On a related topic, are there plans to change the existing Diners + MC product? As you can see from the discussion here there is also a level of interest in this product, especially due to its exceptional earn rate that can be converted directly to Velocity points...
Is this other card staying with a longer payment period, and without a mandatory direct debit?
It has a slightly longer payment period and not a mandatory direct debit. I have that combo, not sure why they would need to make changes:
- it has probably the best overall earn rate for Velocity when combined with the MC
- It definitely has the best earn rate in Australia for SPG which is probably the most valuable FF currency IMHO
- It's the only Australia credit card earn option for Korean if you want to aim for a First Class redemption on their A380
Still, the biggest problem is the acceptance of the DC. Sure, supermarkets, petrol stations etc take it, but:
- many places that take it will add a surcharge to use it
- a lot of places say "we used to take it until X weeks/months" ago
- many places have the logo up but their machine doesn't accept it
- many places just look at you blankly when you ask whether it is accepted. One Sydney merchant even asked "Are you from Melbourne? Only people from there ever use that"
It often feels like a $389 annual fee MC which has a pot-luck option of every now and then using the DC for more points. I'm going to get to the end of the first year and decide if it's really value for money.
And if you think their website is clunky, wait till you try their iPhone app :shock: