In a move that surprises no one deeply entrenched in the airmiles game, Hong Leong Bank (HLB) has announced the discontinuation of its Emirates credit cards.
This decision, coming after the end of their collaboration with Emirates, will see cardholders transitioning to the HLB Visa Infinite card.
Given the Emirates credit cards' lack of popularity in the market, this shift was anticipated well in advance.
The Double-Edged Sword of Airline-Branded Credit Cards
Airline-branded credit cards are notorious for their double-edged nature. While they often offer superior miles per ringgit (MPR) rates, they also tie you exclusively to one airline, limiting flexibility.
In the case of Emirates, the situation is even less appealing. Despite being a popular airline, Emirates is not part of any major global airline alliances like oneworld, SkyTeam, or Star Alliance.
Of course, Emirates also has its own line of partners that you can redeem Skywards miles for, but based on forums online, the reception hasn't been all that well. Here's the list of airline that allow you to redeem Skywards miles for flights on:
Air Canada
Air Mauritius
Bangkok Airways
Copa Airlines
easyJet (spend partner only)
FlyDubai
GOL
Japan Airlines
Jetstar
Korean Air
Malaysia Airlines
Qantas
South African Airways
TAP Portugal
United Airlines
This lack of alliance membership restricts the benefits that typically come with airline-branded credit cards, making the Emirates cards less attractive to savvy travelers.
Emirates: A Comparison with Other Middle Eastern Giants
When it comes to the hard product of Emirates, opinions are mixed. Personally, I find it lacks the finesse and quality of its regional competitors, Qatar Airways and Etihad. Both of these airlines are giants in the Middle East and offer superior services.
Having flown with Emirates several times, I always found myself returning to Qatar Airways, whose offerings I find more satisfying and consistent.
The difference in experience is significant enough that it influences my choice of carrier, even when considering the miles and points game.
Conversion to HLB Visa Infinite: What It Means for Cardholders
Crucially, the HLB Emirates World Elite and World Mastercard are being converted to HLB Visa Infinite cards.
The conversion is fairly straightforward for both World and World Elite cardholders, matching their benefits decently, as both credit cards currently offer a lower MPR compared to the Hong Leong Bank Visa Infinite, a testament to their failure.
However, keep in mind that the HLB Visa Infinite card is essentially a direct conversion to an Enrich credit card, meaning all spending automatically converts to Enrich miles.
Enrich miles, associated with Malaysia Airlines, are generally valued lower than Emirates Skywards miles. Yes, you can redeem Enrich miles for oneworld flights, but if you think this is a benefit on itself, you're gravely mistaken. Redemption of oneworld flights via Enrich miles is one of the most painful experiences I've ever had. From low seat availability to terrible call centers, let's not dive deep into this.
This change means both the World and World Elite cardholders are seeing a reduction in the value they receive from their card spending from an overall perspective.
Final Thoughts
The discontinuation of HLB Emirates credit cards and the transition to Visa Infinite is a clear reflection of the dynamics within the airmiles industry. For those of us who saw this coming, it’s yet another reminder to stay ahead of the curve and adapt our strategies accordingly. While the new HLB Visa Infinite cards offer some perks, the overall downgrade in MPR and the lower value of Enrich miles make this transition less than ideal.
In conclusion, while the Emirates cards were never a favorite in the airmiles community, their replacement still leaves much to be desired. As always, it’s crucial to stay informed and be ready to pivot strategies to make the most out of our credit card spending.
If you're considering looking around for a brand-new credit card altogether, be sure to check out my Enrich Ultimate Guide, KrisFlyer Ultimate Guide, Asia Miles Ultimate Guide and Ultimate Category-Specific Guide to compare the best credit cards in Malaysia for airline miles.
For more insights and updates on the latest in travel and credit card news, stay tuned to Refined Points. Happy travels!
