Want to supercharge your credit card rewards? You've come to the right place! Linking your Amaze card to your Citibank credit card, especially the Citi Rewards Card, has been a popular strategy for many to maximize their earnings. While there have been some changes and nuances to this pairing over time, understanding the core mechanism can still be incredibly beneficial.
Let's dive into how you can potentially unlock more rewards by understanding how Amaze works with your Citibank card.
Understanding the Power Couple: Amaze and Citibank
The Amaze card, by Instarem, acts as a "passthrough" for your linked Mastercard credit or debit cards. Its primary appeal, particularly when paired with a Citibank Rewards Card, lies in its ability to convert offline transactions into online transactions for the underlying linked card. This is significant because the Citi Rewards Card typically offers boosted rewards (like 4 miles per dollar or 10X ThankYou points) on online spending categories.
However, it's crucial to be aware of the recent changes, particularly regarding fees for SGD transactions. While the core benefit for foreign currency transactions remains strong, the local spending aspect has evolved.
Step 1: Get Your Amaze Card Ready!
First things first, you need to have an Amaze card. If you don't have one, let's get you set up.
Sub-heading 1.1: Applying for the Amaze Card
- Download the Instarem App: The entire application process for the Amaze card is done through the Instarem mobile application, available on both Android and iOS.
- Sign Up for an Instarem Account: Follow the on-screen prompts to create your Instarem account. You'll likely need to provide personal details and complete a verification process (e.g., submitting ID documents).
- Apply for the Amaze Card: Once your Instarem account is approved, look for the option to apply for the Amaze card within the app. You'll get a virtual Amaze card instantly upon approval, which you can use for online transactions right away. A physical card will be delivered to your address, typically within 7-14 working days.
- Activate Your Physical Card (Once Received): When your physical Amaze card arrives, remember to activate it through the Instarem app and set a PIN for Chip and PIN transactions.
Step 2: Securing Your Citibank Rewards Card (If You Don't Have One)
While you can link any Mastercard to Amaze, the Citibank Rewards Card is often the card of choice due to its strong online spending rewards.
Sub-heading 2.1: Applying for the Citi Rewards Card
- Visit the Citibank Singapore Website: Head to Citibank's official website in Singapore to explore their credit card offerings.
- Locate the Citi Rewards Card: Find the Citi Rewards Credit Card and review its features, eligibility criteria, and any ongoing sign-up bonuses.
- Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form. You'll typically need to provide income documents, NRIC/passport, and other relevant information.
- Wait for Approval: Citibank will review your application. Once approved, your card will be mailed to you.
Step 3: Linking Your Citibank Mastercard to Your Amaze Card
This is where the magic happens! You'll be linking your Citibank Rewards Mastercard (or any other Citibank Mastercard) to your Amaze card.
Sub-heading 3.1: Steps to Link Your Card in the Instarem App
- Open the Instarem App: Log in to your Instarem mobile application.
- Navigate to the 'Card' Section: Look for a "Card" or "Amaze Card" section within the app's interface. This is usually represented by a card icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Select 'Link a Card' or 'Add Card': You should see an option to link an existing debit or credit card. Tap on this option.
- Enter Your Citibank Card Details: Carefully input your Citibank Mastercard details, including the card number, expiry date, and CVV.
- Verify Your Card: Instarem might initiate a small, temporary charge to your Citibank card to verify it. You'll typically receive an SMS with an OTP (One-Time Password) from Citibank, which you'll need to enter in the Instarem app to complete the linking process. This charge will be reversed.
- Set as Default (Optional but Recommended): Once linked, you can set your Citibank Rewards Card as the default card for your Amaze transactions. This means whenever you use your Amaze card, the transaction will automatically be charged to your linked Citibank card. You can link up to five Mastercard cards to your Amaze.
Step 4: Understanding How to Use the Amaze x Citibank Combo Effectively
Now that your cards are linked, let's look at how to maximize your rewards.
Sub-heading 4.1: Optimizing for Rewards
- Foreign Currency (FCY) Spending: This is where the Amaze card truly shines. When you use your Amaze card for overseas transactions (online or offline), Amaze converts the foreign currency amount to SGD at competitive Instarem rates and then charges that SGD amount to your linked Citibank card. Because Amaze processes these as online transactions, you can earn the 4 miles per dollar (mpd) or 10X ThankYou points on your Citi Rewards Card for these foreign currency spends, circumventing the typical foreign transaction fees charged by banks and often getting a better exchange rate. This is particularly useful for overseas shopping at department stores, factory outlets, and duty-free shops.
- Local Offline Spending (with caveats): Historically, a major draw was using Amaze to convert offline local transactions into online transactions for the Citi Rewards Card, thus earning 4 mpd on in-store purchases like dining or retail.
- IMPORTANT UPDATE: Amaze now imposes a 1% fee (minimum S$0.50) on SGD-denominated transactions when linked to a card, especially for amounts above a certain threshold (e.g., S$1,000 per calendar month). This significantly impacts the value proposition for local spending. Therefore, for local SGD spending, it's often more beneficial to use your Citi Rewards Card directly for online purchases, or evaluate if the 1% fee on Amaze still justifies the rewards for offline spend.
- Circumventing Mobile Wallet Restrictions: The Citi Rewards Card sometimes excludes in-app mobile wallet payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) from earning its 4 mpd bonus. By linking your Citi Rewards Card to Amaze, and then adding Amaze to your Apple Pay or Google Pay wallet, you can potentially circumvent this restriction. When you pay via Amaze through Apple Pay/Google Pay, the transaction is processed as an online transaction to your linked Citi card, thus qualifying for the higher rewards.
Sub-heading 4.2: Monitoring Your Transactions
- Instarem App: The Instarem app provides a real-time overview of your Amaze transactions. You can see the original merchant, the converted SGD amount, and which linked card was used.
- Citibank Statement: On your Citibank credit card statement, transactions made through Amaze will typically appear with an "AMAZE*" prefix, followed by the merchant name. This helps you identify which transactions were routed via Amaze.
- Track Limits: Be mindful of any spending caps on your Citi Rewards Card (e.g., S$1,000 per statement month for bonus points) and the Amaze card's own limits (e.g., the S$1,000 per calendar month for SGD transactions before the 1% fee applies).
Step 5: Maximizing Your Rewards Beyond Linking
While linking is key, consider these additional tips:
Sub-heading 5.1: Redeeming Your Citi Rewards
- Citi ThankYou Points: The Citi Rewards Card earns Citi ThankYou Points. These points can be redeemed for various options, including:
- Miles Conversion: Convert your ThankYou Points into airline miles with various airline partners (e.g., KrisFlyer, Asia Miles). This is often the most valuable redemption for frequent travelers.
- Cash Rebates: Redeem points for cash rebates that offset your credit card bill.
- Vouchers and Merchandise: Choose from a selection of vouchers or merchandise available through the Citi ThankYou Rewards portal.
- InstaPoints (from Amaze): Amaze also offers its own InstaPoints on certain transactions, particularly for wallet-linked spend or foreign currency transactions above a certain amount. These can often be converted to cashback or used as discounts on overseas money transfers. Keep an eye on the Instarem app for your InstaPoints balance and redemption options.
Important Considerations & Changes
- The 1% SGD Transaction Fee: As mentioned, Amaze now charges a 1% fee (minimum S$0.50) on SGD-denominated transactions when linked to a card, especially beyond a certain monthly threshold (e.g., S$1,000 per calendar month). Always weigh this fee against the rewards you'll earn. For smaller local transactions, it might not be worth it.
- Mastercard Only: Remember, Amaze only links with Mastercard credit or debit cards. If your Citibank card is a Visa, it cannot be linked to Amaze.
- Exclusions: Certain transactions are generally excluded from earning bonus points, regardless of whether Amaze is used. These often include insurance, donations, and some travel-related transactions on the Citi Rewards Card. Always refer to Citibank's and Instarem's terms and conditions for the most up-to-date exclusions.
- Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): When overseas, always choose to be charged in the local currency when using your Amaze card to ensure you benefit from Instarem's competitive FX rates and avoid unfavorable DCC rates from the merchant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if my Amaze card is successfully linked to Citibank?
You can check within the Instarem app under the "Card" or "Linked Cards" section. Your Citibank card should be listed there. You can also make a small test transaction and check your Citibank credit card statement or app to see if the transaction appears with the "AMAZE*" prefix.
How to switch the default linked card on Amaze?
In the Instarem app, go to the "Card" section, and you should see an option to manage your linked cards. From there, you can select which card you want to set as your default for Amaze transactions.
How to top up the Amaze wallet?
While you link credit/debit cards, Amaze also has a wallet feature. You can top up the Amaze wallet using PayNow in Singapore. Previously, credit/debit card top-ups were allowed, but this has generally been removed for wallet top-ups.
How to avoid the Amaze SGD transaction fee?
For SGD transactions, the 1% fee generally applies when a card is linked and the transaction exceeds a certain monthly threshold. To avoid it, for local spending, consider using your Citibank Rewards card directly for online purchases, or evaluate if the rewards earned outweigh the 1% fee for offline transactions. For foreign currency spending, the fee typically doesn't apply.
How to check my Citi Rewards points balance?
You can check your Citi ThankYou Points balance through the Citi Mobile® App or by logging into your Citibank online banking portal.
How to redeem Citi ThankYou Points for miles?
Within the Citi Mobile® App or Citibank online banking, navigate to the rewards section. You'll find options to transfer your ThankYou Points to various airline loyalty programs. Be aware of minimum transfer blocks and any administrative fees.
How to use Amaze with Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Once your Amaze virtual card is active, you can add it directly to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay app just like any other credit or debit card. Simply open your mobile wallet app, tap to add a new card, and enter your Amaze card details.
How to get the best foreign exchange rates with Amaze?
Amaze offers competitive FX rates. To ensure you get the best rates, always choose to be charged in the local currency when making overseas purchases. Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) where merchants offer to charge you in your home currency.
How to know if a transaction qualifies for 4 mpd with Citi Rewards via Amaze?
Generally, if the transaction is processed as an "online" transaction by Amaze to your linked Citi Rewards Mastercard, it should qualify for the 4 mpd (or 10X points) on eligible categories, excluding travel-related transactions and specific mobile wallet exclusions if you're using Amaze to circumvent those. Always refer to Citi's terms and conditions for the most precise eligible merchant categories.
How to contact Amaze/Instarem customer support?
You can typically find customer support options, including in-app chat or a help center, within the Instarem mobile application.