Nerfed: Maybank Family & Friends Doubles Min. Spend For 8% Cashback From 1st January 2026
In an email sent to cardholders, Maybank has announced significant changes to its flagship cashback card, the Maybank Family & Friends, starting from 1st January 2026. One of the biggest changes is the introduction of cashback tiers where the minimum spend required to get 8% cashback will essentially be doubled.
This will be on top of recent exclusions added to Maybank cards from 1st December 2025.
Cashback Tiers
Until 1st January 2026, the current minimum spend is S$800 per month for 8% cashback:
| Minimum monthly spend | Cashback | Cap per category | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current | S$800 | 8% | S$25 |
With the change, cardholders will get a reduced rate of 6% cashback instead of the current 8% with a minimum monthly spend of S$800. To maintain 8% cashback, a minimum spend of S$1,600 has to be reached within a month.
| Minimum monthly spend | Cashback | Category Cap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | S$800 | 6% | S$20 (S$333.33 spend) |
| Tier 2 | S$1,600 | Up to 8% (6% for Groceries) | S$30 (S$375 spend) |
The new cashback tiers will take effect from 1st January 2026.
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Cashback on Groceries capped at 6%
Even if cardholders hit Tier 2, the cashback on the Groceries will be capped at 6%.
Changes to Transport and Pharmacy categories
The Transport category is being split into 2 categories: Commute and Automotive.
| Transport (Current) | Commute (From 1st January) | Automotive (From 1st January 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 4111 4121 4789 5541 5542 5552 5532 5533 5599 7531 7535 7538 | 4111 4121 4789 4112 4131 | 5541 5542 5552 5532 5533 5599 7531 7535 7538 |
There are a couple of new Merchant Category Codes (MCC) introduced to Commute, with 4112 for Passenger Railways and 4131 for Bus Lines, but these are minor enhancements to what is essentially a nerf with one pretty comprehensive category being split into two categories.
Also, the Pharmacy category has disappeared altogether. No more love for Guardian, Watsons, Unity, or any other pharmacies and drug stores classified under MCC 5912.
How it stacks against other cashback cards
At 8% cashback with relatively comprehensive categories, Maybank Family & Friends has been a top cashback card in my books. While it is still technically possible to get 8% cashback, it would soon require a S$1,600 monthly minimum spend, making it suitable only for those who spend quite a bit each month. The category cap of S$30 will also make it challenging, requiring one’s spending to fit within S$375 of spend per category across more than 4 categories.
The more realistic cashback rate would thus be 6% cashback, which diminishes the card’s appeal quite a bit. At this number, it finds itself at the level of cards like UOB EVOL and DCS Flex, both of which also offer 6% cashback and can be easier to use.
6%, too, is a number that I might start considering 4 miles per dollar cards with no minimum spend. While 6% still compares favourably against 4 miles per dollar, 4 miles per dollar cards are generally easier to use than the 6% cashback cards available, and simplicity does come with some premium.
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Regardless, as someone whose primary spend card is the Maybank Family & Friends, I will likely be adjusting my card strategy for the new year. Do stay subscribed if you want to get updated on such things, and do share in the Telegram or comments below whether this nerf will make you start switching to other options.
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Seth Wee was a licensed financial adviser representative from 2009 to 2025, with over 16 years of experience in Singapore’s financial advisory industry.
He started Sethisfy.com in 2019 to share practical insights on credit cards, banking products, and miles strategies, helping readers identify financial products that deliver the best value. Seth has been featured in CNA, Channel 8, Today, and a host of other publications. In 2025, he was also part of a panel at CPF’s Ready For Life festival.
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