KrisFlyer Credit Cards

Compare credit cards that earn KrisFlyer Miles to boost your balance. Evaluate earn rates, sign-up bonuses, annual fees, and additional benefits to make an informed decision.

By   |   Verified by David Boyd   |   Updated 6 Aug 2024

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Comparing KrisFlyer Miles credit cards

American Express Platinum Card

Apply by 1 October 2024

American Express Platinum Card

Rewards program

Membership Rewards

Points per $1 spent

2.25 points

Sign up bonus

200,000 points

Annual fee

$1,450.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Acquire 200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points by applying online, getting approved, and spending $5,000 on your new Card within the initial 3 months. T&Cs apply. Exclusive to New Amex Card Members.
  • Utilize a $450 Platinum Travel Credit annually for flight, hotel, or car rental bookings.
  • Indulge in up to $400 per calendar year when dining at a curated selection of over 1,400 hand-picked restaurants, both domestically and internationally. Terms and Conditions apply.

Pros

  • Receive 200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Receive a $450 Platinum Travel Credit each year.
  • Enjoy up to $400 Global Dining Credit per calendar year.
  • Access to more than 1,400 lounges globally, including The Centurion® Lounge.
  • Get the Amex Experiences App to access information on Platinum benefits, travel offers, events and recommended merchants.

Cons

  • The annual fee of $1,450.
American Express Explorer Credit Card

American Express Explorer Credit Card

Rewards program

Membership Rewards

Points per $1 spent

2 points

Sign up bonus

50,000 points

Annual fee

$395.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Obtain 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points upon application approval and spending $4,000 on your new Card within the initial 3 months. T&Cs apply. Exclusive to New Amex Card Members.
  • Enjoy a $400 Travel Credit annually for flights, hotels, and car rentals when booked online using this card.
  • Benefit from complimentary domestic and international travel insurance coverage.

Pros

  • The 50,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points when approved and reach spend requirement within the first 3 months.
  • Receive a $400 travel credit every year.
  • Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on purchases except for government bodies in Australia where you will earn 1 point per $1 spent (uncapped).
  • Get two complimentary entries per year to The Centurion® Lounge.

Cons

  • The $395 p.a. annual fee.
American Express Velocity Platinum Credit Card

American Express Velocity Platinum Credit Card

Rewards program

Velocity Frequent Flyer

Points per $1 spent

1.25 points

Sign up bonus

60,000 points

Annual fee

$375.00 p.a. ongoing

Highlights

  • Get 60,000 bonus Velocity Points upon applying online, getting approved, and making $3,000 in eligible purchases with your new Card within the initial 3 months. Offer valid for new Amex Card Members exclusively.
  • Receive a complimentary Virgin Australia return Economy domestic flight between specified cities annually following your first Card spend each year.
  • Benefit from 2 complimentary Virgin Australia lounge passes each year at selected domestic airports.

Pros

  • Receive 60,000 bonus Velocity Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Complimentary Virgin Australia return Economy domestic flight between selected cities each year after your first Card spend each anniversary year.
  • Enjoy 2 complimentary Virgin Australia lounge passes each anniversary year at selected domestic airports.
  • Receive 100 Velocity Frequent Flyer Status Credits, when you spend a minimum of $50,000 within your card membership year.
  • Complimentary domestic and international travel insurance.
  • Get the Amex Experiences App to access information on Platinum benefits, travel offers, events and recommended merchants.
  • Add up to 4 additional cardholders for free.

Cons

  • The interest rates applied to balances carried over is on the high end.
  • There is no balance transfer offer on this card.
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card

American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card

Rewards program

Membership Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1 point

Sign up bonus

N/A

Annual fee

$0.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • No annual fee in the initial year, saving you $195.
  • Accrue 3 Membership Rewards points for every $1 spent at major supermarkets and petrol stations.
  • Access $200 allocated for annual travel expenses, applicable towards eligible flights, hotels, or car rentals when booked through American Express Travel.

Pros

  • $0 annual fee in the first year, saving you $195.
  • Receive $200 to spend on eligible domestic and international flights, hotels, or car hire with American Express Travel.
  • Smartphone Screen Cover for smartphone screen repairs up to $500.

Cons

  • The ongoing purchase rate of 23.99%.
Westpac Altitude Black Credit Card (Altitude)

On website

Apply by 30 November 2024

Westpac Altitude Black Credit Card (Altitude)

Rewards program

Altitude Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1.25 points

Sign up bonus

100,000 points

Annual fee

$150.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Earn up to 150,000 bonus Altitude Points. Receive 100,000 Altitude bonus points by spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within 120 days of card approval. Additionally, get 50,000 points after your first eligible purchase in year 2. Exclusions apply.
  • Initial $150 p.a. annual fee ($295 p.a. thereafter), applicable to new cardholders only.
  • Earn 6 Altitude points per $1 on Qantas, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates flights bought in Australia, subject to eligibility criteria.

Pros

  • Earn up to 150,000 bonus Altitude Points when you meet the criteria.
  • Additional savings with the $150 first-year annual fee ($295 p.a. thereafter).
  • Earn 1.25 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases
  • Get 2 complimentary lounge passes each year with Priority Pass.

Cons

  • The high annual fee of $295 p.a. after the initial year.
Westpac Altitude Platinum Credit Card (Altitude)

Apply by 1 November 2023

Westpac Altitude Platinum Credit Card (Altitude)

Rewards program

Altitude Rewards

Points per $1 spent

1 point

Sign up bonus

100,000 points

Annual fee

$99.00 for 1st year

Highlights

  • Receive 100,000 Altitude bonus points when you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within 90 days of card approval. Terms and conditions apply.
  • $99 p.a. annual fee for the first year ($150 p.a. annual fee thereafter).
  • Earn 3 Altitude points per $1 on Qantas and Jetstar flights bought in Australia, eligibility criteria apply.

Pros

  • 100,000 bonus Altitude Points when you spend $3,000 in 90 days.
  • Additional savings with the $99 first-year annual fee ($150 p.a. thereafter).
  • Comes with complimentary travel insurance.
  • Earn 1 Altitude point per $1 spent on eligible purchases.

Cons

  • Only up to 45 days interest-free on purchases.
  • Does not include lounge access.

Flying Business or First Class with Singapore Airlines is highly regarded, and Australians can earn KrisFlyer Miles through various local credit card rewards programs. Here’s how to compare credit cards that earn KrisFlyer Miles and convert your points effectively.

How to compare credit cards that earn KrisFlyer Miles

When comparing credit cards that earn KrisFlyer Miles, consider these key features:

  • Earn rate: Higher earn rates are preferable, but pay attention to points caps and tiers based on spending and elevated earn rates for specific spending categories such as dining or travel.
  • Conversion rate: Since there are no directly linked KrisFlyer cards in Australia, conversion rates from credit card rewards programs to KrisFlyer may vary between programs.
  • Sign-up bonus points: Look for offers with sign-up bonuses that can quickly boost your KrisFlyer Miles balance.
  • Other benefits: Consider additional perks such as travel insurance, 24/7 concierge service, or airport lounge access, but only if they are of value to you.
  • Annual fee: Evaluate the cost of keeping the account open and whether the benefits justify the fee.

Transferring to KrisFlyer through Velocity

A unique aspect of Singapore Airlines’ partnership with Virgin Australia is the ability to transfer points or miles between the two programs. This occurs at a rate of 1.55 points/miles in one program equalling one point/mile in the other.

For example, 1.55 Velocity Points convert to one KrisFlyer mile. Conversely, 1.55 KrisFlyer miles convert to one Velocity Point. (Be aware that there is a slight loss in value with each conversion, so avoid transferring points back and forth repeatedly).

What Does This Mean for Credit Card Choice?

This partnership allows any Velocity-linked card to facilitate KrisFlyer transfers. You will need at least 5,000 Velocity Points to make a transfer. This feature enables you to earn KrisFlyer miles from a wider range of credit cards.

Due to this partnership, it is unlikely that a KrisFlyer-branded credit card will reappear in the Australian market. Westpac previously issued one, but it is no longer available to new applicants.

For the points earned, we have specified the effective earn rate per dollar after transferring points to KrisFlyer.

Help choosing a KrisFlyer credit card

Elevate your journey with ease - find the perfect KrisFlyer credit card for your travel goals.

  • FAQs

  • Pros & cons

Can I earn KrisFlyer Miles with any credit card?

No, not all credit cards offer KrisFlyer Miles. Look for cards from the KrisFlyer program or have a points conversion partnership with Singapore Airlines, such as rewards credit cards from Australia’s major banks.

How long does it take for points to transfer from a rewards program to KrisFlyer?

After transferring from a rewards program, it can take several days for points to appear in KrisFlyer. For example, ANZ Rewards suggests allowing up to 15 business days.

Are points conversion rates the same for all credit cards?

No, conversion rates vary between different rewards programs. It might require 2.0, 2.5, or even 3.0 credit card rewards points for each KrisFlyer Mile.

Which Australian credit card rewards programs partner with KrisFlyer?

Points can be transferred from many rewards programs, including Westpac Altitude Rewards, St George/Bank of Melbourne/Bank SA Amplify Rewards, ANZ Rewards, Commonwealth Bank Awards, American Express Membership Rewards, NAB Rewards, HSBC Rewards Plus, Citibank Rewards, Suncorp Rewards, and Diners Club Rewards.

Pros

Earn KrisFlyer Miles on everyday spending

This is one of the few ways to earn KrisFlyer Miles in Australia without flying with Singapore Airlines.

Bonus KrisFlyer Points

Trigger the credit card sign-up bonus offer and transfer points to KrisFlyer.

Valuable benefits

KrisFlyer Miles-earning cards often have perks like international travel insurance and airport lounge access.

Use KrisFlyer Miles with Star Alliance Partners

Access award flights with other Star Alliance airlines, as well as Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic, Alaska Airlines, and Vistara.

Cons

Expensive annual fees

These cards can cost hundreds of dollars annually. Assess whether the benefits justify the expense.

Earning limits

Caps and thresholds can limit high spenders from maximising their earning potential.

KrisFlyer Miles expire after three years

Even with an active account, you have a three-year limit to use your Miles. Avoid converting your Australian rewards points into KrisFlyer Miles until you can use them.