When I do credit card reviews, there’s usually some kind of theme to it. Like frequent flier cards, entertainment cards, etc. But there are cards that, like that annoying fat kid in Primary school, won’t fit into any group. They aren’t bad, just weird (which is coincidentally how the school counsellor described me). Let’s just say these cards are aimed at very specific demographics. Check them out, they may be a good fit for you:
1. UOB Lady’s Platinum Card
Do you want a credit card that screams: “I hate gender equality”? Do you want a card that says: “I love having my gender stereotyped”? Then you want the UOB Lady’s Platinum Card*.
*Barbie dolls and bimbo outfit sold separately
uob-ladys-card
First off, only ladies are eligible to apply for this. You can tell from the rose printed on the card, because women, they can’t handle serious looking cards right? Well they can admire it while doing their hair and buying dresses, because that’s 99% of what this card is for. The other 1% is buffing nails. Card holders get:
- Discounts on waxing services
- Discounts at salons
- Discounts for shopping
- Wide range of dining benefits
- Solid rewards scheme
And to get to those places, they…oh no way. This card has NO petrol rebates. You can’t possibly tell me that’s not a veiled “woman drivers” comment.
At places like Shunji Matsuo (like a barber, except 20 times more expensive) this card gives you 15% off cuts and chemical services. At Honeypot Wax Boutique, you pay 10% less for having hair ripped violently from your body. Also look for complimentary access to Willow Stream Spa, and 75% off the joining fee at Fitness First.
Shopping benefits are massive, with flat out 30% discounts at retailers like Steve Madden and EGG3. Also, movie tickets are $6.50 (weekday) and $8.50 (weekend) at Cathay.
The rewards scheme is standard for UOB cards. You get 1 UNI$ for every $5 charged to the card. Redeem UNI$ for an eclectic mix of gifts, like Tung Lok meals or frequent flier miles.
Citibank SMRT Platinum Visa Card
citibank-smrt-platinum-visa-card
SMRT credit card huh? Looks like transport costs must really be through the roof. I’ll tell you one thing: I hope this card works in cabs. Get it? Because that’s what you’ll be using if you try the train!
This card is designed for people who love public transport (so go apply for it, all two of you). It doubles as an EZ-Link card, so anyone stealing it can flee more easily. The card also offers a range of interesting benefits:
- Get SMRT rebates and free rides
- Cash rebate for shopping
- Wide range of dining discounts
- Great for groceries
- Petrol discount, because logic sucks
As you spend money, you’ll accumulate SMRT dollars. Every $10 SMRT dollars can be traded for a $10 voucher, valid at participating outlets such as Giant, Cold Storage, or Carrefour. Because so many of the rewards are redeemable at supermarkets, this is a great card for grocery shopping. You can also use SMRT dollars to top up your EZ Link card.
This card also has an impressive 6% cash rebate, but only for shopping at Tangs. Dining discounts have a good range, applicable at restaurants from Sakae Sushi to Boon Tong Kee.
Oh, and there’s a 5% discount at Esso. This makes sense.
3. DBS Takashimaya Platinum American Express Card
DBS-Takashimaya-Platinum-American-Express-Card
Wow, how did the marketers fit this card’s name on a flyer? I sprained a finger just typing that header. I’ll just call it the Takashimaya Amex Card.
This card is meant for people who should just move in at Takashimaya. If you spend half your life there, consider this your identity card for your shopping mall kingdom. Benefits are:
- Impressively long name
- Amazing rewards scheme
- Massive dining discounts
- Great savings, assuming you shop at one place for the rest of your life
The DBS Takashimaya Pla…this card…has a rewards scheme that’s focused on Takashimaya. Every $10 (in a single receipt) at Takashimaya gives you Takashimaya points. Redeem 100 points ($500 expenditure), and you get a $30 voucher. Christmas gift problems solved.
In addition to the voucher, the card also hooks you up to the usual DBS rewards scheme. Accumulated spending gives you DBS points, which can be traded for frequent flier miles, movie tickets, or…more Takashimaya vouchers. How much stuff do they think people want from there?
Dining discounts cover more than 1000 restaurants, and most of them are flat rates with no conditions. 18% off the bill at Hard Rock Cafe, 20% off at Lawry’s, and 20% off at Le Baroque ought to out the pounds on. Also look for shopping discounts; card holders get an additional 10% during sale events.
Get the Cards!
To get these cards, go to SmartCredit.sg. Click on the “Totally Weird” category and…oh wait, there isn’t one. Click on “All Credit Cards”, then browse through the list of Singapore’s best cards. Alternatively, use the links provided in the articles above.
SmartCredit will allow you set up one-to-one comparisons between different cards, and apply directly for them. Be sure to browse the other offers; information is compiled from all local banks, and you may find more than one card you like.
Image Credits:
Robert Scoble, 401k
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