According to credit card review platform The MileLion, the Standard Chartered Journey Card offers a stackable first-year welcome bonus of up to 30,000 miles, but struggles with long-term retention due to steep foreign currency fees and a limited selection of transfer partners. Originally launched in 2019 as the Standard Chartered X Card with an unprecedented 100,000 miles sign-up bonus, the product was rebranded as the Journey Card in May 2023 following high attrition rates after its inaugural year.
Understanding the Standard Chartered Journey Card Welcome Offer and Fees
According to The MileLion review, new-to-bank customers applying for the card can choose between a fee-paying option and a first-year fee waiver. Applicants who pay the S$196.20 annual fee receive an upfront 10,000 miles, alongside an additional 20,000 bonus miles upon spending S$800 within the first 60 days of card approval. Alternatively, opting for the fee waiver still yields the 20,000 bonus miles upon meeting the same S$800 spend threshold.
Additional promotional gifts are accessible through SingSaver application links. Cardholders must complete qualifying tasks, such as opening a Standard Chartered Bonus$aver Account with a minimum deposit of S$3,000, to secure rewards like a Samsonite suitcase or Samsung Galaxy earbuds.
Earning Rates, Bonus Categories, and Point Expiry
Cardholders earn base rates of 1.2 miles per dollar (mpd) on local SGD transactions and 2 mpd on foreign currency (FCY) spending, based on data from The MileLion. A higher rate of 3 mpd is awarded on local online spending within specific Merchant Category Codes (MCC), including online groceries, food delivery, and local transport. This bonus is capped at S$1,000 per statement month.
Unlike competitors, SC Rewards Points earned on the card do not expire while the account remains active. However, foreign currency transactions incur a 3.5% fee, which ranks as the highest in the market according to industry comparisons.
Pro Tip: According to The MileLion, blocking your Standard Chartered credit card when not in use can prevent points and welcome offers from posting. If you want to protect against fraud, disable online transactions individually rather than locking the entire card.
Transfer Partners and Redemption Mechanics
Following a significant reduction in partners, Standard Chartered limits cardholders to just two transfer options. Conversions require a minimum block of 10,000 miles (25,000 points for Tier 1 cards) and carry a transfer fee of S$27.25 per transaction.
The card also features two lounge visits per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum income requirement for the Standard Chartered Journey Card?
According to The MileLion, the card requires a minimum annual income of S$30,000, aligning with the MAS-mandated minimum.
Do SC Rewards Points expire?
No, points earned on the Standard Chartered Journey Card do not expire as long as the card account remains active, according to bank terms.
What is the foreign currency transaction fee?
The card carries a 3.5% FCY fee on all overseas spending, which is the highest in the market.
How many airport lounge visits are included?
Principal cardholders receive two lounge visits per year.
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