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Best credit cards in Singapore for travel 2017
The year-end is upon us as we have just entered Q4. If you’re planning your year-end holidays, or making travel plans for the new year, these are some travel credit cards you should look at to milk as many benefits as possible out of your travels.
These are some of the things we should look at when picking the perfect travel card to take abroad with you.
Points – You want to maximise your miles with the least amount of spending, and of course, get as many bonus miles as possible!
Costs – Annual membership fees, and any "other" fees you have to pay to redeem or convert points to miles is something you should bear in mind when getting a card. We have calculated how much you need to spend per year to earn 50,000 miles, which is equivalent to a free economy return flight ticket to a number of destinations (using KrisFlyer miles). This excludes miles earned with promotions which would be an added enhancement.
Reward – The minimum you need to spend to redeem with your miles.
Expiry – Validity period of the points / miles earned and processing time to convert or redeem points to miles.
Eligibility – Minimum income required to apply for the credit card.
1. UOB JCB Platinum Card
Best card to travel around Japan
Source: United Overseas Bank
Points
With UOB’s JCB Platinum Card, you will earn your points in SMART$. The SMART$ are rebate points that work just like regular dollars. Use your SMART$ to offset your next purchase immediately to enjoy greater savings everyday!
S$1 = 0.2 SMART$ = S$0.2 rebate (Transactions made in The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf)
S$1 = 0.06 SMART$ = S$0.06 rebate (Transactions made in Sephora, EpiCentre, Isetan, Meidi-ya and UNIQLO)
S$1 = 0.003 SMART$ = S$0.003 rebate (All other transactions)
Costs
Principal card: S$64.20 p.a. (First year fee waived)
Supplementary card: First card is free, while every subsequent card will cost S$32.10 p.a.
Reward
This card is a little different from the rest as it is not a miles card. Instead it is a rebate card that offers great rebates when you spend at selected Japanese merchants.
This card comes with a lot of benefits when you are travelling around in Japan too. You will gain complimentary access to many of the major towers in Japan, free WiFi and limousine service all while travelling in Japan.
Expiry
The SMART$ will expire 6 months from the date of issuance or on the expiry date of the credit card, whichever is earlier.
Eligibility
S$30,000 and above per annum (Singaporean, PR or Japanese Citizen)
S$40,000 and above per annum (Non-Singaporean)
S$10,000 fixed deposits if the above are not met (Singaporean and Non-Singaporean)
Conclusion
This is a great card for travellers who frequent Japan as it comes with a lot of benefits when you are travelling in Japan. Also, you get a lot of perks at Japanese merchants in Singapore.
2. DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card
Best frequent traveller card
Source: DBS Bank
Points
The DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card has one of the best miles-for-money-spent earning programs with its $1 for 3 miles for online flight and hotel transactions. DBS Points can be converted to miles for KrisFlyer, AsiaMiles or AirAsia BIG Points.
S$1 = 1.2 miles (local transaction)
S$1 = 2 miles (overseas transaction)
S$1 = 3 miles (all online flight and hotel transactions – capped at S$5,000 per month or 15,000 miles)
You also receive 10,000 bonus miles when you pay the annual membership fee of S$192.60
Costs
Principal card: S$192.60 p.a. (First year fees waived)
Supplementary card: S$96.30 p.a. (First year fees waived)
Cardholders can opt to forego the 10,000 bonus miles, and instead have the annual fee waived, provided there has been a minimum annual spend of S$25,000 on the card.
In order to convert DBS points to air miles, cardholders must enrol in the DBS Frequent Flyer Programme (FFP). An additional annual fee of S$42.80 to enrol will be charged, whether or not you redeem your DBS points.
You will need local spending of approximately S$33,500 to obtain 50,000 miles. But, if you consistently use your credit card for flight and hotel transactions (capped monthly at S$5,000), you could reach 50,000 miles for as little as S$13,000!
Reward
For 15,000 KrisFlyer miles, you will be able to redeem one round trip economy savers flight ticket from Singapore to Bali, Indonesia. This wouldn’t be so hard to redeem since 10,000 miles will be credited to you upon payment of the annual fees.
To earn the rest of the 5,000 miles only local transactions, you would only have to spend S$4,167 or if you happen to be overseas, you would only need to spend an equivalent of S$2,500. Better yet, spend S$1,667 on another flight ticket for your travel buddy and pay for your hotel using this credit card and you would be able to redeem one free ticket!
Expiry
DBS points expire on the anniversary of your Card Account Open Date (1 year), which is one of the shortest validity periods for reward points of all the cards mentioned in this article.
Additionally, it takes about 3 months to convert DBS points to miles, which is one of the longest processing times to convert points to miles. So be sure to make your travel plans well ahead to get the most out of this card.
Eligibility
S$30,000 and above per annum (Singaporean)
S$45,000 and above per annum (Non-Singaporean)
Conclusion
In a nutshell, this card is the best for frequent travellers because it gives the most miles for flight and hotel transactions ($1 = 3miles). Eligibility criteria is one of the lowest, but you do need to redeem your points within a year, so planning is essential.
3. Citi PremierMiles Visa Card
Best card for those who do not travel often
Source: Citigroup
Points
Points earned are in Citi Miles and can be redeemed for miles in most of the major FFPs, including Asia Miles, Avios, Gold Points, Delta Skymiles, Qantas Points, Qmiles, KrisFlyer Miles, HHonors or IHG Rewards, Royal Orchid Plus and Guest Miles.
S$1 = 1.2 Citi Miles = 1.2 air miles (Local transaction)
S$1 = 2 Citi Miles = 2 air miles (Overseas transaction)
There is a bonus of 10,000 Citi Miles upon membership renewal and payment of annual fee.
Costs
Principal card: S$192.60 p.a.
Supplementary card: free
S$25 administration fee for each redemption of Citi Miles to the frequent flyer programme miles of your choice.
A spend of approximately S$33,550 will get you to 50,000 miles. However, the current bonus miles promotion offer reduces your necessary spend to less than S$17,000 (excluding the annual membership fee) for 50,000 miles. This is on the condition that you spend S$10,000 in the first 3 months. With Christmas coming up fast, this may be easy to spend!
Reward
The great thing about this card is that upon paying your first annual fee and spending any amount on your card within the first 3 months, you automatically get 15,000 Citi Miles. Since 1 Citi Mile = 1 air mile, you will be able to redeem a return flight ticket from Singapore to Bali, Jakarta or even Kota Kinabalu for 15,000 miles with KrisFlyer.
Expiry
Citi Miles never expire!
Citi Miles will be credited within 2 months and take about 5 working days to redeem (14 working days for Royal Orchid Plus or Guest Miles).
Eligibility
S$50,000 and above per annum (Singaporeans and Non-Singaporeans)
Conclusion
This is a great card if you take immediate advantage of the bonus miles promotion. Otherwise, it is generally comparable with the DBS Altitude Visa card, but without the 1 year expiry of points.
4. UOB PRVI Miles Card (American Express, Visa or Mastercard)
Best overseas use card
Source: United Overseas Bank
Points
Points are earned in UNI$ points and can be converted to KrisFlyer miles or AsiaMiles points. The UOB PRVI Miles Card has one of the highest miles points earned for S$ spent locally or overseas.
S$1 = 1.4 miles (local transaction)
S$1 = 2.4 miles (overseas transaction)
There is a 20,000 miles bonus with spend of S$50,000 in a year (valid only for UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card)
Costs
Principal card: S$256.80 p.a. (First year fees waived)
Supplementary card: free for first 2 cards, subsequent cards are S$128.40 p.a. (First year fees waived)
A conversion fee of S$25 will apply for each conversion of UNI$ to KrisFlyer or AsiaMiles.
50,000 miles takes a local spend total of just under S$36,000.
Reward
For new UOB card members, 10,000 welcome miles will be given upon successful application (this promotion is until November 2016). And spend another S$834 more to earn enough miles for a round trip to Bali!
Fret not if you missed the welcome promotion, with UOB’s high miles earning rate, you only need to spend as low as S$760 per month to be able to redeem that round trip to Bali in a year.
Expiry
All UNI$ expire 2 years from the quarterly period in which they were earned.
It takes 14 to 21 working days to convert UNI$ to KrisFlyer miles or AsiaMiles.
Eligibility
S$80,000 and above per annum (Singaporeans and Non-Singaporeans)
Conclusion
A decent card with the highest miles earned per S$1 spent locally or overseas. Downsides are the high minimum income requirement, and expensive annual fee of S$256.80.
5. American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card
Best local airlines card
Source: American Express Company
Points
The benefit of the AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer credit Card is that the points are directly earned in KrisFlyer miles and conveniently credited into your KrisFlyer account.
$1 = 1.1 KrisFlyer miles (Local)
$1 = 2 KrisFlyer miles (Overseas), during June and December, and for purchases made at singaporeair.com, silkair.com, KrisShop, and SilkAir SkyShop, both in-flight and online.
There is also a welcome Bonus of 5,000 KrisFlyer miles with the first charge to card, and an additional 3,000 KrisFlyer miles when you spend S$700 on your Card in the first 6 months upon card approval.
And KrisFlyer miles can be earned when you book your taxi or car rides with Grab.
Costs
Principal card: S$176.55 p.a. (First year fees waived)
Supplementary card: S$53.50 p.a. (First year fees waived)
A total local annual spend of around S$39,000 will give you 50,000 miles (with the 8,000 welcome bonus miles and first year membership fee waiver).
Reward
The good thing about this card is that KrisFlyer miles are earned directly when you spend instead of having to convert reward points into miles.
If you spend just S$700 within the first 6 months upon successful application of the card, you will receive up to 8,000 bonus KrisFlyer miles. And all you need is another 7,000 miles (S$6,364) to be able to redeem a return flight to Bali, Bandung, Jakarta or even Kota Kinabalu!
Expiry
KrisFlyer miles expire 3 years after the end of the equivalent month in which they were earned.
Eligibility
S$30,000 and above per annum (Singaporean or PR)
S$60,000 and above per annum (Non-Singaporean)
Conclusion
This card is excellent for Singapore Airlines fans, and is fuss-free from redemption / conversion processes. The downside is that miles earned per $ spent are relatively low.
6. HSBC Advance Visa Platinum Card
Best no annual fee travel credit card
Source: HSBC Bank (Singapore)
Points
The points are earned in HSBC Reward points. You can participate in HSBC's Mileage Programme to redeem air miles at 5,000 Rewards points per block of 2,000 miles from AsiaMiles and KrisFlyer.
S$1 = 10 points = 4 air miles (online, local entertainment and local dining transactions)
S$1 = 1 point = 0.4 air miles (all other local transactions)
Costs
Principal card: free
HSBC Reward Points Programme: S$40 p.a.
Spend on online transactions, local entertainment and local dining to enjoy 10x HSBC Rewards points for every dollar spent. That means spending only S$500 (5,000 Reward points) to redeem 2,000 miles.
Reward
15,000 miles is the minimum number of miles required by krisFlyer in order to redeem a return flight ticket (Bali, Jakarta, Penang, Manado). Thus, if you spend S$3,750 on online shopping, local entertainment and local dining transactions, you’d be flying your way free to one of the holiday destinations.
Alternatively, you may still redeem travel and hotel vouchers with your HSBC Reward Points. With 40,000 Rewards points (that could be achieved by spending at least S$4,450), you will be able to redeemS$200 worth of Vacations Vouchers (38,000 Rewards points) or S$150 worth of HSBC's Hotel Dining Vouchers (37,500 Rewards points) or even S$120 worth of Shopping Mall Vouchers (40,000 Rewards points).
Expiry
The HSBC Reward Points expire in 37 months from when it was earned.
Eligibility
All applicants must be an existing HSBC Advance account holder
S$30,000 and above per annum (Singaporean or PR)
S$40,000 and above per annum (Non-Singaporean or self-employed)
A minimum Fixed deposit Collateral of S$10,000 if the income requirements are not met
Conclusion
This is a great reward card for millennials, online shoppers and foodies, as they would get to earn the 10x Reward points more frequently. Also, it’s very affordable because of its perpetually waived annual membership fee.
7. ANZ Travel Visa Signature Credit Card
Best card to travel around Australia & New Zealand
Source: Australia and New Zealand Banking Group
Points
S$1 = 2.8 Travel$ = 2.8 air miles (flight bookings with Qantas and Jetstar airlines or retail transactions in Australia and New Zealand)
S$1 = 1.4 Travel$ = 1.4 air miles (all other transactions)
There is a conversion fee of S$25 (3000 Travel$) for when you convert your Travel$ into air miles under the Travel$ Rewards Programme.
Costs
Principal card: S$200 p.a. (first year fees waived off)
Supplementary card: S$100 p.a. (first year fees waived off)
Reward
Even this credit card allows their reward points to be converted into KrisFlyer miles, but it’s recommended to claim miles with Qantas instead.
For 46,900 Qantas Miles, you would be able to redeem a one way ticket to Sydney, which would require you to spend S$16,750 (on flight bookings with Qantas and Jetstar airlines or retail transactions in Australia and New Zealand).
Expiry
The rewards will expire after 5 years or if you close your account, whichever earlier.
Eligibility
S$60,000 and above per annum (Singaporean or PR)
S$90,000 and above per annum (Non-Singaporean)
Conclusion
Great for travellers who frequent Australia and New Zealand, as they may collect the double points while spending there. Also, this card comes with a complimentary travel accident insurance of up to S$1 million, allowing you to travel worry-free!
8. Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card
Best card with travel privileges
Source: Standard Chartered Singapore
Points
You’ll be off to your next holiday destination in no time with this card’s high air miles earning rate. Participate in the Standard Chartered 360° Rewards Programme and earn:
S$1 = 1.4 miles (local transaction)
S$1 = 3 miles (overseas transaction)
However, this is only if you spend at least S$2,000 on your card every statement cycle. Even if you don’t manage to spend that much, you will still earn:
S$1 = 2.5 points = 1 mile
Costs
Principal card: S$558.50 p.a.
You would have to spend S$2,000 every statement cycle in order to earn more points, or else it’s a S$1 for 2.5 points (1 mile).
Reward
Upon successful application and payment for the first year membership fee, you would receive 35,000 miles or 25,000 miles and S$100 Uber credits, which is already enough for a flight to Indonesia or Malaysia if you redeem your miles with KrisFlyer.
With 25,000 KrisFlyer miles, you would be able to redeem return flight tickets to Bangkok, Cebu, Hanoi and many other holiday destinations. And with 35,000 miles, you would be able to redeem a return trip to certain destinations in China!
Expiry
The points will never expire.
Eligibility
S$30,000 and above per annum (Singaporean or PR with Priority Banking)
S$60,000 and above per annum (Non-Singaporean with Priority Banking)
S$150,000 and above per annum (Singaporean or non-Singaporean without Priority Banking)
Conclusion
Although the annual fees can be a bit hefty, this card brings a lot of elite privileges. Apart from the high miles earning rate, card holders are given complimentary travel accident insurance of up to S$1 million. Also, relax at the airport with 6 complimentary visits to airport lounges around the world under the Priority Pass Lounge programme.
9. Maybank Horizon Platinum Visa Card
Best miles earning rate card
Points
Source: Maybank
Fly across the horizon with the Maybank Horizon Platinum Visa Card.
S$1 = 5 TREATS Points = 2 air miles (air tickets, travel packages and overseas transaction)
S$1 = 8 TREATS Points = 3.2 air miles (local dining, taxi fares, hotel bookings, petrol transactions)
S$1 = 1 TREATS Point = 0.4 air miles (other transactions)
Costs
Principal card: S$150 p.a. (waived if you spend at least S$12,000 a year)
Supplementary card: free
S$25 conversion fee applied every time you convert TREATS Points into air miles.
Reward
Spending S$4,690 on local dining, taxi fares, hotel bookings and petrol transactions can easily earn you enough KrisFlyer Miles (15,000 miles) to redeem a return trip flight ticket to your next holiday destination.
Expiry
1 year from the quarterly period it was earned.
Eligibility
S$30,000 and above per annum (Singaporean)
S$60,000 and above per annum (Non-Singaporean)
Conclusion
If you have the time to travel frequently, this card would be great for you, as it has a high air miles earning rate despite the points expiring in such a short time.
10. OCBC VOYAGE Card
Best international airlines card
Source: OCBC Bank
Points
With the OCBC VOYAGE, you can fly to any city in the world on any airline with the VOYAGE Miles. The miles can be redeemed instantly and you can decide if you would like to redeem your miles partially or fully.
S$1 = 2.3 VOYAGE Miles (local dining and overseas transaction)
S$1 = 1 VOYAGE Mile (other local transaction)
Costs
Principal card: S$488 p.a.
Supplementary card: S$188 p.a. (first year waived for the first 2 supplementary cards)
Reward
Spend S$6,522 on local dining and overseas transactions to earn enough miles for a return trip ticket with KrisFlyer.
Expiry
The points never expire.
Eligibility
S$120,000 and above per annum (Singaporean and Non-Singaporean)
Conclusion
This credit card is great for those who like to try out different airlines every time they travel, since the miles can be redeemed on all airlines worldwide.
11. OCBC Titanium Credit Card
Best card with travel promotions
Source: OCBC Bank
Points
Another travel card by OCBC, with a minimum spend of S$1,500 per calendar month, card holders will earn:
S$1 = 2 air miles
S$1 = 1 air mile
Even if you don't spend that much a month, you'll still get to earn:
3x OCBC$ on overseas spend
1x OCBC$ on local spend
Sign up for the extensive OCBC$ rewards programme and redeem OCBC$ for cash, vouchers, gifts or convert them into air miles on KrisFlyer. The OCBC$ can even be transferred to other OCBC card holders as a gift.
Costs
Principal card: S$192.60 p.a (waived for first 2 years and if you spend at S$10,000 per year for subsequent years)
Supplementary card: S$96.30 p.a. (waived for first 2 years)
In order to earn miles instead of OCBC$, at least S$1,500 has to be spent every calendar month.
An admin fee of S$25 for every conversion of OCBC$ to air miles.
Reward
Spend S$7,500 and earn enough KrisFlyer miles to redeem a return flight ticket!
Expiry
5 years from date of redemption
Eligibility
S$30,000 and above per annum (Singaporean or PR)
S$45,000 and above per annum (Non-Singaporean)
Conclusion
The OCBC Platinum card is a great card for the frequent traveller as you can earn more points when you spend overseas. There lots of other travel perks that come with this card, such as complimentary travel accident insurance, hotel promotions and flight fare promotions. There's even a pink version of this card for ladies!
12. Citi Prestige Card
Best points reward card
Source: Citigroup
Points
The points are earned in Citi Dollars, which can be converted into air miles easily.
S$1 = 5 Citi Dollars = 2 air miles (overseas transaction)
S$1 = 3.25 Citi Dollars = 1.3 air miles (local transaction)
The great thing about this card is that you will be rewarded Citi Dollars for your relationship with Citibank. As a welcome bonus, you can opt to have 62,500 Citi Dollars (25,000 miles), a tablet or a night’s stay at a hotel.
Also, as an Annual Renewal Bonus, you would get another 62,500 Citi Dollars (25,000 miles). The longer you have a relationship with Citibank, the more Citi Dollars it will reward you annually.
Costs
Principal card: S$535 p.a.
Supplementary card: free
Reward
Upon payment of the annual membership fees of S$535 every year, you earn 25,000 bonus miles which is already enough to redeem return flight tickets from Singapore to Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar and Thailand!
Expiry
Citi Dollars never expire.
Eligibility
S$120,000 and above per annum (Singaporean and Non-Singaporean)
Conclusion
This card is quite the prestigious credit card. Apart from the generous Citi Dollars Citibank offers, card holders will receive many perks that come with this card. For instance, free fourth night stay at hotels, complimentary and unlimited airport lounge access, free airport limousine transfers and free travel accident insurance.
Bank companies are constantly changing and updating their promotions and offerings, so make sure that you are on the e-mailing list.
(By Samantha Chiew)
