If you’re someone who loves to travel, you know how expensive it can be to fly to different destinations. One way to cut down on the cost of travel is by using a credit card that earns you air miles. Singapore is a hub for travel in Southeast Asia, and many credit card companies offer air miles credit cards that can help you earn free flights and other travel perks. In this article, we’ll explore the best credit cards to earn miles in Singapore.
Understanding Air Miles Credit Cards in Singapore
Before we dive into the top air miles credit cards in Singapore, it’s important to understand how they work. Air miles credit cards allow you to earn miles for every dollar you spend on the card. These miles can then be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses. Some credit cards also offer exclusive perks like lounge access, travel insurance, and concierge services.
Top Miles Credit Cards for Local and Overseas Spend
When it comes to choosing an air miles credit card in Singapore, there are many options to consider. Some of the top credit cards for earning miles include the Citi PremierMiles Card, the DBS Altitude Card, and the American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card. Each of these cards offers different benefits depending on your spending habits and travel preferences.
Understanding Air Miles Credit Cards in Singapore
If you’re a frequent traveller, then an air miles credit card is a must-have in your wallet. With these cards, you can earn miles on your everyday spending, which you can then redeem for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses. In this section, we’ll explain everything you need to know about air miles credit cards in Singapore.
What Are Air Miles Credit Cards?
Air miles credit cards are a type of rewards credit card that allows you to earn miles on your spending. These miles can then be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses. Most air miles credit cards come with a sign-up bonus, which can be a significant number of miles.
How Do Air Miles Work?
Air miles work by assigning a value to each mile, which can then be redeemed for a specific reward. The value of a mile can vary depending on the credit card and the reward you’re redeeming it for. For example, some cards may offer a higher value for miles redeemed for flights, while others may offer a higher value for miles redeemed for hotel stays.
Benefits of Using Miles Credit Cards
There are several benefits to using air miles credit cards. Firstly, you can earn miles on your everyday spending, which can then be redeemed for travel-related expenses. Secondly, many air miles credit cards come with additional perks, such as lounge access, travel insurance, and concierge services. Finally, some air miles credit cards offer a higher earn rate on specific spending categories, such as dining or travel.
Overall, air miles credit cards are an excellent choice for frequent travellers who want to earn rewards on their spending. With so many different cards available in Singapore, it’s essential to compare the different options and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Top Miles Credit Cards for Local and Overseas Spend
If you’re looking to earn some serious miles on your everyday spending, you’ll want to consider a credit card that rewards you for both local and overseas spend. Here are some of the best miles credit cards in Singapore that can help you maximise your rewards.
Best for Local Spend
For those who spend most of their money locally, the DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card is a solid choice. You can earn up to 1.2 miles per S$1 spent on local spend, dining and travel bookings. Plus, you can get up to 3 miles per S$1 spent on online shopping with selected merchants, such as Lazada and Qoo10.
Another great option is the UOB PRVI Miles Card, which offers up to 1.4 miles per S$1 spent on local spend, dining and travel bookings. You can also earn up to 10 miles per S$1 spent on hotel and flight bookings with Agoda, Expedia and UOB Travel.
Top Picks for Overseas Spend
If you frequently travel overseas, the Citi PremierMiles Card is a top pick. You can earn up to 2 miles per S$1 spent on foreign currency transactions, including online shopping. Plus, you’ll get complimentary travel insurance coverage of up to S$1 million when you charge your travel tickets to your card.
Another great option is the OCBC 90°N Card, which offers up to 4 miles per S$1 spent on overseas spend and a 3% rebate on all foreign currency transactions. You’ll also get a complimentary one-way limousine transfer to the airport with a minimum spend of S$5,000 on your card.
Maximising Online Shopping Rewards
For those who love to shop online, the Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card is a great choice. You can earn up to 3.2 air miles per S$1 spent on online shopping, dining and travel bookings. Plus, you’ll get a complimentary one-way airport limousine transfer with a minimum spend of S$300 on your card.
Another great option is the UOB PRVI Miles Card, which offers up to 10 miles per S$1 spent on hotel and flight bookings with Agoda, Expedia and UOB Travel. Plus, you can earn up to 4 miles per S$1 spent on online shopping with selected merchants, such as Lazada and Qoo10.
With these top miles credit cards, you can earn rewards on your everyday spending and maximise your miles for your next travel adventure.
Exclusive Perks and Milestone Bonuses
When it comes to choosing the best credit card to earn miles in Singapore, it’s not just about the rewards rate or the sign-up bonus. You also want to consider the exclusive perks and milestone bonuses that come with the card. Here are some of the top benefits to look out for when choosing a miles credit card.
Welcome Offers and Bonus Miles
Many credit cards offer welcome bonuses and bonus miles to new cardholders. For example, the Citi PremierMiles Card offers up to 60,000 miles as a welcome bonus, while the DBS Altitude Card offers up to 10,000 miles as a sign-up bonus. These bonuses can help you jump-start your miles earning and get you closer to your next free flight.
Annual Fee Waivers and Renewal Bonuses
Annual fees can eat into the value of your rewards, but some credit cards offer annual fee waivers and renewal bonuses to help offset this cost. For instance, the Amex KrisFlyer Card waives the first-year annual fee and offers a renewal bonus of 7,500 KrisFlyer miles. Meanwhile, the UOB PRVI Miles Card offers an annual fee waiver for the first year and a renewal bonus of up to 20,000 miles.
Complimentary Travel Insurance and Other Benefits
Many miles credit cards also come with complimentary travel insurance and other benefits, such as lounge access and concierge services. For example, the HSBC Revolution Credit Card offers up to $1 million in travel accident insurance and complimentary access to the Plaza Premium Lounge in Changi Airport. The Maybank Horizon Card also offers travel insurance coverage and a complimentary airport limousine transfer.
When choosing the best credit card to earn miles in Singapore, be sure to consider the exclusive perks and milestone bonuses that come with the card. These benefits can help you maximise your rewards and get the most value out of your miles.
Earning and Redeeming Miles Effectively
As you explore the world of air miles credit cards, it’s important to understand how to earn and redeem miles effectively. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your rewards:
Optimising Earn Rates
When choosing a credit card for earning miles, look for one with a high earn rate. This is typically measured in miles per dollar (mpd). Some cards offer a flat rate of 1.4 mpd for all spending, while others offer higher rates for specific categories like dining or travel.
For example, UOB PRVI Miles offers an earn rate of 1.4 mpd for local spending and 2.4 mpd for overseas spending. Maybank Horizon Visa Signature offers 3.2 mpd for dining and petrol, and 2 mpd for travel bookings.
Keep in mind that many cards have caps on the amount of miles you can earn per month or year, and some require a minimum spend to qualify for bonus miles. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before applying for a card.
Understanding Redemption Options
Once you’ve earned miles, it’s time to redeem them for rewards. Most cards offer a variety of redemption options, including flights, hotel stays, and merchandise.
When redeeming miles for flights, be aware of conversion fees and taxes that may apply. Some airlines also have blackout dates or limited availability for reward seats, so it’s important to plan ahead and book early.
If you’re not sure how to redeem your miles, check with your credit card provider for guidance. Many offer online booking tools and customer service representatives who can help you make the most of your rewards.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
To avoid losing your hard-earned miles, be sure to use them before they expire. Some cards have a lifespan for active miles accumulated, so it’s important to check the expiry date and plan accordingly.
Also, be aware of foreign spend fees that may apply when using your card overseas. These fees can add up quickly, so it’s a good idea to use a card with a low or no foreign spend fee.
Finally, be sure to meet the minimum spend requirements and avoid carrying a balance on your card. Interest charges can quickly offset any rewards earned, making it difficult to come out ahead.
By optimising your earn rates, understanding redemption options, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can make the most of your air miles credit card rewards. Happy travels!
Comparing Annual Fees and Minimum Income Requirements
When choosing the best credit card for earning miles in Singapore, it’s essential to consider the annual fees and minimum income requirements. Here are some of the things you need to know about these factors.
Assessing Annual Fees
Annual fees are an essential factor to consider when choosing a miles credit card in Singapore. Some cards offer no annual fees, while others can cost over S$250 per year. When comparing annual fees, it’s essential to consider the benefits that come with the card. For example, the DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card offers an annual fee waiver for the first year, but the subsequent annual fee is S$192.60. On the other hand, the UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card has an annual fee of S$256.80, but it comes with a range of benefits, including a complimentary airport limousine transfer and travel insurance.
Income Thresholds for Premium Cards
Many miles credit cards in Singapore have minimum income requirements that you must meet to be eligible for the card. For example, the DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card requires a minimum annual income of S$30,000 for Singaporeans and PRs and S$45,000 for foreigners. In contrast, the Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card requires a minimum annual income of S$20,000 for Singaporeans and PRs and S$60,000 for foreigners.
If you’re looking for a premium miles credit card, you’ll need to meet higher income thresholds. For example, the DBS Vantage Visa Infinite Card requires a minimum annual income of S$120,000 for Singaporeans and PRs and S$150,000 for foreigners. However, this card comes with a range of benefits, including a complimentary Priority Pass membership and travel insurance.
In summary, when choosing a miles credit card in Singapore, it’s crucial to consider the annual fees and minimum income requirements. Look for a card that offers a balance between the annual fee and the benefits that come with the card. Also, make sure you meet the minimum income requirements before applying for a premium miles credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the top credit card for racking up KrisFlyer miles with everyday spending?
If you’re looking for a credit card that will allow you to earn KrisFlyer miles with your everyday spending, the Citi PremierMiles Card is a great option. With this card, you can earn 1.2 miles for every S$1 spent locally and 2 miles for every S$1 spent overseas. Plus, you can earn up to 10,000 bonus miles when you renew your card membership each year.
Which card should I snag for the highest air miles per dollar spent?
If you’re looking for a credit card that will give you the highest air miles per dollar spent, the American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card is a great option. With this card, you can earn 1.1 miles for every S$1 spent locally and 2 miles for every S$1 spent overseas. Plus, you can earn up to 15,000 bonus miles when you spend S$12,000 within the first 3 months of card membership.
How can I swiftly accumulate miles for my next holiday using credit cards?
One way to accumulate miles quickly for your next holiday is to take advantage of sign-up bonuses. Many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that can give you a large number of miles right off the bat. Another way to accumulate miles quickly is to use your credit card for all of your everyday spending and pay off your balance in full each month. This will allow you to earn miles on all of your purchases without incurring any interest charges.
What’s the ultimate credit card to earn miles for frequent flyers in Singapore?
If you’re a frequent flyer in Singapore, the UOB PRVI Miles Card is a great option. With this card, you can earn 1.4 miles for every S$1 spent locally and 2.4 miles for every S$1 spent overseas. Plus, you can earn up to 20,000 bonus miles when you spend S$50,000 within a year.
Which credit card partnerships can boost my KrisFlyer miles balance the fastest?
Several credit cards offer partnerships with airlines and hotels that can help you boost your KrisFlyer miles balance quickly. For example, the American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card offers partnerships with hotels such as Hilton and Shangri-La, while the UOB PRVI Miles Card offers partnerships with airlines such as Cathay Pacific and United Airlines.
What are the most rewarding credit cards for earning miles on dining and travel?
If you’re looking for a credit card that will reward you for your dining and travel expenses, the HSBC Revolution Credit Card is a great option. With this card, you can earn 2 miles for every S$1 spent on dining and entertainment, and 1 mile for every S$1 spent on all other expenses. Plus, there’s no annual fee for this card, making it a great option for those who want to earn miles without incurring any extra costs.