Best Air Miles Credit Cards Singapore (May 2023)
After carefully evaluating the best air miles credit cards available in Singapore, considering rebates, annual fees, and additional perks such as free travel insurance and airport lounge access, we present our top picks. These cards not only offer attractive rewards rates but also provide some of the finest travel benefits in the market.
DBS Altitude Visa
Earn up to 10 miles for every S$1 spent, and the miles earned through this card have no expiration date.
Promotions: New DBS/POSB cardmembers can enjoy S$150 cashback.
The DBS Altitude Visa Card is a superb choice for average spenders who prioritise travel perks but are averse to paying additional fees for them. Cardholders earn miles at a standard rate of 1.2 miles per S$1 spent locally, 2 miles for overseas expenses, and 3 miles for online travel bookings.
Moreover, they receive two complimentary lounge visits per year. The best part is that with just S$25,000 in annual spend, the S$194.40 fee is waived. Most travel cards with extensive perks lack a fee waiver, making the DBS Altitude Card the best option for those seeking top privileges, respectable rewards rates, and no fees.
Citi PremierMiles Card
If you’re an average consumer searching for a well-rounded and accessible travel credit card, the Citi PremierMiles Visa Card is one of the top choices available. Cardholders not only earn impressive rewards rates of 1.2 miles per S$1 spent locally and 2 miles for overseas transactions but also enjoy perks typically associated with more expensive cards, including two free lounge visits per year.
While the Citi PremierMiles Visa Card does carry an annual fee of S$192.6, which is waived for the first year, it remains lower than most alternatives. The fee is offset by 10,000 annual renewal miles (worth S$100), and new cardholders receive up to 45,000 welcome miles (worth S$450). It’s rare for no-fee cards to offer such substantial bonuses. In summary, the Citi PremierMiles Visa Card provides excellent rewards rates, perks, and bonus miles without exorbitant fees, making it an ideal choice for the average consumer.
UOB KrisFlyer Credit Card
Frequent flyers with Singapore Airlines (SIA) who prefer to travel on a budget should seriously consider the UOB KrisFlyer Card. Cardholders earn 1.2 miles per S$1 spent on general local and overseas transactions, with a boost to 3 miles for expenditures with SIA brands (SIA, Scoot, SilkAir & KrisShop). Customers who spend at least S$500 per year with SIA also receive a further boost to 3 miles per S$1 for global dining, transport, online shopping, and travel bookings. This is particularly advantageous for young adults who tend to spend more in these categories.
In terms of perks, the UOB KrisFlyer Card offers convenient benefits for travelers on SIA’s budget airline, Scoot. Cardholders enjoy free priority check-in and boarding, baggage allowance upgrades, complimentary standard seat selection, and flexible booking waivers. Additional perks include a $20 rebate with S$100 nett spend at KrisShop, as well as S$15 vouchers for both Grab (for trips to and from Changi airport) and ChangiWiFi. Higher-spending cardholders can even unlock upgraded Kris Flyer Elite Silver membership with S$5,000 annual SIA spend. However, it’s important to note that the UOB KrisFlyer Card may not be the best match for high-earning.
UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card
For individuals with an annual spending closer to S$50,000, the UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card is the perfect choice to rapidly accumulate miles, enjoy perks, and avoid paying an annual fee. Cardholders earn market-leading rates of 1.4 miles per S$1 spent locally, 2.4 miles for overseas transactions, and 6 miles with major airlines and hotels, comparable to rewards rates offered by more expensive travel cards. Additionally, UOB PRVI Miles Card provides a fee waiver for its S$256.8 annual fee with S$50,000 annual spend and rewards consumers with an extra 20,000 bonus miles (worth S$200).
The UOB PRVI Miles Card also offers travel perks, including free airport transfers, travel insurance, and dining privileges with American Express Essentials. Overall, this card is the ideal option for above-average spenders looking to earn miles at competitive rates without the burden of high fees.
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card
If you’re considering your first miles credit card and frequently fly with Singapore Airlines (SIA), the American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card is worth considering. Cardholders earn 1.1 miles per S$1 spent on general purchases (2 miles overseas in June & December), 2 miles with SingaporeAir, SilkAir, and KrisShop, and 3.1 miles on Grab rides (up to 620 mi/mo).
Rewards are earned directly as KrisFlyer miles, which are credited to the consumer’s frequent flyer loyalty account. This eliminates the need to worry about conversion rates, transfer fees, or lengthy processing times. The Amex SIA KF Card has an affordable annual fee of S$176.55, waived for the first year. Overall, if you prefer flying with SIA and desire a straightforward miles credit card, this could be the perfect option for you.
OCBC 90°N MasterCard
For high spenders who want to maximize both miles and cashback rewards seamlessly, the OCBC 90°N MasterCard is an excellent choice. Cardholders earn Travel$ for their purchases, with each Travel$ being redeemable for 1 air mile or S$0.01 cash rebate. They earn 1.2 miles (or 1.2% cashback) for every S$1 spent locally and 2.1 miles (or 2.1% cashback) for overseas transactions. The overseas miles rate is 0.1 miles higher than the market average, and as cashback, the 2.1% unlimited rebate rate is higher than any other unlimited alternative. Furthermore, points earned can be redeemed for miles or cashback at an equal conversion rate, a rare feature as most cards diminish the value of cashback redemptions. Cardholders never have to pay conversion fees, and their rewards never expire.
Additional privileges include discounted access to lounges worldwide through Mastercard Airport Experiences. The OCBC 90°N Card is a fantastic option for high spenders primarily interested in cashback but who also want the opportunity to earn miles rewards for their purchases.
Best Credit Card for Bonus Miles
Designed for avid travelers, these air miles credit cards excel in providing exceptional and accessible welcome offers and bonus miles.
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card
The American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Card offers more than just outstanding welcome bonuses—it also provides competitive rates and top-notch travel perks, all for a reasonable annual fee of S$337.05. Cardholders earn 1.2 miles per S$1 spent on general purchases, 2 miles with SIA brands and overseas transactions in June & December
Standard Chartered Visa Infinite X Credit Card
For high-income travelers considering Standard Chartered as their banking option, the Standard Chartered Visa Infinite X Card is worth considering. Cardholders who deposit S$300,000 in fresh funds into a Priority Banking Account within the first 3 months receive a substantial welcome bonus of 100,000 KrisFlyer miles, worth S$10,000 when redeemed for business class tickets. Those who can invest even larger amounts can benefit further, with a 150,000 miles bonus (worth S$15,000) for placing S$800,000, and an impressive 300,000 miles (worth S$30,000) for Priority Private Banking customers who place S$1.5 million. These welcome bonuses are particularly attractive to affluent individuals who can afford such investments.
All cardholders can enjoy perks such as free travel insurance, two complimentary lounge visits per year, discounted green fees, and hotel privileges. Local spending earns 1.2 miles per S$1, while overseas spend earns 2 miles per S$1. It’s important to note that these features are not particularly competitive, especially for a luxury credit card. Additionally, the annual fee of S$695.5 is one of the highest on the market. However, for very wealthy individuals who can take advantage of the sign-on bonus, the upfront rewards earnings can more than offset this cost. For affluent travelers, the Standard Chartered Visa Infinite X Card offers a great way to maximize miles with minimal additional effort.
Best Air Miles Credit Cards with No Annual Fee
Travel credit cards are often associated with high annual fees, but there are competitive yet affordable options available. Here are two such cards:
HSBC Revolution Credit Card
If you have a high dining and entertainment budget and frequently engage in online spending, the HSBC Revolution Card is the ideal way to earn miles for your outgoing lifestyle and essential expenses. Cardholders earn 2 miles per S$1 spent on local dining, entertainment, and online payments, including recurring bills, travel bookings, and transit. Most cards exclude these categories from earning rewards. Furthermore, cardholders can avoid the S$160.5 fee with just S$12,500 in annual spend. The HSBC Revolution Card is an exceptional option for earning no-fee miles easily within Singapore.
Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card
If you primarily spend your budget locally but still want to earn miles for vacations and overseas expenses, the Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card is likely the best credit card for you. Cardholders earn an impressive 3.2 miles per S$1 spent locally on dining, petrol, taxis & Grab, and hotel bookings with Agoda. This is significantly higher compared to most alternatives, which offer 1.2 to 1.4 miles for these categories. Overseas rates are also competitive, with 2 miles per S$1 spent on air tickets, travel packages, and foreign currency transactions.
The Maybank Horizon Card is highly accessible, with the annual fee of S$180 waived for the first three years, and subsequently with just S$18,000 in annual spend (S$1,500 per month). Ultimately, this card is one of the few miles credit cards in the market that offers significant rewards for both local and travel spend, along with a few perks such as free travel insurance and airport lounge access. If you balance your time and budget between local and overseas spending and want to maximize your earnings wherever you are, the Maybank Horizon Card is the answer.
Best Air Miles Credit Cards for Luxury Perks
These miles credit cards in Singapore offer luxurious and exclusive perks that enhance the travel experience:
Choosing the right credit card for your spending behavior is essential to maximize the benefits and rewards you can earn. Here’s a breakdown of the mentioned credit cards based on their unique features:
Citi Prestige Card:
- Luxury travel perks: Unlimited airport lounge access, bonus hotel nights, limo transfers, golfing privileges, and dining privileges.
- Rewards rates: 1.3 miles per S$1 local spend, 2 miles overseas.
- Annual bonuses: 25,000 bonus miles annually, plus additional bonuses based on Citibank relationship tenure.
- Annual fee: S$535.
- Best for: Those seeking luxury perks and excellent earning potential.
Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card:
- Top market rates: 1.4 miles per S$1 local spend, 3 miles overseas.
- Luxury perks: Free yacht hires, airport lounge access (6x/year), travel insurance, golfing, dining, and Hertz Asia privileges.
- Rewards for banking activity: Earn rewards on income tax payments and other banking products.
- Annual fee: S$588.5.
- Best for: Affluent business travelers and those looking for a rewards structure that includes banking activity.
OCBC VOYAGE Card:
- Rewards rates: 1.3 miles locally, 2.2 miles overseas.
- Flexible miles redemption: No blackout dates and minimal processing time.
- High-income requirement: S$120,000 annual salary.
- Annual fee: S$488.
- Best for: Affluent consumers with irregular travel schedules and a focus on local spending.
Additional consideration on air miles credit cards
Travel perks offered by credit cards can add significant value to your trips and enhance your travel experience. Here are some common travel perks to look out for:
- Airport Lounge Access:
- Certain credit cards provide complimentary access to airport lounges, allowing you to relax in a comfortable environment before your flight.
- Lounge access often includes amenities like free Wi-Fi, food and beverages, showers, and business facilities.
- Priority Pass is a popular lounge access program that is offered by many credit cards.
- Complimentary Travel Insurance:
- Some credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance when you use the card to book your travel arrangements, such as flights, hotels, or rental cars.
- Travel insurance typically covers benefits like trip cancellation/interruption, lost baggage, medical emergencies, and travel accidents.
- Review the coverage limits and terms of the insurance policy to understand the extent of protection provided.
- Airport Transfers:
- Certain credit cards provide complimentary limousine transfers to and from the airport, offering a convenient and luxurious way to travel.
- These transfers are usually offered for specific travel classes, such as business or first class, or based on meeting spending requirements on the card.
- Hotel Privileges:
- Some credit cards offer exclusive benefits and upgrades at partner hotels, such as room upgrades, late check-out, complimentary breakfast, or resort credits.
- These privileges can enhance your hotel stay and provide added value during your travels.
When selecting a credit card for travel perks, consider your travel habits and preferences:
- If you frequently travel and value luxury and convenience, look for cards that offer comprehensive travel perks like lounge access, airport transfers, and travel insurance.
- Assess the specific terms and conditions of each perk to ensure they align with your travel needs and preferences.
- Take into account any associated fees or spending requirements that may be required to unlock these perks.
By understanding the travel perks offered by different credit cards and assessing their value and relevance to your travel plans, you can choose a card that provides the most beneficial and enjoyable travel experience for you.
When choosing a credit card based on your spending behavior, consider factors such as your travel patterns, lifestyle preferences, and the value you can derive from the rewards and perks offered. Assessing annual fees, rewards rates, and unique benefits will help you determine which card aligns best with your needs. Additionally, be mindful of any minimum income requirements associated with certain cards.
Remember to review the terms and conditions, including any restrictions, redemption options, and potential fees, before making a decision.
