UNI$ redemption in Johor offers terrible value. Treat it not as a perk, but as a pitfall to avoid.

Rewards Updates: Cobrand vs non-cobrand cards: Which are better for earning miles?

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/10/04/cobrand-vs-non-cobrand-cards-which-are-better-for-earning-miles/

ChatGPT:

When deciding between Singapore Airlines cobrand and non-cobrand credit cards for KrisFlyer miles, the choice boils down to trade-offs between convenience and rewards.

Cobrand cards, issued by AMEX and UOB, link directly to KrisFlyer. They offer automatic monthly transfers with no fees, eliminating wait times when award seats appear. They also provide perks like fast-tracks to KrisFlyer Elite Gold or Silver, Scoot privileges, and occasional redemption discounts. However, their earn rates are weak. AMEX KrisFlyer cards typically give only 1.1–1.3 miles per dollar (mpd) on general spend and 2 mpd on SIA, Scoot, and KrisShop. The KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card does better, with 3 mpd on SIA-related spending and 2.4 mpd on dining, shopping, travel, and transport—but still trails the best alternatives.

Non-cobrand cards shine for miles maximizers. Popular options like the UOB Preferred Platinum Visa, Citi Rewards, DBS Woman’s World, and HSBC Revolution earn up to 4 mpd on everyday spend, albeit with caps. More importantly, bank reward points can be transferred not only to KrisFlyer but to other frequent flyer programmes, unlocking sweet spots like redeeming the same Singapore–Bangkok business class seat for 20,000 miles via Aeroplan versus 24,000 via KrisFlyer. Bank points also generally last longer—some never expire—giving more time to build balances before airline devaluation risk.

The catch? Transfers may cost up to S$25 and aren’t always instant. Yet, the higher earn rates and flexibility usually outweigh this inconvenience.

In summary, non-cobrand cards are superior for rapid, flexible mile accumulation. Cobrand cards suit those who prefer simplicity, automatic transfers, and SIA-linked perks. A balanced strategy is to use non-cobrand cards for everyday spend while holding one cobrand card for niche benefits or uncapped earn opportunities.

Rewards Updates: UOB taps rising Johor spend with cross-border rewards redemption scheme for Singapore cardholders

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/asean/uob-taps-rising-johor-spend-cross-border-rewards-redemption-scheme-singapore-cardholders

ChatGPT:

UOB has launched a new cross-border rewards redemption scheme for its Singapore-issued credit card customers in Johor, marking the first such initiative by a local bank. From Sept 29, cardholders can redeem UNI$ reward points directly at over 150 participating outlets in Johor, including Subway, Jean Yip, and MOG Eyewear. The redemption rate is set at UNI$500 for S$5 in bill offsets, or the equivalent in Malaysian ringgit.

Jacquelyn Tan, UOB’s head of group personal financial services, said the initiative is part of the bank’s broader ambition to enhance cross-border engagement for customers, starting with rewards redemption. More merchants are expected to join, with eventual expansion to other UOB markets across ASEAN, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The launch took place at Aeon Mall Tebrau City in Johor Bahru.

The move comes amid rising spending by Singapore customers in Malaysia. Credit card billings grew 40% annually between 2022 and 2024, with a further 20% year-on-year increase in H1 2025. Johor spending consistently accounted for nearly half of all UOB credit card spend in Malaysia. Transaction volumes more than tripled over the period, even as average receipt sizes dipped slightly, suggesting more frequent cross-border trips by Singaporeans.

Dining has been the top spend category for Singapore cardholders in Johor, making up 15% of total billings in recent years, followed by supermarkets (10%) and apparel (9%).

Tan emphasized that UOB values frequent customer engagement over transaction size, as more activity generates richer data to personalize offers. The cross-border rewards programme aims to tap into these spending patterns while deepening loyalty among Singapore cardholders.

Opinion:

Not convinced it’s worth redeeming UNI$500 across the Causeway. 

Will wait and see what the influencers say, but my gut tells me it’s probably not a great deal.

Rewards Updates: PSA: The Citi Rewards Card’s strange expiry policy

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/09/19/psa-monitor-your-citi-rewards-card-points-expiry/

ChatGPT:

Many Citi Rewards Cardholders mistakenly believe their ThankYou Points are valid for five years. In reality, they expire “up to” five years plus a three-month grace period, tied to the card’s approval or renewal date—not when the points are earned. This unusual system means your points could be valid anywhere from 3 to 63 months. For example, if approved on 15 October 2022, all points earned until 14 October 2027 would expire on 14 January 2028. A new validity cycle then begins.

Unlike Citi PremierMiles, Prestige, or ULTIMA cards, whose points never expire while the account is open, Citi Rewards Cardholders must carefully track their points. Previously, expiry dates could be checked on the Citi ThankYou Rewards portal, but that was retired in February 2024. Now, customers must monitor e-Statements, which flag points expiring within three months, or call Citi for confirmation. Card expiry dates are no longer reliable indicators due to shortened validity periods and card replacements.

To avoid losing value, cardholders should convert ThankYou Points to airline miles, with 10 partners available at 25,000 points = 10,000 miles (S$27.25 fee applies). For smaller balances, Kris+ allows 10,000 points = 3,400 miles instantly but with a 15% haircut. If points are still leftover, “Pay with Points” offers 4,400 points = S$10, though this is poor value.

If points do expire, customers may appeal for reinstatement. Anecdotal reports, including a successful reinstatement of 43,000+ points, suggest Citi sometimes grants a three-month extension, though this is unofficial and may end anytime.

Ultimately, Citi Rewards’ quirky expiry policy can catch cardholders off guard, so proactive tracking and timely redemptions are essential.

Opinion:

Weird policy with Citi Rewards.

Need to monitor credit card statement diligently.

Rewards Updates: Good news: Wogi now sells eCapitaVouchers again

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/09/19/good-news-wogi-now-sells-ecapitavouchers-again/

ChatGPT:

Good news: Wogi now sells eCapitaVouchers again

Gift card platform Wogi has resumed selling eCapitaVouchers (ECVs) in denominations from S$5 to S$250, after a long hiatus. Although they aren’t discounted, this development excites miles chasers as it allows creative spending strategies: converting offline purchases into online spend, bypassing MCC restrictions, splitting large payments across multiple cards, and avoiding surcharges.

Purchases through Wogi code as MCC 5947 (Card, Gift, Novelty or Souvenir Shops), a rewards-friendly category that earns 4 miles per dollar (mpd) on popular cards like Citi Rewards, DBS Woman’s World, HSBC Revolution, and UOB Preferred Platinum Visa. Each CapitaStar account can store up to S$1,000 at a time, though balances can be redeemed and reloaded in cycles. ECVs are valid for one year.

Practical uses include:

• Offline to online spend: maximise bonus caps by using ECVs instead of spending directly at physical stores.

• MCC converter: earn rewards even at excluded merchants (e.g. tuition centres, hairdressers).

• Splitting transactions: large purchases like laptops can be broken into smaller voucher buys, staying within card bonus caps.

• Avoiding surcharges: some merchants levy credit card fees, which can be sidestepped via ECV redemption.

Caveats: purchases may require validation and take up to two working days. A workaround is to buy a WOGIflex gift card, which converts into Wogi balance. Buying directly via CapitaStar app codes as MCC 6540 (rewards-ineligible), though Citi Mastercard holders can currently earn a S$10 bonus with every S$100 spend, capped until 7 October 2025.

Giftano also sells ECVs (MCC 5999) but charges a S$5 fee per S$100. Overall, Wogi’s return of eCapitaVouchers offers significant flexibility for optimising miles.

Opinion:

Good news.

Finally something positive for credit cards after recent flurry of bad ones.

Rewards Updates: UOB’s new “2-in-1” cards: What’s with all the sub-caps?

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/08/31/uobs-new-2-in-1-cards-whats-with-all-the-sub-caps/

ChatGPT:

UOB has introduced “sub-caps” across three of its most popular rewards cards, reshaping how cardholders can maximise bonus miles. Previously, unified caps allowed flexibility, letting users concentrate spend in one category. Now, caps are split, effectively turning each card into a “2-in-1” product with separate limits for each bonus category.

For example, the UOB Lady’s Solitaire’s monthly cap was cut from S$2,000 to S$1,500, split into S$750 per category. The UOB Visa Signature’s cap rose from S$2,000 to S$2,400, but divided into S$1,200 each for overseas spending and petrol/contactless. From October 2025, the UOB Preferred Platinum Visa’s cap increases from S$1,110 to S$1,200, split into S$600 for mobile contactless and S$600 for selected online transactions.

The catch: spending in one category alone will no longer maximise rewards. For Visa Signature, using it solely for overseas spend caps earnings at 4,800 miles monthly, down from 8,000. To unlock the higher cap, cardholders must spend across both categories—challenging if overseas spending isn’t consistent.

Workarounds include using supplementary cards to separate spending categories, or maxing one category early each month (e.g., buying vouchers). Still, the changes add complexity, increasing the likelihood of breakage as casual users underspend or misallocate spend.

While many view this as a nerf, Kovacs-style optimisers could extract slightly more miles than before if they consistently hit both sub-caps. In practice, most won’t. UOB’s move reduces reward costs without slashing earn rates outright, effectively filtering casual users from dedicated optimisers.

In short, UOB’s sub-caps make cards harder to use efficiently. Rewards remain, but only for those willing to track spending closely and jump through extra hoops.

Opinion:

UOB's trying to torture us.

More micro-management required 😓

Wonder if HeyMax app can be updated to allow download or summation of total spent. This will allow easier tracking of category spendings.

Rewards Updates : Nerfed: UOB Preferred Platinum Visa splits bonus cap into two sub-caps

Source : 

https://milelion.com/2025/08/27/nerfed-uob-preferred-platinum-visa-splits-bonus-cap-into-two-sub-caps/

ChatGPT : 

From 1 October 2025, the UOB Preferred Platinum Visa (PPV) will split its monthly bonus cap into two sub-caps: S$600 for mobile contactless and S$600 for selected online transactions (shopping, food delivery, supermarkets, entertainment). This replaces the current unified cap of S$1,110, which allowed all spend to be channelled into one category.

On paper, this looks like a slight enhancement. The total monthly cap rises from S$1,110 to S$1,200, allowing maximum earnings of 4,800 miles (vs. 4,440 previously). However, unless cardholders carefully split their spending, most will earn fewer miles. For example, someone who currently spends S$1,110 exclusively on mobile contactless will see earnings fall by 40%, since only S$600 will qualify for 4 mpd, with the remainder earning just 0.4 mpd.

The change also adds significant complexity. UOB does not track caps by category for customers, meaning users must manually separate and monitor online versus mobile contactless transactions. One workaround is using a supplementary card to assign each category separately, simplifying tracking. Another strategy is pre-purchasing S$600 worth of vouchers each month under the online category, leaving the rest for mobile contactless.

Separately, from 28 August 2025, the PPV will recognise SimplyGo transactions as contactless spend, awarding 4 mpd on bus and MRT rides when tapped with a mobile wallet (not the physical card). Fare accumulation rules mean riders will generally earn points despite most fares being under S$5.

Verdict: The PPV’s earning ceiling is technically higher, but the split cap is a net nerf for most users, especially those who relied solely on contactless payments. UOB gains by making optimisation harder, while cardholders face more hassle to avoid reduced returns.

Opinion : 

UOB changes means apps like https://www.dobin.io/ will receive more attention.

Because such budgeting apps get your bank transactions and you can add custom tagging to the purchases.

Still requires manual work but reduces time by using budgeting apps.

Rewards Updates : What’s the best card to use with Amaze?

Source : 

https://milelion.com/2025/08/23/whats-the-best-card-to-use-with-amaze/

ChatGPT : 

Amaze has faced setbacks — a 1% fee on SGD transactions, reduced InstaPoints, and banks restricting rewards — but it remains useful for overseas spending. Since Amaze codes all spending as online and bills in SGD, it can be paired with selected Mastercards to earn 4 mpd (miles per dollar).

The Citi Rewards Card is the best overall partner, giving 4 mpd on all online spend (except travel), capped at S$1,000 per statement month. Paired with Amaze, it earns 4 mpd almost everywhere, while also bypassing Citi’s restrictions on in-app mobile wallet payments.

The Maybank XL Rewards Card offers 4 mpd on dining, shopping, travel, and entertainment with a minimum monthly spend of S$500, capped at S$1,000. For FCY transactions, pairing with Amaze reduces FX fees to ~2% while retaining 4 mpd.

The OCBC Rewards Card earns 4 mpd on shopping categories (clothes, bags, shoes, department stores), capped at S$1,110 per calendar month, making it best for overseas shopping and duty-free outlets.

In conclusion: Citi Rewards > Maybank XL > OCBC Rewards. Beyond these, it’s usually better to use other strong standalone cards instead of Amaze.

Opinion : 

Citi Rewards FTW!

Rewards Updates : UOB Lady’s Cards: Which bonus categories should you choose?

Source : 

https://milelion.com/2025/08/11/uob-ladys-card-which-bonus-categories-should-you-choose/

ChatGPT : 

UOB Lady’s Cards give 4 mpd on selected bonus categories (Dining, Family, Fashion, Transport, Travel, Entertainment, Beauty/Wellness) but only 1 category for Lady’s Card (S$1K/month cap) or 2 for Lady’s Solitaire (S$750/category cap, S$1.5K total). Categories can be changed quarterly.

Best picks depend on spend patterns and other cards you own. Dining is broad but has MCC gaps; Family is mainly supermarkets; Transport suits high taxi/petrol spend; Travel caps limit big-ticket use; Entertainment/Beauty are niche. Fashion is powerful via HeyMax vouchers (MCC 5311), covering many merchant types indirectly.

Author’s choice: Dining + Fashion, splitting across principal/supplementary cards to manage caps.

Opinion : 

UOB Lady's Card for the win!

Shopee purchases are included too.

Rewards Updates : PSA: HealthHub and Health Buddy now coding as MCC 9399 on some cards

Source : 

https://milelion.com/2025/08/10/psa-healthhub-and-health-buddy-now-coding-as-mcc-9399-on-some-cards/

ChatGPT : 

HealthHub and Health Buddy payments with Citi Rewards Mastercard/Visa are now coding as MCC 9399 (Government Services), making them ineligible for rewards. Previously, they coded as MCC 8099 (Medical Services), allowing up to 4 mpd. DBS Woman’s World Card transactions still code as 8099, with points awarded, and NUHS app remains unaffected for all cards. The MCC change may be issuer-specific, so other cards can still earn 1.2–2 mpd. Users are advised to check MCC before paying, using tools like HeyMax, Instarem, or DBS Digibot.

Opinion : 

MCC code management is such a chore.

We're so high tech in many areas.

We need transparency of this through the apps.

Rewards Updates : Should you downgrade to the UOB Lady’s Card?

Source : 

https://milelion.com/2025/08/04/should-you-downgrade-to-the-uob-ladys-card/

ChatGPT : 

Due to the 1 Aug 2025 nerf to the UOB Lady’s Solitaire—lowering its monthly bonus cap from S$2,000 to S$1,500, and splitting it into S$750 per category—the regular UOB Lady’s Card may now be more attractive.

Key Comparisons:

Feature	Lady’s Card	Lady’s Solitaire
Bonus Categories	1	2
Monthly Bonus Cap	S$1,000	S$750/category (S$1,500 total)
Minimum Income	S$30,000 p.a.	S$120,000 p.a.
Annual Fee	S$196.20	S$414.20

Downgrade If:

- You prefer simplicity and tracking one bonus category

- You’re a single-category spender (e.g., travel)

- You can’t fully utilize both categories each month

Alternatives:

- Metal Solitaire card retains the old S$2,000 flexible cap, but it’s invite-only with a S$589.99 non-waivable fee and high spend requirement.

Logistics:

- No fee refunds on downgrade

- Must re-select bonus category

- Bonus cap changes apply next month

Bottom Line: If you mainly use one bonus category or find tracking two limits tedious, downgrading to the UOB Lady’s Card makes sense.

Opinion : 

Interesting development.

Sticking with trio of UOB cards combo, Lady/Prvi/PPV.

Rewards Updates : Psst: The UOB PRVI Miles Visa is a Visa Infinite once again!

Source : 

https://milelion.com/2025/07/21/psst-the-uob-prvi-miles-visa-is-a-visa-infinite-once-again/

Apple Intelligence : 

Newly issued UOB PRVI Miles Visa cards are now Visa Infinite, offering benefits like Visa Infinite Concierge, GHA DISCOVERY Titanium status, and Avis President’s Club status. While some benefits are limited or available to Visa Signature cardholders, the GHA DISCOVERY Titanium membership is a worthwhile perk. The card has a minimum income requirement of S30,000 and an annual fee of S261.60.

Opinion : 

Wonderful news for a user like me 😄

But I'm unlikely to use any of the additional benefits.

Continuing to use the card to book big ticket airlines for my big family to gain miles.

Rewards Updates : Discover the Top Air Miles Credit Cards in Singapore for a Luxurious Travel Experience

Source : 

https://lobangsiah.sg/discover-the-top-air-miles-credit-cards-in-singapore-for-a-luxurious-travel-experience/

ChatGPT : 

✈️ Top Air Miles Credit Cards in Singapore (2025)

1. Citi PremierMiles

- ⭐ 1.2 mpd (local), 2 mpd (overseas), no expiry.

- ✅ Lounge access, travel insurance, flexible airline/hotel transfers.

- 🎁 Welcome gifts via SingSaver (e.g. $400 cash or Dyson Airwrap).

2. DBS Altitude

- ⭐ 1.3 mpd (local), 2.2 mpd (overseas), up to 3 mpd for flight/hotel bookings.

- ✅ No expiry, $1M travel insurance, 2 lounge visits/year.

- 🎁 Sign-up perks via SingSaver.

3. OCBC 90°N

- ⭐ 1.3 mpd (local), 2.1 mpd (foreign), bonus with Agoda.

- ✅ No expiry, flexible redemption in 1,000-mile blocks.

- ✅ DragonPass lounge, spa/dining perks.

4. Standard Chartered Journey

- ⭐ 1.2 mpd (local), 2 mpd (overseas), 3 mpd (online transport/food/groceries).

- ✅ Points don’t expire, 2 lounge visits/year, travel insurance.

- 💡 Good for Grab/Deliveroo/RedMart users.

5. Amex KrisFlyer

- ⭐ 1.1 mpd (local), 2 mpd (overseas), 3.1 mpd (Singapore Airlines/Scoot).

- ✅ Miles go directly to KrisFlyer with no manual conversion.

6. UOB PRVI Miles

- ⭐ 1.4 mpd (local), 2.4 mpd (overseas), 6 mpd (online flight/hotel bookings).

- ✅ Uncapped miles, travel insurance, valid for 2 years.

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🧠 What to Consider in a Miles Card:

- ✅ High earn rates (at least 1.2 mpd local).

- ✅ No expiry or long validity on miles.

- ✅ Bonus categories: travel, online, dining.

- ⚠️ Watch out for earn caps and foreign currency fees.

- 🎁 Use welcome bonuses to jumpstart your miles.

- ✈️ Look for perks: lounge access, insurance, easy redemptions.

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💡 Tip:

Use rewards cards as pseudo-miles cards by maximizing high-mpd categories and converting points to miles. Always pay full balances to avoid negating rewards.