In recent years, the DBS Altitude Card has positioned itself as a staple in the wallets of discerning Singaporean travelers and points collectors. Boasting a competitive rate of mile accumulation for both local and overseas spending, the Altitude Card appeals to a broad range of consumers, from fresh graduates to seasoned professionals. Unique partnerships and reward structures enhance its attractiveness, offering cardholders an array of travel-related perks and services.
Alongside its travel benefits, the card’s potential for cost savings via annual fee waivers presents a compelling value proposition to those looking to economize without compromising on rewards. However, the real draw lies in the mileage rewards, with opportunities to accelerate mile accumulation through particular spending categories and promotional offers. Combined with a straightforward application process and positive customer feedback, the DBS Altitude Card merits consideration from anyone seeking a reliable air miles card.
Key Takeaways
- The card accrues miles swiftly through both everyday and travel-related expenses.
- Annual fee waivers contribute to the card’s cost-effectiveness for users.
- Positive consumer sentiment underscores the card’s value within its category.
DBS Altitude Card Overview
The DBS Altitude Card is a travel rewards credit card, particularly favored for its mileage earn rates. As cardholders, we appreciate how the card serves our needs with an array of benefits focused on rewards for spending both locally and overseas.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of what we can expect in terms of mile accumulation:
- For every S$5 spent in Singapore Dollars (SGD), we earn 3.25 DBS Points.
- Spending the same amount in foreign currency (FCY) yields 5.5 DBS Points.
It’s important to note that DBS Points can be quite beneficial since each point is equivalent to 2 airline miles. Therefore,
- Local spending (in SGD) gets us an earn rate of 1.3 miles per dollar (mpd),
- Overseas spending leads to an earn rate of 2.2 mpd.
Moreover, the card often includes additional promotional offers, such as increased miles on online flight and hotel bookings which can be as high as $1 = 3 miles.
Perks of the DBS Altitude Card include:
- Two complimentary lounge visits every year, which our global travelers find handy,
- Various discounts on travel-related expenses,
- Beneficial for both fresh graduates and working adults looking for value in a miles card.
Lastly, the card’s miles come with no expiry, making it a strong candidate for those of us seeking to accumulate miles over time without the pressure of a looming expiration date.
Eligibility Criteria
We understand the importance of knowing the specific requirements for applying for the DBS Altitude Card, which is why we’re focusing on the exact eligibility criteria.
Age Requirement
To be eligible for the DBS Altitude Card, applicants must be at least 21 years old. This age requirement ensures that the cardholder is legally considered an adult and can be held accountable for credit card usage and payments.
Income Requirement
The DBS Altitude Card has a clear income threshold set for prospective cardholders. The minimum income requirement is:
- S$30,000 for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents
- S$45,000 for foreigners
Meeting these income criteria is essential to qualify for the DBS Altitude Card, allowing the bank to assess creditworthiness and reduce financial risk.
Rewards and Benefits
In our analysis, the DBS Altitude Card stands out for its competitive miles earning rates, an array of travel perks, and a suite of lifestyle benefits that cater to those who enjoy luxury and convenience in their day-to-day lives.
Miles Earning Rate
- Local Spend: Earn 3 DBS Points for every S$5 spent (equivalent to 1.2 miles per S$1).
- Overseas Spend: Receive 5 DBS Points for every S$5 spent in foreign currency (equivalent to 2 miles per S$1).
- Bonus Spends: Accelerated earn rates are available for specific transactions such as online flight and hotel bookings.
Travel Perks
We find that cardholders benefit from travel-centric advantages including:
- Complimentary travel insurance.
- Preferential treatment and privileges at partner airlines and hotels.
- Access to worldwide airport lounges.
Lifestyle Benefits
The DBS Altitude Card lifestyle benefits are tailored to provide convenience and luxury, such as:
- Exclusive dining privileges.
- Golfing perks across globally recognized courses.
- Access to entertainment and shopping deals.
Annual Fees and Waivers
In discussing the DBS Altitude Card, we find that the card offers a structured approach to annual fees, providing incentives for frequent spenders through achievable waiver conditions.
Annual Fee
The standard annual fee for the DBS Altitude Card is S$194.40 for the principal cardholder. If you decide to add supplementary cards for your family members or partners, each carries an additional fee of S$97.20.
Fee Waiver Conditions
We can secure a waiver for the annual fee in a couple of ways:
- First-year Waiver: The annual fee is waived for the first year for both the principal and any supplementary cards.
- Automatic Waiver: For subsequent years, the annual fees are waived for both principal and supplementary cards if you spend at least S$25,000 during the membership year.
Interest Rates and Charges
When we consider the DBS Altitude Card, it is important for us to assess the associated fees and interest rates. This helps us understand the costs of maintaining the card.
Interest Rates
- Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The interest rate applied to outstanding balances on the DBS Altitude Card is notable. Our research indicates that cardholders are subject to a typical Effective Interest Rate (EIR) around 27.8%.
- Interest-Free Period: It’s beneficial to note that the card offers an interest-free grace period of 25 days, which is standard across many credit cards.
Key Charges Here we break down the main charges that can affect our overall card experience:
- Late Payment Fee: Failing to pay the minimum balance by the due date results in a late payment fee of $100.
- Cash Advance Fee: For cash advances, a fee of 8%, capped at $15, is charged.
- Overlimit Fee: Charges for exceeding the credit limit stand at $40.
Minimum Payment Every month, we’re required to make a payment of 3% of the outstanding balance or $50, whichever is greater.
Please understand that these rates and fees are subject to change, and we should always confirm them with DBS directly. Moreover, prompt payment and responsible credit use will allow us to enjoy the benefits of the DBS Altitude Card without incurring unnecessary charges.
Comparison with Competing Cards
In this detailed comparison, we consider how the DBS Altitude Card stands against its rivals in features and offerings.
Competitor Analysis
When matched with the Citi PremierMiles Credit Card, we observe that the DBS Altitude Card offers a different earn rate for miles. DBS Altitude members earn 1.3 miles per dollar (mpd) spent in Singapore Dollars (SGD) and 2.2 mpd for foreign currency (FCY) transactions. On the other hand, the Citi PremierMiles Card traditionally provides a similar earn rate on local and overseas spending, making DBS Altitude’s higher FCY earn rate notable.
Another contender is the American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card. The Amex SIA Card is directly linked to Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program and offers benefits tailored to frequent SIA flyers. Whereas the DBS Altitude’s advantage lies in its balance of competitive rates with access to luxury travel perks. The Amex SIA KrisFlyer Card might have fewer travel-related benefits but appeals directly to brand-loyal flyers through its direct earn structure.
Market Positioning
DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card finds its niche among travel enthusiasts seeking flexibility and value. Our analysis positions the card between the premium cards that come with high fees and the entry-level cards with limited perks. It offers an attractive proposition:
- Annual Fees: Comparatively moderate, often waived for the first year.
- Rewards Structure: Favors both local and overseas spending, with a higher earn rate on the latter.
The DBS Altitude Card’s appeal is in its versatility as a miles card that caters to various spending habits without aligning to one airline, unlike Amex’s offering. It stands out in a crowded market by providing a balance of rewards and travel benefits. This positioning offers consumers a strong alternative to other cards that focus on singular aspects like high earn rates with high fees, or low earn rates with minimal benefits.
Application Process
To apply for the DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card, follow these streamlined steps:
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Eligibility:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- For Singaporeans and PRs: Minimum annual income of S$30,000.
- For foreigners: Minimum annual income of S$45,000.
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Documents Needed:
- Singaporeans/PRs: NRIC, proof of income, and bank statements.
- Foreigners: Passport, Employment Pass, proof of income, and bank statements.
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Online Application:
- Visit the DBS website.
- Navigate to the ‘Credit Cards’ section.
- Choose ‘DBS Altitude Card’ and click on ‘Apply now’.
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Mobile Application:
- Launch the DBS digibank app.
- Log in and select
More -> Apply -> Cards. - Choose the ‘DBS Altitude Card’ option.
When we apply, we could be asked to provide additional information or documents. The approval process typically takes one to two weeks, after which we will receive our card by mail.
Remember to check the current promotions when applying, as DBS frequently offers welcome bonuses like additional miles for new cardmembers. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid any delays in the application process.
Customer Reviews
In presenting customer reviews, we focus on the specific praises and constructive criticisms from users of the DBS Altitude Card in Singapore. This card has attracted attention for its miles earning potential and accessibility to different demographics, including fresh graduates.
Positive Feedback
- Rewards on Spending: Customers appreciate the card for its rewards, particularly the local miles earning rate at 1.3 miles per dollar (mpd) and 2.2 mpd for foreign currency spend.
- Bonus Miles: The DBS Altitude Card’s offer of up to 3 miles per dollar on online flight and hotel bookings resonates well with customers who frequently travel.
- Card Perks: Users often highlight the added benefits, such as lounge access and the advantage of non-expiring points, which are deemed valuable.
- Low Income Requirement: The card’s relatively low income requirement is often praised, making it accessible to a wider range of customers, including young working adults.
Criticisms
- Cap on Earnings: Some customers express dissatisfaction with the cap of S$5,000/month on flight and hotel bookings, which may limit the benefits for those who spend more.
- Travel Insurance: A notable absence pointed out by cardholders is the lack of complimentary travel insurance, which is often offered by other travel-focused credit cards.
- Minimum Spend for Fee Waiver: Concerns are raised about the high minimum spend of S$25k per year required to qualify for the automatic fee waiver, which may be steep for some users.
Final Verdict
When assessing the DBS Altitude Card, we find its strengths lie predominantly in the travel rewards segment. Our analysis suggests that with an earn rate of 1.3 miles per dollar (mpd) on local spending and 2.2 mpd on overseas expenditure, the card positions itself competitively within the miles card market. Particularly for the frequent traveler, this card presents a lucrative way to accumulate miles.
A compelling feature of the DBS Altitude Card is the absence of expiry on miles earned. This aspect affords cardholders the flexibility to redeem miles at their convenience, without the pressure of a looming deadline. For online hotel and flight bookings, the card becomes even more rewarding with promotional rates that surpass the standard earn rate, such as:
- $1 = 3 miles for online flight and hotel transactions
- Up to $1 = 10 miles on bookings through Kaligo
- Up to $1 = 6 miles on flight and hotel bookings via Expedia
However, we must note the upcoming changes to the rates post-31 January 2024, highlighting the importance for potential cardholders to stay informed of revisions.
For new applicants, the DBS Altitude Card offers an appealing sign-up bonus of up to 40,000 miles, subject to minimum spend criteria within a specified timeframe.
In our experience, the DBS Altitude Card may be most beneficial for those who prioritize travel and can maximize the additional mile-earning opportunities offered through online bookings. While it may not cater to every spender’s profile, for the target demographic, the card’s benefits and flexible rewards program render it a strong contender.