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 credit card rewards programs, giving Singaporeans 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, entertainment, petrol, shopping, or travel.
- Conversion rate. If you choose a credit card that doesn't earn directly into KrisFlyer, 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
If you decide to go with a credit card that earns points you can convert to KrisFlyer Miles (such as an DBS or Citi), here's how it generally works.
- 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. A credit card is one of the best ways to earn KrisFlyer Miles in Singapore 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 rewards 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.
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.
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.
