AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card Review (2024): A Hint Of Luxury For Miles-Chasers

A more accessible credit card option compared to premium credit cards, the American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card (AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend) caters to those looking to earn their miles quickly. 

You’ll be greeted by a good wad of bonus miles once you start swiping your AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card by way of making your first transaction, spending on your telco recurring bill or Grab. You also earn bonus miles when you successfully refer a friend to sign up. 

With these generous rewards and travel perks, it pays to spend more using the AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card.

AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card product summary:

• Local spend: 1.2 KrisFlyer miles per $1 spend on eligible purchases, no cap

• Overseas spend: 2 KrisFlyer miles per $1 spend on eligible overseas purchases during June and December, no cap

• Bonus spend:

  • 2 KrisFlyer miles per S$1 spend on Singapore Airlines-related transactions, no cap

  • 3.2 KrisFlyer miles per S$1 spend on Grab Singapore transactions, capped at S$200 per calendar month

• No conversion or transfer fee for KrisFlyer miles

• Annual income requirement: Card application is subjected to customers meeting the regulatory minimum income requirement and internal assessment.

• Minimum age: 21

• Annual fee: S$343.35 (incl. of 9% GST)

Note: "xx mpd" refers to "xx miles per S$1 spend".

Pros	Cons
Welcome bonuses for new and existing cardmembers	Annual fee of S$343.35 (incl. of 9% GST
2 mpd on overseas spend, no cap	2 mpd on overseas spend applicable during Jun and Dec only
1.2 mpd on local spend, no cap
2 mpd on eligible purchases made on singaporeair.com, SingaporeAir mobile app, and KrisShop, no cap
3.2 mpd spent on Grab Singapore transactions, capped at S$200 each calendar month
0.5 mpd on Singapore Airlines Instalment Plans via Pay Small
Accelerated upgrade to KrisFlyer Elite Gold membership status
4 complimentary airport lounge access passes each year to any SATS Premier Lounge in Singapore and Plaza Premium Lounge worldwide
Complimentary one-night stay at participating Hilton Properties each year
Up to S$1 million travel inconvenience & travel accident coverage
Gain access to Hertz Gold Plus Rewards loyalty programme over 8,500 participating outlets worldwide

#1: Earn a steady miles rate both locally & overseas

The AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card is as reliable as it comes for local and overseas spend. Belonging in the same card tier as the DBS Altitude, Citi PremierMiles, OCBC 90ºN and more, it earns a respectable 1.2 miles per S$1 on local spend and 2 miles per S$1 on overseas spend, with no cap imposed on miles earned.

The only caveat is that the 2 mpd overseas spend is only applicable during June and December every year. Basically, this card will be perfect for your family trips during the school holidays since the overseas rate will only be activated then.

However, where this card truly shines in is its bonus miles earned on other categories such as Grab Singapore, Singapore Airlines-related purchases, and even your phone bills! Not to mention, their welcome bonuses offer one of the most miles you can probably earn upon signing up for a miles card.

But more on these attractive perks later below. So keep reading! 😉

#2: Travel in comfort with free lounge passes

Life’s about the little luxuries. With the AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card, enjoy complimentary airport lounge access where you relax and refresh in the comfort and luxury of exclusive amenities, such as shower facilities, massage services, and a delectable buffet spread paired with a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

This card offers four complimentary airport lounge access each year to any SATS Premier Lounge in Singapore and Plaza Premium Lounge worldwide. 

#3: Treat yourself to a free hotel stay

Hands up if you love free hotel stays! ✋ The AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card comes with a complimentary night at a Hilton property in Asia Pacific per year from date of card approval or card membership renewal for subsequent years.

This complimentary stay is based on accommodation in a standard guest room for a maximum of two adults, and it includes room rate, service charge and tax. 

You also enjoy a complimentary upgrade to the Hilton Honors Silver membership tier. For the full list of participating properties, click here.

💡 Pro-tip: You can also cash in on this free stay overseas or right here in Singapore for an unforgettable staycation.

#4: Enjoy stress-free holidays knowing you're protected

Besides earning miles on your trips, enjoy up to S$1 million Travel Inconvenience and Travel Accident Benefits coverage when you charge travel tickets to the card. This coverage grants protection for any baggage delay, extended baggage delay, and flight delay, missed connections, permanent loss or total disablement, and death.

More policy details can be found here.

Unfortunately, this policy does not include coverage for other essential components like medical expenses, trip cancellation, or COVID-19 coverage. So you might want to buy a rider or buy another travel insurance to cover all grounds.

💡 Pro-tip: Speaking of international travels, did you know that you earn 3.2 miles per S$1 spend locally on your Grab Singapore transactions? This is capped at $200 spend each calendar month.

#5: Made by Singapore Airlines; For loyal fans of Singapore Airlines

Save on miles conversion fees! The miles you earn on your AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card are directly credited as KrisFlyer miles in your KrisFlyer account, all hassle-free and ready for your next trip abroad. 

You also earn 2 air miles per $1 spent on eligible purchases made on singaporeair.com, SingaporeAir mobile app, and KrisShop, with no cap on the miles you can earn. 

If you are a frequent SQ traveller, you can spend $15,000 on eligible purchases made on singaporeair.com within the first 12 months of card approval to be automatically upgraded to the KrisFlyer Elite Gold Membership tier. The upgrade unlocks the following:

• Extra 20kg check-in luggage allowance

• Access to KrisFlyer Gold Lounge at Changi and over 1,000 other Alliance Gold Lounges worldwide

• Priority airport check-in, baggage handling, and boarding for Economy Class

• Annual fee: S$343.35 (incl. of 9% GST

• Late payment charge: S$100 per month 

• Minimum monthly payment: 3% of outstanding balance or S$50, whichever is higher, plus any overdue amounts

• Interest on purchases: 26.90% p.a. compounded (27.80% p.a. compounded w.e.f. 3 Oct 2023) if payment of the closing balance in your statements is not made in full; or 29.99% p.a. (3% p.a. on top of prevailing interest w.e.f. 3 Oct 2023) in the event that your account has three or more defaults in the last 12 months

• Interest on cash advance: 26.90% p.a. compounded daily from date of withdrawal until the withdrawal amount and the relevant fees are paid in full

• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.95% (3.25% w.e.f. 1 Oct 2023)

• Dynamic currency conversion fee: N/A

Eligibility criteria

• At least 21 years of age

• Card application is subjected to customers meeting the regulatory minimum income requirement and internal assessment. 

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button on this page and complete the application form on SingSaver site. You might need to prepare the following documents for the application process:

• Front and back of NRIC/Passport/Employment Pass/Proof of Residence 

• Salaried Employees & Expatriates: Latest Income Tax of Notice of Assessment and Latest computerised payslip; or Latest 3 months' computerised payslip

• Self-employed: Last 2 years' Income Tax Notice of Assessment

Undeniably, the AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card is made for loyal SIA passengers looking to accelerate their miles chase.

This is also a card made for those looking for fringe benefits such as lounge access and hotel stays, on top of the usual miles earn rates. Card application is subjected to customers meeting the regulatory minimum income requirement and internal assessment.