Updated: 3/9/2024
It's official. UOB has announced a full devaluation of its credit card lineup. Hence, this article is now relevant again.
Please read my newly published article on the devaluation here.
Updated: 19/8/2024
It appears that UOB Malaysia has backtracked on the devaluation! The UOB Visa Infinite main page is now showing the old conversion rate of 9,000 UNIRM:1,000 airline miles.
Read our latest article here.
Given the RM30,000 annual income difference between the SC Journey and the UOB Visa Infinite, we will retain our recommendations in this article.
Original Article:
In the early days of Refined Points, I quickly dismissed the Standard Chartered Journey as a credit card with a subpar value proposition, especially when compared to its peers in the RM100k annual income range, and even some in the RM60k range.
However, earlier this year, I revisited my review of the Standard Chartered Journey Mastercard in light of the devaluation of the Maybank 2 Cards Premier. This development placed the Standard Chartered Journey Mastercard in an intriguing, albeit unexpected, position within the market.
With the recent changes to the UOB Visa Infinite credit card, it might be worthwhile to reconsider the Standard Chartered Journey Mastercard, particularly given its lower annual income requirement compared to its competitors.
Before vs After: A Market Shift
Launched in the summer of 2023, the Standard Chartered Journey Mastercard—essentially a revamped version of the Standard Chartered WorldMiles World Mastercard—initially offered below-average airline miles accrual rates, especially when stacked against the competition.
Despite its unique RM90k annual income requirement, which is slightly lower than that of other affluent cards in the RM100k to RM120k range, its standout benefit was limited to unlimited Plaza Premium Lounge access at KLIA Terminal 1 and 2.
With a 0.5 MPR (Miles per Ringgit) on overseas spend, the card was far from competitive with market leaders such as the Maybank 2 Cards Premier and CIMB Travel World Mastercard.
Additionally, while the Standard Chartered Journey offered a modest 0.5 MPR on dining and travel spend (including hotels, airlines, and OTAs), it still paled in comparison to the likes of the UOB Visa Infinite and CIMB Travel World Mastercard.
However, the market dynamics have since shifted. If the Standard Chartered Journey Mastercard continues to enhance its benefits and promotions without significant devaluations, it could very well emerge as a more popular choice among frequent flyers like us. Let’s delve into why this might be the case.
As illustrated in the image above, the Standard Chartered Journey now boasts a unique value proposition, offering a solid 0.5 MPR on dining spend.
In light of the UOB Visa Infinite's recent devaluation and the less appealing tiered bonus structure of the CIMB Visa Infinite, the Standard Chartered Journey now positions itself as a potential market leader.
As I’ve highlighted in previous articles, it’s crucial to align your credit card choices with your spending habits, particularly when it comes to accumulating airline miles.
It’s perplexing to see people frequently using their UOB PRVI Miles Elite at restaurants in Malaysia, earning a mere 0.11 MPR on local spend. While the UOB PRVI Miles Elite excels in overseas spend, it significantly underperforms in local spend categories.
Ideally, a credit card that supports points accumulation through E-Wallet reloads, like the Alliance Bank Visa Infinite or the Hong Leong Bank Sutera Visa Platinum, would be more versatile. However, for those of us who have moved beyond flying with Malaysia Airlines, this might not be the optimal solution.
Should You Get the Standard Chartered Journey Mastercard?
Let’s get straight to the point. Should you consider the Standard Chartered Journey Mastercard?
The first question to ask is whether you spend most of your time in Malaysia or abroad. If you spend at least 90% of your time in Malaysia, the next question is whether you dine out frequently or prefer cooking at home. If your lifestyle leans towards dining out for most meals, the Standard Chartered Journey is likely a great fit for you.
Addressing the Overseas Spend MPR Concern
I understand that some of you may be concerned about the Standard Chartered Journey's underwhelming 0.5 MPR on overseas spend, especially when compared to other top-tier cards in the same income bracket.
If you find yourself traveling abroad frequently—perhaps a few days each month—it may be wise to consider a card with a stronger overseas MPR, such as the UOB PRVI Miles Elite or the CIMB Travel World Mastercard. However, I’d caution against opting for the newly launched Ambank Enrich Visa Infinite, as Malaysia Airlines miles have become increasingly devalued, coupled with persistent flight delays and cancellations.
For those who only travel overseas for a week or two of vacation each year, it’s worth questioning whether you really need a second credit card specifically for overseas spend. This consideration could help you avoid the issue of stranded points and unexpected annual fee payments.
Final Thoughts
The credit card landscape in Malaysia is continually evolving, and it’s essential to stay informed to maximize your rewards. The Standard Chartered Journey Mastercard, once overlooked, has started to carve out a niche for itself, particularly in the dining MPR category.
While it may not be the top performer in overseas spending, its value proposition for those who dine out frequently and spend most of their time within Malaysia is becoming increasingly compelling.
As always, the best credit card for you depends on your unique spending habits and lifestyle. If you find yourself dining out often and traveling abroad only occasionally, the Standard Chartered Journey Mastercard might just be the ideal addition to your wallet.
However, for those who prioritize overseas spend or require more flexibility it might be wise to explore other options. In a market where credit card benefits can change rapidly, keeping an eye on emerging contenders like the Standard Chartered Journey can provide unexpected advantages in your quest for the perfect miles-earning card.
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 accrual.
