Who are Singapore Airlines credit cards suitable for?
- SQ fans. Frequent flyers who prefer Singapore Airlines as their airline of choice — it is the flag carrier, after all — and want to earn KrisFlyer points.
- Travel enthusiasts. Looking for premium perks and travel benefits? A credit card linked with Singapore Airlines could be what you are looking for.
- Points hounds. People looking to get rewarded per dollar spent.
What to compare for Singapore Airlines credit cards
There are a lot of credit cards linked with Singapore Airlines. When comparing the credit card market, make sure to compare the following aspects:
- Miles earning rate. How many miles do you earn per dollar spent?
- Tiers. Does the miles per dollar (MPD) earn rate reduce after a certain interval? Would you trigger it in a normal month?
- Caps. Is there a limit on the total number of miles that can be earned?
- Welcome bonus. How generous is the welcome bonus for new users? Who is eligible to get it, and can you trigger it without much difficulty?
- Perks and benefits. What additional benefits, like airport lounge access and no foreign transaction fees, come with the card?
- Annual fee. Is the annual fee justifiable for the benefits provided?
How to compare Singapore Airlines credit cards
Choosing the right credit card to suit your needs can seem overwhelming, especially since there are so many offers.
To make the process smoother, here are some detailed steps to follow when comparing Singapore Airlines credit cards.
Identify your spending habits and travel preferences
Review your monthly expenses and identify your primary spending areas.
- Do you spend more on dining, shopping, or travel?
- Do you travel frequently with Singapore Airlines or its partner airlines?
Understanding your spending and travel preferences is the first step in picking the right card.
Find cards with high earn rates
Once you know your spending pattern, look for cards that reward your specific spending categories with a higher miles earning rate.
- Some cards may offer more miles per dollar spent on dining, while others may reward travel expenses more generously.
- If you are a high-spender, you're more likely to be affected by any caps and tiers.
Compare welcome bonuses and annual fees
Welcome bonuses can be a lucrative incentive when applying for a new credit card, so long as you meet a certain spending threshold.
However, don't forget to factor in annual fees. Some cards may waive the annual fee for the first year, while others might offer benefits that outweigh the cost.
Is the card still good value for you, assuming you get the welcome bonus and have to pay an annual fee?
Consider the value of additional perks
Beyond miles, some cards offer additional benefits such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, or complimentary hotel stays.
Consider how much value these benefits would add to your travel experience and whether you would even use them.
Research conversion process and rates
If you are considering a card that earns points in a bank's reward program — DBS and Citi are two prominent examples — be sure to understand how those points are transferred and converted to KrisFlyer miles.
The main thing to watch out for is the conversion rate, since it may not be one-to-one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Earn KrisFlyer Miles for everyday spending.
- Chance to enjoy premium travel perks and benefits.
Cons
- Annual fees might not be worth the benefits for infrequent travellers.
- Maximising rewards can lead to spending more and the potential to build debt.
FAQs
What is the difference between general rewards and Singapore Airlines credit cards?
A general rewards card will allow you to earn miles on a variety of airlines, while a Singapore Airlines credit card is focused on earning and redeeming miles specifically for Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer. The latter may also come with additional perks and privileges, such as lounge access.
Can I transfer my current rewards points to KrisFlyer miles?
Many rewards programs in Singapore allow you to convert your points into KrisFlyer miles. Conversion rates vary depending on your card's rewards program.
