Rewards Updates: Best Credit Cards to Use For Atome (2026)

Source:

https://sethisfy.com/best-credit-cards-atome/

ChatGPT:

Atome has become a popular Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) app in Singapore, allowing users to split purchases into three interest-free monthly payments. Besides improving cash flow, it can also help users maximise credit card rewards if paired with the right cards.

One advantage of Atome is that transactions typically code as MCC 5999 (miscellaneous retail) and are processed as online transactions. This makes it easier to use credit cards that offer bonus rewards for online spending. Another benefit is that purchases are automatically split into three payments, which helps users stay within monthly spending caps on reward cards. Atome also offers discount vouchers, reward points, and competitive foreign exchange rates for overseas purchases.

Best credit cards confirmed to work with Atome

Some cards reliably earn rewards on Atome transactions:

• DBS Live Fresh Card – Up to 6% cashback (with S$800 monthly spend; cashback capped at S$50).

• HSBC Revolution Credit Card – 4 miles per dollar on online/contactless payments (up to S$1,500 spend monthly).

Other cards commonly used with Atome

These cards typically reward online spending and have been reported to work, though users must manually trigger the second and third instalment payments in the Atome app to ensure they are treated as online transactions:

• Citi Rewards Mastercard – 4 miles per dollar on up to S$1,000 spend (Visa version reportedly does not work).

• DBS Woman’s World Card – 4 miles per dollar on up to S$1,000 monthly online spend.

• KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card – 1.2–2.4 miles per dollar, depending on annual spending with Singapore Airlines.

Cards that might work

Cards such as OCBC FRANK Credit Card, DCS Flex Card, Maybank Platinum Visa Card, and SAFRA DBS Credit Card may reward Atome payments, though user reports are limited.

Cards to avoid

Several **UOB cards — including UOB EVOL, UOB One, and UOB Preferred Platinum Visa — reportedly do not give rewards, as Atome transactions may be classified as instalment plans.

Overall, Atome can help maximise miles or cashback by splitting payments, earning additional points, and enabling bonus rewards on online transactions when paired with the right credit cards.

Comments:

Good information.

Travel Updates: New: HeyMax Releases Miles Flight Search and Flight Tracking Features

Source:

https://sethisfy.com/heymax-miles-flight-search-feature/

ChatGPT:

HeyMax has launched two new in-app features: Miles Flight Search and Flight Tracking, aimed at helping users maximise miles redemptions and manage trips more easily.

The new Miles Flight Search tool allows users to search for award flights across 15 supported frequent flyer programmes (FFPs). After logging into the HeyMax mobile app and tapping the new Aeroplane tab, users can input destination, date, number of travellers, and cabin class. The app then displays available redemption options and highlights the best-value flight. For example, a Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong may appear, with the app suggesting better value when booked via Qatar Privilege Club using Avios.

However, the feature is currently mobile-only, with no desktop version available. Notably absent are major programmes such as Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and EVA Air Infinity MileageLand, though HeyMax says these are being worked on.

The new Flight Tracking function lets users manually add bookings by either forwarding their confirmation email or uploading a screenshot of their ticket. Screenshot uploads work reasonably well, though the iOS process is cumbersome as users must save images to the Files app before uploading. Once added, the app can provide travel deals and push notifications for gate changes and flight updates. Still, it faces competition from Google’s automatic flight tracking and Live Notifications.

While the tool is free and useful for those exploring non-KrisFlyer redemptions, desired improvements include open-date searches, curated best-value redemption lists, desktop support, and additional FFP integrations. HeyMax has indicated more enhancements are in development.

Comments:

Awesome feature 👍

Rewards Updates: How long do credit card points transfers to KrisFlyer take?

Source:

https://milelion.com/2026/02/16/how-long-do-credit-card-points-transfers-to-krisflyer-take/

ChatGPT:

If you’re converting credit card points to KrisFlyer miles, transfer times vary widely by bank — from instant to several weeks. Unlike cobrand cards that earn miles directly, most cards award bank points that must first be converted, and delays can mean missing out on award seats.

Instant transfers are available with American Express, HSBC and DBS (for yuu Points only). These conversions are typically immediate and free, making them ideal for urgent mile top-ups. However, HSBC offers a weaker transfer ratio to KrisFlyer compared to some other airline partners.

Within one day, Maybank and OCBC usually credit miles by the next calendar day, sometimes even on the same day. Both charge conversion fees.

1–3 days is the typical timeframe for Citi, DBS (DBS Points), Standard Chartered and UOB. Transfers are commonly completed within two days but may stretch to three, especially if initiated over weekends or public holidays.

The slowest option is Bank of China, which requires a manual PDF form submission. Processing can take two to three weeks, and each transfer is capped at 100,000 miles, with a fee charged per submission.

Several factors affect timing. First-time transfers often take longer due to verification checks. Some banks require advance account linking, which can delay urgent conversions if not done early. Transfers also tend to process faster on working days. Additionally, mismatched names between bank and frequent flyer accounts may cause delays or rejection.

Overall, for speed and flexibility, keeping points with instant-transfer banks is safest. Otherwise, plan ahead — especially if transferring from slower institutions — to avoid disappointment when redeeming flights.

Comments:

Good information.

Rewards Updates: Good news: Pelago via Kris+ now supports promo code stacking

Source:

https://milelion.com/2026/02/15/good-news-pelago-via-kris-now-supports-promo-code-stacking/

ChatGPT:

Pelago bookings made via Kris+ now support promo code stacking, allowing users to combine monthly bonus miles with selected discounts. Previously, while Kris+ offered the same base earn rate of 3 miles per dollar (mpd) as Pelago’s website or app — with promotional boosts of up to 10 mpd — users could not apply promo codes when booking through Kris+. This meant popular discounts, including the year-round offer for Singapore Airlines and Scoot passengers, were excluded.

With the latest update, Kris+ now allows the use of promo codes — but currently only for SIA or Scoot passenger (PNR-based) discounts. Other promo codes remain unsupported, and it is unclear whether this limitation will be lifted.

Kris+ bookings typically offer better value. February 2026’s promotional rate stands at 5 mpd (down from 10 mpd in December 2025), suggesting lower bonuses may become the norm, partially offset by stacked discounts. Compared to Pelago’s website/app, Kris+ offers higher promotional earn rates, no explicit miles cap per booking (though daily spend is capped at S$20,000), and faster mile crediting (one day after activity completion versus seven). However, Kris+ does not support cashback platforms like HeyMax or ShopBack.

SIA passengers enjoy 10% off (capped at S$50, usable three times per PNR), while Scoot passengers receive 20% off (capped at S$15, once per PNR). Discounts are valid for bookings made by 31 December 2026.

Payments via Kris+ code as MCC 4722 (travel agencies), making select cards eligible for up to 4 mpd, though some travel-excluded cards should be avoided.

Overall, Kris+ is now usually the better option unless cashback rebates elsewhere are especially compelling.

Comments:

This is good.

Rewards Updates: Awesome: HeyMax Card Maximiser now supports UOB Preferred Platinum Visa & UOB Visa Signature

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/12/24/awesome-heymax-card-maximiser-now-supports-uob-preferred-platinum-visa-uob-visa-signature/

ChatGPT:

The HeyMax Card Maximiser has added support for two popular UOB Visa miles cards — the UOB Preferred Platinum Visa (PPV) and UOB Visa Signature — making it easier to track their bonus caps and minimum spend requirements automatically through the app. Previously, these cards were among the simplest for earning 4 miles per dollar (mpd) on eligible spend, but recent changes such as bonus sub-caps introduced complexity in maximising rewards, requiring manual tracking of how much spend has been allocated to each bonus category.

Once linked, the Card Maximiser will monitor transactions going forward (it cannot retroactively access spend prior to linking). For the UOB Preferred Platinum Visa, this means tracking the S$600 calendar-month bonus caps for mobile contactless and selected online transactions that earn 4 mpd, helping users avoid overshooting or undershooting bonus thresholds.

For the UOB Visa Signature, the Maximiser tracks its statement-month bonus caps and minimum spend of S$1,000 per category, such as contactless & petrol and foreign currency, which both have S$1,200 caps at 4 mpd once conditions are met. Users must input their statement cycle end date so the app knows when to reset these caps.

The ability to automatically tally both bonus caps and minimum spends removes much of the manual effort that previously made optimising these cards fiddly and error-prone. While earlier workarounds — such as juggling supplementary cards — existed, the article notes that having direct support in HeyMax is a significant improvement that will reduce mistakes and save time for cardholders hunting miles.

In short, HeyMax’s update streamlines reward tracking for two widely used UOB Visa cards, helping users maximise their 4 mpd earning potential with less hassle.

Rewards Updates: Which credit card covers the most bonus MCCs?

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/12/23/which-credit-card-covers-the-most-bonus-mccs/

ChatGPT:

Choosing a credit card with the widest range of bonus merchant category codes (MCCs) can significantly increase rewards, especially for users who rely on whitelist cards that award bonuses based on spending categories rather than payment mode. While blacklist cards like the UOB Preferred Platinum Visa (PPV) and Citi Rewards Card are popular for their simplicity, their bonus caps mean most users still need whitelist cards to maximise rewards.

Among popular rewards cards in Singapore, the UOB Preferred Platinum Visa leads with 54 bonus MCCs, followed closely by the HSBC Revolution with 51 MCCs, both offering up to 4 miles per dollar (mpd). Other notable cards include the KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card (33 MCCs, 2.4 mpd with no cap but conditions), Maybank XL Rewards (27 MCCs), and UOB Lady’s Solitaire, whose coverage varies based on selected categories. While Citi Rewards and UOB PPV are often viewed as blacklist cards, they switch to whitelist mode depending on how spending is made.

MCC quantity alone does not determine usefulness. Some cards, such as the OCBC Rewards and KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card, also award bonuses based on merchant names rather than MCCs, improving real-world usability. The article also highlights how MCC “switching” via gift card platforms like HeyMax (MCC 5311) and Wogi (MCC 5947) can unlock bonus rewards across dining, shopping, travel and entertainment, making these MCCs particularly valuable.

By category, UOB PPV offers the widest dining and entertainment coverage, while HSBC Revolution excels in shopping and travel, though its travel bonuses are currently time-limited. For transport, the UOB Lady’s Card provides the broadest coverage when configured appropriately.

Ultimately, the article concludes that HSBC Revolution and UOB Preferred Platinum Visa offer the broadest MCC coverage overall, but emphasises that quality of MCCs matters more than quantity. Cardholders should analyse their own spending patterns and prioritise cards that cover the most useful MCCs for their lifestyle.

Rewards Updates: New Kris+ Gift Box Challenge: Win up to 100 KrisPay miles daily

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/12/01/new-kris-gift-box-challenge-win-up-to-100-krispay-miles-daily/

ChatGPT:

Kris+ has introduced a new Gift Box Challenge, replacing the long-running Check-in Challenge, which ended in November 2025 after 3.5 years. The new system allows users to open one daily digital Gift Box containing a random prize worth 1–100 KrisPay miles (equivalent to S$0.01–S$1). The Challenge resets at midnight Singapore time, and prizes must be spent within six months on Kris+ since they cannot be transferred to KrisFlyer. Gift Boxes are accessible via the Challenges section in the app.

While the reward range may seem attractive, users should expect the algorithm to favor the lower end. Early testers report receiving just 1 KrisPay mile, suggesting the odds of higher-value prizes are likely low. Nonetheless, the daily format eliminates the previous requirement of completing three weekly check-ins, which many users found easy to forget.

Comparatively, the former Check-in Challenge awarded a guaranteed 20 KrisPay miles weekly, translating to S$10.40 per year with perfect consistency. In contrast, completing the Gift Box Challenge daily for a year guarantees at least S$3.65, though users could earn more depending on luck. Without transparency on the prize distribution algorithm, it remains difficult to judge which model is more rewarding overall.

The article also highlights recommended credit cards to maximise Kris+ earn rates, such as Citi Rewards + Amaze and DBS Woman’s World Card for general spending at 4 mpd, and several dining-focused cards like HSBC Revolution and UOB Lady’s Card, which also earn 4 mpd with category conditions. Choosing the right card can significantly boost overall value, especially when spending at dining, retail, or wellness merchants.

In summary, the new Gift Box Challenge offers a simpler but potentially less lucrative way to earn daily KrisPay miles, trading predictability for a luck-based mechanic that may appeal to casual users.

Opinion:

Still worth to click daily for rewards e.g. during commutes since it's a low amount of effort 😋

Rewards Updates: Kris+ check-in challenge ending on 30 November 2025

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/11/24/kris-check-in-challenge-ending-on-30-november-2025/

ChatGPT:

Kris+ is ending its long-running Check-In Challenge on 30 November 2025, giving users one final week to earn 20 KrisPay miles (worth S$0.20) for completing three check-ins. Launched in February 2022, the feature originally rewarded 150 KrisPay miles (S$1) weekly to encourage daily app engagement, but the incentive was gradually reduced: to S$0.50 in November 2022, then S$0.20 from May 2023 onwards. While the value diminished, the campaign remained a simple way for users to collect small rewards.

Kris+ confirmed the challenge’s closure, thanking users and hinting at a new feature launching on 1 December 2025. For those still completing check-ins, the usual rules apply: check in on any three days per week (non-consecutive), wait 24 hours between check-ins, and receive miles instantly upon the third check-in. These miles must be spent within the Kris+ app, cannot be transferred to KrisFlyer, and expire after six months.

The article calculates the maximum earnings for a user who participated diligently every week. Across the three reward phases, users could have earned approximately S$76.50, though this slightly overstates actual value due to occasional maintenance downtime. Additional value could be gained via milesback promotions, but exact amounts vary.

As a bonus, the article also highlights the best credit cards to use with Kris+, with top picks including Citi Rewards (via Amaze), DBS Woman’s World Card, and the KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card for general earn rates. Dining-specific cards like HSBC Revolution, UOB Lady’s Card, and Maybank XL Rewards can also earn 4 mpd at selected merchants.

Overall, the Kris+ check-in feature is ending after nearly four years, with users encouraged to complete one last round before the platform introduces its next update.

Rewards Updates: 2025 Edition: Best Credit Cards for Shopping

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/11/23/2025-edition-best-credit-cards-for-shopping/

ChatGPT:

Shopping is one of the hardest categories to optimise for miles because each bank defines “shopping” differently. While many cards award bonus miles for purchases like clothes, shoes, jewellery and electronics, the crucial difference lies in how many Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) each card accepts, and how high the monthly bonus caps are.

Eight major cards offer shopping bonuses, with seven giving 4 mpd. The HSBC Revolution stands out as the strongest overall option thanks to its 38 MCC coverage and a high bonus cap of S$1,500 per calendar month until February 2026 (after which it drops to S$1,000). The UOB Preferred Platinum Visa and Citi Rewards offer 4 mpd but rely on MCC whitelists when used online or in-store respectively.

Other strong contenders include the Maybank XL Rewards Card and OCBC Rewards Card, both offering 4 mpd across 13 MCCs. OCBC Rewards is especially attractive in 2025, offering 6 mpd on Shopee, Lazada, Taobao, TikTok Shop and Watsons capped at S$1,000 monthly. High spenders may prefer the KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card, which gives uncapped 2.4 mpd on online shopping if the cardholder spends S$1,000 yearly on Singapore Airlines Group.

Across all cards, shopping can span up to 41 MCCs, but only seven core MCCs universally trigger shopping bonuses. These cover major department stores and fashion retailers. MCC 5311 (department stores) is particularly valuable because platforms like HeyMax use it, allowing users to “switch” MCCs by buying gift cards for other merchants.

OCBC Rewards also extends eligibility via its special merchant whitelist, covering Amazon, Lazada, Guardian, Watsons and more. Meanwhile, UOB Lady’s and Lady’s Solitaire require users to select “Fashion” or other categories quarterly.

Ultimately, while earn rates matter, MCC coverage and caps determine which card delivers the most miles for shopping.

Rewards Updates: UOB PRVI Miles Card offering 5 mpd on overseas shopping and dining

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/11/17/uob-prvi-miles-card-offering-5-mpd-on-overseas-shopping-and-dining/

ChatGPT:

UOB has relaunched its bi-annual UOB PRVI Miles Card promotion, offering 5 mpd on in-person overseas dining and shopping from 17 November to 31 December 2025. The offer applies to all PRVI Miles variants (AMEX, Visa, Mastercard), but registration via SMS is required. Cardholders must spend at least S$1,500 overseas on eligible dining or shopping to qualify.

Eligible in-person dining includes restaurants, bars, fast food, bakeries, candy stores, pharmacies, and wine shops. Eligible shopping categories cover a wide range: duty-free, department stores, fashion, shoes, children’s apparel, sportswear, toys, luggage, electronics, books, art, cosmetics, and more. UOB uses MCC codes to define these categories.

The promo awards 5 mpd via a combination of base miles and bonus miles. Regional foreign-currency (FCY) spend (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam) earns 3 mpd base + 2 mpd bonus, while non-regional FCY spend earns 2.4 mpd base + 2.6 mpd bonus. Base UNI$ is uncapped, but the bonus miles are capped at 8,000 miles total, equivalent to S$4,000 in regional FCY or S$3,080 in non-regional FCY. Mixed spending will reach the cap between these amounts. Supplementary card transactions count toward the principal cardholder’s cap.

Only in-person physical transactions qualify; online, QR-based, app-based, ride-hailing, or mobile wallet payments do not. All transactions must post by 31 December 2025, and bonus UNI$ will be credited by 28 February 2026.

The promotion can only be used once across all PRVI Miles Cards, regardless of how many the customer holds.

While the 5 mpd earn rate is high, the 3.25% FCY fee may make alternatives—such as Amaze + Citi Rewards (4 mpd at ~2% FCY fee)—more appealing for some users.

Rewards Updates: Transfer Citi credit card points to Kris+ with an 8% bonus

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/11/14/transfer-citi-credit-card-points-to-kris-with-an-8-bonus/

ChatGPT:

Citi cardholders can now convert Citi Miles or ThankYou (TY) points to KrisFlyer miles through Kris+ with an 8% bonus, available from 12 November 2025 to 26 February 2026. This offer mirrors last year’s promotion and slightly reduces the usual 15% “haircut” incurred when transferring via Kris+. Conversions must be at least 4,000 Citi Miles or 10,000 TY points, and the bonus is shown instantly in the Kris+ app.

A transfer of 4,000 Citi Miles normally yields 3,400 KrisPay miles, but with the bonus, users get 3,672 miles. There is no cap on the number of transfers. After converting to KrisPay miles, users must tap “transfer now” within 21 days to send them to KrisFlyer at a 1:1 ratio. Any leftover KrisPay miles become stuck, can only be spent at about 1 cent per mile, and expire after six months.

However, transferring via Kris+ still results in an effective 8.2% loss compared to the Citi app, where 10,000 Citi Miles convert directly into 10,000 KrisFlyer miles. Despite the haircut, Kris+ can be beneficial in certain situations: transfers are free, instant, and have lower minimums. In contrast, Citi app transfers cost S$27.25, require 24–48 hours, and need larger blocks of 10,000 Citi Miles or 25,000 TY points.

This makes Kris+ useful for small or “orphan” balances or for those who need miles immediately. For example, converting 10,000 Citi Miles via Kris+ yields 9,180 miles but avoids fees and delays—worth it unless you value each mile above 3.3 cents.

Citi Miles never expire, while TY points may, depending on the card. KrisFlyer miles expire after three years, so timing conversions matters. Users can delay the KrisPay-to-KrisFlyer step slightly to maximise validity, but should set reminders.

Overall, the offer is helpful but best used selectively rather than for large transfers.

Rewards Updates: Hello Kitty campaign kicks off to get people to walk, run or ride to earn merchandise

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/hello-kitty-campaign-kicks-off-to-get-people-to-walk-run-or-ride-to-earn-merchandise

ChatGPT:

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has launched Hello Kitty’s Move Lite Adventure to encourage Singaporeans to adopt more sustainable ways of getting around, such as walking, running and using public transport. Running from Nov 1 to 21, 2025, the campaign has already attracted about 22,000 participants, surpassing LTA’s initial target of 10,000. Registration, which opened on Sept 4, remains available at the campaign website.

Participants earn digital coins through various activities, including a daily online quiz that increases in reward value over time, and a 50km virtual walk/run completed at their own pace. Completing the first 3km milestone unlocks a Hello Kitty e-certificate. Coins can be used to redeem exclusive Hello Kitty merchandise such as enamel pins, bag charms, phone chains and fridge magnets.

From Nov 7 to 21, participants can also collect coins and digital Hello Kitty stamps by checking in at 15 MRT stations—including Orchard, Maxwell, Botanic Gardens, Woodlands and Tampines—via QR scans. Hello Kitty-themed trains are running on the North East, Downtown and Thomson-East Coast lines until Nov 23.

A social media contest running from Oct 28 to Nov 9 encourages passengers to post selfies with Hello Kitty trains or station décor for a chance to win limited-edition Move Lite Adventure medals.

The campaign will conclude with a finale event at One Holland Village from Nov 21 to 23, where participants can redeem merchandise, take photos at a themed booth and collect a special stamp postcard. Redeemed items can also be mailed for a S$6 fee.

LTA says Hello Kitty adds fun and familiarity to daily commuting and hopes her broad appeal will motivate more people across all ages to choose greener travel habits.

Rewards Updates: Revolut #HuntTheMouse: Hunt Across Singapore For A S$250,000 Gold Coin & Other Prizes For First-Timers, Youth And Seniors

Source:

https://www.littledayout.com/huntthemouse-gold-coin-hunt-sqkii/

ChatGPT:

The #HuntTheMouse 2025 event by Sqkii, in partnership with Revolut, returns from 16 October to 14 December 2025, offering S$1 million in total cash prizes. Hidden across Singapore are a S$250,000 Gold Coin and 600 Silver Coinsworth between S$500 and S$2,000 each. The first person to find a coin redeems its full value in cash.

This year introduces two new categories for inclusivity:

• First-timers, Youth (≤21), and Seniors (≥50) – 400 Silver Coins worth S$500 each are reserved for these groups to encourage intergenerational play.

• #IKWL (“I Know Where Liao”) – An online prediction challenge running from 16 Oct to 30 Nov, where players guess the Gold Coin’s coordinates using daily hints. The top 10 closest guesses within 20 metres share a S$250,000prize pool, with individual winnings from S$25,000 to S$250,000.

A new AI companion named Timii debuts this year, guiding players with real-time tips and hints. The game remains free to play, with real-time maps on huntthemouse.sqkii.com showing coin zones that shrink throughout the day. Power-ups such as Circle Shrink, Coin Sonar, and Metal Detector enhance the gameplay experience.

Hints for the Gold Coin are released thrice daily (10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm) on Sqkii’s Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram. Players must follow safety and property-respect rules to avoid disqualification.

Last year’s edition attracted nearly one million participants, with 79% spending over three hours per hunt. Beyond the chase, the in-game map also highlights Places of Interest, blending adventure with cultural and historical exploration.

Opinion:

Interesting.

Not going to try it though. Lack of time 😅

Rewards Updates: Commentary: SIA is introducing dynamic pricing to KrisFlyer. Should members be worried?

 

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/sia-krisflyer-update-mile-redeem-dynamic-pricing-5384061

ChatGPT:

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will introduce Access awards under KrisFlyer from Nov 1, shifting towards dynamic award pricing. Unlike Saver and Advantage awards, which follow a published chart, Access awards will have variable mileage costs based on demand, route, and seasonality. While framed as offering more options, frequent flyers fear this marks the start of a major devaluation.

Dynamic pricing is not new. Carriers such as Delta, United, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic have already adopted it, often justifying the change as delivering greater flexibility, more availability, and no blackout dates. In practice, however, it has led to loss of transparency, stealthy price hikes, and diminished value for members. With no fixed chart, redemption prices can be changed overnight without notice, leaving customers uncertain whether to save or spend miles. Many may instead shift to flexible bank rewards points, weakening airline loyalty.

Another consequence is the removal of sweet spots—redemptions where fixed-mileage awards deliver exceptional value compared to cash fares. For instance, a Business Class ticket from Singapore to Cape Town currently costs 56,500 miles, far below its cash equivalent of S$4,000. Under dynamic pricing, such outsized value disappears as mileage requirements track market fares more closely. Airlines also tend to impose floors, meaning members don’t benefit proportionally when cash prices fall.

Dynamic pricing risks alienating loyal customers. Frequent flyer miles, accumulated slowly over years of travel, may lose predictability and reliability. Although SIA insists Access awards will supplement rather than replace Saver and Advantage awards, history elsewhere suggests gradual expansion of dynamic pricing. Competitors in the region may follow suit, potentially reshaping the frequent flyer landscape in Asia.

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: How does Scoot’s Cancel Your Trip feature work?

Source:

https://milelion.com/2025/10/05/how-does-scoots-cancel-your-trip-feature-work/

ChatGPT:

Scoot’s Cancel Your Trip add-on, introduced in 2024, gives passengers flexibility to cancel flights for any reason up to four hours before departure, provided they haven’t checked in. Instead of a cash refund, customers receive Scoot vouchers equal to the full booking value (including add-ons like seats, meals, and baggage), excluding the add-on fee itself, insurance, and payment processing charges. Vouchers are issued within 24 hours, valid for one year, and must be used in a single transaction. Partial cancellations aren’t allowed—the entire booking and all passengers must be cancelled together.

The add-on must be purchased either during booking or within 24 hours, and applies to all passengers on the reservation. Prices start from S$20 for regional routes (e.g., Kuala Lumpur) and go up to S$104 for long-haul destinations like Athens; round-trip tickets double the cost. Cancel Your Trip isn’t available for flights to or from India and South Korea, KrisFlyer portal bookings, or award tickets. Ineligible passengers (e.g., KrisFlyer Elite tiers booking via the KrisFlyer portal) instead see an option to expand a one-time flexibility waiver.

In contrast, Scoot’s Change Your Flight add-on, from S$15, allows unlimited date and time changes but locks passengers into the same route. Cancel Your Trip is more flexible since vouchers can be applied to any destination, effectively giving travelers freedom to switch trips altogether.

The add-on is best for passengers who want maximum flexibility, especially if uncertain about both travel dates and destinations. However, for those committed to flying a specific route but needing only date flexibility, Change Your Flight is the cheaper and more practical option.

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

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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/

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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/

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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.