Best Air Miles Credit Cards in Singapore

Are you looking for the best air miles credit card in Singapore? With so many options available, finding the right card can be overwhelming. With the right choices, your air miles cards can offer a way to make travel more rewarding by turning everyday purchases into future travel opportunities.

This guide is designed to help you navigate through the choices, focusing on the key features that matter most. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or looking for ways to make your travels more rewarding, we’ve covered you with the latest and best credit cards for air miles in Singapore.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Miles Credit Card

• Annual Fees and Waivers: Consider the cost of holding the card. For example, the DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card offers a waiver on its annual fee for the first year or if you meet certain spending thresholds, making it a cost-effective choice for moderate spenders.
• Air Miles Earning Rates: Evaluate how quickly you can accumulate miles. The Citi PremierMiles Card, for instance, offers a competitive rate of 1.2 miles per dollar spent locally, which increases overseas spending, which is ideal for frequent travellers.
• Redemption Options and Flexibility: Look at how and where you can redeem your miles. The American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card allows direct conversion of points to miles without a fee, offering simplicity and ease in redemption.
• Expiry of Miles: Check the validity period of your miles. Cards like the UOB PRVI Miles Card offer an extended period before miles expire, providing more time to accumulate and use your rewards.
• Partner Airlines and Destinations: The range of airline partners and destinations is crucial. The OCBC 90°N Card, for example, has a wide network of airline partners, offering more flexibility in travel options.
• Additional Benefits and Perks: Consider other benefits like lounge access or travel insurance. The Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Card, for example, offers complimentary lounge access and travel insurance, adding value to the travel experience.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: If you travel or shop overseas often, consider the foreign transaction fees. Cards with lower foreign transaction fees, like the HSBC Revolution Credit Card, can offer significant savings on international expenditures.
• Welcome Bonuses and Promotions: Look out for attractive sign-up bonuses. For instance, the Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card often features generous welcome mile offers, providing a quick boost to your miles balance.
• Customer Support and Services: Good customer support is essential, especially when traveling. Prioritize cards with a reputation for excellent customer service, like those from American Express, known for their customer-centric approach.

Compare the Best Air Miles Credit Cards in Singapore

1. Citi PremierMiles Card

Key Features

• Earn 1.2 Citi Miles for every S$1 spent locally.
• Earn 2 Citi Miles for every S$1 spent in foreign currency.
• Citi Miles never expires, offering long-term value.

Benefits

• Complimentary travel insurance when you charge your travel fares to the card.
• Two complimentary airport lounge visits per year.
• Wide range of airline and hotel partners for mile redemption.

Things to take note of

• Annual fee waiver is subject to meeting specific spending criteria.
• Higher earning rates for overseas spending incentivize foreign transactions.
• Lounge access and other perks require adherence to specific terms and conditions.

Best Suited For

The Citi PremierMiles Card is ideal for individuals who travel frequently, whether for business or leisure. Its high earning rate for overseas spending makes it particularly attractive for those who spend a significant amount of time abroad.

The card’s flexibility in mile redemption, along with the benefit of no expiry on miles, makes it a strong contender for those looking to accumulate miles without pressure. The additional travel-related perks like lounge access and travel insurance add an extra layer of comfort and security for regular travelers.

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2. DBS Altitude Visa Signature

Key Features

• 1.3 miles per S$1 spent on local purchases.
• 2.2 miles per S$1 spent on overseas purchases.
• 3 miles per S$1 spent on online flight and hotel bookings.

Benefits

• First-year annual fee waiver.
• Complimentary travel insurance coverage when you charge your full travel fare to the card.
• Access to VIP lounges worldwide with Priority Pass Membership.

Things to take note of

• Miles earned have a 1-year expiry period.
• Higher miles-earning rate for online flight and hotel transactions requires bookings to be made on specific platforms.
• Annual fee waiver in the first year can be a significant cost saving.

Best Suited For

The DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card is particularly well-suited for those who frequently book travel online and spend both locally and overseas. Its competitive miles-earning rates for online flight and hotel bookings make it a top choice for digital-savvy travelers. Additionally, the card’s lounge access and travel insurance perks offer an enhanced travel experience, particularly for those who value comfort and security while traveling.

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3. American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Key Features

• Earn 1.1 KrisFlyer miles for every S$1 spent on all your eligible purchases.
• 2 KrisFlyer miles for every S$1 equivalent in foreign currency spent overseas during June and December.
• 3.1 KrisFlyer miles for every S$1 spent on Grab Singapore transactions.
• Bonus KrisFlyer miles for first-time American Express Singapore Airlines Card Members.

Benefits

• KrisFlyer miles are credited directly into your KrisFlyer account, eliminating the need for transfers.
• Enjoy promotional bonus miles on specific spending categories and milestones.
• Exclusive Singapore Airlines and partner merchant privileges.

Things to take note of

• The annual fee is waived for the first year, enhancing its initial value proposition.
• The card is most beneficial for those who can align their spending with the bonus miles periods.
• Direct accrual into the KrisFlyer program means miles are tied to the Singapore Airlines ecosystem.

Best Suited For

The American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card is ideal for loyal customers of Singapore Airlines and its partners. With its direct KrisFlyer miles accrual and bonus miles offerings, it’s a great fit for those who prefer straightforward mileage earnings without transferring. The additional benefits and exclusive privileges make it a compelling choice for regular flyers of Singapore Airlines seeking added value from their credit card spending.

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4. UOB PRVI Miles Card

Key Features

• High local and overseas miles earning rates.
• Exceptional rate of 6 miles per S$1 spent on major airlines and hotel bookings.
• Automatic enrollment in the UNI$ program to earn and redeem points.

Benefits

• Complimentary travel insurance when airfare is charged to the card.
• Access to UOB PRVI Travel Butler, a dedicated travel assistance service.
• Competitive annual fee waiver for the first year.

Things to take note of

• The card’s higher annual fee after the first year should be considered against its benefits.
• The 6 miles rate for specific airlines and hotels necessitates booking through UOB’s platform.
• Its high mile earning rates are most advantageous for frequent travelers.

Best Suited For

The UOB PRVI Miles Card is tailored for travelers who spend significantly both locally and overseas. The card’s high earning rates, especially for bookings with major airlines and hotels, make it an excellent choice for individuals who travel frequently for leisure or business. The added travel services and perks like travel insurance and the UOB PRVI Travel Butler service offer a comprehensive travel experience, making it ideal for those seeking both value and convenience in their travels.

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5. OCBC 90°N Card

Key Features

• Competitive local and overseas miles earning rates.
• Enhanced earning of 7 miles per S$1 spent on Agoda, a competitive miles earning rate than its competitor.
• No expiry on miles, providing long-term mile accumulation potential.

Benefits

• First-year annual fee waiver, offering initial cost savings.
• Access to a range of travel discounts and deals.
• Complimentary lounge access under certain spending conditions.

Things to take note of

• The 7 miles rate is only available for spending on Agoda.
• To enjoy the full range of benefits, a certain spending threshold must be met.
• The card is most beneficial for individuals who spend in its bonus categories.

Best Suited For

The OCBC 90°N Card is a great option for those who frequently spend on travel and dining. Its high earning rates in these categories, along with the flexibility offered by no expiry on miles, make it a strong choice for individuals looking to maximize rewards from their daily and travel expenditures. The card’s travel discounts and lounge access perks further enhance its appeal for regular travelers seeking both value and convenience.

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6. Standard Chartered Visa Infinite

Key Features

• High miles earn rate for overseas spending.
• Priority banking customers enjoy a higher earning rate.
• Complimentary travel insurance with sufficient coverage.

Benefits

• Priority Pass membership with six complimentary lounge visits per year.
• Access to luxury hotel privileges and golfing benefits.
• Exclusive dining and lifestyle offers.

Things to take note of

• The high annual fee reflects the premium nature of the card.
• Benefits are maximized when spending is focused on overseas transactions.
• The card is more suited to high spenders given its fee and benefits structure.

Best Suited For

The Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Card is best suited for affluent travelers seeking a luxury experience. Its high earning rates, especially for overseas spending, make it ideal for those who frequently travel internationally.

The card’s range of premium benefits, like lounge access, luxury hotel privileges, and golfing benefits, caters to a lifestyle of exclusivity and comfort. This card is a solid choice for individuals who value high-end travel perks and are comfortable with a higher annual fee.

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7. HSBC Revolution Credit Card

Key Features

• Earn 10X Reward points (equivalent to 4 miles per S$1) on online and contactless payments.
• No cap on Reward points earned and no minimum spend requirement.
• Reward points conversion to air miles with various airline partners.

Benefits

• No annual fee, making it budget-friendly.
• Attractive earn rate for online and contactless transactions.
• Access to dining, entertainment, and shopping privileges.

Things to take note of

• High rewards are specific to online and contactless spending.
• Understanding the conversion rate from Reward points to miles is important.
• Ideal for tech-savvy users who prefer digital transactions.

Best Suited For

The HSBC Revolution Credit Card is ideal for individuals who frequently engage in online and contactless transactions. With its high reward points on digital spends and no annual fee, it’s an excellent choice for tech-savvy, modern consumers who are regular online shoppers or prefer digital payments for their everyday purchases. The card’s additional perks in shopping and entertainment further enhance its appeal to a younger, digitally-inclined demographic.

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8. Maybank Horizon Visa Signature

Key Features

• High miles earn rate in specific categories: air ticket purchase and foreign spend.
• Automatic enrollment in Maybank’s Frequent Flyer Programme.
• Bonus miles for spend in foreign currency.

Benefits

• Annual fee waiver for the first year or with a specified annual spend.
• Access to dining and lifestyle privileges.
• Complimentary travel insurance when airfare is charged to the card.

Things to take note of

• High rewards are specific to particular spending categories.
• Lower earning rate for spends outside the bonus categories.
• Need to be mindful of the 1-year expiry on miles.

Best Suited For

The Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card is a great choice for those who frequently spend on air tickets and foreign spending. Its high earning rate in these categories makes it particularly attractive to individuals who prioritize these expenditures in their lifestyle. The additional dining privileges and travel insurance benefits add further value, making it an ideal card for those who seek rewards in specific spending areas rather than general purchases.

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9. KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card

Key Features

• Earn 1.2 KrisFlyer miles for every S$1 spent locally.
• Enhanced earning of 3 KrisFlyer miles for every S$1 spent on Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, Scoot, and KrisShop.
• Miles are credited directly to your KrisFlyer account.

Benefits

• First-year annual fee waiver.
• Exclusive Singapore Airlines and Scoot privileges.
• Bonus miles on everyday spending when meeting annual spending criteria.

Things to take note of

• Direct KrisFlyer mile accrual eliminates the need for point transfers.
• The highest rewards are specific to Singapore Airlines and its partners.
• Annual spending criteria to unlock additional benefits.

Best Suited For

The KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card is ideal for loyal customers of Singapore Airlines and its partners. It’s particularly beneficial for those who frequently fly with Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, or Scoot, or shop at KrisShop, offering enhanced mile accrual for these expenditures. The card’s direct mile accrual and additional Singapore Airlines-related benefits make it an excellent choice for KrisFlyer enthusiasts looking to maximize their rewards directly through their credit card spending.

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10. BOC Elite Miles World Mastercard

Key Features

• Consistent mile earning rate for all local expenditures.
• Double miles for overseas spending, ideal for international travelers.
• Access to World Mastercard benefits.

Benefits

• Annual fee waiver for the first year.
• Comprehensive travel insurance when airfare is charged to the card.
• Redemption options for a wide range of airlines and hotels.

Things to take note of

• One-year expiry on miles requires strategic redemption planning.
• Benefits are more general, catering to a wide range of travelers.
• Ideal for those who prefer straightforward reward structures.

Best Suited For

The BOC Elite Miles World Mastercard is best suited for individuals who travel internationally and prefer a simple yet effective miles accumulation system. Its consistent earning rate across all spending categories, coupled with double miles for overseas expenditures, makes it an appealing option for those who travel frequently. The card’s general travel perks and straightforward rewards structure make it a solid choice for travelers looking for flexibility and simplicity in their credit card rewards.

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What are Air Miles Credit Cards?

Air miles credit cards are increasingly popular among travellers in Singapore. The best credit card for air miles in Singapore offers a way to accumulate miles that can be redeemed for air travel. Here’s what they entail:

• Earning Miles: When you use an air miles card for purchases, you earn miles. The best air miles credit card Singapore typically offers higher earning rates, allowing you to accumulate miles faster.
• Redemption for Travel: The accumulated miles can be redeemed for flight tickets, upgrades, and sometimes other travel-related expenses. This makes them ideal for those looking for Singapore’s best air miles credit card options to complement their travel lifestyle.
• Travel Perks: Beyond mile accumulation, these cards often come with benefits like lounge access, travel insurance, and airline discounts, enhancing the overall travel experience.
• Variety of Options: There’s a range of cards available, each with its own set of benefits and mile-earning rates. Finding the best air miles credit card Singapore depends on your spending habits and travel preferences.

How Do Air Miles Credit Cards Work?

Understanding the mechanics of air miles credit cards is key to maximizing their benefits. Here’s how these cards generally operate:

• Earning Air Miles: Each time you use an Air Miles credit card, you earn miles based on the amount spent. The best credit card for air miles Singapore offers higher earning rates, making every dollar spent more rewarding.
• Mile Accumulation: The miles accumulate in your account as you spend. These miles are either linked directly to an airline’s frequent flyer program or to the card’s rewards program, where they can be transferred to different airlines.
• Redeeming Miles: Once you’ve accumulated enough miles, you can redeem them for air tickets, seat upgrades, or other travel-related benefits. The redemption process and value can vary, which is a key consideration when choosing a card.
• Additional Benefits: Many air miles cards offer extra perks such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, and bonus miles on specific types of spend. These additional benefits have different requirements from different air miles credit cards.

These cards are designed for those who travel frequently, allowing them to convert their regular spending into travel rewards. Selecting the right card involves considering how you’ll earn and use miles, along with the additional benefits each card offers.

Is It Worth To Get A Miles Card?

Deciding whether to get a miles card depends largely on your spending habits and lifestyle, particularly related to travel.

• Frequent Travelers: For those who travel often, whether for business or leisure, a miles card can be incredibly beneficial. The miles accumulated can significantly offset the cost of flights and upgrades.
• Spending Patterns: If your regular spending aligns with the categories that earn the most miles (like dining, overseas spending, or specific retailers), a miles card can be a valuable financial tool. It’s about turning everyday purchases into future travel opportunities.
• Travel Perks: Beyond just accumulating miles, these cards often come with additional travel benefits like lounge access or travel insurance. If these perks align with your lifestyle, a miles card can offer more than just travel savings.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Consider the costs associated with the card, such as annual fees, and weigh them against the benefits you will realistically use.

A miles card is worth it if your spending habits and lifestyle can leverage the benefits these cards offer, especially in terms of travel rewards and additional perks.

Benefits of Using Air Miles Credit Cards

Using the best air miles credit cards Singapore comes with several advantages for cardholders. Here’s a look at the key benefits:

• Travel Savings: The primary benefit is the ability to save on travel costs. By converting everyday spending into air miles, these cards can significantly reduce the expense of flights and upgrades.
• Travel Perks: Beyond mile accumulation, these cards often offer additional travel-related perks. This can include complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and exclusive deals with travel partners, adding value to the travel experience.
• Flexibility in Redemptions: The best cards offer flexibility in how you can use your miles, from flight bookings with different airlines to hotel stays and car rentals.
• Bonus Offers and Promotions: Air miles cards often come with attractive sign-up bonuses and ongoing promotions. This can include bonus miles, double-mile earning opportunities, or spending bonuses, providing extra value to cardholders.

The benefits of using air miles credit cards extend beyond just earning free flights. They offer a range of additional perks and savings opportunities, making them an attractive financial tool for frequent travelers and those looking to optimize their spending towards travel rewards.

Credit Cards For Air Miles vs Cashback vs Rewards: Which Suits You Best?

Choosing between air miles, cashback, and rewards credit cards depends on your spending habits and lifestyle. Here’s how they compare, along with top picks for each category in Singapore:

How do we choose the right credit card?

Consider your spending habits and lifestyle preferences to determine which credit card type will offer you the most value. 

• Air Miles Cards: Select if you travel often and can use the miles and travel perks.
• Cashback Cards: Choose if you value immediate returns and simplicity in rewards.
• Rewards Cards: Ideal if you enjoy the flexibility of redeeming points in various ways and often shop in the card’s high-earning categories.

Recognizing the differences between credit card types is key to finding one that matches your spending and lifestyle. For a thorough guide and top picks in Singapore, check out our article, “Best Credit Cards in Singapore“. It’s crafted to assist you in sifting through the options and finding the ideal card for your needs.

Read also: Best Credit Card For Petrol in Singapore

How To Use Air Miles Credit Cards Wisely: Expert Tips

Tips and Tricks for Earning More Miles

Maximizing mile accumulation is key to getting the most out of your Air Miles credit card. Here are some strategies to enhance your miles-earning potential, complementing the wise use of these cards:

1. Target High Earning Categories: Prioritize spending on categories that earn the most miles. For example, if your card offers more miles for dining or travel-related expenses, focus your spending accordingly.
2. Use for Everyday Purchases: Incorporate your air miles card into your daily spending routine. Pay for groceries, utility bills, and other regular expenses with your card to accumulate miles steadily.
3. Leverage Sign-Up Bonuses: Many air miles cards offer generous sign-up bonuses that can give your miles balance a significant boost. Ensure you meet the minimum spending requirements to qualify for these bonuses.
4. Take Advantage of Promotional Offers: Keep an eye out for promotions and partnerships that offer additional miles. Banks often run limited-time offers that can accelerate your miles earning.
5. Combine Cards Strategically: If you have multiple credit cards, use each one for its highest earning potential. For instance, use one card for its high travel spending rewards and another for its dining benefits.
6. Pay for Group Expenses: If you’re comfortable doing so, pay for group expenses like dinners or group trips and have your friends reimburse you. This can significantly increase your spending on the card without costing you extra.
7. Regularly Review Your Spending: Regularly assess your spending and card usage to ensure you’re maximizing mile accumulation. Be aware of any changes in card policies or earning rates.
8. Avoid Transactions That Don’t Earn Miles: Be mindful of transactions that don’t earn miles or incur fees, like cash advances or balance transfers.

Expert Strategies for Maximizing Air Miles Benefits

There are strategic ways to maximize the benefits of your Air Miles credit card. Here are expert tips to enhance your overall experience and rewards:

1. Understand Redemption Values: Know the value of your miles when redeemed for flights, upgrades, or other rewards. Aim to redeem miles for options that offer the highest value, such as long-haul flights or business class upgrades.
2. Monitor Expiry Dates: Keep track of when your miles expire and plan your redemptions accordingly. This ensures you don’t lose out on the miles you’ve worked hard to accumulate.
3. Plan Purchases Around Bonus Periods: Some cards offer bonus miles during specific periods or for certain spending categories. Timing large purchases to coincide with these periods can significantly boost your miles.
4. Utilize Transfer Partners: If your card allows, transfer miles to airline partners where they might have more value. This could mean more flight options or better redemption rates.
5. Engage in Airline Loyalty Programs: Enroll in airline loyalty programs where your credit card miles can be transferred. Loyalty status can offer additional perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access.
6. Take Advantage of Card Perks: Make full use of the travel perks that come with your card, such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, or hotel discounts.

Leveraging Air Miles for Optimal Travel Experiences

To further enhance the value you receive from your air miles credit card, focused on leveraging miles for the best travel experiences:

1. Book Flights Early: Redeem your miles for flights as early as possible. Award seats are limited and often available well before the departure date. Early booking ensures better availability and often requires fewer miles.
2. Be Flexible with Travel Dates: If possible, be flexible with your travel dates. Flying on less popular days or off-peak seasons can reduce the number of miles needed for a ticket.
3. Consider Alternate Airports: Sometimes flying into or out of alternate airports can save miles. Look at all nearby airports and compare the mile requirements for your destinations.
4. Use Miles for Upgrades: Instead of using miles for an entire ticket, consider using them for upgrades to business or first class. This can offer a high-value experience for a fraction of the miles required for a full premium ticket.
5. Stay Informed About Promotions and Deals: Regularly check your credit card and airline websites for special promotions or deals that can increase your miles or offer discounted redemption rates.
6. Explore Partner Airlines for Better Deals: Partner airlines sometimes offer better redemption rates for the same destination.
7. Use Stopovers and Open-Jaw Tickets: Some airlines allow stopovers or open-jaw tickets on award travel. This can allow you to visit multiple destinations for the same number of miles as a direct flight.
8. Monitor Your Miles for Devaluations: Be aware of potential devaluations in your miles program. Redeem miles before devaluations occur to ensure you get the most value from your accumulated miles.

Read also: Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards in Singapore

Conclusion

For those seeking to enhance their travel experiences, choosing the right air miles credit card is important. These cards offer a way to make everyday spending more rewarding by converting purchases into miles for travel.

When selecting, consider factors like mile earning rates, redemption flexibility, and additional travel benefits. An air miles credit card, when used wisely, not only provides a pathway to cost-effective travel but also enriches your overall travel experience with exclusive perks. Select a card that aligns best with your travel frequency and spending habits to capitalize on its benefits fully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. Please consult a financial professional before making any decisions based on this information. We do not guarantee the accuracy of the financial product information provided since the product information is kept updated.