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".

#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! 😉

• 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.