@MakNok,
Just to double check, what's the min amount needed to be charged to HSBC before U qualify for that watch? Mine hasn't arrived and I'm wondering if I should make the call *grins*

Am also thinking of cancelling this existing HSBC Gold credit card except I don't want the salesperson who took processed my application to lose out on his commission so am wondering if i should wait it out - does anyone know what's the wait time like?

@candy_chl,
I'm actually surprised U had so much issues with HSBC. It took them less than 5 working days to send it out; I put in an application last Thursday evening and received the card via courier this morning.

@MakNok,
It's possible I didn't swipe >RM300 within the first 2 months of my undertaking of the credit card; will need to double check but it's alright since I don't need/want the watch plus I've intentions of cancelling the card.

@siutimtim,
The bank didn't call for verification; perhaps because I'm an existing customer *shrugs* And Yes the credit limit I obtained this time round was v much higher than the one which was previously issued.

@David83,
This thread has >100 pages. Die man if one had to go through the entire thread; but going through just posting #1 seems reasonable enough

@vexus,
U could check out Posting #1 (i haven't!) but otherwise Direct Access does give Free For Life cards with no conditions attached

@vin_ann,
U could always verify through UOB's website; I'm sure it'll be posted on their website should they have such promotions/contest. Well, I hold a UOB credit card but I haven't received such SMSes. I'll check with sis if she received any when I see her later.

This post has been edited by tinkerbel: May 3 2008, 04:50 PM

@siutimtim,
Yes UOB does upgrading too like the rest of the other banks. I was upgraded to the next tier about a year and a half ago.

@siutimtim,
I've absolutely no idea what the criterias are since I didn't put in a new application for the card. Also, does it really matter what kind of card (Classic, Gold or Platinum card) ur holding?

If U haven't been in debt, U shouldn't have much to worry about your credit ratings. Also, it doesn't necessarily mean U'll get ur credit card approved if ur credit ratings are great. Risk factor is also taken into calculation for example; if ur oredi holding 3 credit cards, the bank will look into the total credit limit u have versus your income and a lot of other factors before they'll approve your next credit card; whichever bank it's from.

@siutimtim,
Yes it's true that credit card sales people only earn their commission after the card's been activated for X months [how many months I do not know - this is to prevent 'fraud' cases] but if u want to help ur friends who's in credit card sales, u could always take a credit card and cancel it after 6 months *grins*

I mentioned previously I been thinking of canceling my HSBC card except I don't want the salesperson who attended to me to lose his sales commission so am thinking if I should just keep the card for a couple of months before I cancel it. I've had the card since Jan '08 so it's just another 2 month wait.

@yks8845,
Yeah I had to explain that to me sister when she complained about being rejected by OCBC twice for that Titanium card. And her only reason for wanting that card; Buy 1 Free 1 at Cineleisure! She's 'blacklisted' OCBC for that *grins*

@siutimtim,
I actually don't know if we're charged if we want to close our account; i'd never closed a credit card account before - i'll let u know when I close this HSBC of mine except I probably make a lot of noise if I was charged as I'm just consolidating my expenses to another card HSBC issued.

Also, I don't think the bank will ask u to return the cancelled card; instead ask u to destroy it.

PS: I might even find it too troublesome to cancel the card and leave it at the end of the day *grins*.

@siutimtim,
Yes. Citibank does send pre-approved credit cards to u. Some are upgrades; which means the current card ur using will be deactivated when U start using that new card. Some are basically additional cards. As long as U do not activate the card and use it, the bank should not charge u anything.

I've had my Citibank Clear Card upgraded to a Gold Card several times of which I refused to accept. Recently, they also sent me the pre-approved Citibank Shell card which I ignored; of which they called to check if I'd received the card and got a blasting from me *grins*

Let's hope they no longer send me anymore cards!

@Dyong,
The cards I received from Citibank aren't on a combined limit; they each have separate individual limits.

I don't like the idea of keeping too many credit cards or having a super thick wallet hence the thought of cancelling the additional HSBC Visa card of mine.

@hye,
I think we as individuals need to be responsible and mature before we start splurging on the plastics. As much as I agree with u on the negative effects, I must say the plastic has been quite useful in my life.

I do have friends who refuses to use or obtain a credit card for fear of overspending and prefer to go cash. Whichever the way, find one that works best for u.

@siutimtim,
In the earlier days, Citibank's Clear Card gave you priviledges exceeding their Classic/Gold Card meant for 'yuppies'; it doesn't seem to be the case these days (still I'm not too sure cause I don't seem to be utilising them nor have I made a comparison lately). I refused the upgrade because I knew I wouldn't be able to re-apply for the Clear card. I've had friends who wanted the Citibank Clear Card once upon a time whose application was rejected; instead they were offered a Gold Card instead.

I intend to keep at least 1 of my Clear Cards hence will never be tempted to an upgrade

@Dyong,
I'll make sure I clear that wallet for u this weekend `k? Just make sure u keep enough notes for me to clear `k? [PS: I'm taking Mom to Japanese lunch this weekend in conjunction with Mom's Day!]

@siutimtim,
I sure didn't know DA gave 2% rebate on petrol. I'll use my DA on my next petrol fill up n check if the 2% is applicable on my card.

@Dyong,
It's Mom's Day so it really is her call; unlike in my family, I make the call so it was more like, I make the reservations, invite the people i want to invite, tell dad about it, reconfirm invitation list and then tell mom we're having lunch on Sun *grins*

Am sure ur mom's not gonna mind losing out to me *grins* She's gonna love me btw.. wanna take a bet on that?

And yes the Shell petrol card is totally not worth it - in order to gain the rebates u gotta owe the bank $ - what's the point of getting rebates when u need to be spending more $ to earn those rebates? It's rubbish if U asked me.

I haven't come across many credit cards with no restrictions other than the Direct Access graduate card which is *REALLY* Free For Life, with no conditions attached! The only bummer is that their point system sucks.

@eric84cool,
But U only get the rebate if u were owing the bank $ right? If U paid ur bills on time every month and in full, U wouldn't be getting any rebate off ur purchases.

@Dyong,
If ur satisfied with ur current card, there's no point in looking for a change. I think most Platinum cards offer about the same priviledges [which is close to none!] Citibank's Plat card used to be able to give you access into Bangkok's Airport Lounge but that no longer is the case. Apparently, the only card with free access into KLIA's Premier Lounge is Standard Chartered (Visa only!).

I do hear however MBB Treat Points are very much better than what Citibank offers [and the one reason I'm still using Citibank as my primary card is cause I rather have my points consolidated in 1 bank for easier 'redemption' if u know what i mean]

PS: Ok I'll let Mom have her day with your wallet; i'll have that Citi Plat for the weekend then [see.. I told U she's gonna love me!]

@joanalooidog,
I believe HSBC will auto waive your annual fee if u use the card more than 12 times (that's averagely once a month). If you swiped it 12 times a month and only in that month, I believe you would have still met the criteria *grins*

@SKY 1809,
Having the fees waived doesn't necessarily mean it's defaulted. It's defaulted only if U don't make payment for it. If u aren't charged for it, how then do u make payment for it? Also, if the annual fee's defaulted, the bank reserves the right to cancel the card isn't it?

@amerz,
I have never applied for a credit card online but from my experience, HSBC's response time is pretty quick. I received my actual credit card a week after I submitted my application.