The Random Truths

It’s been quite some time since I wrote a “full length” note/blog. A certain social media tool has spoiled me with the ability to blog at any given moment, and that somehow has made me a bit lazy to write over 140 characters at once, haha.

Now this is a topic that I’ve been wanting to blog about, and definitely won’t fit in only 140 characters. Credit Cards (CC).

First, a few facts about CC and I

1. My friends call me Miss Credit Card, and that’s not without a reason. I own 10 credit cards (I used to own about 15, but I’ve slashed some) – and am applying for 2 more.

2. Out of those 10 (and the 2 more I’m applying for), only 3 charge me for annual/monthly fee – and I only keep them because they’re super beneficial for me.

3. I mostly use my CC for discount purposes, and I always pay them in full when the bills come (although sometimes late because the dates are all mixed up in my head ^^;;). So I’m not trapped in CC debts, and do not need to be scolded by @mrshananto ;p

Here’s the thing, I love discounts (who doesn’t?). And now, all those credit cards offers have been, well.. more and more Irresistible. Back then, a 25% discount is like heaven (considering ANZ, the pioneer in this kind of promo, only gave out 10 – 15% discount). But now, 25% is just standard, since almost every bank is entertaining us, the consumers, with either 50% or BOGOF (Buy One Get One Free). So for the love of discounts, I became a CC maniac.

Since I’ve been in on this CC thing for quite a while (the frenzy started almost 5 years ago when I got my Niaga Mini Card, the first CC that entertained my love for discount), so let me share a few tips on which of my CCs are most worth it to have (alias paling penting ;p)

Mandiri Credit Cards

Now these are very important. If you had to choose between the Visa and MasterCard, go for Master Card (Titanium would be the best choice). Back in the days, Mandiri Master Card used to have more promos than the Visa. Now I think they treat the two equally, but you never know.. So better be safe than sorry!

Mandiri goes all out when they give discounts. Usually 25% minimum, and goes up to 50%. And every April, they treat the ladies by giving 50% discounts only for the ladies. Their merchants are also places you actually want to go to, like Takigawa, Shabu-Tei, d’Excelso, Ra Sushi, Threelicious (Hot Shots, Ti Amo, CinnZeo) among others.

Another plus, if you travel domestic a lot, Mandiri has their own airport lounge at CGK, SUB, and other local airports.

Mega Visa

If you’re into Coffee Bean, then you must have a Mega Visa. It offers a 30% discount on min purchase of IDR 45K (with their current price, this is not a difficult amount ^^;;), and a 50% discount on min purchase of IDR 200K. So get 2 or 3 friends to go with you and that 50% discount is definitely yours. Mega also has 25% discount at some other restaurants: Ta Wan, Goku Shabu, etc. And if you’re into branded goods, Mega often has 0% installment programs at renowned boutiques, i.e. Tod’s and the likes. And, still on fashion, Mega also cooperates with Mango and gives out additional discount during Mango Sale

For the ice cream lovers, it’s 35% discount everyday (min purchase IDR35K – a double scoop would do), and 50% off hand-packed at the end of each month

BCA Lifestyle Cards

Now don’t get confused, BCA Lifestyle Cards are those with pictures on them, be it Bugs Bunny, Tazmanian Devil, or Batman. BCA CC is for the Starbucks lovers. You get free upsize, and you get to “Treat a Friend” (BOGOF) during special promo periods. BCA also has BOGOF promo at certain 21 cinemas (only valid on Sats and Suns, and only for 1 ticket free one more ticket), and at Threelicious. And now they have lucky dip program (either 25% or 50% off) at lots of restaurants especially at Grand Indonesia.

RBS Credit Cards

They’re new here in Indo, and they want to get as many new customers as they can. What do they do? Give insane 50% discount and BOGOF promo EVERYWHERE! Their recent merchants include Fish & Co, Shabu Shabu House, Amigos, Malay Village. The promos at those places are over now, but I think they still have more coming. If you ever get offered, just ask first what their current promos are.

HSBC Credit Cards

They don’t have promos that often, but when they do, you can be sure it’s a 50% discount kind of thing. Latest one was 50% off at Tokio Joe. Oh, and they have regular 10-15% discount at Periplus, too. Cut this card if they ask you to pay for annual fee, it’s definitely not worth it.

UOB Credit Cards

Now this one is for Unilever employees, as the latest promo is a 50% discount promo at Planet Hollywood, hahaha xP UOB also has 25% discount at several other merchants (forgot where though ;p), and if you travel to Singapore a lot, this is a helpful card as the exchange rate is better than other banks, and if UOB Singapore is having a promo at certain merchants, you can use this card and get the same benefits.

However, I must warn you, their Customer Service Reps are all a pain in the @$$ hence if your tolerance/patience level is low, I suggest you don’t apply in the first place. And, if you want to cut this card, make sure you do so ONE MONTH BEFORE the next period starts. Because unlike other banks, once the annual fee is in your bill, you have to pay for it. And it’s going to cause you A LOT of trouble and debates with the stupid Customer Service Officers getting out of it, trust me I’ve been there! (and successfully managed to not pay for the annual fee, if I may add ;p)

Alrighty, I think that’s about it. Remember folks, the key to having a lot of CCs and remain in peace is:

1. Slash the CCs that charge you for annual/monthly fees (unless for CCs you deem impossible to live without)

2. Remember the due date for every card (something I’m also still working on), always try to pay in full, and

3. Don’t spend more than you’re allowed to spend (always refer to the shopping account, as @mrshananto would say)

Last Saturday night, my friends and I were having dinner and we got into this conversation about how English words are wrongly used by Indonesian celebrities, mostly in infotainment. We came up with a few examples, such as

“ Di dunia entertain ini……” – Hello, it’s ENTERTAINMENT!

Or

” Saya sebagai seorang entertain....” – perhaps you mean, ENTERTAINER?

Or

“Bikin saya ngga comfort..” – Repeat after me, it’s COMFORTABLE.

Or

“Acara malam itu ngga seru, saya boring banget….” – so now you’re saying YOU’RE boring? BORED would be the correct word, people!

And who could forget the historic quote from Sarah Azhari, “Who do you think he are?” that was so famous it was dedicated as a blog name.

If E! Channel has Fashion Police, we should have Grammar Police. Or to make it simpler, those celebrities should just speak in Bahasa. There’s no point in talking in bad English and dragging every viewer to think that it’s correct and use it as well. I dread the day people would say the word ‘entertain’ in every sentence!