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  • Writer's picturePatrick Phang

Not worth the annual fee • Affin Bank [Credit Card, Malaysia]

Disclaimer: The article and product(s) that is/ are mentioned are non sponsored. All insights are based on personal opinions and researches done. The information would have been updated during the time you read this article. The resources are based on the day of this article being posted.


After few Malaysia credit cards' reviews, collecting annual fees seems to be a norm for banks over here. Even the cards with least or almost-non benefits cost an annual fee of at least hundred MYR. Which is definitely not OK.


Today, we will have a deeper look into what Affin Bank offers, towards its point rewards (AFFIN Rewards).


The same as other banks in Malaysia, the lineup is categorised by minimum annual income.


A. Top Tier (Affinbank World Mastercard)


Benefits

- 3x for overseas spending

- 1x for local spending

- Golf privilege by Affin Bank and World Mastercard.

- 6x worldwide Plaza Premium Lounge access (Minimum spend of 2,000 MYR in latest month)

- Personal Accident Insurance

- Flight and Travel Personal Accident Insurance


Annual Fee: 500 MYR

Waived for first year. Subsequent years with minimum annual spending of 48,000 MYR


Eligibility: 80,000 MYR Minimum annual income


Mileage redemption rates

AirAsia Big Points 6:1 (Min 6,000 points : 1,000 miles)

Malaysia Airlines Enrich 6:1 (Min 6,000 points : 1,000 miles)


 

B. Mid Tier (Affinbank Visa Signature Card)


Benefits

- 3% cash back on contactless transaction (Max 80 MYR per month)

- 1x for PIN-based and Card-not-present transactions



Annual Fee: 150 MYR

Waived for first year. Subsequent years with minimum annual spending of 6,000 MYR


Eligibility: 48,000 MYR Minimum annual income


 

C. Low Tier (Affinbank BHPetrol "Touch & Fuel" Mastercard + Gold Visa/Mastercard)

Common Benefits

- 1x on every MYR spent (besides transactions at BHPetrol for Affinbank BHPetrol "Touch and Fuel" Mastercard)


Exclusive for Affinbank BHPetrol "Touch & Fuel" Mastercard

Fuel purchases at BHPetrol Station (Max 50 MYR per month)

- 10% Cash Back on weekends

- 2% Cash Back on weekdays


Annual Fee: 150 MYR (Waived for first year)

Touch&Fuel: Subsequent years with minimum annual spending of 2,400 MYR

Gold Visa/ Mastercard: Subsequent years with minimum annual spending of 24,000 MYR


Eligibility: 24,000 MYR Minimum annual income


Mileage redemption rates (for both mid and low tiers)

AirAsia Big Points 10:1 (Min 10,000 points : 1,000 miles)

Malaysia Airlines Enrich 12:1 (Min 12,000 points : 1,000 miles)


 

Final thoughts


Affin Bank has partnerships with AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines only, for its mileage redemption program. The liquidity of points is lower than other issuers in the market.


The multipliers and redemption rates do not seem effective too in the market, yet there are annual fees required. Even for the lowest tier card. 150 MYR annual fee for 1x point towards reward. Definitely a big NO for points evaluation. There are better cards out there.


Moreover, the points earning is limited too, for cards with a small amount of cash back offered.


To compare cash back for fuel at BHPetrol, a non annual fee Petronas co-branded Maybank credit card is more recommendable. With the same requirement and capped cash back amount. Meanwhile, Petronas has more coverage in Malaysia. BHPetrol is only available at Penisular Malaysia, excluded Sabah and Sarawak.


Have a glance of estimated earning miles by using the excel file below:

By inserting the amount of expense in Yellow Column


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