2024 may have come to a close, but the excitement lingers on as we celebrate the inaugural MileLion Awards for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Excellence, affectionately dubbed "The Mileys." Though not as universally known as the Oscars, these awards aim to spotlight the highs and lows in the vibrant world of miles and points within Singapore, highlighting both exceptional achievements and bewildering blunders in 2024.

🏆 The 2024 Mileys: Glittering Honors

This year, we recognized a variety of categories, from the best promotional offers to the most audacious failures in the miles and points arena.

1. Buff of the Year Award: DBS yuu Card

Winner: DBS yuu Card In a year where many faced challenges, the DBS yuu Card surged ahead, offering an impressive 18% rebates and evolving into a 10 miles per dollar (mpd) earning card thanks to a collaboration with KrisFlyer. Users enjoyed significant rewards at various merchants, cementing its status as one of the most valuable cards in the market. This remarkable offering has prompted speculation about its sustainability in the future, given the incredibly high rebate rates.

2. Nerf of the Year Award: HSBC Revolution

Winner: HSBC Revolution HSBC's Revolution card had a tumultuous 2024 as it systematically lost perks and earning potential. Numerous categories were cut from the bonus list, leaving cardholders with far fewer opportunities to maximize their miles. The jaw-dropping net losses make this card a cautionary tale for anyone in the loyalty program game.

3. Promo of the Year Award: American Express

Winner: American Express 2024 saw American Express thrilling both new and existing customers with an outstanding promotion where existing cardholders could enjoy the same welcome bonuses typically reserved for newcomers. This novel approach not only made waves in the industry but offered a rare chance for current customers to catch up with the benefits.

4. Fail of the Year Award: DCS Imperium

Winner: DCS Imperium The DCS Imperium's ambitious metal card launch fell flat as users expressed dissatisfaction. Despite touting glamorous benefits they hardly delivered, it quickly became clear that the costs far outweighed the limited rewards offered. Hopes for a sophisticated loyalty card crumbled, leaving many feeling misled.

5. “How is this Legal?!” Award: Trust Cashback Card

Winner: Trust Cashback Card This award recognized the stark discrepancies between advertised and actual cashback rates. With an almost impossibly high spend requirement to attain the touted 15% cashback, Trust Bank's promotional strategy raised eyebrows and led to public outcry regarding transparency in credit card marketing.

6. Heart Attack of the Year Award: Citi Rewards x Amaze

Winner: Citi Rewards x Amaze In a tense moment early in 2024, Citi cardholders experienced confusion as rewards earned via the Amaze app vanished overnight. The brief panic was quelled just days later when the points returned, but it left many cardholders questioning the reliability of the setup.

7. Goodnight Sweet Prince Award: XNAP

Winner: XNAP A once-beloved app for QR transactions became defunct in April 2024, leaving users bereft of its unique payment capabilities. While its disappearance signified the end of an era, many hope for a worthy replacement to fill the void it left behind.

8. Glitch of the Year Award: Flying Blue

Winner: Flying Blue Flying Blue's dynamic pricing model backfired delightfully during Christmas, allowing members to snag award flights at extraordinarily low mileage rates. This unexpected windfall for savvy travelers showcased the potential advantages of the sometimes unpredictable loyalty programs.

9. Hotel Stay of the Year Award: Ritz-Carlton Perth

Winner: Ritz-Carlton Perth Among a plethora of luxurious stays, the Ritz-Carlton Perth stood out with exceptional service, plush accommodations, and terrific amenities, making it a hotel experience to remember.

10. Flight of the Year Award: Etihad Airways

Winner: Etihad Airways B787-9 Business Class With the ultimate blend of luxury and comfort, Etihad delivered a business class experience that elevated in-flight travel, allowing passengers to enjoy undisturbed rest, exquisite bedding, and outstanding service.

Conclusion: Hats Off to the Winners! That wraps up the first-ever Mileys! With ten categories filled with remarkable recipients, this ceremony has brought a sense of community, celebration, and reflection on the miles and points landscape in 2024. Share your nominations for deserving mentions or category ideas for next year’s awards as we gear up for another exciting year!