The Standard Chartered Beyond Card has arrived, positioned as the bank's premium offering after the disappointing end of the X Card. Designed with a high-income bracket in mind, the Beyond Card ushers in a more exclusive experience with a hefty minimum income requirement of S$200,000 and an annual fee of S$1,635.

The Downfall of the X Card and the Emergence of the Beyond Card

The former X Card struggled to captivate the 'affluent millennials' it aimed to attract. With its minimum income set at S$80,000, it failed to deliver significant value beyond a basic metal card experience. Recognizing this shortcoming, Standard Chartered has repositioned itself with the Beyond Card, aimed squarely at a more affluent clientele.

Rewards and Structure of the Beyond Card

Reviewing the Beyond Card entails a keen understanding of its tiered rewards structure based on your banking status with Standard Chartered. Cardholders are classified as Regular, Priority Banking (PB), or Priority Private (PP).

Local Spend Rewards: - Regular: 1.5 miles per dollar (mpd). - PB: 2 mpd. - PP: 2 mpd.

FCY (Foreign Currency) Spend Rewards: - Regular: 3 mpd. - PB: 3.5 mpd. - PP: 4 mpd.

Dining Rewards: - PP cardholders receive an impressive 8 mpd on overseas dining.

Key Benefits

1. Welcome Offer: New members can enjoy a substantial welcome bonus of 100,000 miles by meeting certain spending targets.

2. Unlimited Airport Lounge Access: Access to unlimited airport lounges for the principal cardholder and supplementary cardholders, making it a favorite among frequent travelers.

3. Complimentary Limo Rides: Depending on the tier, cardholders can enjoy a specified number of complimentary rides to and from the airport, both locally and internationally.

4. Business Class Upgrade Perk: An exclusive but limited upgrade benefit, allowing for potential premium class upgrades under very specific terms.

Considerations: Is it Worth the Investment?

While the Beyond Card dazzles with its luxurious rewards and privileges, it does come with strings attached. For instance, to truly benefit from higher earning rates, cardholders must maintain a minimum Average Monthly Balance (AUM). Additionally, PB and PP customers need to invest in eligible products to sustain their premium status.

How Does It Compare to Competitors?

When measuring the value of the Beyond Card, it stands in a unique league. It competes directly with high-end offerings like the AMEX Platinum Charge and OCBC Premier cards. However, the reward points structure and the associated annual fees of these contenders must be carefully scrutinized.

AMEX Platinum Charge: Priced slightly higher, its minimal income requirement was dropped, making it more accessible while still providing robust travel rewards.

OCBC Premier VOYAGE: Touted for its affordability and fewer restrictions, the benefits are comparably lower without a high AUM.

The Verdict: Take It or Leave It

In summary, the Standard Chartered Beyond Card is a mixed bag. It can be a valuable asset for high spenders and frequent travelers, especially those who can meet the stringent income and AUM requirements. However, for the average consumer, the elevated costs and conditions may not yield the expected returns. If you're contemplating this card, weigh your spending habits against its extravagant charges, and consider alternative options that might better suit your financial lifestyle.

In conclusion, the Beyond Card may be an enticing proposition for the right individual, but for many, it might be prudent to 'take it or leave it' instead of diving into this expensive commitment without thorough consideration. Are you ready to embrace the luxury, or is it time to keep your distance?