Anyone who's ever flown Business or First Class with Singapore Airlines will tell you how good it is. Thankfully, KrisFlyer has several partnerships with local credit card rewards programs, giving Australians the opportunity to earn KrisFlyer Miles.
How to compare credit cards that earn KrisFlyer Miles
Here are some of the most important features to examine when comparing offers.
- Earn rate. Higher earn rates are better but don't overlook points caps and tiers based on spending or elevated earn rates for different spending classifications, such as dining or travel.
- Conversion rate. Since there are no directly linked KrisFlyer cards in Australia, there is a conversion rate from the credit card rewards program to KrisFlyer that may vary between programs.
- Sign up bonus points. Check the details of the offer, since hitting the target can quickly boost your KrisFlyer Miles balance.
- Other benefits. Factor in common additional perks such as travel insurance, 24/7 concierge service, or access to airport lounges. They only have value if you can use them.
- Annual fee. Don't overlook how much it will cost to keep the account open and whether it's worth paying.
How to convert rewards points to KrisFlyer Miles
Many credit card reward programs in Australia allow you to transfer your rewards points to KrisFlyer Miles with a simple conversion.
- Log into your credit card rewards program account and select the option to convert points to Miles.
- Choose Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.
- Enter the number of points to transfer and submit the form.
- Points will be deposited in your KrisFlyer account. Note that this is not instantaneous, and it can take up to 15 business days for the transaction to be processed.
Pros and cons
So, what are the pros and cons of the KrisFlyer Miles program?
Pros
- Earn KrisFlyer Miles on everyday spending. There aren't many other ways to earn KrisFlyer Miles in Australia without flying with Singapore Airlines.
- Bonus KrisFlyer points. Trigger the credit card sign up bonus offer, then transfer points to KrisFlyer.
- Valuable additional benefits. KrisFlyer Miles-earning cards are higher-end and come with additional perks such as international travel insurance or access to airport lounges.
- Use KrisFlyer Miles to fly with Star Alliance partners. Access award flights with other Star Alliance Airlines, as well as Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic, Alaska Airlines and Vistara.
Cons
- Expensive annual fees. Having a credit card that earns KrisFlyer points can cost hundreds of dollars. You'll need to work out whether the combined benefits justify its cost.
- Earning limits. Caps and thresholds can impede high-spenders from maximising their earning potential.
- KrisFlyer Miles expire after three years. Even if you have an active account, there's a three-year time limit on using your Miles. Don't convert your Australian rewards program points into KrisFlyer Miles until you are ready to use them.
FAQs
Can I earn KrisFlyer Miles with any credit card?
No, not all credit cards give you the chance to earn KrisFlyer Miles. You'll have to look for a card that is part of the KrisFlyer program or has a points conversion partnership with Singapore Airlines, such as the rewards credit cards issued by Australia's four major banks.
How long does it take for points to transfer from a rewards program to KrisFlyer?
In our experience, it can take several days for points to show up in KrisFlyer after transferring from a rewards program. The ANZ Rewards program, for example, says to allow up to 15 business days.
Are points conversion rates the same for all credit cards?
No. The conversion rate varies between different rewards programs, and can require 2.0, 2.5 or even 3.0 credit card rewards points for each KrisFlyer Mile you wish to acquire.
Which Australian credit card rewards programs partner with KrisFlyer?
Points can be transferred from many rewards programs, including Westpac Altitude Rewards, St George/Bank of Melbourne/Bank SA Amplify Rewards, ANZ Rewards, Commonwealth Bank Awards, American Express Membership Rewards, NAB Rewards, HSBC Rewards Plus, Citibank Rewards, Suncorp Rewards and Diners Club Rewards.
