Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Guide
Your complete guide to maximizing credit card transfers and finding exceptional flight redemptions with one of the most valuable airline loyalty programs.
Introduction to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer offers exclusive access to one of the world's most premium airlines, with opportunities to book Singapore's renowned First and Business Class products that are often only available through the KrisFlyer program.
In This Guide:
Credit Card Transfer Partners
One of Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer's biggest strengths is its wide range of transfer partners. You can transfer points from all major flexible points currencies to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, typically at favorable ratios.
| Transfer Partner | Transfer Ratio | Transfer Time | Transfer Bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Membership Rewards | 1:1 | 1-2 days | Occasional transfer bonuses of 15-30% |
| Chase Ultimate Rewards | 1:1 | 1-2 days | No recent transfer bonuses |
| Citi ThankYou Points | 1:1 | 1-2 days | Occasional transfer bonuses |
| Capital One Miles | 1:1 | 1-2 days | Rare transfer bonuses |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 3:1 | 3 days | Occasional transfer bonuses |
Pro Tip: Always check for transfer bonuses before transferring points. A 20% bonus effectively makes your points worth 20% more, significantly increasing your redemption value.
Key Program Features
Exclusive Award Access
KrisFlyer members get exclusive access to Singapore Airlines premium cabins that are often not available through partner programs.
Waitlist Option
If the award you want isn't available, you can join a waitlist and be notified if space opens up.
Spontaneous Escapes
Monthly promotions offering 30% off select routes for the following month, providing excellent value.
Star Alliance Awards
Ability to redeem on all Star Alliance carriers, often with competitive rates.
Stopover Policy
One free stopover on round-trip Saver awards, with additional stopovers available for $100 each.
Important Note: Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles expire after 36 months regardless of account activity, so be sure to use your miles before they expire.
Sweet Spot Redemptions
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer offers several exceptional sweet spot redemptions that provide outsized value for your points, particularly for premium cabin travel.
| Route | Economy | Business | First | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US to Singapore | 40,000-49,000 miles (one-way) | 95,000-115,000 miles (one-way) | 130,000-155,000 miles (one-way) | Access to Singapore's premium products, including Suites Class |
| US to Europe | 30,000-33,000 miles (one-way) | 75,000-85,000 miles (one-way) | Not available | Good value on Singapore's fifth freedom JFK-FRA route |
| Singapore to Australia/New Zealand | 20,000-40,000 miles (one-way) | 48,000-80,000 miles (one-way) | 80,000-120,000 miles (one-way) | Excellent option for visiting Australia/NZ |
| Singapore to Japan/South Korea | 15,000-20,000 miles (one-way) | 36,000-43,000 miles (one-way) | 70,000-75,000 miles (one-way) | Great value for intra-Asia premium travel |
| Singapore to Europe | 35,000-40,000 miles (one-way) | 85,000-95,000 miles (one-way) | 125,000-135,000 miles (one-way) | Access to Singapore's premium cabins on long-haul routes |
Spotlight: Singapore Airlines Suites Class
Singapore Airlines' ultra-premium Suites Class is one of the most luxurious ways to fly, featuring private cabins with separate beds and seats on selected A380 aircraft. These awards are exclusively available through the KrisFlyer program and cannot be booked using partner miles.
Example
- New York (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA) on Singapore Airlines A380
- Frankfurt (FRA) to Singapore (SIN) on Singapore Airlines A380
- Total cost: 132,000 KrisFlyer miles + approximately $50-100 in taxes and fees
- Value: Typically $10,000+ if purchased with cash
Best Credit Cards for Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
These credit cards offer the best opportunities to earn points that can be transferred to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase
$95
60,000 Ultimate Rewards points
3X on dining and online groceries, 2X on travel, 1X on everything else
- Points transfer 1:1 to KrisFlyer
- $50 annual hotel credit
- 10% anniversary point bonus
- Travel and purchase protections
American Express® Gold Card
American Express
$250
60,000 Membership Rewards points
4X at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year), 3X on flights, 1X on other purchases
- Points transfer 1:1 to KrisFlyer
- $120 annual dining credit
- $120 annual Uber credit
- No foreign transaction fees
Citi Premier® Card
Citi
$95
60,000 ThankYou Points
3X on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels, 1X on everything else
- Points transfer 1:1 to KrisFlyer
- $100 annual hotel savings benefit
- No foreign transaction fees
- Purchase protection
Advanced Tips & Tricks
Pro Insider Tips
- Book Singapore Airlines premium cabins only through KrisFlyer for best availability
- Look for 'Saver' awards for the best redemption rates
- Check Spontaneous Escapes promotions monthly for 30% discounted awards
- Book well in advance (355 days out) for Suites and First Class availability
- Use the Singapore Airlines app which sometimes shows different availability than the website
- Consider booking Star Alliance partners through KrisFlyer for competitive rates
- Miles expire after 36 months regardless of activity - plan accordingly
- KrisFlyer miles typically worth 1.2-2.0 cents each, with premium cabin redemptions offering highest value
Start Your Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Journey
With exclusive access to Singapore Airlines' premium cabins, competitive award rates, and flexible routing rules, KrisFlyer stands out as an excellent program for travel to Asia and beyond.Whether you're planning a simple trip or a complex multi-destination journey, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer offers exceptional redemption opportunities.