Some weeks ago, a close friend had emailed our circle of freinds and recommended us to sign up for the HSBC Visa Infinite Card. A HSBC telesales staff had coldcalled him and managed to convince him to sign up for the card. The amazing thing was the card costs a staggering $488!
I don't take his recommendation lightly because he is someone who does not spend his money frivolously and as a senior lawyer, quite intelligent with a good head on his shoulders. I contacted the HSBC telesales and decided to sign up for the card after he explained the benefits to me. That's the power of selling through social networks! Clearly, it was an easier sell for me, since a friend I trusted, had already signed up.
STANDARD HSBC CARD BENEFITS (SELECTED BENEFITS ONLY)
* For full list of benefits, please visit HSBC SG website
1. Purchase $75 HSBC - Golden Village Movie Card, with 10 movie passes.
- Allows you to watch movies at GV for $7.50 at all times
2. 5% Cash rebate at Cold Storage, Jasons, Giant, Guardian & Market Place
3. 15% discount of Caltex petrol
- Interesting only if you are a Caltex fan. I use the DBS Esso card
4. Pay your income and property tax with your credit card and earn miles
- You have to pay an administrative charge of 0.7% of your tax
- E.g., If you pay $12,000 in taxes, 0.7% works out to an admin charge of $84. You will receive 12,000 points which you can exchange for 12,000 Krisflyer miles, almost enough for a redemption ticket to Bali. You would have to pay for the fuel and airport surcharge though so the ticket is not entirely free.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
1. 01 x welcome gift of either (a) 30,000 air miles or (b) New model Nikon 1 J1 camera with VR 10-30mm lenses (retailing at $799)
2. Free Priority Pass Membership
- Allows you to access 600 VIP lounges around the world for free.
- The infrequent traveller might ask why is this a big draw? The appeal becomes obvious if you are stranded at an airport for more than a few hours (this has happened to me several times before when I missed a connecting flight.)
- Cost: US$ 249 for basic annual membership
3. One way Limousine Transfer to the airport
- They will get a Mercedes Limousine Cab to pick you up from anywhere in Singaopre to the airport.
- Cost: SGD$40
4. Private check in service at JetQuay Terminal
- Any guest using JetQuay's facilities can park their car in secured JetQuay on-site car park up to 10 days for free.
- Cost: SGD $200 for parking alone (assuming you park at Terminal 2 - $20 / day)
* See my Sept 2012 post - Review on JetQuay CIP Terminal
RATIONALE FOR GETTING CARD
1. First of all, the Nikon camera welcome gift is a big draw. If you sold it second hand, you would probably be able to get $200-300 for it.
2. If you do not have frequent traveller status (e.g., Krisflyer), you would definitely like a Priority Pass card, which would allow you to use the lounges around the world for free. You typically get free food, drinks; a place to rest, read papers and shower.
3. Each time you go away on a trip, you can get a free nice limo ride to the airport. These days, even a taxi from town to the airport will cost $30-40 on peak hour surcharge with booking. You get to travel in comfort for $40.
The 3 benefits above make the $488 seem worth while, provided you are travel often. As far as I am concerned, these 3 benefits were compelling enough to sign up (even if I don't use the Private Check In Service at JetQuay Terminal, Expedited Immigration Clearance or any of the other basic HSBC benefits.)
FOR MORE DETAILS
Disclaimer notice: Road Warrior does not get any benefit (monetary or in kind) from HSBC or its affliates for blogging about the HSBC Visa Infinite Card.
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