Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Airlines and Mileage Programs > Singapore Airlines | KrisFlyer
Reload this Page >

The 'Best credit cards for KF miles accrual' master thread

Community
Wiki Posts
Search
Old Oct 31, 2014, 6:05 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: lifeonthego_k
I'm going to update this first post as more info flows in to create a 'master list' of all credit cards that offer a decent way of accruing miles - so please help out!

If you know of and/or use any other cards (or the ones already mentioned), please share your thoughts.

***ALL VALUES BELOW IN SINGAPORE DOLLARS (SGD)***
============
In no particular order (apart from personal preference in terms of good-mileage opportunities):
============

1. UOB PRVI Miles VISA, MasterCard, AMEX

VISA:
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...iles_visa.html
MasterCard:
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...astercard.html
Amex:
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...amex_card.html
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...ard/microsite/



Mileage accrual:
The earn rate will be 1.4 miles for every $1 spent in multiples of S$10 (every multiple of S$5 gives 6 to 7 miles due to 3.5 UNI$ rounding off, every S$10 gives 14 miles), and 2.4 miles for every $1 spent OVERSEAS (every $5 gives 12 miles).

Requirements: min. income $80,000 (not strict).
Cost: First year free, then S$256.80 for main, first two supplementary always free. Annual fee waiver for Amex card if you charge $50,000 or more in a year.
Miles conversion fee: $25 per conversion. UNI$ are combined in 1 cardholder's name/FIN Number/NRIC together for all UOB cards which earn UNI$.

Pros: Best mileage accrual rates for overseas spend only. 20,000 bonus miles and annual fee waiver with spend of $50,000 per year (both only for Amex card). $45 1-way airport transfer voucher for $1,000 overseas spend in a given quarter (Amex only).
Cons: AMEX not always accepted by merchants. Points allocated on every $5 spent, rounded down to next $5. Transfer in blocks of 5000 UNI$ points = 10,000 miles. Points are valid for 2 years (transfer before expiry and they will subsequently be valid for a further 3 years from the date of transfer to KrisFlyer).

2. UOB Preferred Platinum Visa


http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards..._platinum.html
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...visa_card.html


Mileage accrual: Earn 4 miles for every $1 spent using ONLY MOBILE CONTACTLESS every $5 gives 10 UNI$ which equal 20 miles). Same incredible mileage-earning ratio for internet shopping with certain restrictions (travel-related, utilities, etc.). Earn 0.4 mile for every $1 for regular, signature-based payments AND ORPHAN SPEND DUE TO $5 ROUNDING OR EXCEEDING THE BONUS U$2000 SPEND (every $5 gives 1 UNI$ which equal 2 miles).

Earning 4 miles/$ is limited to the first S$1110 spent during the per calendar month (via Mobile Contactless). 2,000UNI$ refers to the extra 9UNI$ and does not include the normal 1UNI$.(Stop when you notice you earn 3UNI$ (1 + bonus 2) for the last S$5 transaction. ($1110/5)x9=1998UNI$, hence the last S$5 transaction will earn 2 bonus UNI$. The total bonus UNI$ awarded to you from qualifying spend on Selected Online Transactions and Mobile Contactless Transactions is capped at UNI$2,000 for each calendar month. THE CAP IS ON THE 9 UNI$ BONUS NOT 10UNI$ TOTAL YOU GET WITH BASE OF U$1 PER $ SPEND

Keep in mind that some merchants offer different, non-mileage accruing awards with UOB cards which are called SMART$. Some popular merchants include Cold Storage, Guardian and Giant Supermarket, ToastBox and Starbucks. A full list of merchants where Mobile contactless transactions will NOT earn miles can be found here:
http://www.uob.com.sg/personal/cards...smartclub.html

Requirements: min. income $30,000 ($60,000 for foreigners).
Cost: First year free, then $192.60 for main and $96.30 for supplementary. Annual fee waived off easily.
Miles conversion fee: $25 per conversion, in blocks of 5000 UNI$=10,000 miles. UNI$ are combined in 1 cardholder's name for all UOB cards.

Pros: Incredible mileage accrual rates for Paywave transactions (not all merchants - some give SMART$ instead which are different rewards!) as well as internet transactions (some restrictions apply).
Cons: Points allocated on every $5 spent, rounded down to next $5. Transfer in blocks of 5000 UNI$ points = 10,000 miles. Points are valid for 2 years (transfer before expiry and they will subsequently be valid for a further 3 years from the date of transfer to KrisFlyer).

3. Citi PremierMiles MasterCard

https://www.citibank.com.sg/credit-cards/travel/premiermiles-card/?ecid=PSGONSGCCAENPM

Mileage accrual: Earn 1.2 miles for every $1 spent. Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent OVERSEAS. 10,000 bonus miles for each annual membership renewal.

Requirements: min. income $50,000 for VISA. Principal cardholder must be at least 21 years of age.
Cost: First year free, then $192.60 for VISA main, supplementary always free. Annual fee waiver available in exchange for forfeiting the 10,000renewal bonus.
Miles conversion fee: $25 per conversion.

Pros: Decent all-rounder, good for overseas spend. Points never expire. Bonus miles for annual card renewal. 11 frequent flyer programs & 3 hotel programs to choose from, including EVA Air - only 25,000 miles for 1 way Business Class within Asia!!
Cons: No miles awarded for EZ-Link & Transitlink transactions. Miles awarded per S$1. Cents not included. 1.2 miles/S$1. Transfer in blocks of 10,000 miles.

4. DBS Altitude VISA/AMEX

http://www.dbs.com/sg/personal/cards...e/default.aspx
http://www.dbs.com/sg/personal/cards...e/default.aspx



Mileage accrual: Earn 1.2 miles for every $1 spent (every $5 gives 3 DBS points which equal 6 miles). Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent OVERSEAS.

Requirements: min. income $80,000.
Cost: First year free, then $180 for main and $90 for supplementary. Annual fee waiver if you charge $25,000 or more in a year.
Miles conversion fee: S$26.75 per transfer, redeem 1700 DBS points to waive off.

Pros: Points never expire. No rounding down transaction amount to nearest $5 (calculation is done as follows: DBS points = 'transaction amount' divided by 5, multiply by 3, after that round down to nearest whole number. Minimum spend is S$1.67. Each DBS point = 2 miles). Earn 3 miles per S$1 spent on all online Flight and Hotel transactions (capped at S$5,000 per month). 10,000 miles renewal bonus if you have to pay card renewal fees.
Cons: All local spend now down to 1.2 miles/$ (since Dec 1, 2013). AMEX not always accepted by merchants. Transfer in blocks of 5000 DBS points = 10,000 miles (on the plus side points don't expire). Per transfer of S$26.75, redeem 1700 DBS points to waive off.

5. Maybank Horizon Platinum Visa

http://info.maybank2u.com.sg/persona...visa-card.aspx



Earn 3.2 air miles (8X TREATS Points) with every dollar spent on dining, petrol, taxi fares and hotel bookings at Agoda.com/horizon
Earn 2 air miles (5X TREATS Points) with every dollar spent on air tickets, travel packages and foreign currency transactions, with a minimal S$300 in a calendar month

Earn 0.4 mile for every $1 spent elsewhere (1 mile for every $2.50 spent).

Requirements: min. income $30,000 ($80,000 for foreigners).
Cost: $150 for main, supplementary always free. Unsure of any annual fee waiver conditions.
Miles conversion fee: In blocks of 5,000 points to 2000 Asia Miles or KrisFlyer. S$26.75 fee applies.

Pros: Great for ticket purchases and overseas spend. Complimentary access to selected VIP airport lounges when you charge a minimum of S$400 in a single transaction on air tickets or travel packages to your Card 3 months prior to the date of travel.
Cons: Great ONLY for ticket purchases and overseas spend. Points are valid for 1 year only, expire either on 30 June or 31 December of the same year if not Rewards Infinite member.

6. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend AMEX

https://www.americanexpress.com/sg/s...nd-credit-card



Mileage accrual: Earn 1.2 KrisFlyer miles for every S$1 spent on all your eligible purchases with your Card

Earn 2 KrisFlyer miles for every S$1 equivalent in foreign currency spent overseas on eligible purchases during June and December

Requirements: min. income $50,000 ($60,000 for foreigners). Principal cardholder must be over 21 years of age.
Cost: First year free, otherwise $256.80 for main, 2 supplementary cards always free (more available at $80.25 each). Annual fee cannot be waived unless you spend alot.
Miles conversion fee: None - your KrisFlyer miles are transferred to your account directly with no conversion fees or charges.

Pros: None, except for welcome offers (4 complimentary airport lounge access vouchers, one complimentary night with Millennium Hotels and Resorts).

Cons: Simply nothing special - there are better cards available for all types of purchases, including flight tickets, even with all of the bonuses above applied. AMEX not always accepted by merchants.

7. Citibank Rewards Card

http://www.citibank.com.sg/gcb/credi...CACRENCCHOCALM



Earn 10X Rewards (10 Rewards Points or 4 Miles for every S$1 spent) when you shop for clothes, bags and shoes or at departmental stores or online shopping websites, including SingTel & M1 online bill payment!

Pros: Transfer to 11 FFPs & 3 Hotel programs in blocks of 25,000 points=10,000 miles; S$25 fee.

Cons: Points awarded per S$1 spend. Cents not included. Cannot combined Thank You Points across cards.

8. DBS Woman's World MasterCard® Card

http://www.dbs.com.sg/personal/cards...astercard-card



10X Rewards for Online Retail Purchases
T&C Here: https://www.dbs.com.sg/iwov-resource...s_card_tnc.pdf

Pros: Men also can get this card!! DBS points are combined in 1 cardholder's name. No rounding down transaction amount to nearest $5 (calculation is done as follows: DBS points = 'transaction amount' divided by 5, multiply by 10, after that round down to nearest whole number. Minimum spend is S$1. Each DBS point = 2 miles).

Cons: DBS points are valid for 1 year based on card anniversary date. The additional 9X DBS Points for online retail spend in a calendar month will be awarded on the 16th of the next calendar month. If the above days are not working days, the Points will be awarded on the next working day. The additional 9X DBS Points are only applicable to the first S$2,000 online retail spend every calendar month.

9. OCBC Titanium Rewards Card

https://www.ocbc.com/personal-bankin...astercard.html

10x OCBC$ on your shopping Local & Overseas Shopping Transactions, Local & Overseas Department Store Transactions and Local & Overseas Online Transactions.
The remaining 9 OCBC$ will be posted to the Card Account by the end of the next calendar month

https://www.ocbc.com/assets/pdf/card...ons.pdf?rand=1
10,000 KrisFlyer miles requires OCBC$ 25000, For each conversion of OCBC$ to KrisFlyer miles a fee of S$25 will be charged

10. UOB Lady's Card
https://www.uob.com.sg/personal/card...ard/index.page

============

Print Wikipost

The 'Best credit cards for KF miles accrual' master thread

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 12, 2012, 4:23 am
  #841  
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 819
It's for all kinds of insurance with NTUC Insurance. There are a few other insurance companies too. Go AXS stations, under Citibank bills pay, under insurance to find out more.
vsepr is offline  
Old Aug 12, 2012, 5:46 am
  #842  
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Singapore
Programs: SIA Solitaire PPS, IHG Royal Amb, Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Hhonor Gold
Posts: 2,208
Just checking if any has applied for the ANZ Travel Signature Visa Card at the roadshow 2 weeks back? If so, have you gotten the card? I just called ANZ to check and was told that it will take 2 to 4 weeks to process and my application is still pending processing.
hclee01 is offline  
Old Aug 12, 2012, 6:36 am
  #843  
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 143
Originally Posted by vsepr
For Starbucks, charge to Citi Clear Platinum and earn $1=2 miles
(5x). The Citidollars can be combined with Citi Rewards Card by calling the hotline to combine before transferring to FFPs.

You are right, DBS/POSB is the ONLY card to charge at AXS for IRAS Income & property tax. Both Citi PM and DBS are the only cards to be charged for insurance like NTUC Income, AVIVA and town council fees at AXS and earn points. It takes some time to accumulate $8335 (=10,000miles) worth of IRAS Income & property tax, unless you combine insurance, town council and other bills payable at AXS together with IRAS.
Oh yeah, I started putting my Starbucks expenses on the Citi Clear card as well. The problem is that even with both Clear and Rewards, points accumulation is slow.... There is only that much coffee that I can drink & only so much shopping that I do... Still able to meet the minimum 1,250 points for transfer thanks to a whole bunch of points I got last year when you can get 10x points at Esso. Future a lot more hazy though...

Not that it's a good thing, but I can easily accumulate that for taxes in one year...

Originally Posted by hclee01
Just checking if any has applied for the ANZ Travel Signature Visa Card at the roadshow 2 weeks back? If so, have you gotten the card? I just called ANZ to check and was told that it will take 2 to 4 weeks to process and my application is still pending processing.
It looks like they had quite a successful roadshow as they have a huge backlog that they are clearing. Those who submitted online just before or during the roadshow seems to be cleared. Mine is apparently approved and in the mail.
Archieflyer is offline  
Old Aug 12, 2012, 6:42 am
  #844  
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Singapore
Programs: SIA Solitaire PPS, IHG Royal Amb, Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Hhonor Gold
Posts: 2,208
Originally Posted by Archieflyer

It looks like they had quite a successful roadshow as they have a huge backlog that they are clearing. Those who submitted online just before or during the roadshow seems to be cleared. Mine is apparently approved and in the mail.
Thanks. If I know earlier, I should have applied online. I have applied during the roadshow and it is still pending. Am travelling end of the week and I thought I can put the card to good use.
hclee01 is offline  
Old Aug 12, 2012, 6:47 am
  #845  
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 143
Originally Posted by hclee01
Thanks. If I know earlier, I should have applied online. I have applied during the roadshow and it is still pending. Am travelling end of the week and I thought I can put the card to good use.
Actually, I'm surprised I got my card this quickly. Usually with newly launched cards, there always seem to be a large surge of applications in the beginning which slows down approval time.

When UOB PRVI Miles was launched, I recall I applied online on the 1st day and sent in the documents the next day, and it still took 2+ weeks to be approved.
Archieflyer is offline  
Old Aug 12, 2012, 6:53 am
  #846  
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Singapore
Programs: SIA Solitaire PPS, IHG Royal Amb, Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Hhonor Gold
Posts: 2,208
Originally Posted by Archieflyer
Actually, I'm surprised I got my card this quickly. Usually with newly launched cards, there always seem to be a large surge of applications in the beginning which slows down approval time.
You are lucky! Anyway, I doubt that they will be able to turn around that fast for me. It has been close to 2 weeks and it is still pending processing, accordingly to the CSO.

On a separate note, any idea if ANZ provides Internet Banking service for credit card customers? The FAQ on the website seems quite contradicting.
hclee01 is offline  
Old Aug 12, 2012, 6:56 am
  #847  
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 143
Originally Posted by hclee01
You are lucky! Anyway, I doubt that they will be able to turn around that fast for me. It has been close to 2 weeks and it is still pending processing, accordingly to the CSO.

On a separate note, any idea if ANZ provides Internet Banking service for credit card customers? The FAQ on the website seems quite contradicting.
They don't. You have to wait for paper statement, or call them if there is something you want to check.
Archieflyer is offline  
Old Aug 12, 2012, 7:06 am
  #848  
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Singapore
Programs: SIA Solitaire PPS, IHG Royal Amb, Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Hhonor Gold
Posts: 2,208
Originally Posted by Archieflyer
They don't. You have to wait for paper statement, or call them if there is something you want to check.
Thanks. This is not what it is indicated on their website though:
http://www.anz.com/singapore/en/Pers...-banking-faqs/

Why am I not able to view my credit card details on Personal Internet Banking?
Credit card details will be available only when statements have been issued.
hclee01 is offline  
Old Aug 12, 2012, 11:03 am
  #849  
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 143
Originally Posted by hclee01
Thanks. This is not what it is indicated on their website though:
http://www.anz.com/singapore/en/Pers...-banking-faqs/

Why am I not able to view my credit card details on Personal Internet Banking?
Credit card details will be available only when statements have been issued.
To have ANZ internet banking, you need to first be an ANZ banking customer. That means, you need to open an account with them. Once you have a banking account, then you will get ANZ internet banking. If you also have a credit card, then it will be linked to this account. You will be able to access the statements online but only after the paper one has been issued.

Unlike every other bank, you will not be able to log on and see new charges since the last statement.
Archieflyer is offline  
Old Aug 13, 2012, 9:57 pm
  #850  
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 819
I applied online and posted the application form on 30 July and got the ANZ Travel card on 08 August in the mail.
vsepr is offline  
Old Aug 14, 2012, 5:34 am
  #851  
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Singapore
Programs: SIA Solitaire PPS, IHG Royal Amb, Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Hhonor Gold
Posts: 2,208
Originally Posted by vsepr
I applied online and posted the application form on 30 July and got the ANZ Travel card on 08 August in the mail.
I applied during the roadshow on 31 July 2012. When I called the hotline to check, I was told that they only receive it on 7 Aug 2012 and currently processing it. It will only take another week or two for the processing to be completed.
hclee01 is offline  
Old Aug 14, 2012, 6:24 am
  #852  
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: SIN
Programs: TK-G | Accor P | SQ-G | Marriott T
Posts: 3,831
Originally Posted by hclee01
I applied during the roadshow on 31 July 2012. When I called the hotline to check, I was told that they only receive it on 7 Aug 2012 and currently processing it. It will only take another week or two for the processing to be completed.
I just received my card. Apply on Monday after the ads appear in newspaper (27Jul?).

Just a not for existing ANZ card member, the 2000 Travel$ is not applicable ;(

I do not understand why they have to discremenate the existing card holder
lingua101 is offline  
Old Aug 14, 2012, 6:26 am
  #853  
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: SIN
Programs: TK-G | Accor P | SQ-G | Marriott T
Posts: 3,831
Originally Posted by Archieflyer
To have ANZ internet banking, you need to first be an ANZ banking customer. That means, you need to open an account with them. Once you have a banking account, then you will get ANZ internet banking. If you also have a credit card, then it will be linked to this account. You will be able to access the statements online but only after the paper one has been issued.

Unlike every other bank, you will not be able to log on and see new charges since the last statement.
I only have MoneyLine account, which I believe come "free" with Travelers Cards. I have ANZ Internet Banking. But like I said at this time, no transactions details for cc.
lingua101 is offline  
Old Aug 14, 2012, 9:22 am
  #854  
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP
Posts: 1,799
I don't think this has been mentioned before, but logging into the redemption website for Citi PM, there's a new redemption option: British Airways Avios. The transfer rate is 1:1, with a minimum of 500 miles. The usual $25 fee applies.

This is a much better option for those who take flights on OW.
Awesom Andy is offline  
Old Aug 14, 2012, 11:04 am
  #855  
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: SIN
Programs: TK-G | Accor P | SQ-G | Marriott T
Posts: 3,831
Well, just be careful on HSBC Annual Fee of $42.80, once you apply they will keep charging you unless you cancel it 1 month before the anniversary. I was told it is not waiveable. They can cancel it but they will not waive if off.

Also if you have 2 credit card account with them, you have to pay twice.
lingua101 is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.