SCB replaces its unlimited cashback card with the simply cash credit card- here’s my review

As part of my credit card for free cash/gifts “churning” strategy, I have been waiting for the next enticing promotion from Standard Chartered Bank (‘SCB’) after terminating the Unlimited Cashback credit card a couple of years ago. It turned out that the SCB Unlimited Cashback Credit Card has been given a refresh and was unveiled as the Simply Cash Credit Card. As always, I expect some big-bang promotion to accompany this refresh. Indeed, SingSaver is giving away $300 cold hard cash, a Flujio BEA ergonomic chair (worth S$509) or Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2 (worth S$362.35) to all new to bank customers. Here’s my review of the brand new Simply Cash Credit card and details on the very easy to accomplish promotion by SingSaver.

A Simply Cash(back) Credit Card

Just like its much-vaunted predecessor, the Unlimited Cashback card, the Simply Cash credit card provides 1.5% cashback for all spend. There is no cap and no minimum spend required to earn this amount. Therefore, it is evident that all of the features which made its predecessor so attractive when it was first launched in 2017 have been retained. Another welcome benefit is that annual fee is also waived for the first 2 years.

For those who might not know, using the Simply Cash Credit Card would have entitled you to earn Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) Titanium status during its promotion in 2021. This is the highest tier level which entitles one to double room upgrade and 7% cashback on eligible hotel stays. I capitalised on this good promotion and have been booking partner hotels such as Anantara Desaru on this loyalty programme for my holidays. If this promotion ever comes back, I will notify all of you!

As shown in Diagram 1, I have already accumulated $80 USD in cashback which can be used to offset my next hotel-related expenditure. For my short year-end getaway, I am eyeing the The Apurva Kempinski Bali which I have heard only rave reviews.

Compare Simply Cash Credit Card

However, SCB Simply Cash credit card has since slipped down the pecking order as competitors realised that no-frills cashback cards are very popular with consumers. Here is how I would rank the Simply Cash credit card amongst similar cashback cards.

1) UOB Absolute Cashback Card

The undisputed leader in no-frills cashback card is still UOB Absolute Cashback card. It offers a leading 1.7% cashback on all spend, applicable even for merchant codes that are usually excluded such as insurance, school fees, healthcare and rental bills! Even though the heydays of earning 1.7% cashback for top ups made to GrabPay wallets are long gone, it still offers 0.3% cashback which is the highest amongst its peers. New to card holders who apply via my referral link will be entitled to the SingSaver promotion as shown in Diagram 2.

2) Citibank Cashback+ Card

Coming in 2^nd place is the Citi Cash Back+ Card which trails just slightly behind with a cashback rate of 1.6%. However, do note that this cashback rate can be increased to 2.0% cashback if the card holder is also a Citi Plus account holder. However, do note that this higher cashback rate is applicable only with a minimum S$500 retail spend and capped at S$2,000 retail spend per month. For those who are interested to understand more about Citi Plus, you can read my review in this blog post. In terms of the welcome gifts from SingSaver, I personally think the $400 CapitaVoucher is very very attractive. It is as good as cash since over 20 shopping malls in Singapore accept Capitamall voucher. The sign up affiliate link to be eligible for this promotion is here.

3) Standard Chartered Simply Cash Card

The SCB Simply Cash card just made it to the podium with a cashback rate of 1.5%. The sign-up gift is also attractive as new to bank customers who spend a minimum S$500 within 30 days of card approval will be eligible for one of the following sign up gifts:

• S$300 cash via Paynow
• Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2 (worth S$362.35)
• Flujo BEA Ergonomic Office Chair (worth S$509)

Since I already received Ergotune chairs from previous SingSaver promotions, I opted for S$300 cash instead.

Furthermore, applicants will receive an additional S$20 bonus cash when they put their Simply Cash on file and spend at least $20 on select merchants within 30 days of card approval. Select merchants include Netflix, Shopee, Lazada, Taobao, EzBuy, Qoo10 and Carousell. Take note that this SingSaver promotion is only valid till 13 June, so do not procrastinate if you want to take advantage of the attractive welcome gifts.

Of course, it goes without saying that I have all the 3 cashback credit cards. Other notable mentions include AMEX True Cashback card and Maybank FC Barcelona Visa Signature card.

How To Sign Up For SCB Simply Cash Card

If you are a Singaporean or Permanent Resident aged 21 and above and earning at least S$30,000 per annum, you are eligible to apply for the SCB Simply Cash Card (referral link). Here are some screen shots from my own application process for the SCB Simply Cash Card.

Firstly, I authorised the use of Myinfo which can be accessed via Singpass. My personal details are populated instantaneously. Then, I was asked to opt in for Allianz accident cover policy which I declined.

As shown in Diagram 5, I reached the last step of the application process.

My Simply Cash Credit Card was approved and I took note of the Application Reference No. as shown in Diagram 6. This is required to redeem the welcome gifts from SingSaver, so readers please take note.

Finally, you need not wait for the physical credit card to arrive in your mailbox. Simply activate the digital credit card and start using it for online purchases right away!

Article is published on 5 June 2023.

–

<WEBULL SIGN UP PROMOTION>

I did a review on Webull and it is something that I personally use for my investment portfolio as I like its user-friendly features. It’s amazing that they are still rolling out promotion for new users. Fund just $0.01 and receive at least USD24 up to a maximum of USD $800 worth of shares if the algorithm is in your favour!

Simply sign up with my referral link, it’s that easy!

TRUST BANK ACCOUNT (BY NTUC AND STANDARD CHARTERED BANK)

Sign up for a Trust Bank Account and get:

1. $10 NTUC voucher
2. Freebies
3. Up to 2.5% interest on your first $75,000 (Fully SDIC insured)

I have been using this for months and my full review is here and do sign up with my Promo Code <S7CEKBDE> to ensure you get the vouchers!