Earning KrisFlyer miles, the loyalty currency of Singapore Airlines, is a popular pursuit for frequent travelers looking to redeem flights, upgrades, and other travel-related perks. Choosing the right credit card can significantly accelerate your miles accumulation, allowing you to reach your travel goals faster. This guide explores the best credit cards available in 2024 for maximizing your KrisFlyer miles earnings.
Comprehensive Credit Card Comparison Table
| Credit Card | Earning Rate (SGD Spend) | Key Benefits & Features |
|---|---|---|
| American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card | 1.2 KrisFlyer miles per SGD 1 spent locally; 2 KrisFlyer miles per SGD 1 spent on Singapore Airlines Group transactions; 3.2 KrisFlyer miles per SGD 1 spent overseas in June and December | Complimentary Accor Plus membership (annual renewal requirements apply), 1 free night at participating Hilton properties in Asia Pacific, S.E. Asia & Australia, accelerated upgrade to Hilton Honors Silver membership, accelerated upgrade to KrisFlyer Elite Gold status (with qualifying spend), 4 complimentary airport lounge access passes. |
| American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card | 1.1 KrisFlyer miles per SGD 1 spent locally; 2 KrisFlyer miles per SGD 1 spent on Singapore Airlines Group transactions | Bonus KrisFlyer miles on first spend; Exclusive promotions and discounts with Singapore Airlines and partners; Automatic enrollment into the KrisFlyer program. |
| DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card | 1.2 KrisFlyer miles per SGD 1 spent locally; 2 KrisFlyer miles per SGD 1 spent on online flight and hotel bookings; 3 KrisFlyer miles per SGD 1 spent overseas | Complimentary travel insurance; Airport lounge access (limited visits); Accelerated miles earning on travel-related spending. |
| Citi PremierMiles Card | 1.2 KrisFlyer miles per SGD 1 spent locally; 2 KrisFlyer miles per SGD 1 spent overseas | Complimentary travel insurance; Priority Pass airport lounge access (limited visits); Flexible miles redemption options. |
| UOB KrisFlyer Card | 1.2 KrisFlyer miles per SGD 1 spent locally; 3 KrisFlyer miles per SGD 1 spent on Singapore Airlines, Scoot, KrisShop and KrisFlyer Experiences | Enhanced miles earning on Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights; Exclusive promotions and discounts; Priority check-in and boarding (select benefits on Scoot). |
| OCBC Voyage Card | Up to 2.3 KrisFlyer miles per SGD 1 spent | Personalized concierge service; Unlimited complimentary airport lounge access; Generous travel insurance coverage. |
| HSBC Revolution Credit Card | 4 miles per SGD 1 spent on online purchases and contactless payments (capped at SGD 1,000 per month) | No annual fee; High miles earning rate on everyday spending; Flexible redemption options. Indirectly via rewards conversion |
Detailed Explanations
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card: This card is designed for the serious KrisFlyer enthusiast. It offers a solid earning rate on everyday spending and significantly boosts miles accumulation on Singapore Airlines Group transactions. The complimentary Accor Plus membership and free hotel night are valuable perks for frequent travelers. Qualifying spend can even accelerate your KrisFlyer Elite Gold status, unlocking even more benefits when flying Singapore Airlines.
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card: A more accessible option than the Ascend, this card still provides a decent miles earning rate and valuable benefits. The bonus miles on first spend are a quick way to kickstart your KrisFlyer balance. The regular promotions and discounts offered with Singapore Airlines and its partners can help you save money while earning miles. Automatic enrollment in the KrisFlyer program makes it easy for new members to start earning.
DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card: This card is a versatile option that allows you to earn KrisFlyer miles indirectly through DBS Points conversion. The bonus miles on online flight and hotel bookings make it a good choice for those who frequently book travel online. Complimentary travel insurance provides peace of mind when traveling. While the airport lounge access is limited, it's still a valuable perk.
Citi PremierMiles Card: Similar to the DBS Altitude, the Citi PremierMiles Card allows you to earn KrisFlyer miles indirectly through Citi Miles conversion. The higher earning rate on overseas spending makes it attractive for international travelers. The complimentary travel insurance and Priority Pass airport lounge access offer added convenience and security. The flexible miles redemption options provide versatility in how you use your rewards.
UOB KrisFlyer Card: This card is specifically tailored for Singapore Airlines and Scoot flyers. The enhanced miles earning rate on these airlines' flights allows you to quickly accumulate miles for future travel. The exclusive promotions and discounts offer additional savings. Priority check-in and boarding (on select Scoot flights) can make your travel experience more seamless.
OCBC Voyage Card: A premium travel card, the OCBC Voyage Card offers a high earning rate and a suite of luxury benefits. The personalized concierge service can assist with travel planning and reservations. Unlimited complimentary airport lounge access ensures a comfortable travel experience. The generous travel insurance coverage provides comprehensive protection.
HSBC Revolution Credit Card: This card is a standout for its high miles earning rate on online purchases and contactless payments, though indirectly through HSBC Rewards conversion. With no annual fee, it's a cost-effective way to earn rewards on everyday spending. The flexible redemption options allow you to convert your rewards into KrisFlyer miles. However, the earning is capped at SGD 1,000 per month, so it's best used for maximizing those specific spending categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I transfer my credit card points to KrisFlyer miles? Log in to your credit card's online portal, find the "rewards" or "redemption" section, and select KrisFlyer as your transfer partner.
Are there any fees associated with transferring points to KrisFlyer miles? Some cards may charge a small transfer fee, while others offer free transfers. Check your card's terms and conditions for details.
How long does it take for the KrisFlyer miles to appear in my account after transferring? Transfer times vary, but it typically takes between 1 to 7 business days for the miles to be credited to your KrisFlyer account.
What is the best credit card for earning KrisFlyer miles on everyday spending? The HSBC Revolution Credit Card offers a high earning rate on online and contactless payments, but the UOB KrisFlyer Card is great for Singapore Airlines and Scoot expenses.
What are the benefits of having a KrisFlyer Elite status? Elite status unlocks benefits like priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, lounge access, and upgrade privileges when flying with Singapore Airlines and Star Alliance partners.
Which credit card offers the fastest way to earn KrisFlyer Elite Gold status? The American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card offers an accelerated upgrade to KrisFlyer Elite Gold status with qualifying spend.
What should I consider when choosing a KrisFlyer credit card? Consider your spending habits, travel frequency, desired benefits, and the annual fee of the card.
Can I earn KrisFlyer miles with multiple credit cards? Yes, you can use multiple credit cards to maximize your miles earnings across different spending categories.
Do KrisFlyer miles expire? Yes, KrisFlyer miles expire after 3 years (36 months) from the month they were credited to your account.
Is it worth paying an annual fee for a KrisFlyer credit card? It depends on how frequently you travel and how much you value the benefits offered by the card. Calculate the potential value of the miles and benefits you'll earn and compare it to the annual fee.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for KrisFlyer points depends on individual spending habits and travel preferences. Carefully evaluate the earning rates, benefits, and annual fees of each card to determine which one aligns best with your needs and helps you achieve your travel goals faster.