In the latest updates from the world of financial payments, UOB has forged a partnership with Robert Parker Wine Advocate across Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, introducing exclusive experiences for its customers. Meanwhile, HSBC has unveiled its innovative HSBC TravelOne Mastercard credit card in Singapore, becoming the first to provide instant redemption of airmiles and hotel rewards. Additionally, NETS Visa or Mastercard cardholders can now enjoy the convenience of making contactless payments without the requirement of replacing their cards.
UOB Joins Forces with Robert Parker Wine Advocate to Expand Reach in ASEAN Markets
UOB has entered into a two-year partnership with Robert Parker Wine Advocate, aiming to provide exclusive fine wine and dining experiences to customers in multiple ASEAN markets. UOB cardholders in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam can anticipate unique offerings such as wine pairing dinners featuring renowned MICHELIN-Starred restaurant chefs and curated wine masterclasses tailored for various levels of wine connoisseurship. This collaboration marks one of the pioneering regional partnerships between Robert Parker Wine Advocate and a financial institution. It expands UOB’s customer propositions in the dining sector, complementing their existing partnerships with The MICHELIN Guide in Thailand and Malaysia.
Starting from the second half of the year, UOB cardholders in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia will gain exclusive access to the Robert Parker Wine Advocate wine publication. This publication offers a comprehensive database with over 450,000 wine reviews and tasting notes from the esteemed international team of wine critics at Robert Parker Wine Advocate. Cardholders will also have access to weekly wine content and a specially curated wine dinner experience.
Additionally, UOB cardholders will enjoy two exclusive and distinctive privileges. The first is the UOB Dining Advisor, a dedicated page featuring specially curated wine-related themes and content exclusively for UOB customers. The second privilege includes by-invite-only wine masterclasses conducted by wine experts from Robert Parker Wine Advocate.
In Malaysia and Thailand, UOB serves as the official bank partner for The MICHELIN Guide. Cardholders in these two countries can avail themselves of special privileges and exclusive access to dining events.
HSBC Singapore Unveils Innovative Travel Card to Elevate Traveler Experience.
HSBC Singapore has introduced the HSBC TravelOne credit card, catering to travel enthusiasts seeking increased flexibility, convenience, and rewards as they embrace the resurgence of travel in the post-pandemic era.
The card provides users with the ability to instantly redeem airline miles and hotel points through the HSBC mobile banking app. HSBC has collaborated with nine international airline programs, including Air France – KLM Flying Blue, airasia rewards, British Airways Executive Club, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, Etihad Guest, EVA Air Infinity MileageLands, Qantas Frequent Flyer, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, and Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles. Additionally, the card partners with three global hotel programs, namely ALL-Accor Live Limitless, IHG One Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.
Cardholders can earn 1.2 miles for every S$1 charged on purchases made in Singapore and 2.4 miles for every S$1 charged on overseas purchases. Furthermore, the card offers the benefit of four complimentary visits per year to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through Dragonpass and Plaza Premium. Cardholders and their family members can also enjoy up to US$100,000 in complimentary travel insurance coverage.
By signing up before August 31, 2023, and paying the S$194.40 annual fee, spending a minimum of S$800 in qualifying transactions within the specified spend period, and providing marketing consent during the application process, new cardholders will receive 20,000 miles. This reward is equivalent to a round-trip air ticket to Bali.
NETS Enhances Payment Solutions with Expanded Contactless Options.
NETS, in partnership with various banks and payment scheme providers, has been actively expanding access to its contactless payment solutions. In Singapore, all bank cards are equipped with the NETS PIN feature, ensuring secure transactions at retail establishments. Since 2018, NETS has introduced a convenient “tap-to-pay” feature for quick and efficient micropayments below S$100. Presently, customers of DBS/POSB, HSBC, Maybank, OCBC, and UOB can utilize their standalone NETS-only ATM cards and Debit Mastercards for seamless NETS payments.
Recently, NETS collaborated with Visa and local banks to extend the NETS contactless functionality to existing Visa debit cards, alongside PIN-based transactions. This collaboration empowers cardholders to make NETS contactless payments without the need for card replacement.
Furthermore, NETS has experienced substantial year-on-year growth in contactless transactions, aligning with the broader industry trends. This growth highlights the ongoing shift towards a cashless society, driven by the increasing popularity of contactless payment methods not only in Singapore but also in similar services worldwide.
