DBS Altitude vs. Citi PremierMiles Credit Card Comparison 2024

Table of Contents: DBS Altitude vs. Citi PremierMiles

• Summary: DBS Altitude vs. Citi PremierMiles
• 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

• Overview: DBS Altitude v. Citi PremierMiles
• Comparison of Rewards Rates
• Comparison of Travel Perks

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

Table of Contents

• Summary: DBS Altitude vs. Citi PremierMiles
• 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

Overview: DBS Altitude vs. Citi PremierMiles Card

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DBS Altitude Visa Card and Citi PremierMiles Card are, without a doubt, amongst the best credit cards on the market for travellers seeking competitive miles & affordable perks, all without having to pay an exorbitant annual fee. These cards are flexible–you'll earn top rewards regardless of which airline you decide to fly with–and offer a myriad of perks that are often limited to more expensive travel cards.

Summary Comparison Table: DBS Altitude Visa vs. Citi PremierMiles

While they're quite similar for the most part, DBS Altitude and Citi PremierMiles Card are also different in meaningful ways. DBS Altitude Visa offers a broader variety of travel perks and gives cardholders the option to avoid paying its annual fee. Citi PM Card, on the other hand, offers more comprehensive travel insurance coverage (includes medical benefits & travel inconvenience perks). Read our analyses below for a further breakdown of similarities and differences between these cards.

Rewards Rates: DBS Altitude vs. Citi PremierMiles Card

DBS Altitude Visa and Citi PremierMiles Card both have rates that align with the market standard amongst affordable travel cards. However, while both have the same base rates for local and overseas spend, DBS Altitude Visa Card provides a category boost for spend on online travel bookings. This includes online transactions with merchants like Agoda, Expedia, AirBnB, and airlines like SIA, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways & more. Rewards earned at this rate are capped at 15,000 miles/month (worth about S$150 in value-to-consumer), which is maxed out with S$5k category spend.

DBS Altitude Card's category boost is especially attractive because it provides consumers with an extra level of flexibility. Citi PremierMiles Card provides promotional boosts for online travel bookings, but these are typically merchant-limited. Additionally, other cards–like Amex SIA KF and KrisFlyer UOB Card–only provide boosts with specific, card-affiliated airlines and merchants.

Comparison Table: Miles Rewards & Redemption

Both DBS Altitude and Citi PremierMiles Card technically earn points, not air miles. These points must be converted into miles if consumers want to apply them towards flights (otherwise, points can be redeemed for cash rebates at point-of-sale or for merchant vouchers). This conversion process can become quite a hassle–there are typically transfer fees, processing times, and minimum blocks for conversions.

Fortunately, DBS Altitude Card allows consumers to sign up for its KrisFlyer Miles Auto-Conversion Programme, which automatically converts blocks of points into KrisFlyer miles (credited to the cardholder's KF account) every month, with no conversion fees. There is a S$42.8 annual participation fee, but this is still a discount for those likely to make 2 or more conversions yearly. Citi PM, on the other hand, does not have an auto-conversion programme. Cardholders must pay S$25 for every transfer, and must wait for about 3 weeks before converted miles become accessible.

Travel Perks: DBS Altitude vs. Citi PremierMiles Card

DBS Altitude Visa and Citi PremierMiles Card are most different in terms of the perks they offer. Both provide cardholders with 2 free lounge visits per year via Priority Pass (either 2 separate cardholder visits or 1 concurrent cardholder and a guest)–but beyond this, privileges quickly diverge. Citi PremierMiles Card offers a far more robust free travel insurance plan. In addition to accidental death & permanent disablement coverage, cardholders also receive for coverage of medical expenses (including dental), emergency evacuation & repatriation, and even travel inconveniences (baggage delay & loss, flight delays, trip interruptions & cancellations). These features are great for risk-averse travellers.

Comparison Table: Travel Perks & Privileges

DBS Altitude favours those who prioritise comfort during their travels. Unlike with Citi PremierMiles, consumers can access special discounts through Visa Digital Concierge. These perks include free breakfasts and room upgrades at hotels worldwide, as well as discounted limo transfers and up to 30% off green fees at 24 fairways across 12 countries in Asia Pacific. Citi PremierMiles offers Citi World Privileges, but these are mostly comprised of dining, lifestyle and travel discounts.

Fees & Requirements: DBS Altitude vs. Citi PremierMiles Card

Again, DBS Altitude and Citi PremierMiles Card are quite similar in terms of fees and requirements–with one key diversion. DBS Altitude cardholders who spend at least S$25,000 within a year are exempt from the S$192.6 annual fee. Those who spend less must pay the fee, but will receive 10,000 annual bonus miles, which are worth about S$100–S$180 in value (depending on booking class for which miles are redeemed). Citi PremierMiles Card does not offer a waiver, but does offer 10,000 annual bonus miles. While not as valuable as a full waiver, these bonus miles can still offset the cost of the annual fee.

Comparison Table: Requirements & Fees

Comparison to Similar Travel Credit Cards

DBS Altitude Visa and Citi PremierMiles Card are not only similar to each other, but also share competitors with similar features. We've provided a quick analysis below of each alternative's strengths and weaknesses, as well as how they align with the cards above.

KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card: Miles for Young SIA Loyalists

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 an excellent option for young, budget-conscious travellers who don't mind travelling exclusively with SIA. This is because, unlike Citi PremierMiles or DBS Altitude Card, KF UOB cardholders are incentivized to remain loyal to a specific airline. They receive 3 miles per S$1 spend with SIA brands such as Scoot, SilkAir, SIA and KrisShop. General spend, both local and overseas, earns at a substantially lower 1.2 miles per S$1. However, loyalty to SIA fuels expedited miles accrual: those who spend at least S$500/year with SIA brands (quite reasonable) earn a boosted 3 miles per S$1 on global dining, transport, online shopping & travel bookings. This rate, while more limited in accessibility, is higher than those offered by most of its close competitors. KF UOB Card also stands apart by appealing primarily to budget-friendly travellers. The card doesn't offer lounge perks, savings on limo transfers or discounted green fees–therefore, it's not a great option for those who prioritise luxury in their travels. KF UOB Card does, however, provide a myriad of privileges with SIA's most affordable airline, Scoot, such as free priority check-in & boarding, complimentary standard seat selection, baggage allowance upgrades and booking flexibility waivers. Other perks include S$15 worth off Grab rides to and from Changi airport, a S$15 voucher towards ChangiWiFi and a S$20 rebate at KrisShop with a S$100 nett transaction. Despite these many differences, KF UOB Card still offers 10,000 bonus renewal miles and has the same basic fee structure as Citi PremierMiles and DBS Altitude–S$192.6, waived the first year (though no subsequent spend-based waiver). This makes the card reasonably affordable. As a result, while some of its features align with its competitors, KrisFlyer UOB Card uniquely appeals to younger travellers, especially those travelling on a budget, who are willing to travel with SIA brands.

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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 an excellent option for young, budget-conscious travellers who don't mind travelling exclusively with SIA. This is because, unlike Citi PremierMiles or DBS Altitude Card, KF UOB cardholders are incentivised to remain loyal to a specific airline. They receive 3 miles per S$1 spend with SIA brands such as Scoot, SilkAir, SIA and KrisShop. General spend, both local and overseas, earns at a substantially lower 1.2 miles per S$1. However, loyalty to SIA fuels expedited miles accrual: those who spend at least S$500/year with SIA brands (quite reasonable) earn a boosted 3 miles per S$1 on global dining, transport, online shopping & travel bookings. This rate, while more limited in accessibility, is higher than those offered by most of its close competitors. KF UOB Card also stands apart by appealing primarily to budget-friendly travellers. The card doesn't offer lounge perks, savings on limo transfers or discounted green fees–therefore, it's not a great option for those who prioritise luxury in their travels. KF UOB Card does, however, provide a myriad of privileges with SIA's most affordable airline, Scoot, such as free priority check-in & boarding, complimentary standard seat selection, baggage allowance upgrades and booking flexibility waivers. Other perks include S$15 worth off Grab rides to and from Changi airport, a S$15 voucher towards ChangiWiFi and a S$20 rebate at KrisShop with a S$100 nett transaction. Despite these many differences, KF UOB Card still offers 10,000 bonus renewal miles and has the same basic fee structure as Citi PremierMiles and DBS Altitude–S$192.6, waived the first year (though no subsequent spend-based waiver). This makes the card reasonably affordable. As a result, while some of its features align with its competitors, KrisFlyer UOB Card uniquely appeals to younger travellers, especially those travelling on a budget, who are willing to travel with SIA brands.

American Express Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Card: Straightforward Beginner Miles

	Earn rewards for SIA spend, no transfer fees or processing times Promotions: Read Our Full Review
Fees, Rewards & Perks Annual fee: S$176.55, 1-year waiver 1.1 miles per S$1 local & overseas spend, 2 mi overseas in June & December only 2 miles per S$1 spend on SingaporeAir online & app, SilkAir, KrisShop in-flight & online 3.1 miles per S$1 spend on Grab transactions (up to 620 mi/mo) Free travel insurance Hertz Gold Plus Rewards & Amex Selects Privileges Analyst's Review American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card is a great fit for SIA loyalists who are looking for a starter miles card. Cardholders earn 1.1 miles per S$1 general spend (local and overseas), boosted to 2 miles overseas in June & December and for transactions with SIA brands (SIA, SilkAir, KrisShop), and 3.1 miles on Grab (up to 620 miles/month). Rewards are earned directly as KrisFlyer miles, so there are no conversions or transfer fees. Nonetheless, consumers must fly with SIA to maximise their rewards and generally earn at much lower rates overseas than with Citi PremierMiles or DBS Altitude. Amex SIA KF Card also does not provide many travel perks, again setting it aside from some of its competitors. Nonetheless, the card is still reasonably affordable with a S$176.55 fee, waived the 1st year. Cardholders who want an airline-specific card with straightforward miles rewards may be a fit for Amex SIA KF Card.

Stand-Out: Earn rewards for SIA spend, no transfer fees or processing times Promotions: Read Our Full Review
Fees, Rewards & Perks Annual fee: S$176.55, 1-year waiver 1.1 miles per S$1 local & overseas spend, 2 mi overseas in June & December only 2 miles per S$1 spend on SingaporeAir online & app, SilkAir, KrisShop in-flight & online 3.1 miles per S$1 spend on Grab transactions (up to 620 mi/mo) Free travel insurance Hertz Gold Plus Rewards & Amex Selects Privileges
Analyst's Review American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card is a great fit for SIA loyalists who are looking for a starter miles card. Cardholders earn 1.1 miles per S$1 general spend (local and overseas), boosted to 2 miles overseas in June & December and for transactions with SIA brands (SIA, SilkAir, KrisShop), and 3.1 miles on Grab (up to 620 miles/month). Rewards are earned directly as KrisFlyer miles, so there are no conversions or transfer fees. Nonetheless, consumers must fly with SIA to maximise their rewards and generally earn at much lower rates overseas than with Citi PremierMiles or DBS Altitude. Amex SIA KF Card also does not provide many travel perks, again setting it aside from some of its competitors. Nonetheless, the card is still reasonably affordable with a S$176.55 fee, waived the 1st year. Cardholders who want an airline-specific card with straightforward miles rewards may be a fit for Amex SIA KF Card.

OCBC 90°N Card: Cashback + Miles Rewards for High Spenders

Apply Now Apply Now	Earn unlimited miles and cashback, no conversion fees Promotions: Read Our Full Review
Fees, Rewards & Perks Annual fee: S$53.5 (Extra 10,000 Travel$ with S$139 top-up), 1-year waiver Renewal bonus: 10,000 Travel$ (worth 10,000 miles or S$100) Miles Option: 1.2 miles per S$1 locally, 2.1 miles overseas Cashback Option: 1.2% rebate locally, 2.1% overseas No conversion fees & rewards never expire Access to Mastercard Airport Experiences Analyst's Review OCBC 90°N Card offers consumers a way to easily switch between miles and cashback rewards, without dealing with extra costs or penalties. Cardholders technically earn in Travel$, which are each equal to 1 air mile or S$0.01 cash rebate when redeemed. As such, consumers earn the equivalent of 1.2 miles per S$1 spend locally and 2.1 miles overseas, or an unlimited 1.2% cashback locally and 2.1% overseas. In either case, this overseas rate is quite competitive, slightly exceeding that offered by competitors. What really stands out about OCBC 90°N, however, is that Travel$ never expire and can be converted without transfer fees or point devaluation. Many cards, including Citi PremierMiles, charge an administrative fee of about S$25/conversion. Additionally, most competitors devalue points redeemed for cash rebates. As a result, OCBC 90°N cardholders have a much easier time seamlessly switching between rewards types. Still, OCBC 90°N Card does not offer many travel perks–though cardholders can enjoy free travel insurance and discounted lounge access via Mastercard Airport Experiences. It does offer 10,000 Travel$ annually, which have a redemption value of 10,000 miles or S$100 cash rebate, which aligns it with competitors while simultaneously offsetting the S$53.5 annual fee.

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Stand-Out: Earn unlimited miles and cashback, no conversion fees Promotions: Read Our Full Review
Fees, Rewards & Perks Annual fee: S$192.6, 1-year waiver Renewal bonus: 10,000 Travel$ (worth 10,000 miles or S$100) Miles Option: 1.2 miles per S$1 locally, 2.1 miles overseas Cashback Option: 1.2% rebate locally, 2.1% overseas No conversion fees & rewards never expire Access to Mastercard Airport Experiences
Analyst's Review OCBC 90°N Card offers consumers a way to easily switch between miles and cashback rewards, without dealing with extra costs or penalties. Cardholders technically earn in Travel$, which are each equal to 1 air mile or S$0.01 cash rebate when redeemed. As such, consumers earn the equivalent of 1.2 miles per S$1 spend locally and 2.1 miles overseas, or an unlimited 1.2% cashback locally and 2.1% overseas. In either case, this overseas rate is quite competitive, slightly exceeding that offered by competitors. What really stands out about OCBC 90°N, however, is that Travel$ never expire and can be converted without transfer fees or point devaluation. Many cards, including Citi PremierMiles, charge an administrative fee of about S$25/conversion. Additionally, most competitors devalue points redeemed for cash rebates. As a result, OCBC 90°N cardholders have a much easier time seamlessly switching between rewards types. Still, OCBC 90°N Card does not offer many travel perks–though cardholders can enjoy free travel insurance and discounted lounge access via Mastercard Airport Experiences. It does offer 10,000 Travel$ annually, which have a redemption value of 10,000 miles or S$100 cash rebate, which aligns it with competitors while simultaneously offsetting the S$192.6 annual fee.

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