Amex Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer vs KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card Comparison 2024

Table of Contents: Amex SIA KrisFlyer vs. Amex SIA KrisFlyer Ascend

• Summary: Amex SIA KF vs. Amex SIA KF Ascend
• Comparison of Rewards Rates

• Local, overseas & category boosted rewards rates
• Miles expiration details
• Auto-conversion programmes, transfer fees & processing times

Comparison of Travel Perks

• Lounge access & travel insurance
• Limo transfers, golfing privileges & more
• Card privileges programmes

Comparison of Card Fees & Requirements

• Annual fees, spend-based waivers & bonus miles
• Foreign transaction fees
• Minimum age & minimum income requirements

• Comparison to Similar Travel Cards
• Additional Resources

Comparison of Competitive Travel Cards in Singapore by Dollar Value

Based on an average monthly spend of S$2,000, we analysed some of the most competitive travel cards on the market to estimate returned value-to-consumer after 2 years, accounting for rebates and netting out annual fees. As a note, dollar value is heavily dependent on spending habits; intangible benefits (like free travel insurance and airport lounge access) are valuable but difficult to quantify.

Comparison of Competitive Travel Cards in Singapore by Estimated 2-Year Dollar Value

Overview	Rewards Rates	Travel Perks
Fees & Reqs	Similar Cards	Add'l Resources

• Amex SIA KF vs. Amex SIA KF Ascend
• Comparison of Rewards Rates
• Comparison of Travel Perks

• Comparison of Fees & Reqs
• Comparison to Similar Cards
• Additional Resources

Table of Contents

• Amex SIA KF vs. Amex SIA KF Ascend
• Comparison of Rewards Rates
• Comparison of Travel Perks
• Comparison of Card Fees & Requirements
• Comparison to Similar Travel Cards
• Additional Resources

Comparison of Competitive Travel Cards in Singapore by Dollar Value

Based on an average monthly spend of S$2,000, we analysed some of the most competitive travel cards on the market to estimate returned value-to-consumer after 2 years, accounting for rebates and netting out annual fees. As a note, dollar value is heavily dependent on spending habits; intangible benefits (like free travel insurance and airport lounge access) are valuable but difficult to quantify.

Comparison of Competitive Travel Cards in Singapore by Estimated 2-Year Dollar Value

Amex Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer vs. Amex SIA KF Ascend

American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card and its sister card, Amex SIA KrisFlyer Ascend, are great options for people who frequently fly with SIA. However, these cards have quite different strengths. Amex SIA KrisFlyer Card stands out as both affordable and straightforward (and therefore great for miles card beginners), while Amex SIA KF Ascend Card stands apart by offering elevated travel perks and exclusive memberships. Both are fairly competitive, but it's important to understand the details before making a final decision. We've analysed the terms & conditions for both options and provided a comparative analysis below.

Summary Table: Amex SIA KrisFlyer vs. Amex SIA KF Ascend

Rewards Rates: Amex SIA KrisFlyer vs. Amex SIA KF Ascend

In terms of rewards rates, Amex SIA KF and Amex SIA KF Ascend Card are remarkably similar. In fact, Ascend cardholders earn just 0.1 miles/S$1 more on general spend and on Grab rides; otherwise, all rates are constant. In both cases, overseas miles are elevated only in June & December, which is fairly limiting–though these are peak travel periods in Singapore. All other months, cardholders earn at just 1.1 miles or 1.2 miles per S$1, respectively.

Both cards offer equal rewards rates for spend with SIA brands, which includes purchases made on SIA's online site or mobile app as well as at KrisShop, online and in-flight. Miles earned in this category are uncapped, heavily incentivising consumers to exclusively fly with SIA. Cardholders can also earn an elevated rate on Grab rides, though miles are capped at very low amounts (620 miles and 640 miles/month), each which have a redemption value of about S$6.

Comparison Table: Miles Rewards & Redemption

Fortunately, Amex SIA KF and Amex SIA KF Ascend Card are amongst the easiest-to-use miles cards currently on the market. Cardholders directly earn KrisFlyer miles, rather than rewards points, so there's no need to worry about conversion programmes, transfer fees or extended processing times. It's important to mention, however, that KF miles do in fact expire. Once they've been credited to the cardholder's frequent flyer account, they're subject to the programme's separate terms & conditions. Under these terms, KF miles are valid for just 3 years.

Travel Perks: Amex SIA KrisFlyer vs. Amex SIA KF Ascend

Amex SIA KF and Amex SIA KF Ascend are perhaps most different in terms of their travel perks. Amex SIA KF Card offers the bare minimum of perks–free travel insurance, Hertz rental car privileges and access to dining & lifestyle discounts through American Express Selects. Cardholders who value comfort and convenience during their travellers may be disappointed to find that they won't receive free–or even discounted–lounge access or any other luxury perks.

Amex SIA KF Ascend Card, however, offers an extensive array of privileges. In addition to the benefits listed above, cardholders also receive 4 free lounge visits/year (at participating SATS Premier & Plaza Premium Lounges) and 1 complimentary hotel night annually (at over 160 Hilton properties in Asia Pacific). Consumers also receive a free upgrade to Hilton Honors Silver membership status, which offers an additional 5th night free on rewards stays. Those who spend at least S$15k with SIA in their 1st year receive an automatic upgrade to KrisFlyer Elite Gold status, which offers priority check-in, priority & baggage handling, baggage allowance upgrades, extended lounge access and more. Finally, at this spend level, consumers may also receive a Double KF Miles Accrual Voucher for up to 5,000 bonus miles.

Comparison Table: Travel Perks & Privileges

It's fairly clear that Amex SIA KF Ascend offers far more in terms of luxury perks than its sister card, Amex SIA KF. It's worth pointing out, however, that Ascend remains competitive even when compared to the most expensive luxury cards. While Amex SIA KF Ascend does not offer unlimited lounge access, its exclusive membership offerings are quite unique; few competitors offer similar options. Ultimately, affluent SIA loyalists who highly value such memberships might prefer Amex SIA KF Ascend Card over most alternatives on the market.

Fees & Requirements: Amex SIA KrisFlyer vs. Amex SIA KF Ascend

Amex SIA KF Ascend offers far more privileges than Amex SIA KF Card, but consumers–perhaps unsurprisingly–must pay a premium to access them. While Amex SIA KF Card's annual fee is just S$176.55 (waived 1 year), Ascend Card costs nearly double at S$337.05, with no waiver. Those who can afford Amex SIA KF Ascend can quickly recoup its cost in terms of benefits, however. The value of 4 free lounge visits plus 1 free luxury hotel night alone surpasses this total.

Comparison Table: Requirements & Fees

Amex SIA KF Card is more affordable upfront, especially for those who prioritise accessible bonus miles over luxury perks. While both cards tend to offer attractive sign-on bonuses, Amex SIA Card's promotions typically have more lenient requirements, while Amex SIA KF Ascend's often require higher spending in a shorter amount of time in order to unlock similar rewards. Beyond differences in fees and bonus structure, Amex SIA KF Card is also more accessible given its minimum income requirement is S$20k lower than Ascend Card's. Ultimately, Amex SIA KF Card is a competitive option for the average SIA loyalist, while Amex SIA KF Ascend is a better match for affluent flyers willing to pay a premium for perks.

Comparison to Similar Travel Credit Cards

Amex SIA KrisFlyer and Amex SIA KF Ascend Card are great for SIA loyalists, each appealing to different needs and budget levels. However, several competitor cards also offer great rates for travellers, often with broader flexibility. We've reviewed several of these options below, comparing their strengths and weaknesses.

KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card: Affordable KF Miles for Budget Travellers

Apply Now Apply Now	Boosted everyday miles w/ SIA perks & privileges Promotions: Read Our Full Review
Fees, Rewards & Perks Annual fee: S$192.6, 1-year waiver 3 mi/S$1 spend on SIA brands (SIA, SilkAir, Scoot, KrisShop) 3 mi/S$1 on dining, transport, online shopping & travel bookings w/ S$500 min. SIA spend/yr 1.2 mi/S$1 on general spend 10,000 annual renewal miles Scoot privileges, KrisShop rebate, fast-track to KF Elite Silver & more Analyst's Review KrisFlyer UOB Card is perhaps the best option on the market for young travellers on a budget who don't mind flying exclusively with SIA brands. Cardholders earn 1.2 miles per S$1 locally and overseas, plus 3 miles per S$1 on spend with SIA brands (Singapore Airlines, Scoot, SilkAir & KrisShop). Consumers who spend S$500 with SIA per year unlock a series of elevated rates–3 miles per S$1 on global dining, transport, online fashion & travel bookings. Essentially, airline loyalty fuels rapid miles accrual. As many of these categories match younger consumers' spending patterns, KrisFlyer UOB Card is a great match for millennial travellers. These rates are notably higher than those offered by Amex SIA KF or Amex SIA KF Ascend, and people who meet the minimum spend requirement can rapidly earn in a wider variety of categories. Also, unlike with the Amex KrisFlyer cards, KrisFlyer UOB Card's transport rewards are uncapped. Nonetheless, KrisFlyer UOB Card does not offer the upfront welcome miles or luxury perks provided by its Amex alternatives. Rather, it caters to people travelling on a budget. Cardholders receive privileges with Scoot (SIA's low cost carrier), including free priority check-in & boarding, baggage allowance upgrades, complimentary standard seat selection and booking flexibility waivers. Other perks include S$20 off KrisShop with a S$100 nett transaction, S$15 off Grab rides to and from the airport, and S$15 towards ChangiWiFi. Cardholders also receive 10,000 bonus renewal miles, which have a redemption value of S$100+. This offsets the already reasonable S$192.6 annual fee. Overall, frequent SIA flyers can definitely benefit from KrisFlyer UOB Card–potentially earning at higher rates than with Amex SIA KF and Amex SIA KF Ascend. However, those looking for upfront miles or who prioritise luxury perks may want to consider either of the Amex competitors.

Apply Now Apply Now
Stand-Out: Boosted everyday miles w/ SIA perks & privileges Promotions: Read Our Full Review
Fees, Rewards & Perks Annual fee: S$192.6, 1-year waiver 3 mi/S$1 spend on SIA brands (SIA, SilkAir, Scoot, KrisShop) 3 mi/S$1 on dining, transport, online shopping & travel bookings w/ S$500 min. SIA spend/yr 1.2 mi/S$1 on general spend 10,000 annual renewal miles Scoot privileges, KrisShop rebate, fast-track to KF Elite Silver & more
Analyst's Review KrisFlyer UOB Card is perhaps the best option on the market for young travellers on a budget who don't mind flying exclusively with SIA brands. Cardholders earn 1.2 miles per S$1 locally and overseas, plus 3 miles per S$1 on spend with SIA brands (Singapore Airlines, Scoot, SilkAir & KrisShop). Consumers who spend S$500 with SIA per year unlock a series of elevated rates–3 miles per S$1 on global dining, transport, online fashion & travel bookings. Essentially, airline loyalty fuels rapid miles accrual. As many of these categories match younger consumers' spending patterns, KrisFlyer UOB Card is a great match for millennial travellers. These rates are notably higher than those offered by Amex SIA KF or Amex SIA KF Ascend, and people who meet the minimum spend requirement can rapidly earn in a wider variety of categories. Also, unlike with the Amex KrisFlyer cards, KrisFlyer UOB Card's transport rewards are uncapped. Nonetheless, KrisFlyer UOB Card does not offer the upfront welcome miles or luxury perks provided by its Amex alternatives. Rather, it caters to people travelling on a budget. Cardholders receive privileges with Scoot (SIA's low cost carrier), including free priority check-in & boarding, baggage allowance upgrades, complimentary standard seat selection and booking flexibility waivers. Other perks include S$20 off KrisShop with a S$100 nett transaction, S$15 off Grab rides to and from the airport, and S$15 towards ChangiWiFi. Cardholders also receive 10,000 bonus renewal miles, which have a redemption value of S$100+. This offsets the already reasonable S$192.6 annual fee. Overall, frequent SIA flyers can definitely benefit from KrisFlyer UOB Card–potentially earning at higher rates than with Amex SIA KF and Amex SIA KF Ascend. However, those looking for upfront miles or who prioritise luxury perks may want to consider either of the Amex competitors.

DBS Altitude Visa: No-Fee Luxury Perks

Apply Now Apply Now	Earn Up to 10 miles per S$1 spend, miles earned through this card will never expire. Promotions: Read Our Full Review
Fees, Rewards & Perks Annual fee: S$192.6, 1-year waiver, subsequently with S$25,000 annual spend Alternative: 10,000 bonus miles w/ payment of annual fee 1.2 miles per S$1 local spend, 2 miles per S$1 overseas spend, 3 miles per S$1 for online travel bookings Miles earned never expire Free travel insurance, 2x lounge visits, golfing & dining privileges DBS My Preferred Payment Plan (0% interest instalments) Analyst's Review If you're an average consumer interested in luxury perks, but can't afford an expensive travel card, you should definitely consider DBS Altitude Visa Card. Cardholders earn 1.2 miles per S$1 locally, 2 miles overseas (all seasons) and 3 miles on online travel bookings (including flights via SIA's website). In addition to these competitive rates, cardholders enjoy 2 free lounge visits/year, complimentary travel insurance, discounted limo transfers & green fees, and hotel room upgrades via Visa Digital Concierge. These perks are not as comprehensive as those offered by Amex SIA KF Ascend, but they're far more generous than those provided by Amex SIA KF Card. DBS Altitude Card is also quite affordable. Cardholders who spend S$25k per year (about S$2,083/month) are exempt from the already moderate S$192.6 annual fee. Those who fall below this minimum receive 10,000 annual bonus miles, which have a redemption value of S$100+. Overall, consumers looking for an affordable yet highly competitive travel card can definitely benefit from DBS Altitude.

Apply Now Apply Now
Stand-Out: Earn Up to 10 miles per S$1 spend, miles earned through this card will never expire. Promotions: Read Our Full Review
Fees, Rewards & Perks Annual fee: S$192.6, 1-year waiver, subsequently with S$25,000 annual spend Alternative: 10,000 bonus miles w/ payment of annual fee 1.2 miles per S$1 local spend, 2 miles per S$1 overseas spend, 3 miles per S$1 for online travel bookings Miles earned never expire Free travel insurance, 2x lounge visits, golfing & dining privileges DBS My Preferred Payment Plan (0% interest instalments)
Analyst's Review If you're an average consumer interested in luxury perks, but can't afford an expensive travel card, you should definitely consider DBS Altitude Visa Card. Cardholders earn 1.2 miles per S$1 locally, 2 miles overseas (all seasons) and 3 miles on online travel bookings (including flights via SIA's website). In addition to these competitive rates, cardholders enjoy 2 free lounge visits/year, complimentary travel insurance, discounted limo transfers & green fees, and hotel room upgrades via Visa Digital Concierge. These perks are not as comprehensive as those offered by Amex SIA KF Ascend, but they're far more generous than those provided by Amex SIA KF Card. DBS Altitude Card is also quite affordable. Cardholders who spend S$25k per year (about S$2,083/month) are exempt from the already moderate S$192.6 annual fee. Those who fall below this minimum receive 10,000 annual bonus miles, which have a redemption value of S$100+. Overall, consumers looking for an affordable yet highly competitive travel card can definitely benefit from DBS Altitude.

UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card: Rapid Miles for High Spenders

Apply Now Apply Now	Up to 20k bonus miles & fee waiver w/ S$50k annual spend Promotions: Read Our Full Review
Fees, Rewards & Perks Annual fee: S$256.8, 1-year waiver, subsequently with S$50,000 annual spend 20,000 bonus annual renewal miles (worth S$200) with S$50,000 annual spend 1.4 miles per S$1 local spend, 2.4 miles per S$1 overseas spend, 6 miles per S$1 at major airlines & airports 8 free limo transfers & free travel insurance UOB PRVI Travel Butler & Amex Essentials Analyst's Review UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card is the best option on the market for affluent travellers looking to rapidly accrue miles for their overseas spend. Cardholders earn a competitive 1.4 miles per S$1 locally, 2.4 miles overseas and 6 miles with major hotels and airlines. These rates are up to 3x higher than those offered by the Amex KrisFlyer cards. Cardholders can also avoid paying the S$256.8 annual fee with S$50k annual spend (about S$4,167/month). At this spend level, cardholders also receive 20,000 annual bonus miles. Consumers with large budgets can easily earn no-fee miles at top rates with UOB PRVI Miles Card. However, they receive very little in terms of perks. Specifically, cardholders receive free travel insurance and up to 8 free limo transfers per year. Affluent travellers who care more about perks than about rapid miles accrual might prefer Amex SIA KF Ascend Card.

Apply Now Apply Now
Stand-Out: Up to 20k bonus miles & fee waiver w/ S$50k annual spend Promotions: Read Our Full Review
Fees, Rewards & Perks Annual fee: S$256.8, 1-year waiver, subsequently with S$50,000 annual spend 20,000 bonus annual renewal miles (worth S$200) with S$50,000 annual spend 1.4 miles per S$1 local spend, 2.4 miles per S$1 overseas spend, 6 miles per S$1 at major airlines & airports 8 free limo transfers & free travel insurance UOB PRVI Travel Butler & Amex Essentials
Analyst's Review UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card is the best option on the market for affluent travellers looking to rapidly accrue miles for their overseas spend. Cardholders earn a competitive 1.4 miles per S$1 locally, 2.4 miles overseas and 6 miles with major hotels and airlines. These rates are up to 3x higher than those offered by the Amex KrisFlyer cards. Cardholders can also avoid paying the S$256.8 annual fee with S$50k annual spend (about S$4,167/month). At this spend level, cardholders also receive 20,000 annual bonus miles. Consumers with large budgets can easily earn no-fee miles at top rates with UOB PRVI Miles Card. However, they receive very little in terms of perks. Specifically, cardholders receive free travel insurance and up to 8 free limo transfers per year. Affluent travellers who care more about perks than about rapid miles accrual might prefer Amex SIA KF Ascend Card.

Citi Prestige MasterCard: Best Luxury Travel Perks

	Unlimited lounge access, free travel insurance & bonus hotel nights Promotions: Read Our Full Review
Fees, Rewards & Perks Annual fee: S$535 1.3 miles per S$1 local spend, 2 miles per S$1 overseas spend 25,000 annual renewal miles (worth S$250) 15%-30% annual Citi relationship bonus Unlimited lounge access, travel insurance, free hotel nights & more Analyst's Review If your top priority is luxury and you're willing to pay for perks, consider Citi Prestige MasterCard. Cardholders earn 1.3 miles per S$1 local spend and 2 miles overseas, which is similar to the rates offered by the Amex KrisFlyer cards. However, Citi Prestige's perks are far more comprehensive. Cardholders receive unlimited lounge access & free limo transfers, bonus hotel nights, 6 free green fees per year, access to JetQuay and more. Every year, cardholders also receive 25,000 annual renewal miles and a bonus of up to 30%, based on their Citi relationship tenure. These perks do not include many membership status upgrades, however (as offered by Amex SIA KF Ascend). Additionally, Citi Prestige Card is very expensive, with a S$535 annual fee and no waiver option.

Stand-Out: Unlimited lounge access, free travel insurance & bonus hotel nights Promotions: Read Our Full Review
Fees, Rewards & Perks Annual fee: S$535 1.3 miles per S$1 local spend, 2 miles per S$1 overseas spend 25,000 annual renewal miles (worth S$250) 15%-30% annual Citi relationship bonus Unlimited lounge access, travel insurance, free hotel nights & more
Analyst's Review If your top priority is luxury and you're willing to pay for perks, consider Citi Prestige MasterCard. Cardholders earn 1.3 miles per S$1 local spend and 2 miles overseas, which is similar to the rates offered by the Amex KrisFlyer cards. However, Citi Prestige's perks are far more comprehensive. Cardholders receive unlimited lounge access & free limo transfers, bonus hotel nights, 6 free green fees per year, access to JetQuay and more. Every year, cardholders also receive 25,000 annual renewal miles and a bonus of up to 30%, based on their Citi relationship tenure. These perks do not include many membership status upgrades, however (as offered by Amex SIA KF Ascend). Additionally, Citi Prestige Card is very expensive, with a S$535 annual fee and no waiver option.

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