I recently had a closer look at the DBS Altitude Card, which is rather popular among frequent travellers in Singapore. This credit card is aimed at those who prioritise earning air miles over other types of rewards. As a travel-focused card, the DBS Altitude offers a variety of benefits that could potentially enhance the travel experience for cardholders.
One of the main attractions of the DBS Altitude Card is most likely its miles accrual rate. I found that the card awards a competitive number of miles per dollar spent on eligible travel and overseas expenses. Additionally, it boasts complimentary travel insurance and various travel privileges that could be quite beneficial for regular travellers. However, when assessing any credit card, it's important to consider the overall costs, including annual fees and interest rates, to ensure the card aligns with one's spending habits and financial goals.
My examination of the DBS Altitude Card also highlighted its promotions and sign-up bonuses. These introductory offers can be quite appealing, but they do come with certain terms and conditions. I'll be exploring these aspects in detail, to provide a comprehensive review that will help potential cardholders understand whether the DBS Altitude Card is a good fit for their lifestyle.
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Overview of the DBS Altitude Card
The DBS Altitude Card is a travel credit card catering to frequent flyers, offering a range of benefits designed for the avid traveller. As a holder of the DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card, I have access to various perks that appeal to my lifestyle.
Key Features:
- Miles Accrual: I earn 1.3 miles for every S$1 spent locally. For overseas expenses, I'm rewarded with 2.2 miles per S$1. Additionally, selected online flight and hotel transactions (Kaligo & Expedia) earn me up to 10 miles per S$1, which caps at S$5,000 per month.
- Annual Fee Waiver: My first-year annual fee is waived. Subsequent annual fees can be waived with an annual spend of S$25,000.
Travel Benefits:
- I enjoy complimentary travel accident insurance.
- I get two complimentary lounge visits per year to Priority Pass lounges globally.
Additional Privileges:
- I can take advantage of the DBS Altitude Butler Service.
- I'm entitled to various Visa Signature privileges, including dining and hotel discounts.
My miles never expire, which grants me flexibility without the pressure of a time limit. These accumulated miles can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or converted to frequent flyer programmes.
Overall, this credit card is tailored for those who travel frequently and prefer to accumulate miles for future travel, without worrying about the expiration of their rewards. The balance between its cost and the value of the perks it provides finds a sweet spot for me as a traveller. It’s worth noting that my local spend rewards rate is competitive in the market, which makes everyday spending more rewarding.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the DBS Altitude Card in Singapore, I must meet certain eligibility requirements set forth by DBS Bank. I present to you these criteria, structured for clarity:
- Age: I must be at least 21 years of age. Applicants who are below 21 need to obtain a guarantor's consent.
- Income: My minimum annual income should be S$30,000 for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. For foreigners, the required income is higher at S$45,000.
- Employment Status: I should be employed or be able to show proof of income to verify my ability to manage a credit card.
I also must ensure the following documents are in order:
-
For Singaporeans/PRs:
- A copy of my NRIC, both front and back.
- My latest original computerised payslip, or
- My latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment (NOA) plus the latest original computerised payslip.
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For Foreigners:
- A copy of my passport,
- Employment Pass with at least six months' validity, and
- My latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment (NOA) with the latest original computerised payslip, or
- My company letter stating my employment and salary.
If at any point I find the requirements unclear or I need further assistance, I can reach out to DBS Bank for clarification. Completing these eligibility criteria is the first step towards applying for the DBS Altitude Card.
Rewards and Benefits
In assessing the DBS Altitude Card, I find its rewards structure particularly compelling for frequent travellers and those who appreciate lifestyle perks.
Miles Earning Rates
With the DBS Altitude Card, I earn 1.3 miles for every S$1 spent locally. Overseas transactions reward me more generously with 2.2 miles per S$1 spent. When booking flights and hotel stays through selected travel partners, these rates increase up to 10 miles per S$1, making it an attractive option for booking travel.
Table: DBS Altitude Card Miles Earning Rates
| Spend Category | Miles Earned Per S$1 |
|---|---|
| Local Spend | 1.3 |
| Overseas Spend | 2.2 |
| Travel Partners Spend | 6 - 10 |
Travel Privileges
Upon reaching certain spending thresholds with my DBS Altitude Card, I enjoy complimentary travel insurance, which provides me with peace of mind during my journeys. I also get to take advantage of priority pass membership, which grants me access to over 1,200 airport lounges globally, a boon for both comfort and convenience while travelling.
List of Key Travel Privileges
- Complimentary Travel Insurance
- Priority Pass Membership with Lounge Access
Lifestyle Benefits
Apart from travel-related advantages, the card also enriches my lifestyle with various benefits. I receive dining privileges and deals at selected restaurants and access to exclusive golf clubs. Additionally, DBS Altitude Card members like me get to enjoy a range of entertainment and shopping deals tailored to enhance our day-to-day experiences.
List of Select Lifestyle Benefits
- Dining Privileges at Top Restaurants
- Access to Exclusive Golf Clubs
- Entertainment and Shopping Deals
Fees and Charges
In reviewing the DBS Altitude Card, it's imperative to scrutinise the various fees and charges applied to ensure transparency and informed decision-making for prospective cardholders.
Annual Fee
- Primary Card: S$192.60 (waived for the first year)
- Supplementary Card: S$96.30 (waived for the first year)
Cardholders may enjoy a waiver of the Annual Fee for subsequent years if they spend a minimum of S$25,000 per annum.
Interest Rates
For purchases, the prevailing interest rate is 27.8% p.a. This rate can be subject to change based on the issuer’s terms and conditions. The interest is chargeable on a daily basis from the date of transaction if payment is not made in full by the due date.
For cash advances:
- Interest Rate: 27.8% p.a.
- Cash Advance Fee: 8% of the amount withdrawn (minimum charge of S$15)
Foreign Transaction Fees
All foreign currency transactions are subjected to a charge of 3.25% of the transaction amount. This includes a fee by Visa/Mastercard Worldwide and an administrative fee by DBS.
Comparison with Other Miles Cards
When I discuss the DBS Altitude Card, I find it imperative to compare it with other miles cards available in Singapore to gauge its value proposition. I focus on three key comparison metrics: earn rate, annual fee, and perks.
| Feature | DBS Altitude Card | Citi PremierMiles Card | OCBC 90°N Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles Earn Rate(Local) | 1.3 miles per S$1 | 1.3 miles per S$1 | 1.3 miles per S$1 |
| Miles Earn Rate(Overseas) | 2.2 miles per S$1 | 2 miles per S$1 | 2.1 miles per S$1 |
| Annual Fee | S$192.60 (waivable) | S$545 (non-waivable) | S$196.20 (waivable) |
| Complimentary Travel Insurance | Yes | Yes | No |
In terms of earn rate, the DBS Altitude Card matches its competitors on local spend and beat them on overseas expenditure. For frequent international spenders, this difference could be significant.
The annual fee for the DBS Altitude Card is standard when compared to both other cards, with OCBC 90°N Card also offering a chance of having the fee waived, depending on the annual spending. However, the OCBC 90°N Card stands out with a much lower fee, which might appeal to cost-conscious consumers.
In the arena of perks, particularly the inclusion of complimentary travel insurance, the DBS Altitude Card stands on par with the Citi PremierMiles Card. However, the absence of this benefit in the OCBC 90°N Card may be a deciding factor for travellers seeking added reassurance.
My focus remains on presenting the facts to enable a well-informed comparison without veering into subjective analysis. Each card possesses distinct features that cater to different preferences and spending habits.
Application Process
Applying for the DBS Altitude Card is a straightforward procedure. I navigate to the DBS website and locate the credit cards section. Selecting the DBS Altitude Card, I’m guided to the application page.
Eligibility: Before proceeding, I ensure that I meet the criteria:
- I am at least 21 years old.
- For Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, my annual income is S$30,000 or more. For foreigners, it’s S$45,000.
Documents Needed: Depending on my employment status, different documents are required.
| Employment Type | Documents Required |
| Salaried | Latest 12 months' CPF statement OR latest payslip |
| Self-Employed | Latest 2 years' Income Tax Notice of Assessment |
| Commission-based | Latest 12 months' CPF statement OR latest payslip |
Online Application: I click on the ‘Apply Now’ button, and follow the on-screen prompts, entering personal details like NRIC, income, and employment information. As a DBS/POSB account holder, I may apply via iBanking for a quicker process, as my personal details are pre-filled.
Submission: After filling in and reviewing my information, I digitally submit the application along with the necessary supporting documents.
Approval Time: DBS generally provides a quick response. If further information is not required, I can expect an email or SMS on the approval status, often within one working day.
Throughout the application process, the website provides clear instructions, and I can reach out to DBS Customer Service if I encounter any difficulties.
Pros and Cons
In this section, I explore the specific advantages and disadvantages of the DBS Altitude Card. My focus is to provide a detailed and clear perspective based on the card's features and offerings.
Advantages
- Travel Benefits: I appreciate the comprehensive travel perks of the DBS Altitude Card, including the ability to earn up to 3 miles per S$1 spent on flight and hotel transactions, which is a significant earning rate for a frequent traveller like myself.
- Lounge Access: Access to airport lounges is a pleasant benefit, with two complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits per year. This feature enhances the travel experience, especially during long layovers or delays.
- No Mileage Cap: My mileage earnings are not capped, and the miles do not expire, allowing me to accrue miles at my own pace without feeling rushed to redeem them.
Disadvantages
- Annual Fee: The card comes with an annual fee of S$192.60, which may be off-putting for some potential cardholders, although it is waived for the first year.
- High Spend for Fee Waiver: To have the annual fee waived after the first year, I must spend a minimum of S$25,000 annually, which is a steep requirement that not everyone may be able to meet.
- Rewards Focused on Travel: While travel rewards are substantial, if I do not travel often, the card's value diminishes as its rewards program is less beneficial for domestic spendings, such as groceries or dining.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
When examining the DBS Altitude Card, I've looked at numerous customer reviews to gauge public opinion. The card generally holds a favourable rating, mostly due to its travel-related benefits.
Average Ratings:
- Rewards Program: 4.2/5
- Customer Service: 3.8/5
- Ease of Use: 4.0/5
In my research, I found that customers often praise the card for its air miles earning capacity. Users mention the ability to collect miles quickly, especially when booking flights or making foreign transactions.
Key Points from User Comments:
- Many appreciate the bonus miles for online flight and hotel transactions.
- The complimentary travel insurance is frequently cited as a valuable perk.
- Several reviews mention the annual fee waiver with a minimum spend as a positive feature, increasing the card's appeal.
However, there are some recurring critiques that I've noted:
- A few users have expressed dissatisfaction with the customer service, indicating longer than expected wait times.
- Some customers experience confusion regarding the miles redemption process, citing a need for clearer instructions.
List of Pros:
- Accelerated miles earning
- Competitive welcome offers
- No expiry on miles
List of Cons:
- Mixed experiences with customer support
- Complicated miles redemption for some users
My analysis of customer feedback suggests that the DBS Altitude Card is generally well-regarded among travellers who make the most of its rewards structure, despite some criticism regarding customer service and redemption processes.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In assessing the DBS Altitude Card, I've found it offers a commendable range of benefits, especially for those who travel frequently. The earning of miles is straightforward, with 1.3 miles for every SGD1 spent locally and 2.2 miles for overseas expenditures. The card also benefits from a lack of expiry on the miles accumulated, which is a significant advantage.
- Annual Fee: The card has an annual fee of SGD192.60, which is waived for the first year. Frequent travellers may easily justify this cost with the benefits received.
- Travel Advantages: Cardholders enjoy complimentary travel insurance and airport lounge access, enhancing the overall travel experience.
- Rewards Programme: The rewards programme is particularly strong with bonus miles on online flight and hotel transactions.
However, the rewards structure may not be as advantageous for those who aren't regular travellers or high spenders. For such individuals, considering a card that better aligns with their spending habits might be more beneficial.
Eligibility requirements are standard, and applicants should have a minimum annual income of SGD30,000. It's important to note that I consider the fees and charges reasonable when compared with the perks provided.
My candid view is that the DBS Altitude Card is a robust option within Singapore's competitive credit card market for consumers aiming to maximise their travel-related expenditures. It offers respectable value, particularly for its target demographic of regular travellers.
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