5 hacks to make adulting easier & help you save as you spend

I’ve been adulting for three years now, and one thing I’ve learned is that it can be tricky trying to balance paying your bills and chasing bucket lists.

One piece of advice I’ve heard from friends is that I should put the days of paying only with my debit card behind me and get a credit card instead.

The wisdom is that credit card perks like cashback or reward points can help you get more mileage out of every hard-earned dollar.

I was hesitant at first, but once I dove in, I realised credit cards are not as daunting as they seem and there are tips and tricks to help you maximise its advantages.

If you’re feeling unsure about credit cards, like I was back then, fret not.

Here’s how you can master the art of saving while spending with these five credit card hacks.

Select your card

But first, select your weapon of choice. Maybank just dropped a new line of credit cards specially tailored for those aged 21 to 39 years old.

For travel lovers, the new Maybank XL Rewards Card earns you up to four air miles per dollar (or 10X Treats points) on dining, shopping, travel, entertainment and foreign currency spend.

These miles accumulate like points and can be redeemed for free flights or travel perks, letting you explore more of the world without paying full price.

If cashback is your thing, then the new Maybank XL Cashback Card gives you up to five per cent cashback on dining, shopping, travel and entertainment, so you get a portion of your spending back to save or splurge.

If you want to enjoy the full range of benefits, simply apply for both cards.

Five hacks to maximise perks

Now, here’s how to take full advantage of the Maybank XL Cards.

Hack #1: Offer to settle the bill

To earn up to five per cent cashback, you’ll need to reach S$500 in eligible minimum spend.

Worried you’ll struggle to reach the minimum and lose out on cashback?

Offer to settle the bill when you’re out with your friends and have them pay you back later.

Whether it’s dinners with friends and family, shopping sprees or planning a trip, volunteer to put it on your Maybank XL Cashback Card.

Afterward, have your friends reimburse you via PayNow or any other preferred method.

This way, you’re turning group outings into personal cashback wins while also being the hero who helps everyone avert the awkwardness of waiting for someone to volunteer.

By pooling everyone’s spend onto your card, you maximise rewards and get paid back instantly.

Just like that, your social life also works for your wallet. Win-win.

Hack #2: Set calendar alerts for flash deals

As a Maybank XL Cardmember, you’ll get to enjoy exclusive FOMO Friday deals every two weeks on Friday at 10am.

Think 50 per cent off or one-for-one offers at top brands like Haidilao, JD Sports, Sephora, HaveFun Karaoke, KOI and more.

Speed is everything, since offers are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Afraid you’ll miss out on deals? Set a recurring calendar alert so you’ll be ready to claim these deals the moment they go live.

By being quick and prompt on the draw, you’ll score epic deals before anyone else — making your cardmember status a true advantage.

Hack #3: Travel smarter and be protected

Planning trips this year? Here’s a perk you’ll love: when you apply for the Maybank XL Cards, you’ll receive complimentary travel insurance worth up to S$5,000 for 12 months under Etiqa Insurance’s Trip XpLorer Protect.

The insurance covers overseas medical expenses from accidental injuries or illness during leisure trips, including adventure activities like hiking, diving or water sports.

What’s more, you can also use this opportunity to rack up miles or cashback using the Maybank XL Rewards or Maybank XL Cashback Card.

Here’s how to maximise all these perks:

• Be the first 15,000 people to successfully apply for a new Maybank XL Card to unlock free travel insurance.
• Use the card for all your travel bookings to rack up miles or cashback.
• Redeem those miles for discounted flights or enjoy the cashback for your travels.

Combine two powerful perks — insurance and miles — for safer, cheaper adventures.

With peace of mind and savings built in, it’s the perfect travel hack for the young explorers among us.

Hack #4: Earn consistent rewards with recurring payments

This might sound strange, but bills can be advantageous too. Hear me out.

Set up automatic payments for recurring bills like Netflix, Spotify or utilities using your Maybank XL Cashback or Maybank XL Rewards Card.

By choosing eligible categories like dine, shop, travel, play, or foreign currency spend, you can earn up to five per cent cashback or four miles per dollar on your regular expenses.

This is a simple, consistent way to hit the S$500 minimum spend each month and boost your rewards effortlessly.

Hack #5: Double your rewards by using both cards simultaneously

Now, why settle for one card when you can have both? The Maybank XL Cashback and Maybank XL Rewards Cards work even better together.

Use the Maybank XL Cashback Card for everyday spend on dine, shop, travel or play to earn up to five per cent cashback, and switch to the Maybank XL Rewards Card for big-ticket purchases or international travel to rack up four miles per dollar or 10X TREATS points.

With the annual fee of S$87.20 waived for the first two years, this is an easy way to maximise both cashback and miles across all spending categories.

Gift that keeps on giving

Credit cards need not be complicated or daunting. With simple tricks like these, you’ll be able to save and spend while navigating the challenges of adulthood.

Tailored specifically for those aged 21 to 39, the Maybank XL Cashback or Maybank XL Rewards Cards are made for people looking to take their financial savviness to the next level.

With complementary travel insurances and FOMO Friday deals from brands like JD Sports and Sephora, Maybank’s XL credit cards offer a whole lot more than just cashback or miles.

You won’t have to pick between the two either — sign up for both and you’ll get to enjoy both cashback and earn miles.

The best part of getting both cards? Everything will be in one place with the Maybank Treats SG app. No need to switch between apps.

Adulting just got a whole lot easier, don’t you think? Grab your Maybank XL Cards today.

This sponsored article by Maybank made the writer dream of flying business class one day.

Top image via Maybank, Canva