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Remembering how the UOB points redemption system was criticised in this blog earlier? Comparing to other credit card issuers, what UOB Bank does is just following the flow. There is nothing wrong with it, it just shows that we are not there yet, achieving the ideal state of credit card game. The we right here means both consumers and issuers.
UOB Bank offers a very minimal lineup of its credit cards. 4 out of 7 cards are reward points earning cards (UNIRM, that's what they called). The lowest minimum annual income for applicants is 40,000 MYR. An average requirement for mid tier cards in the market.
Does this mean UOB cards are more premium?
A. Top Tier- UOB Visa Infinite Card
UOB offers welcome bonus of 50,000 UNIRM. (After spending of 5,000 MYR in 60 days)
Benefits:
- 8x for spending in SGD, THB and JPY
- 5x on other foreign currencies
- Yearly complimentary lounge access via Airport Companion by Dragon Pass (4x for Visa Infinite in Asia Pacific and 6x for Privilege Banking Visa Infinite for international access)
- 4x complimentary limousine service to KLIA per annum (Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya areas, with 5,000 MYR spent in 30 days on travel categories)
- 20% off TBR Luxury Airport Transfer Service (Overseas)
- 25% off immigration Fast Track service (provided by Visa Infinite)
- Travel insurance
- UOB Infinite Private Lounge access at EmQuartier, Bangkok, Thailand
Mileage Redemption rates 7.5 : 1 (7,500 points : 1,000 miles)
Partnered with Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Asia Miles.
UOB provides double mile in birthday month.
Surprisingly, the redemption rate for AirAsia is 8.5:1 despite it is a low cost airline.
Annual Fee: 600 MYR
waived with minimum annual spending of 50,000 MYR
Eligibility:
Visa Infinite: Minimum annual income of 120,000 MYR
Privilege Banking Visa Infinite: Invitation only
**There is a metal card version of Visa infinite card that is not publicised online. The annual fee is quoted 3,000 MYR. It offers a more efficient mileage redemption rate at 4.5:1 for partnered airlines. While remaining the same rate for AirAsia.
B. Mid Tier- UOB PRVI Miles
From its' design, UOB PRVI Miles is definitely symbolised travel.
Benefits:
- 10x on online reservations with key travel partners (Including Expedia, Booking.com)
- 5x on airlines, hotels and travel agencies spending
- 5x on overseas spending (Including online purchases)
- 50% off GRAB ride to and from airport
- 15% off on Agoda and Expedia
UOB offers 2,000 UNIRM* with minimum of 3x retail purchases per month
*Max payout of 120,000 UNIRM, first-come-first-serve basis
Annual Fee: 198 MYR
Eligibility: 60,000 MYR
P.S: Despite the icon of travel card, there is neither "special" mileage redemption rates nor airport lounge access. Unfortunately.
C. Low Tier- UOB Preferred Platinum
Benefits:
- 3x on Dining, Recurring Payments and Overseas Transactions
- 5 MYR discount code* on Grab Food and Grab Ride
*Max 3 redemptions per category. Subject to monthly quota of 1,000 redemptions.
Annual Fee: 198 MYR
Eligibility: 40,000 MYR
Bonus- UOB Lady's Card
There are 3 variations of this card, but only 2 are advertised online (Classic and Solitaire- Higher tier).
Benefits:
- 10x on fashion purchases
- 5x on groceries
- Exclusive for Solitare: 5x on overseas spending (including online purchases)
- 50 MYR Zalora cash voucher
- 15% off on Zalora for beauty and grooming category
- Exclusive for Solitare: Travel and purchase protection plans
Annual Fee:
Lady's Card- 68 MYR
Lady's Platinum- 128 MYR
Lady's Solitaire- 300 MYR (waived with minimum annual spending of 30,000 MYR)
Eligibility:
Lady's Card- 24,000 MYR
Lady's Platinum- 48,000 MYR
Lady's Solitaire- 100,000 MYR
Besides the exclusive benefits, the capped points earned for each multipliers is another limiting factor:
Lady's Card- 8,000 UNIRM per month
Lady's Platinum- 15,000 UNIRM per month
Lady's Solitaire- 20,000 UNIRM per month
Total Lady's cards capping at 20,000,000 UNIRM per month
Mileage Redemption rates
Malaysia Airlines Enrich 10.5:1 (10,500 points : 1,000 miles)
Singapore Airlines Enrich 8.5:1 (8,500 points : 1,000 miles)
AirAsia Big 8.5:1 (8,500 points : 1,000 miles)
Asia Miles 8.5:1 (8,500 points : 1,000 miles)
Final Thoughts
Is UOB Bank providing premium credit cards?
Yes, it is and it does. The UOB Visa Infinite card does its job perfectly in travel category (additional multipliers to Malaysian favourite travelling countries) despite having a least efficient mileage redemption rate.
However, the UOB PRVI Miles does not show a strong character as premium travel card. It used to be "Visa Signature", but relaunched to be "Visa Platinum". Airport lounge access is removed too.
It will be more attractive if better mileage redemption rates are offered.
Moreover, multipliers are offered to top spending categories, which is great. With annual fee added, UOB Bank does start their game from Mid-tier.
In overall, UOB is very competitive in points and miles market. Yet, an easier and straight forward redemption will be much appreciated by users. If UOB would like to jump into the big league.
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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