Earning Korean Air miles, also known as SKYPASS miles, can unlock incredible travel opportunities to Korea, Asia, and beyond. Choosing the right credit card is crucial for maximizing your mileage accrual and enjoying the benefits of the SKYPASS program. This guide will delve into the best credit cards for earning Korean Air miles in 2024, helping you make an informed decision based on your spending habits and travel goals.
| Card Name | Key Features | Why It's Great for SKYPASS Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x on dining and online grocery purchases, 2x on all other travel purchases, and 1x on all other purchases. Transfer points to Korean Air SKYPASS at a 1:1 ratio. | High earning potential on travel and dining, plus the flexibility to transfer points to SKYPASS and other valuable travel partners. A great all-around travel card. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card | Earn 5x points on flights and 10x on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. 3x points on travel and dining worldwide. Transfer points to Korean Air SKYPASS at a 1:1 ratio. | Premium travel benefits like airport lounge access and travel credits, combined with accelerated earning rates, make this a powerful card for serious travelers. |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card | Earn 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2x points on all other purchases. Transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Korean Air SKYPASS at a 3:1 ratio (plus a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred). | While the transfer ratio isn't ideal, the generous welcome bonus and ongoing earnings at Marriott properties can make this a viable option for frequent Marriott guests. |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | Earn 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3x points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2x points on all other eligible purchases. Transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Korean Air SKYPASS at a 3:1 ratio (plus a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred). | Similar to the Boundless card, the value lies in the high Marriott earning rate and perks (like a free night award). Utilize the transfer bonus strategically. |
| American Express® Gold Card | Earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x) and at restaurants worldwide, 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 1x point on all other eligible purchases. Transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Korean Air SKYPASS at a 1:1 ratio. | Excellent earning rates on dining and groceries, making it a valuable card for everyday spending. Transfer points directly to SKYPASS. |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | Earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com. Earn 1x point on all other eligible purchases. Transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Korean Air SKYPASS at a 1:1 ratio. | Premium travel benefits like airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and extensive travel credits. Offset the annual fee with these benefits while earning points transferable to SKYPASS. |
| Bilt Mastercard | Earn 1x points on rent payments (without a transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year), 2x points on travel, and 3x points on dining. Transfer Bilt Rewards points to Korean Air SKYPASS at a 1:1 ratio. | A unique card allowing you to earn points on rent payments. Transfer points directly to SKYPASS. |
Detailed Explanations
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
This card is a fantastic entry point into the world of travel rewards. It offers a generous welcome bonus and strong earning rates on travel and dining. The ability to transfer points to Korean Air SKYPASS at a 1:1 ratio makes it a valuable tool for accumulating miles quickly. The annual fee is relatively low compared to other premium travel cards, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is a premium travel card packed with valuable benefits. While it carries a higher annual fee, it offers features like airport lounge access (Priority Pass Select membership), travel credits, and higher earning rates on travel and dining. The 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Ultimate Rewards make it a powerful tool for frequent travelers. The 1:1 transfer ratio to Korean Air SKYPASS remains a key benefit.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
This card is ideal for individuals who frequently stay at Marriott Bonvoy properties. It provides a high earning rate on Marriott stays and a free night award each year. While the transfer ratio to Korean Air SKYPASS is 3:1 (meaning you need 3 Marriott Bonvoy points to get 1 SKYPASS mile), the generous welcome bonus and ongoing earning potential at Marriott hotels can make it a worthwhile option if you can accumulate a significant number of Marriott points. The 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred helps to somewhat mitigate the less favorable transfer ratio.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Similar to the Boundless card, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card focuses on rewarding Marriott stays. It offers enhanced benefits like a higher free night award value and statement credits for certain Marriott purchases. The transfer ratio to Korean Air SKYPASS remains at 3:1, so the value proposition is centered around maximizing Marriott Bonvoy points and then strategically utilizing the transfer bonus to SKYPASS.
American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card is a powerhouse for everyday spending, particularly on dining and groceries. The 4x points on U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year) and restaurants worldwide can lead to significant points accumulation. The 1:1 transfer ratio to Korean Air SKYPASS makes it a straightforward and efficient way to convert your everyday spending into SKYPASS miles.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel card offering a wide range of benefits, including airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and various statement credits. While the earning rates on most purchases are just 1x, the 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com can be valuable. The key to maximizing this card is to utilize its extensive travel benefits to offset the annual fee while accumulating points transferable to SKYPASS at a 1:1 ratio.
Bilt Mastercard
The Bilt Mastercard stands out by allowing you to earn points on rent payments without a transaction fee (up to 100,000 points each calendar year). This unique feature can significantly boost your points balance, especially if you have high rent payments. The 1:1 transfer ratio to Korean Air SKYPASS makes it an attractive option for renters looking to earn miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for earning Korean Air miles?
The best card depends on your spending habits. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and American Express® Gold Card offer excellent all-around value.
How do I transfer points to Korean Air SKYPASS?
Log in to your credit card account and navigate to the rewards section. Select Korean Air SKYPASS as the transfer partner and follow the instructions.
What is the transfer ratio for Marriott Bonvoy points to SKYPASS?
The transfer ratio is 3:1, meaning 3 Marriott Bonvoy points equal 1 SKYPASS mile. You also get a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred.
Are there any annual fees associated with these cards?
Yes, most of the premium travel cards have annual fees, ranging from around $95 to $695.
Can I use these cards for everyday purchases?
Yes, you can use these cards for everyday purchases, but focus on maximizing earning rates in bonus categories like travel, dining, and groceries.
How many miles do I need for a free flight?
The number of miles required varies depending on the destination, class of service, and availability. Check the Korean Air SKYPASS award chart for details.
What are the benefits of the Korean Air SKYPASS program?
SKYPASS offers benefits like free flights, upgrades, baggage allowances, and access to airport lounges.
Is it worth getting a credit card just for Korean Air miles?
If you frequently fly with Korean Air or its partners, a dedicated credit card can be very beneficial in accumulating miles quickly.
Can I transfer points from multiple credit cards to SKYPASS?
Yes, you can transfer points from multiple credit cards that partner with Korean Air SKYPASS.
How long does it take for points to transfer to SKYPASS?
Transfer times can vary, but typically take between 1 and 7 business days.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for Korean Air miles requires careful consideration of your spending habits, travel frequency, and willingness to pay annual fees. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and American Express® Gold Card provide a good balance of earning potential and affordability, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer premium benefits for frequent travelers. By understanding the features and benefits of each card, you can select the one that best aligns with your travel goals and maximize your accumulation of SKYPASS miles.