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In today’s fast-paced, globally connected world, travel has become more accessible than ever before. Whether for business, leisure, or family reunions, Singaporeans are increasingly seeking smarter ways to travel further and more frequently. One such method is by leveraging air miles credit cards. These financial tools reward cardholders with airline miles on everyday spending, effectively turning routine purchases into future travel opportunities.
This guide provides a comprehensive review of the best air miles credit cards available in Singapore in 2025, comparing their benefits, fees, and suitability for different spending profiles. We also explore how to choose the right card, how to optimise your miles collection, and what to be wary of in the fine print.
What Are Air Miles Credit Cards?
Air miles credit cards are a type of rewards card that earns points—usually called “miles” or “reward miles”—when you spend money using the card. These points can then be redeemed for flight tickets, seat upgrades, hotel stays, and other travel-related perks. In Singapore, miles typically come in two forms:
- KrisFlyer miles (Singapore Airlines’ loyalty programme)
- Asia Miles (Cathay Pacific’s equivalent, now integrated into the Cathay Membership Programme)
Some cards offer flexible miles that can be transferred to multiple airline partners, providing added versatility.
Why Choose an Air Miles Credit Card?
For frequent flyers and travel enthusiasts, air miles cards offer three key advantages:
- Free or Discounted Flights: Accumulate enough miles and you could redeem round-trip tickets at a fraction of the cost or even for free.
- Exclusive Travel Perks: Lounge access, travel insurance, expedited immigration, and concierge services often come bundled.
- Reward Acceleration: With some cards offering up to 8 miles per S$1 on travel-related spending, savvy users can quickly rack up rewards.
However, these cards are best suited for those who pay their balances in full each month. The interest charges on unpaid balances can quickly offset the value of earned miles.
Best Air Miles Credit Cards in Singapore (2025)
Below is a curated list of top-performing air miles credit cards available in Singapore today, each tailored to specific user needs.
1. DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card
Best for: General travellers and online spenders
- Miles Earn Rate:
- 3 miles per S$1 spent on online flight and hotel bookings
- 1.2 miles per S$1 on local spend
- 2 miles per S$1 on overseas spend
- Annual Fee: S$194.40 (waived for the first year)
- Key Perks:
- Complimentary airport lounge access
- Travel insurance coverage
- No expiry of miles
Why It Stands Out: With a solid earn rate on travel-related online purchases and no expiry on miles, this is a great all-rounder for occasional and moderate travellers.
2. Citi PremierMiles Card
Best for: Flexible travellers who prefer a broad range of redemption options
- Miles Earn Rate:
- 2 miles per S$1 overseas spend
- 1.2 miles per S$1 local spend
- Annual Fee: S$194.40 (waived for the first year)
- Key Perks:
- 10,000 annual renewal miles
- Over 10 airline transfer partners
- Complimentary travel insurance and airport lounge access
Why It Stands Out: This card’s standout feature is its flexibility in miles redemption. You’re not restricted to a single airline or alliance.
3. Standard Chartered Journey Card
Best for: Beginner miles chasers
- Miles Earn Rate:
-
- 2 miles per S$1 on overseas spend
- 1.2 miles per S$1 local spend
- Bonus welcome miles for new customers
- Annual Fee: S$196.20 (waived for the first year)
- Key Perks:
- Access to KrisFlyer and other travel partners
- Decent earn rate for an entry-level card
Why It Stands Out: This card is perfect for newcomers to air miles. With user-friendly redemption and a good earn rate, it offers a soft landing into the world of travel rewards.
4. UOB PRVI Miles Card
Best for: Big spenders and frequent overseas travellers
- Miles Earn Rate:
- 2.4 miles per S$1 overseas spend
- 1.4 miles per S$1 local spend
- 6 miles per S$1 on major airline and hotel bookings via UOB Travel
- Annual Fee: S$259.20 (with 20,000 renewal miles)
- Key Perks:
- Complimentary airport transfers
- No minimum spend for accelerated miles
- Extensive redemption options
Why It Stands Out: High earn rates and excellent perks for those who travel regularly. If you’re a frequent flyer, this is one of the best options available.
5. AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Card
Best for: Loyal Singapore Airlines customers
- Miles Earn Rate:
- 2 miles per S$1 spent on Singapore Airlines and KrisShop
- 1.2 miles per S$1 local spend
- Annual Fee: S$340.20
- Key Perks:
- Four complimentary lounge visits per year
- Free one-night hotel stay annually
- Accelerated KrisFlyer Elite Silver tier upgrade
Why It Stands Out: This card is ideal for those who frequently fly Singapore Airlines. The perks are geared specifically towards KrisFlyer members.
How to Choose the Right Air Miles Credit Card
Selecting the right air miles card requires a careful evaluation of your spending habits and travel goals. Here’s a checklist to consider:
- Where do you spend most?
Cards differ in rewards for local vs. overseas or online travel bookings. - Do you prefer a specific airline?
Opt for co-branded cards (like KrisFlyer) if loyalty is important, or go for flexible options like Citi PremierMiles if you value variety. - How often do you travel?
High annual fee cards often come with travel perks worth more than the fee itself—but only if you use them. - Can you pay your bill in full each month?
The value of miles is eroded if you carry balances due to interest charges.
Optimising Your Miles Strategy
To get the most value from your air miles credit card, consider the following tips:
- Supplement with Other Cards: Use a cashback or rewards card for categories where miles aren’t optimised.
- Time Big Purchases: Large expenses like weddings, renovations, or tuition fees can help rack up miles fast.
- Leverage Bonus Categories: Travel portals, overseas spend, and special promotions often yield bonus miles.
- Track Expiry: Some cards have miles that expire—keep an eye on your balances and redemption timelines.
- Avoid Unnecessary Conversions: Convert only when you’re ready to redeem, especially with cards offering flexible miles.
- Don’t Chase Miles Blindly: Spending more than you normally would just to earn miles is counterproductive.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even the best cards come with fine print. Be aware of:
- High foreign currency transaction fees (often around 3%)
- Conversion fees for redeeming miles
- Minimum spend requirements to qualify for promotions
- Blackout dates or limited seat availability on redemption flights
- Delayed miles posting times
A seemingly great deal can quickly become mediocre if redemption is complicated or restricted.
Final Thoughts
Air miles credit cards can be a powerful tool to enrich your travel experiences—provided they are used wisely. With numerous options in Singapore, from flexible all-rounders like the Citi PremierMiles Card to airline-specific cards like the AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend, there is something for every kind of traveller.
Before committing, take the time to reflect on your travel frequency, airline preferences, and spending habits. And most importantly, always pay your credit card bills in full. That way, the miles you earn truly represent value, not a disguised cost.
With proper strategy, discipline, and awareness, your next flight—whether to Tokyo, Paris, or New York—might be closer than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are air miles cards worth it if I don’t travel frequently?
A: If you rarely travel, a cashback or rewards card might offer more tangible value. However, if you plan to travel even once or twice a year, they can still be worthwhile, especially with no expiry miles.
Q: How long do credit card miles take to reflect?
A: Typically, between 2 to 8 weeks depending on the card and type of transaction.
Q: Can I combine miles from different cards?
A: Generally, no. Each card’s miles accumulate separately unless they’re transferred to a common frequent flyer programme.
Q: Do supplementary cardholder spends earn miles?
A: Yes, spends on supplementary cards usually earn miles that are pooled into the primary cardholder’s account.
Q: Are miles taxable in Singapore?
A: No, air miles are not considered taxable income for individuals in Singapore.
