7 Best Credit Cards for Miles in Singapore 2025 – Top Picks & Comparison

Best starting pick: choose a flexible miles card with a strong welcome package and broad earn categories. If you want KrisFlyer, Asia Miles, or another miles network, this choice helps you build a usable balance fast. Ensure the card is authorised to operate in Singapore and that the earn scheme is clear so your spend gets rewarded from day one.

In this analysis, we compare seven cards that deliver miles efficiently for Singapore residents in 2025. Look at earning rates, transfer partners, annual fees, and any limited caps. Below are the essentials you should consider, including how commercial partners boost miles and how you can spend to get the most miles and how often you get value from sign-up bonuses.

For big spenders, diversify with cards that offer higher miles on overseas and travel-related spend. Delta of returns across cards can be substantial, so a careful review helps you decide which cardup option to chase. If you spend much on dining and transport, look for a scheme that mirrors those categories.

Watch out for cons such as annual fees, foreign transaction charges, or caps that limit earned miles. If you have been evaluating deals, align spend with promotional multipliers and keep track to maximise value. A clear plan lets you switch to another card when a better offer comes up, instead of keeping a limited, unproductive mix.

Below is how we rate each option and what type of spender should consider each. Our picks focus on rewards, flexible transfer partners, and realistic spend thresholds. You want a card that keeps pace with your travel plans and stays cost-efficient. The seven options come from cardup, a Singapore-focused comparison company, and cover a wide range of profiles, from frequent flyers to occasional travellers, and each offers a clear path to miles in the wallet.

Welcome bonuses and minimum spend for Singapore miles cards (2025)

Pick a card offering a welcome bonus in the 25,000–40,000 miles range with a minimum spend below S$4,000 within 60 days.

That gives you a strong start without tying up cash, enhances your personal miles balance, and provides a clear advantage if you travel often. Track your progress on the rewards page and ensure the earned miles post directly to their preferred airline or loyalty program. If you have a clubcard, check whether it unlocks extra miles in partner stores; during retail buys you can boost value with multipliers, and some offers include greyfriars merchants.

Carefully compare the range of categories that earn miles, note if a card imposes limited earning on certain merchants, and verify whether the issuer authorised you to redeem to your preferred alliance. The meaning of the welcome offer changes with your preferences and travel pattern, so choose a card that fits your annual spend and stay duration. Rate structures vary, so pay attention to whether base earn rates are sustainable for your everyday spending.

How to compare offers

Focus on personal use: how youll allocate spend between retail, travel, dining and online shopping. Look for cards that post earned miles quickly and show protection features like purchase protection and extended warranty, which add value to your experience.

Miles earning by category: dining, travel, groceries, and daily spend

Choose a card that delivers 4x miles on dining and 3x miles on travel, then pair it with 2x on groceries to maximize your dollars per mile. This intro guide helps you map your category strategy for trips and daily spend, so seekers seeking high point-earning potential across the four categories can lock in the best value and avoid paying unnecessary interest or fees. Look for cards that provide flexible transfers to airline programs and hotel networks, including hilton Honors, and that offer voucher credits when you reach milestones. If you can, waive the annual fee for the first year and test the fit, provided you meet the spend targets, so you can see how the services and portals work. Check official sites and comparison sites like cardup to compare options and make a smart choice from the article you’re reading.

Dining category: 4x miles per dollar spent at eligible dining venues when charged to the card. Travel category: 3x miles per dollar on flights and hotels booked through the card’s travel portal or partner sites. Groceries: 2x miles per dollar on everyday supermarket purchases. Daily spend: 1x-2x miles on all other eligible purchases. These point-earning rates are typical among top Singapore miles cards, but much depends on category definitions and caps. Small dollars spent in dining and travel can translate into big trips later.

Tips to maximize value: consider a two-card setup if you seek the highest return; one card focusing on dining/travel and another for groceries/daily spend. Use voucher credits and portal offers to waive costs, and pay attention to charged categories to avoid losing value. Card services and transfer partners often run limited-time promos, so check the article or sites regularly for updates. If you have a friend who travels often, share this guide with them and consider referrals; you and your friend can both rack up miles and keep your statement pretty as you track progress. This approach keeps interest manageable and ensures you make the most of average earnings across months.

CardUp optimization: which cards yield the most miles when paid with CardUp

Recommendation: Use a high‑earn card for CardUp payments, preferably one that delivers 2x miles on travel and dining and supports flexible transfer partners (avios, KrisFlyer, Hilton Honors). This combo typically yields the most mileage per SGD and speeds up reaching your redemption goals.

Which cards gets you the best mileage when paid with CardUp depends on your spend mix. If your travel is frequent and you dine out often, prioritize cards with strong earn rates on travel and dining and robust transfer options. For Hilton stays or rentals, choose a card that links to those programs, then move the spend via CardUp to push mileage into the right category.

Program options to optimize with CardUp: avios transfers tend to offer good value for long‑haul redemptions, while KrisFlyer‑linked cards boost Singapore Airlines mileage. If you aim for hotel stays, Hilton Honors transfers can be efficient, especially when you pair with category‑specific promos. In many cases, a single card with versatile transfer partners yields better redemption flexibility than a card with limited partners.

Beginners should start with a card that offers straightforward miles per dollar and easy redemption, then layer in transfer partners as you grow. For foreigners paying for rentals or dining during a stay, a transfer‑friendly option with solid miles per spend often performs best, and it keeps least friction for redemption across categories.

Practical steps to maximise value: map each CardUp payment to the strongest earning category (travel, dining, or hotels), check the merchant registration status, and confirm that the valid offer or promo applies during the posting window. If a merchant is registered with CardUp for travel or Hilton stays, you’ll see the miles post sooner and with less doubt. Keep an eye on any offers or limited promotions that boost earnings, but skip payments where the processing fees erase the mileage gains. For maybank users, leverage any built‑in transfer routes to enable smoother mileage conversion and avoid negative value from fees.

Spodný riadok: choose a card with strong base rates and flexible transfer partners, align payments to travel and dining through CardUp, and prioritize avios or Hilton transfer paths when you want higher redemption value. This approach minimizes waste, accelerates mileage accumulation, and keeps your pass to premium redemptions within reach.

Airline partners and mile valuation: translating miles into value

Target KrisFlighter and Flying Blue as your core transfer options; they consistently offer high-value long-haul awards and broad partner networks. For Singapore-based travelers, these programs often deliver reliable upgrades and convenient routings on popular legs. Check the terms in your card’s rewards portal to confirm transfer ratios, eligibility, and any status-based perks before moving miles.

Value per mile varies by route and cabin, but long-haul business awards typically sit in the 1.5–3.0 cents per mile range and can push higher on top routes when taxes stay modest. Do a quick analysis: an award at 90,000 miles with S$80 in taxes works out to roughly 0.9–1.4 cents per mile, while a 150,000-mile option with S$0–S$100 taxes lands around 1.3–2.2 cents. Use this framework to compare category by category and identify where your miles truly outperform cash fares.

To maximize value, focus on upgrades and premium-cabin redemptions through partner schemes that price seats favorably; KrisFlyer and Flying Blue often shine for long-haul premium travel, while Alaska Mileage Plan can offer strong value on transpacific itineraries. Compare partner lists to spot sweet spots that align with your most frequent routes and consider multi-city itineraries that unlock higher-value awards with a single redemption. Instant upgrade availability can shift a routine award into a standout experience.

Monitor transfer bonuses and promos, as they can multiply your miles instantly and tilt a decent redemption toward excellent value. Some programs include hotel and dining multipliers through portals, including options that includes Agoda, and Tesco clubs can add mileage value when points convert to airline programs. Dining partnerships with restaurants and status-based perks add flexibility toward upgrades or extra legroom. A term-based, citi-connected approach keeps your options clear, helping you compare and choose the best path for your travel pattern and mood for value.

Annual fees vs miles: when fees pay for themselves

Break-even rule: pick a card only if the annual value from miles exceeds the annual fee. Value per mile × expected miles > annual fee. If you value miles at about 1.0–1.5 cents and expect 20k–30k miles from your yearly spend, the annual fee can be justified.

1. Analyse your typical spend: estimate annual totals for travel, dining, groceries, and overseas2 purchases. Include currency conversions and potential discounts you already receive from merchants. This helps you compare fairly against the competition and ensure you aren’t overpaying for perks you won’t use.
2. Calculate miles earned: note multipliers by category and any welcome bonuses. If a card offers 2–3 miles per S$1 on travel or overseas2, and 1 mile per S$1 on other spend, project your annual miles across categories. Don’t forget to factor in avoidable losses from using debit or non-qualifying payments.
3. Assign a value to miles: common targets fall in the 0.8–1.5 cents per mile range, depending on redemptions (flights, hotels, or upgrades). Being precise here keeps the analysis grounded and reveals if the horizon for value is worth the annual fee.
4. Account for perks and discounts: look beyond miles. Perks such as lounge access, travel protections, vouchers, portal discounts, and elite-status shortcuts can shift the break-even point. If a solitaire perk or a strong overseas2 benefit reduces out-of-pocket payments, they can push you toward keep decisions.
5. Weigh currency and payments nuances: consider FX fees on overseas purchases and the impact of annual charges in SGD. Some banks, including hsbc, apply currency-related costs on overseas payments, which can tilt the balance if you travel or shop abroad often.
6. Make a break-even calculation with factors you actually use: if your plan includes frequent international flights or hotel stays, the value from miles plus the related discounts may outweigh the fee; if not, they won’t. This keeps expectations realistic and avoids overestimating benefits.
7. Consider the horizon and what you will do next year: if you anticipate changing travel patterns, the value of current miles may shift. Evaluate the related risks and how they affect the long-term decision rather than focusing on a single year’s results.

Example scenario: annual fee S$200; earn 2 miles per S$1 on general spend, 6 miles per S$1 on overseas purchases booked through the issuer portal, and 3 miles per S$1 on dining. Estimated yearly spend: S$15,000, with S$3,000 of overseas2 purchases and S$3,000 on dining. Total miles = (12,000 from general spend) + (18,000 from overseas) + (9,000 from dining) = 39,000 miles. If you value miles at 1.0 cent, mile value = S$390. Subtract the annual fee: net value ~ S$190. Add the card’s perks (lounge access, travel protections, discounts): the net benefit becomes more favorable, justifying the annual charge. If your usage falls short and you only extract ~20,000 miles, value drops to ~S$200, roughly breaking even, so consider whether the extra perks are worthwhile or if another card with a lower annual fee better fits your aims.

Bottom line: in a tight field, compare sternly on actual usage and not just headline miles. The right choice hinges on whether the miles you can extract–and the perks you’ll actually use–outweigh the annual cost. When you get this balance right, annual fees become part of a deliberate strategy rather than a sunk cost, helping you keep your travel plans within a realistic budget.

At-a-glance comparison: key metrics for the 7 best cards (bonuses, earn rates, caps)

Best pick for most travellers: Card C offers a strong welcome, reliable ongoing earn, and broad redemption options; pair with Card F for worldwide flexibility and extra bonus categories.

Card-by-card snapshot

Card A – Asia Miles Core

Bonuses: typical welcome Asia Miles in the 20,000–40,000 range after meeting a minimum spend in 3 months. Example offers vary, so expect adjustments during promotions. Earn rate: base 1.0 Asia Mile per SGD; often 2.0 miles per SGD on flights booked via Asia Miles partners; 1.5x on dining. Caps: no universal cap on base earn; there are monthly caps attached to bonus categories during promos. Requirements: min spend SGD 1,000–2,500 to unlock the bonus. Status: miles post automatically to your Asia Miles account, improving freedom to redeem across partners. Impact: higher miles balance can reduce taxes and fees on redemptions when you travel to countries such as England and other destinations. Drawback: annual fee and occasional promo-limited earn. Best use: travel redemption across the Asia Miles network; worldwide options are available, but check partner alignment before booking.

Card B – AmEx KrisFlyer-linked

Bonuses: welcome KrisFlyer miles often in the 25,000–60,000 range after meeting spend requirements in 3–4 months. Earn rate: 2x miles on KrisFlyer-qualifying flights; 1x on all other spend; occasionally higher during targeted promos. Caps: no fixed annual cap on general spend, but some categories may carry promotional caps. Requirements: typical min spend SGD 1,000–2,500. Status: automatic flight mileage accrual when you book via AmEx portal; excellent connectivity for KrisFlyer upgrades. Impact: strong for Asia-Pacific hubs and long-haul routes; worldwide redemption is possible with KrisFlyer. Drawback: annual fee and potential taxes on miles. Best use: maximize miles toward KrisFlyer redemptions and freedom to redeem with Star Alliance partners.

Card C – Core balance card (multi-partner)

Bonuses: welcome miles or points often in the 20,000–50,000 range, with higher promos during specific periods. Earn rate: 1.0–1.5 miles per SGD on most spend; 2.0–3.0 miles per SGD on travel or dining during targeted promos; often boosted during weekends. Caps: base earn usually uncapped, bonus categories may cap monthly. Requirements: SGD 1,000–3,000 minimum spend in 3–4 months. Status: automatický accrual to the points/miles system; can push your status in some programs. Impact: large potential upgrade in status for frequent travelers; worldwide redemptions supported through partners. Drawback: some partners require transfer steps; taxes can apply on awarded miles. Best use: large, versatile redemptions across multiple networks; looking to diversify beyond a single airline.

Card D – UOB PRVI Miles family

Bonuses: common welcome offers in the 25,000–45,000 miles range after spend. Earn rate: 3x miles on flight tickets booked via the UOB portal; 1x on other spend; occasional bonus days. Caps: no hard cap on base earn, but limited-time promo caps may apply. Requirements: spend SGD 1,000–2,500 over 3–4 months to unlock the sign-up. Status: miles post automatically; easy to transfer to major programs. Impact: strong for Asia-Pacific itineraries and worldwide redemptions via transfer partners. Drawback: annual fee and possible carrier-specific blackout dates. Best use: maximize airline-transfer flexibility; half of your spend can be directed to high-value partners to boost value.

Card E – HSBC Asia Miles accelerator

Bonuses: welcome Asia Miles commonly in the 20,000–45,000 range after meeting spend thresholds. Earn rate: 2x Asia Miles on travel bookings; 1x elsewhere; occasional elevated earn during promos. Caps: no universal cap on base earn; some franchises cap bonus miles per billing period. Requirements: min spend SGD 1,000–2,500 within 3–4 months. Status: automatic miles accrual; freedom to redeem across partners. Impact: broad redemption options; important for worldwide travel; good for families with multiple trips per year. Drawback: annual fee and promo complexity. Best use: high-value redemptions across the Asia Miles ecosystem with flexible transfer routes.

Card F – England-to-Asia transfer partner

Bonuses: typical welcome offers range 20,000–40,000 miles after minimum spend. Earn rate: 1.1–1.8 miles per SGD on general spend; 2x–3x on travel/dining during targeted promos. Caps: base earn uncapped, bonus categories may be capped by month. Requirements: spend SGD 1,000–2,500 in 3–4 months. Status: miles posted automatically to the transfer partner account; automatický status progression is partner-dependent. Impact: solid for travelers with UK and Asia itineraries; worldwide routing possible via partners; taxes on some redemptions may apply. Drawback: transfer steps and occasional transfer fees. Best use: maximize miles via partner-redemption strategies and brokers who support flexible options.

Card G – Global Explorer card

Bonuses: welcome miles around 15,000–35,000 with first-spend thresholds. Earn rate: 1.0–2.0 miles per SGD on common spend; 2.5x on travel booked through specific portals. Caps: general earn often uncapped; promotional boosts may cap. Requirements: SGD 1,000–3,000 spend in 3–4 months. Status: miles posted to account automatically; easier to keep a rolling balance. Impact: worldwide usefulness and broad airline-agnostic options help you maximize flexibility; freedom to choose carriers. Drawback: less favorable for non-travel earn if you don’t hit promo targets. Best use: diversify between several transfer partners to avoid being tied to one airline.

How to maximize the seven cards

Use Card C as your anchor to build a strong baseline of miles, then layer in Card A or Card E for frequent flyer flexibility and automatický accrual across partners. Keep an eye on requirements and promo windows to push maximise value, especially when you travel worldwide. If you fly often, align two cards so your spending splits between flights, dining, and everyday buys; this approach delivers excellent miles momentum and avoids a single drawback of over-reliance on one program. Consider the home markets you visit most–Singapore, England, and other krajiny–to pick transfer partners that keep your miles robust against rate changes. For small business spend, use Card F or Card G to express productivity gains while keeping taxes and fees in check. If you prefer rounded strategies, a two-card combo often beats a single-card setup, because you gain more freedom to choose award charts and redemption windows. In short, look for a mix that offers worldwide redemption, status progress, and a clear path to maximize miles without overcomplicating your account management.