There are many cash rebate cards out in the market. The most widely marketed card right now is the UOB One card. There are also the Citibank Dividend Platinum card and the Standard Chartered Manhattan Platinum card.
The details of their rebate policies are:
UOB One card - Spending $800/$300 for all 3 months in a billing quarter will entitle users to $80/$30 cash rebate, on top of points reward system.
Citibank Dividend Platinum card - 5% on patrol, 2% on groceries and dining and pharmaceuticals, 0.5% on other spending. On accumulation of $50 cash rebate, Citibank will send you a cheque.
Standard Chartered Manhattan Platinum card - Spending amount < $500 = 0.5%, < $1500 = 1%, < $3000 = 2%, > $3000 = 5%. Maximum $300 rebate/quarter.
Maximum rebate vs Spending per year:
UOB One - $320 based on minimum of $9600 spending (3.33%)
Citibank Dividend - Varies (% varies)
SCB Manhattan - $1200 based on minimum of $24000 spending (5%)
For a high spender who can easily spend $3000 to $5000 on credit card monthly, the Manhattan card provides the best rebate.
For a average spender who spend $300-$1000 on credit card monthly, the UOB One card provides a good but small rebate.
For consolidated spending, like spending few thousands occasionally (not every month), Manhattan card is the right option.
For drivers, there are many petrol rebate cards out there, with some offering instant rebates. Dividend card may not be the only option. But for a hassle free - without calculation - rebate system, this is not a bad option.
Personally, as a member of all 3 cards, I am reaping the most benefits out of the Manhattan card. I am very pleased to be getting $200 to $300 of rebates quarterly from StanChart. In months which I think I cannot spend > $3000, I’ll try to keep my purchases on the next month when I can spend altogether. Once you hit $3000, you can tell yourself you are getting a 5% discount on anything you are buying.
