10 Best Air Miles Credit Cards of March 2025: March Madness

updated: Mar 13, 2025

The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. While we review and compare financial products to help you find the best options, we do not provide personalised recommendations or investment advisory services. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial professional before making any financial decisions.

Ready to turn your everyday spending into extraordinary travel experiences? At SingSaver, we know that choosing the right air miles credit card can be a game-changer for your travel aspirations. With a plethora of options available in Singapore, it's essential to select a card that aligns perfectly with your travel habits, spending patterns, and reward preferences. Whether you're a globetrotter seeking luxury travel perks or an occasional adventurer looking for flexible rewards, we'll guide you towards the card that best complements your lifestyle and helps you unlock incredible travel experiences.

•  Spin & Win guaranteed gifts when you apply for any card on this page!

•  Win Exciting Prizes: 50% of your Salary*, Gold bars, luxury hotel stays, dining & shopping vouchers, bonus miles, and more!

•  Exclusive Signup Rewards: Choice of Dyson Supersonic (worth S$649), up to S$420 Shopee Vouchers, and more!

•  S$100 Bonus Cash on top of exclusive signup reward for selected cards

Table of contents

Best air miles credit cards

Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Airmiles Local
4 miles/$
Airmiles Overseas
0.4 miles/$
Monthly Spend Required
None
eligible_rewards (5)
Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Airmiles Local
1.2 miles/$
Airmiles Overseas
2.4 miles/$
Monthly Spend Required
None
eligible_rewards (4)
Annual Fee
S$ 545.00
Airmiles Local
1.3 miles/$
Airmiles Overseas
2 miles/$
Monthly Spend Required
None
eligible_rewards (5)
Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Airmiles Local
3 miles/$
Airmiles Overseas
3 miles/$
Monthly Spend Required
None
Annual Fee
S$ 397.85
Airmiles Local
1.2 miles/$
Airmiles Overseas
1.2 miles/$
Monthly Spend Required
None
eligible_rewards (1)
Read More
Annual Fee
S$ 599.50
Airmiles Local
1.5 miles/$
Airmiles Overseas
2.2 miles/$
Monthly Spend Required
S$ 2,000.00 per month
eligible_rewards (1)
Read More
Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Airmiles Local
4 miles/$
Airmiles Overseas
4 miles/$
Monthly Spend Required
None
Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Airmiles Local
Up to 10 miles/$
Airmiles Overseas
Up to 10 miles/$
Monthly Spend Required
None
Annual Fee
S$ 414.20
Airmiles Local
6 miles/$
Airmiles Overseas
6 miles/$
Monthly Spend Required
None
Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Airmiles Local
Up to 4 miles/$
Airmiles Overseas
4 miles/$
Monthly Spend Required
None

Unlock the perfect credit card.

Unlock the perfect credit card.

Whether you travel often, love cashback, or want to build credit, we'll help you find the ideal card.

Discover the best credit cards

Best offers of 2025

Our pick for: Online shoppers

Citi Rewards Card

Citi Rewards Card
 

/ 5
Apply Now

on_provider_website

Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Monthly Spend Required
None
Airmiles Overseas
0.4 miles per dollar
Airmiles Local
4 miles per dollar
REWARDS
  • 1x March Madness Spin to Win Chance
  • Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer (worth S$649) (Top up S$50)
  • Sony ZV-1F Vlog Camera (worth S$769) (Top up S$30)
  • eligible_rewards (5)

  • product_details

Our pick for: Contactless users

UOB Preferred Platinum Visa Card

UOB Preferred Platinum Visa Card
 

/ 5
Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Monthly Spend Required
None
Airmiles Overseas
4 miles per dollar
Airmiles Local
Up to 4 miles per dollar
  • product_details

Our pick for: Category spenders

UOB Lady's Solitaire Card

UOB Lady's Solitaire Card
 

/ 5
Annual Fee
S$ 414.20
Monthly Spend Required
None
Airmiles Overseas
6 miles per dollar
Airmiles Local
6 miles per dollar
  • product_details

Our pick for: Flexible spenders

UOB Lady's Card

UOB Lady's Card
 

/ 5
Apply Now

on_provider_website

Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Monthly Spend Required
None
Airmiles Overseas
Up to 10 miles per dollar
Airmiles Local
Up to 10 miles per dollar
  • product_details

Our pick for: Online shoppers

DBS Woman's World Card

DBS Woman's World Card
 

/ 5

on_provider_website

Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Monthly Spend Required
None
Airmiles Overseas
4 miles per dollar
Airmiles Local
4 miles per dollar
  • product_details

Our pick for: Affluent travellers

Citi Prestige Card

Citi Prestige Card
 

/ 5
Apply Now

on_provider_website

Annual Fee
S$ 545.00
Monthly Spend Required
None
Airmiles Overseas
2 miles per dollar
Airmiles Local
1.3 miles per dollar
REWARDS
  • 1x March Madness Spin to Win Chance
  • Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer (worth S$649) (Top up S$50)
  • Sony ZV-1F Vlog Camera (worth S$769) (Top up S$30)
  • eligible_rewards (5)

  • product_details

Our pick for: Frequent travellers

DBS Vantage Visa Infinite Card

DBS Vantage Visa Infinite Card
 

/ 5

on_provider_website

Annual Fee
S$ 599.50
Monthly Spend Required
S$ 2,000.00 per month
Airmiles Overseas
2.2 miles per dollar
Airmiles Local
1.5 miles per dollar
REWARDS
  • Receive 60,000 miles
  • eligible_rewards (1)

  • product_details

Our pick for: Travellers wanting flexibility

HSBC TravelOne Credit Card

HSBC TravelOne Credit Card
Apply Now

on_provider_website

Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Monthly Spend Required
None
Airmiles Overseas
2.4 miles per dollar
Airmiles Local
1.2 miles per dollar
REWARDS
  • Stand to win a business class ticket to London, S$200 GrabGifts Vouchers and more exciting rewards!
  • 1x March Madness Spin to Win Chance
  • Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer (worth S$649) + S$100 Cash via PayNow
  • eligible_rewards (4)

  • product_details

Our pick for: Travel and dining

Winner - Travel Credit Card of the Year by The Digital BankerWinner - Best Travel Credit Card by TripZilla

Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card

Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card
 

/ 5
Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Monthly Spend Required
S$ 800.00 per month
Airmiles Overseas
2.8 miles per dollar
Airmiles Local
1.2 miles per dollar
  • product_details

Our pick for: Singapore Airlines flyers

KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card

KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card
 

/ 5
Apply Now

on_provider_website

Annual Fee
S$ 196.20
Monthly Spend Required
None
Airmiles Overseas
3 miles per dollar
Airmiles Local
3 miles per dollar
  • product_details

Editorial picks: Best air miles credit cards

To ensure you have the most up-to-date information, please confirm all details on the card issuer's website before applying

Citi Rewards Card

Our pick for: Online shoppers

The Citi Rewards Card is a credit card designed for maximising rewards on everyday online and retail shopping, offering 10X rewards points on these categories, which translates to 4 miles per dollar, especially when paired with the amaze card for overseas spending. It features automatic rounding up of points to the nearest 10, no cap on base rewards, and various redemption options, including cash rebates and travel miles. However, it has a cap on bonus points and fees for foreign transactions and air mile conversions. Read our review.

UOB Preferred Platinum Visa Card

Our pick for: Digital savvy spenders

The UOB Preferred Platinum Visa Card offers 4 miles per S$1 on mobile contactless transactions, selected online shopping, and entertainment spend, with no minimum spend required and a 2-year points validity. It also provides 0.4 miles per dollar on other eligible spending. However, it has a rebate cap and charges fees for foreign currency transactions and air miles conversions. Read our review.

UOB Lady's Solitaire Card

Our pick for: Category spenders

The UOB Lady's Solitaire Card offers 6 miles per S$1 on two chosen preferred categories (from seven options), with a higher monthly bonus cap and income requirement compared to the base UOB Lady's Card. It includes complimentary travel and e-commerce protection. However, it has a significant annual fee and charges for foreign transactions and air miles conversions. Read our review.

UOB Lady's Card

Our pick for: Flexible spenders

The UOB Lady's Card allows cardholders to earn up to 10 miles per S$1 on a chosen rewards category from seven options, with the ability to change categories quarterly. Pairing it with a UOB Lady's Savings Account can boost earnings to 16 miles per S$1. It includes features like LuxePay and e-commerce protection, but has a monthly rewards cap and fees for foreign transactions and air miles conversions. Read our review.

DBS Woman's World Card

Our pick for: Online shoppers

The DBS Woman's World Card offers 4 miles per S$1 on online purchases, along with 1.2 miles per S$1 on overseas spending, and includes complimentary e-commerce protection. It provides exclusive shopping, dining, and travel privileges, and is open to both men and women. However, the bonus miles are capped at S$1,500 online spend per month, and it requires a relatively high minimum annual income. Read our review.

Citi Prestige Card

Our pick for: Affluent travellers

The Citi Prestige Card is a premium travel card offering 2 miles per S$1 overseas and 1.3 miles per S$1 locally, with no cap or expiry on miles. It includes benefits like unlimited lounge access, complimentary hotel stays, golf games, and concierge services. However, it has a high annual fee and income requirement. Read our review

» MORE: Check out our best hotel cards for the best deals on hotel stay 

DBS Vantage Visa Infinite Card

Our pick for: Frequent travellers

The DBS Vantage Visa Infinite Card is tailored for frequent travellers, offering 2.2 miles per S$1 on overseas spending and 1.5 miles per S$1 locally, along with 10 complimentary airport lounge visits annually. It includes a complimentary Accor Plus Explorer membership and dining privileges. However, it comes with a high, non-waivable annual fee and a substantial income requirement. Read our review.

HSBC TravelOne Credit Card

Our pick for: Travellers wanting flexibility

The HSBC TravelOne Credit Card is a travel-focused card offering 1.2 miles per S$1 locally and 2.4 miles per S$1 overseas, with no cap on miles earned. It boasts a wide range of airline and hotel transfer partners, complimentary travel insurance, lounge access, and dining benefits. However, it has a moderate annual fee and charges for foreign transactions. Read our review.

Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card

Our pick for: Travel and dining

The Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card is a travel and lifestyle card that provides 2.8 miles per S$1 spent on air tickets, foreign currency transactions, hotel bookings, and dining, with a minimum spend of S$800 per month. It also offers complimentary travel insurance and lounge access. However, miles are earned in blocks of S$5 and expire after one year. Read our review.

KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card

Our pick for: Singapore Airlines flyer

The KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card is designed for Singapore Airlines loyalists, offering 3 KrisFlyer miles per S$1 on SIA Group spending and selected categories like dining and online shopping, with a minimum spend of S$800 on SIA Group. It provides automatic miles crediting, Scoot benefits, and complimentary travel insurance. However, bonus miles from certain categories are awarded only after the card membership year. Read our review.

» MORE: Find the best airline cards for booking flights

Other resources

How air miles rewards work

Earning air miles with a credit card in Singapore is a fantastic way to turn your everyday spending into exciting travel opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or an occasional traveller, the right air miles card can bring your dream vacations closer to reality.

With an air miles credit card, you accumulate miles with every purchase, and many cards offer bonus miles for spending in specific categories like dining, travel, or online shopping. This means you can earn rewards faster by simply using your card for your regular expenses.

There are two main types of air miles cards:

  • General-purpose travel cards: These cards, like the Citi PremierMiles Visa Card, offer unparalleled flexibility. Earn miles on all your purchases, whether it's groceries, petrol, or online shopping. Redeem these miles for flights with various airlines, convert them to other rewards like cashback or merchandise, or even transfer them to partner loyalty programmes.

  • Airline-specific cards: For those who frequently fly with a particular airline, consider airline-specific cards like KrisFlyer credit cards. These cards offer targeted benefits for loyal flyers, such as bonus miles on flights, priority check-in, and airport lounge access, enhancing your travel experience with that specific airline.

How do we determine the value of air miles? For general travel cards, it's straightforward: the miles have a fixed value, typically between 1 and 1.5 cents per mile, and you can use them like cash to offset travel purchases. However, with airline-specific miles, like KrisFlyer miles, determining their true value is trickier. The value you get depends on how you redeem them — for flights, upgrades, or other travel rewards.

Use our valuations page as a starting point to assess the potential value of your air miles. If you can redeem your miles for the values we've listed, you're on the right track to maximising your travel rewards. And if you can find redemptions that offer even higher value, that's even better!

How to choose an air miles credit card

Choosing the right air miles credit card from the many options available is a crucial decision for any traveller. The ideal card aligns with your travel frequency, spending habits, and desired rewards. When making your choice, prioritise these key factors:

  • Rewards that suit your travel goals: Select a card with a rewards programme that matches how you prefer to redeem miles, whether it's for flights, hotels, or other travel perks.

  • A high earning rate: Look for cards with competitive earn rates, especially in categories where you spend the most. This maximises your rewards potential and helps you accumulate miles faster.

  • An attractive sign-up bonus: A generous sign-up bonus can jumpstart your miles balance, allowing you to enjoy travel rewards sooner.

Even after considering these factors, numerous other aspects can influence your decision.

Air miles cards are for travellers

Air miles cards vs. cashback cards

Choosing the right rewards card depends on your spending habits and travel frequency. If you travel often and want to maximise the value of your rewards, an air miles card offers flexibility and potentially higher returns, especially for premium travel, by allowing you to redeem miles for flights, upgrades, and even hotel stays. However, based on our research, if you travel less frequently or prefer simplicity, a cashback card might be more suitable, providing straightforward rebates on your spending without the complexities of managing miles.

Flexibility and perks: A trade-off

Co-branded cards vs. general travel cards

Air miles credit cards fall into two main categories: co-branded cards and general travel cards. Co-branded cards, such as Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer cards, are affiliated with a specific airline. These cards often offer airline-specific perks, such as bonus miles on flights with that airline, priority check-in, and airport lounge access. However, your rewards and benefits are tied to that specific airline, which can limit your flexibility. General travel cards, on the other hand, aren't linked to a particular airline, offering more flexibility in how you earn and redeem miles.

Evaluating general air miles credit cards

What a general travel card can get you

The air miles cards featured at the top of this page are general travel cards. They are issued by banks, not airlines, and offer a broader range of benefits and redemption options. With these cards, you can earn miles on every purchase, typically 1 to 2 miles per dollar spent, sometimes with additional miles awarded for specific spending categories.

General travel cards often entice new applicants with attractive sign-up bonuses, also known as welcome offers. These bonuses can be worth tens of thousands of miles, which you can earn by meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of card membership.

» MORE: SingSaver's best credit card sign-up offers

What do you do with those miles? Depending on the card, you have several options for redeeming your accumulated miles:

  • Booking travel: Use your miles to pay for flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements booked through the card issuer's online travel portal.

  • Statement credit: Redeem your miles for statement credit to offset travel purchases made directly with airlines, hotels, or travel agencies.

  • Transferring to partners: Some card issuers allow you to transfer your miles to frequent flyer programmes or hotel loyalty programmes, giving you more flexibility in how you use your rewards.

  • Cashback, gift cards, or merchandise: If you prefer, you can redeem your miles for cashback, shopping vouchers, or merchandise, though you might receive a lower value per mile compared to redeeming for travel.

While co-branded cards may offer airline-specific perks, general travel cards provide more flexibility and often come with valuable perks of their own, such as:

  • Travel credit: Some cards provide automatic reimbursement for travel-related expenses like airfare or hotel stays.

  • Airport lounge access: Enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide, offering a comfortable and convenient space to relax before your flight.

Points programmes

Many general air miles cards are part of larger rewards programmes, offering additional benefits and flexibility in earning and redeeming rewards. For example, Citibank has its ThankYou Rewards programme, while DBS has its Rewards programme. These programmes often provide various redemption options, including travel bookings, merchandise, and cashback.

» MORE: SingSaver’s best cash-back credit cards

Evaluating airline credit cards in Singapore

What you get with an airline credit card

Airline credit cards in Singapore, such as those co-branded with Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer or Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, allow you to earn miles with each purchase. These cards typically offer a base earn rate of 1 mile per dollar spent, with a higher earn rate on purchases made with the co-branded airline. Some airline cards also offer bonus miles for spending in specific categories, such as dining or hotel bookings.

The miles you earn with an airline credit card are typically credited directly to your frequent flyer account, which you can then use to redeem for award flights, upgrades, and other travel benefits with the airline or its partners.

Airline credit cards often come with attractive sign-up bonuses and a range of perks that can enhance your travel experience. Some common perks include:

  • Free checked bags: Enjoy complimentary checked bags for yourself and your travel companions, making your airport experience smoother and more convenient.

  • Priority boarding: Board the plane early and secure overhead bin space for your carry-on luggage.

  • In-flight discounts or freebies: Enjoy discounts on in-flight purchases, such as food and beverages, or receive complimentary Wi-Fi access during your flight.

  • Airport lounge access: Access airport lounges to relax and unwind before your flight, with amenities like comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and refreshments.

  • Companion fares: Bring a travel companion along for a discounted fare when you purchase a full-fare ticket.

  • Tier benefits and accelerated elite status: Some airline credit cards offer a fast track to elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, unlocking a range of exclusive benefits and privileges.

» MORE: SingSaver’s best airline credit card

Choosing an airline credit card in Singapore

Choosing the right airline credit card in Singapore depends largely on which airline you fly most frequently. If you primarily fly with Singapore Airlines, for instance, a KrisFlyer co-branded credit card might be your best option. Similarly, if you're a frequent flyer with Cathay Pacific, an Asia Miles credit card could be more beneficial.

If you often fly with different airlines or don't have a strong preference for a particular carrier, you might have more flexibility in choosing an airline credit card. In this case, consider factors such as the rewards program, the earn rates for different spending categories, the sign-up bonus, and the perks offered by the card.

Ultimately, the best airline credit card for you is the one that aligns with your travel patterns and rewards your loyalty to your preferred airline.

» MORE: How to choose an airline credit card

Evaluating hotel credit cards in Singapore

What you get with a hotel credit card

Hotel credit cards in Singapore, such as those co-branded with Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, or IHG Rewards Club, allow you to earn points with every purchase. These cards typically offer a base earn rate of 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, with a higher earn rate on purchases made with the co-branded hotel group. Some hotel cards also offer bonus points for spending in specific categories, such as dining or transportation.

The points you earn with a hotel credit card are typically credited directly to your hotel loyalty account, which you can then use to redeem for free nights, room upgrades, and other hotel benefits.

Hotel credit cards often come with attractive sign-up bonuses and a range of perks that can enhance your hotel experience. Some common perks include:

  • Free nights: Enjoy complimentary nights at your preferred hotel chain, which can offset the cost of the card's annual fee.

  • Room upgrades and other perks: Receive automatic room upgrades when available, or enjoy free or discounted amenities such as breakfast, spa treatments, or dining credits.

  • Early check-in and late check-out: Enjoy the flexibility of checking in early or checking out late, allowing you to make the most of your stay.

  • Accelerated elite status: Some hotel cards offer a fast track to elite status in the hotel's loyalty program, unlocking a range of exclusive benefits and privileges.

» MORE: SingSaver’s best hotel credit cards

Selecting a hotel group

If you're considering a hotel credit card, you'll need to decide which hotel group best suits your travel needs and preferences. Unlike airlines, hotels are not as geographically concentrated, so you'll often have a variety of options to choose from, especially in major cities.

Remember that many familiar hotel brands are part of larger hotel groups, and a co-branded credit card with one of these groups can unlock benefits across a range of brands.

For example, the Marriott Bonvoy programme encompasses over 30 hotel brands, including Marriott, Courtyard, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, and Westin. The Hilton Honors programme includes brands like Hilton, DoubleTree, Conrad, and Waldorf Astoria. The IHG Rewards Club covers brands such as InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and Hotel Indigo.

How to compare air miles credit cards

Finding the perfect air miles credit card is like finding the perfect travel companion — it needs to be the right fit for your individual needs and preferences. Don't fall into the trap of expecting a single card to have it all: a high rewards rate, a huge sign-up bonus, incredible perks, and no annual fee. Instead, focus on comparing cards based on the combination of features that matter most to you.

Here's a breakdown of key factors to consider:

Annual fee

Most premium cards in Singapore come with an annual fee, typically ranging from S$192.60 to S$535 or more. While it might seem like an immediate drawback, weigh the value of the rewards and perks against the fee. Sometimes, the benefits you receive, such as airport lounge access or travel insurance, can easily offset the cost. If you're absolutely opposed to paying a fee, we have consolidated some no-annual-fee options here, but keep in mind that they might offer lower rewards rates or fewer perks. 

Rewards rate

Think of rewards in terms of "earn rate" and "burn rate." 

Earn rate refers to how many miles you accumulate per dollar spent. Some cards offer a flat earn rate on all purchases, while others offer bonus miles for specific spending categories like dining or travel. 

"Burn rate" refers to the value you get when you redeem your miles. Find a card with a high earn rate in the categories where you spend the most and a good burn rate for your preferred redemption options.

Sign-up bonus

A generous sign-up bonus can be a fantastic way to kickstart your miles balance. For example, the DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card and the American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card offer welcome bonuses of up to 30,000 and 38,000 miles, respectively, when you pay the annual fee and meet the minimum spending requirements. However, always consider the spending threshold required to earn the bonus and ensure you can meet it without accumulating unnecessary debt.

Foreign transaction fees 

If you travel internationally, opt for a card with no foreign transaction fees. These fees can quickly add up and diminish the value of your rewards.

International acceptance

While Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted globally, American Express cards may have limited acceptance in some countries. If you're a frequent international traveller and prefer using an American Express card, it's wise to have a backup Visa or Mastercard for those instances where acceptance may be limited.

Travel protections

Many air miles cards offer valuable travel protections such as travel insurance, car rental insurance, trip cancellation coverage, and lost baggage protection. Assess your needs and choose a card that offers the coverage that aligns with your travel style.

Perks

“"Rewards" are what you earn for using your card — the miles you accumulate with each purchase. "Perks," on the other hand, are the benefits you receive simply for being a cardholder. These can range from airport lounge access and priority boarding to travel insurance, concierge services, and exclusive discounts. The more premium the card (and the higher the annual fee), the more extensive the perks tend to be. When comparing cards, be realistic about which perks you'll actually use and value. Don't be swayed by a perk that sounds appealing but doesn't align with your travel habits or lifestyle.

Should you get air miles cards? Pros and cons

Pros: Why it's worth getting an air miles card

  • The sign-up bonus gives you a head start on travel: Sign-up bonuses on the best air miles cards in Singapore can be substantial, often providing enough miles for a free flight or a significant discount on your travel expenses.

  • Perks enhance your travel experience: Many air miles cards offer valuable perks that can make your travels more enjoyable and less stressful. Enjoy benefits like airport lounge access, where you can relax before your flight, priority boarding to secure overhead bin space, and travel insurance for peace of mind during your trips.

  • Rewards bring your next trip closer: Earn miles on your everyday purchases, turning your regular spending into opportunities for free flights, hotel stays, and other travel rewards. Every dollar you spend brings you closer to your next getaway.

  • No foreign transaction fees mean big savings: Save on overseas spending by choosing a card with no foreign transaction fees. This can result in significant savings, especially if you travel or shop internationally frequently.

  • Strategic redemption can maximise value: The value of your air miles can vary depending on how you redeem them. By understanding the different redemption options and choosing wisely, you can maximise the value of your rewards. For example, transferring your miles to airline partners or redeeming them for premium cabin flights can often yield a higher value per mile.

Cons: Why an air miles card might not be for you

  • Annual fees can be a burden: Most of the best air miles cards charge an annual fee. While the perks and rewards can often outweigh the cost, some individuals might be hesitant to pay a fee. If you're strictly against paying an annual fee, there are no-fee options available, but they typically offer lower rewards rates or fewer perks.

  • Sign-up bonus spending requirements can be challenging: While sign-up bonuses can be lucrative, they often come with high spending requirements. For example, some cards may require you to spend S$3,000 to S$8,000 within the first few months to unlock the full bonus. Be sure to assess your spending habits and ensure you can meet the requirements without accumulating unnecessary debt.

  • Air miles cards aren't ideal for infrequent travellers: In your first year with an air miles card, you'll likely come out ahead due to sign-up bonuses and waived annual fees. However, in subsequent years, you'll need to use the card frequently to earn enough rewards and utilise the perks to justify the annual fee. If you travel infrequently, a cashback card with no annual fee might be a more rewarding option.

  • Cashback is simpler and more flexible: Some air miles cards have limitations on how you can redeem your rewards, potentially reducing their value. Cashback cards, on the other hand, offer a more straightforward and flexible rewards programme. You earn cashback on your purchases, which can be redeemed for statement credit, cash rebates, or other rewards. Cashback rewards are generally easier to understand and redeem compared to air miles.

  • Rewards cards tend to have higher interest rates: If you tend to carry a balance on your credit card, the higher interest rates typically associated with rewards cards, including air miles cards, can offset the value of your rewards. You might be better off with a low-interest card that helps you minimise interest charges.

Making the most of your air miles card

Unlock the full potential of your air miles card with these savvy strategies:

  • Plan your credit card application to coincide with a major purchase, such as a holiday booking or a new electronic gadget, to help you meet the sign-up bonus spending requirement quickly. Also, keep an eye out for limited-time promotions and exclusive partnerships that can boost your rewards even further.

  • Use your air miles card for all your eligible purchases, from groceries and dining to online shopping and entertainment, to accumulate miles faster.

  • Research different redemption options and choose those that offer the best value for your miles. Consider factors such as flight routes, cabin class, and travel dates to maximise the value of your rewards. For instance, redeeming your miles for a business class flight or a luxury hotel stay might provide significantly higher value than redeeming for an economy class ticket or a budget hotel.

  • If you have a co-branded air miles card, join the associated frequent flyer programme to earn even more miles and unlock additional benefits like priority check-in and lounge access. This "double dipping" strategy can significantly accelerate your miles accumulation and enhance your travel experience.

  • Many air miles cards offer bonus miles for spending in specific categories or during promotional periods. Take advantage of these opportunities to accelerate your miles accumulation. For example, some cards offer bonus miles for overseas spending, dining, or online shopping.

Other cards to consider

Before you commit to an air miles card, it's worth evaluating whether it truly aligns with your spending habits and financial goals.

Our study found that if you prioritise simple rewards and straightforward savings, a cashback card might be a better fit. Cashback cards offer direct rebates on your purchases, providing a clear and easy-to-understand rewards programme.

If you tend to carry a balance on your credit card, the high interest rates often associated with rewards cards can negate the value of your rewards. In this case, a low-interest credit card might be a more prudent choice, as it helps you minimise interest charges and manage your debt more effectively.

For frequent international travellers, a no-foreign-transaction-fee card can be a valuable tool. These cards eliminate the extra charges typically imposed on overseas spending, allowing you to save money while traveling. Check out our best cards with no foreign transaction fee.

Ultimately, the best credit card for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Explore the diverse range of credit cards, cashback cards and more available in Singapore, compare their features and benefits, and choose the one that best complements your financial goals and lifestyle. If you're unsure which type of card is right for you, SingSaver explores our best rewards credit cards to find out more!

Frequently asked questions about air mile credit cards

  • What’s the difference between points and miles on a credit card?

    Points and miles are simply different names for the same thing: the rewards currency used by travel credit cards. Some cards call them points, while others call them miles. 

    Historically, airline frequent flyer programmes used the term "miles" because rewards were earned based on the distance flown. However, nowadays, most airlines, including those in Singapore, award miles based on how much you spend, not how far you fly. So, essentially, they're just points with a different name.

    When it comes to redeeming your rewards, there's no real difference between points and miles. The number of points or miles needed to redeem a reward is primarily based on the cost of the reward, whether it's a flight, hotel stay, or other travel expense.

  • What credit score do I need to get an air miles credit card?

    Generally, a good to excellent credit score is required to qualify for an air miles credit card. While there's no official minimum credit score stated by banks in Singapore for air miles cards, a credit score of 650 or higher is generally considered good and increases your chances of approval. However, keep in mind that credit score is just one factor banks consider. They also assess your income, employment history, and existing debt obligations.

  • Can you get air miles for business travel?

    Yes, you can earn air miles for business travel expenses. Most travel rewards credit cards do not differentiate between personal and business travel spending, so you'll earn rewards regardless of the purpose of your trip. Some cards are specifically designed for business travellers, offering perks and benefits tailored to their needs, such as bonus rewards on business-related expenses and travel insurance.

    It's important to note though that if your company books your travel arrangements and puts the expenses on a company card, the rewards will typically go to the company, not to you. However, if you use your personal air miles card for business travel and get reimbursed by your employer, you'll earn the miles. If you have a company card with your name on it, check your company's policy to see how rewards are handled in this situation.

  • Which air miles credit cards are the easiest to redeem?

    Many air miles credit cards in Singapore offer "travel credits," which reimburse you for specific travel-related expenses. For example, some cards offer credits towards airport lounge access, while others provide credits for flights or hotel bookings.

    The easiest travel credits to redeem are those that:

    • Apply to a broad range of expenses: Some credits are very specific. For instance, you might get S$200 in "airline credit," but it only applies to in-flight purchases, not airfare. A card may offer credit towards travel, but only if you book through the issuer's portal, where prices might be higher. The easiest credits to redeem are those that apply to a wide range of travel expenses, such as flights, hotels, and car rentals booked anywhere.

    • Appear automatically on your statement: The easiest travel credits are automatically applied to your account when you make a qualifying purchase. You don't have to call a phone number, submit receipts, or fill out any forms. The credit simply appears on your statement, reducing your balance.

  • How many miles do I need for a flight?

    The number of miles required for a flight depends on various factors, including the airline, destination, class of service, and demand. Check the airline's frequent flyer programme for details on their award charts and redemption options.