If you’re a Singapore-based traveller—whether a frequent flyer, business executive, or savvy spender—KrisFlyer credit cards can be your key to unlocking unforgettable getaways, cabin upgrades, and luxury travel perks. As the loyalty programme of Singapore Airlines, KrisFlyer offers a powerful ecosystem of rewards that extends across Scoot, Star Alliance partners, Kris+, KrisShop, and more.
These miles go far beyond flights—they can be used for shopping, dining, and lifestyle experiences, making every dollar you spend work harder. Whether you’re booking a weekend escape or saving up for a First Class indulgence, KrisFlyer miles bring your travel dreams within reach.
This guide takes you through the best KrisFlyer credit card options available in Singapore, including co-branded cards that credit miles directly and general travel cards that allow flexible transfers. We’ll break down earn rates, perks, fees, and bonus offers—so you can pick the perfect card tailored to your spending style, travel goals, and budget. Your next adventure could be just a swipe away.
Why Choose a KrisFlyer Credit Card?
KrisFlyer miles are more than just points—they’re a powerful currency within the Singapore Airlines ecosystem. Whether you’re redeeming flights, upgrading to Business Class, shopping at KrisShop, or earning through Kris+, every mile brings you closer to luxury travel.
Unlike general rewards cards, co-branded KrisFlyer credit cards offer direct mile crediting and benefits exclusive to Singapore Airlines and Scoot. Think priority check-ins, bonus baggage allowances, or even fast-tracked KrisFlyer Elite Silver/Gold status.
Card Types: Co-Branded vs. General Miles Cards
1. Co-Branded KrisFlyer Credit Cards
These are issued in partnership with Singapore Airlines, designed specifically to reward loyal SIA and Scoot flyers. They typically allow:
- Direct mileage crediting into your KrisFlyer account—no conversion needed.
- Accelerated earn rates on SIA and Scoot spending.
- SIA-specific perks like priority boarding, baggage upgrades, and discounts on KrisShop and Kris+.
- Faster access to Elite Status, ideal for frequent flyers.
Key examples include:
- American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card / Ascend
- KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card
2. General Travel/Miles Cards
These are more flexible, allowing you to accumulate bank points that can later be converted into miles for a variety of airline partners—including KrisFlyer.
Pros:
- Flexibility across multiple frequent flyer programmes (e.g., Asia Miles, British Airways Avios).
- Often higher base earn rates or broad bonus categories.
Cons:
- Points must be manually converted to KrisFlyer miles.
- Conversion fees and delays (typically 1–3 business days).
- Risk of point expiry before conversion.
Examples include:
- DBS Altitude Visa / Amex
- Citi PremierMiles Card
- UOB PRVI Miles Card
Key Comparison Factors
1. Miles Earn Rates
| Card | Local Spend | Overseas Spend | Bonus Categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| KrisFlyer UOB | 1.2 mpd | 3 mpd (SIA-related) | Dining, Transport |
| Amex KrisFlyer | 1.1 mpd | 2 mpd | SIA & KrisShop |
| Amex Ascend | 1.2 mpd | 2 mpd | Grab, Dining |
| DBS Altitude | 1.2 mpd | 2 mpd | Online Travel |
| Citi PremierMiles | 1.2 mpd | 2 mpd | None (Flat rate) |
mpd = miles per dollar
2. Welcome Bonuses & Sign-Up Offers (as of 2025)
- KrisFlyer UOB Card: Up to 31,000 miles with S$2,000 spend in 60 days.
- Amex KrisFlyer: Up to 30,000 miles with S$2,000 spend in 90 days.
- Amex Ascend: Up to 40,000 miles with S$3,000 spend in 90 days.
- Citi PremierMiles: Up to 30,000 miles, minimum spend applies.
- DBS Altitude: Up to 25,000 miles, varies by card variant.
These offers change periodically. For the latest deals, check MoneySmart’s credit card promotions or SingSaver’s KrisFlyer comparison page.
3. Annual Fees
| Card | Annual Fee | Waivable? | Justification |
|---|---|---|---|
| KrisFlyer UOB | S$194.40 | No | Justified by bonus categories |
| Amex KrisFlyer | S$176.55 | First-year waived | Good entry-level card |
| Amex Ascend | S$340.20 | No | Free hotel stay + lounge access |
| DBS Altitude | S$194.40 | Waivable with S$25K spend | Flexibility, lounge access |
| Citi PremierMiles | S$194.40 | First-year waived | No expiry miles |
4. Miles Expiry
- Amex KrisFlyer cards & KrisFlyer UOB: Miles are credited directly to KrisFlyer and follow KrisFlyer’s standard 3-year expiry policy.
- DBS/Citi/UOB PRVI: Bank points may have different expiry periods. Citi’s never expire until converted, which offers more flexibility.
5. Conversion Fees
Applicable only for general miles cards. DBS and UOB charge S$25 per conversion, while Citi charges S$26.75.
Perks & Lifestyle Benefits
| Card | Lounge Access | Travel Insurance | Unique Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amex Ascend | 4 visits/year | Up to S$1M | Hilton stay, fast-track to KrisFlyer Elite Silver |
| KrisFlyer UOB | No | Up to S$500K | 3 mpd on SIA, Grab vouchers |
| Citi PremierMiles | 2 visits/year | Up to S$1M | Never-expiring miles |
| DBS Altitude | 2 visits/year | S$1M | Online travel earn bonus |
Top KrisFlyer Credit Cards (Pros & Cons)
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card
Pros:
- Direct crediting to KrisFlyer (no conversion needed).
- Decent welcome bonus and waived first-year fee.
- Earn on Kris+ and Grab.
Cons:
- Lower general spend earn rate.
- Fewer lifestyle perks compared to other cards.
Best for: First-time miles chasers or casual travellers.
American Express KrisFlyer Ascend
Pros:
- Complimentary Hilton hotel night annually.
- 4 complimentary lounge visits.
- Fast-track to KrisFlyer Elite Silver.
Cons:
- Higher annual fee.
- Requires higher minimum spend to unlock welcome bonus.
Best for: Frequent travellers seeking perks beyond miles.
KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card
Pros:
- Up to 3 mpd on SIA, Scoot, Grab, and KrisShop.
- Strong lifestyle alignment with Singaporeans.
Cons:
- Bonus miles credited quarterly (delay).
- No lounge access.
Best for: Loyal Singapore Airlines flyers and digital natives using Grab, Kris+ etc.
Citi PremierMiles
Pros:
- Miles never expire.
- Broad airline transfer network.
- 2 lounge visits annually.
Cons:
- Slightly lower bonus categories.
- Fee waiver only in first year.
Best for: Travellers who value flexibility and don’t fly SIA exclusively.
DBS Altitude Visa/Amex
Pros:
- Generous online travel bonus.
- Lounge access.
- Waivable annual fee with sufficient spend.
Cons:
- Requires conversion to KrisFlyer.
- Lower SIA-specific benefits.
Best for: General travellers and online shoppers booking flights/hotels.
Strategies to Maximise Your KrisFlyer Miles
- Align Spending with Bonus Categories
Use different cards for different purchases. For example, use KrisFlyer UOB for SIA tickets and Citi PremierMiles for overseas dining. - Meet Minimum Spend Quickly
Consolidate big expenses (insurance, taxes, bills) in the first 1–3 months to unlock welcome bonuses. - Tap Into Kris+ and KrisShop
These platforms often run bonus promotions for mile accumulation—use them to stack benefits. - Family Pooling
While KrisFlyer doesn’t officially offer pooling, parents can redeem flights for children. Consider syncing card strategies across household. - Adopt a “Miles Game” Mindset
Don’t blindly chase high earn rates. Review your lifestyle and match your card to your real-world spending categories.
Who Should Get Which Card? (Quick Persona Guide)
| Persona | Recommended Card |
|---|---|
| Frequent SIA/Scoot Flyer | KrisFlyer UOB or Amex Ascend |
| High Spender | UOB PRVI Miles (uncapped earn) |
| Everyday Spender | Amex KrisFlyer |
| Budget-Conscious | DBS Altitude or Citi PremierMiles |
| Flexible Traveller | Citi PremierMiles or DBS Altitude |
Whether you’re chasing Business Class upgrades or just looking to fly further for less, Singapore’s KrisFlyer credit card ecosystem offers a rich suite of tools to help you get there faster. Understand your habits, plan strategically, and watch your miles—and travel dreams—take off.
