That is so so true. Guys, all you need is the AMEX Gold credit card !!!! 
HSBC is quite good actually. The points needed to redeem for shopping vouchers are one of the lowest in town, the lowest being CIMB Bank and American Express Membership Rewards.

For special discounts you need to refer to their SmartPrivileges catalogue online. Currently there is this 10% off at Starbucks i am taking advantage off 
I have 2 HSBC credit cards. The first year annual fee for one of the cards is free. The annual fee for the second year onwards will be automatically waived provided you swipe it at least 12 times in a year. This applies to all HSBC Classic, Gold and Platinum credit cards.

This automatic fee waiver however, is not mentioned in their conventional credit card application form but all the HSBC staff told me the same thing, should be a real deal i suppose.
True. It's bullshit really.

Well, you gotta ask urself honestly. It can be a real big problem, especially since swiping the card and deferring payment is real tempting. Can get you into serious financial troubles if you misuse it.

If you frequent GSC, the eon card should help. Apart from the discounts, you get to queue up at the gold class lane in the bigger cinemas (1u,mv,pav) which is a real plus point to me.

At least not for next year. The govt factored in the RM500 million revenue from this tax into the budget - do you think they will reverse it ? NO! Govt need this money coz they got no money or loss so much money elsewhere!

..not really, i think the credit card business going to consolidate after couples of booming years.. becoming more efficient less wastage.. well, i think lah hahaha...

on personal note, need to consolidate my credit card holdings to less than 5, 4, 3.. i dont make up my mind yet (have yet to cancel a single card and i'm betting/hoping they wont charge the service tax straight away come 01.01.10)...

Thanks for the advise,

however MBB's annual income requirement is 30k mine is only 25++k

i already apply online for HSBC, now waiting for them to call me back
i really want Citibank, but too bad.. do u think re-apply again will get a better result?

Alliance bank, i already had a MC card, therefore i m looking for Visa.

I'm guessing next year they'll impose the RM50 immediately when you sign up for a credit card. Btw, who do we pay the RM50 to? Banks or income tax? Or mail cash to PM's house? lol

obviously Jan 2010. Anyone holding a credit card in Jan 2010...dun care how long you've been holding the card (for now) will kena the charge.
We need to wait for the banks or gov to announce more details on this service tax...but thus far...everyone's assuming the worst since gov only gave us the Jan 2010 date.