KrisFlyer is a great frequent flyer program for redemptions in Business and First Class with Singapore Airlines and a range of Star Alliance partners.
Earning KrisFlyer miles from credit card spend is one of the key ways that many KrisFlyer members earn their points – if you happen to put a lot of your day to day spend on any of American Express, Visa or Mastercard, there are some high points earning options out there.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the highest KrisFlyer earning cards on the market, with American Express options earning more than 1 KrisFlyer mile per $, and the Visa/Mastercard options earning over 0.75 miles per $.
We’ve included an overview table so you can assess the cards that are out there, versus those you may have in your wallet. We also include some of the current sign up bonuses for new card applicants.
Redemptions on domestic Virgin Australia Business Class flights are one of the best uses of KrisFlyer miles
Note that 2017 proved to be a game changer in the Australian credit card market, with a number of changes from the Reserve Bank continuing to make themselves felt to consumers and business alike. We are now seeing changes in a wide range of cards especially with regards to card benefits, points earn rates, and transfer rates. All figures in the table below are updated with details from the latest announcements and we will do our best to keep this guide up to date.
Both ANZ and Citi have already announced changes to their range of credit cards, with ANZ severing ties with American Express but also increasing earn rates on the Visa albeit implementing a points cap across their line up effective 6 August 2017, read more here.
Citi’s changes also affects the majority of their points-earning credit cards, with both earn rate and transfer rate to partners being adjusted effective 15 June 2017, you can read our full summary of these changes by Citi here.
Recent announcements by Westpac, St. George group, NAB and Commonwealth Bank have seen even more changes coming into the scene with most changes effective from 1 July 2017 onwards. You can keep up with all the upcoming changes here.
How to analyse this list
For all the cards and offers listed on this page we are only touching on the ‘effective earn rate’ – this is when points in the parent bank / credit card rewards program are transferred to KrisFlyer, and is a way to compare the specific points earn rates for each card across various credit card rewards programs that offer different headline earn rates and transfer rates to frequent flyer programs.
Each card has other benefits too, along with other transfer partners, annual fees and terms and conditions – so be sure to check out the full guide to each card.
There’s also the signup bonus of a card to consider. A large signup bonus may help to offset a lower earn rate on a card, so bear that in mind. It depends how much spend you put through your credit card each month, and how long you keep the card for.
Each card offer, with bonus, fee and other offer information on this page will be up to date at the date of publication, however please note that we update offers over time.
Transferring to KrisFlyer through Velocity
One of the unique things about Singapore Airlines partnership with Virgin Australia is that you can immediately transfer points / miles between the two programs, at a rate of 1.35 points / miles in one program = 1 point / mile in the other.
What does this mean for credit card choice? Well, this opens up any Velocity-linked card to KrisFlyer transfers. You’ll need 5,000 points minimum in Velocity to be able to transfer, but otherwise it’s useful to be able to earn KrisFlyer miles from other credit cards.
This partnership is also why I’d be surprised to see a KrisFlyer-branded credit card in the market again here in Australia – Westpac used to issue one, but it’s no longer open to new applicants.
As a result, we’ve included Velocity-branded cards in this KrisFlyer round up too, and specified their effective earn rate per $ after transferring points to KrisFlyer.
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Earning Credit Cards
| Card | American Express KrisFlyer Miles earned / $ spent | Visa/MasterCard KrisFlyer Miles earned / $ spent | Points Cap | Annual Fee | Our Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Business Accelerator ↓ | 2 miles (1 mile after points cap) | - | 100,000 p.a. | $160 | → |
| American Express Explorer ↓ | 1.5 miles | - | uncapped | $395 | → |
| Westpac Altitude Business Black ↓ | 1.2 miles | 0.4 point domestic 0.8 point overseas | uncapped | $295 | → |
| American Express Velocity Platinum ↓ | 1.11 miles on general spend except utilities and ATO 1.85 mile with Virgin Australia | - | uncapped | $375 | → |
| American Express Platinum Charge ↓ | 1 mile on general spend except utilities and ATO 3 miles at selected restaurants 2 miles on travel & overseas spend | - | 300,000 p.a. | $1,200 | → |
| American Express Platinum Edge ↓ | 1 point on general spend except utilities and ATO 3 points at supermarkets 2 points on fuel | - | uncapped | $195 | → |
| American Express Business Platinum Charge ↓ | 1 mile on general spend 2 mile on selected business and advertising expenses, at most restaurants in Australia, on travel and overseas spend | - | 375,000 p.a. | $1,500 | → |
| St. George Amplify Signature ↓ | - | 0.75 mile | uncapped | $279 | → |
| Citi Prestige Visa | - | 0.4 mile on general spend 0.8 mile at major petrol stations, supermarkets and retailers 1.2 miles at major restaurants, airlines and international spend | uncapped | $700 | → |
American Express Business Accelerator - 2 points per $ up to 100,000 points yearly
The American Express Business Accelerator offers business owners and sole traders 2 Membership Rewards per dollar up to 100,000 points earned each cardholder year, with 1 point per $ earned after for an annual fee of $160.
- 2 Membership Rewards points earned per $ spent everywhere (except for utilities, insurance and the ATO up to 100,000 points per year)
- 1 Membership Rewards point earned per $ after 100,000 points earned in a year
- $160 p.a. annual fee
Read the Business Accelerator guide →
Point Hacks earn a maximum of $200 per applicant for this card. More about this →
The American Express Business Accelerator earns the equivalent of 2 KrisFlyer Miles per dollar up to 100,000 points earned per year.
American Express Explorer - 100,000 Membership Rewards Gateway points
American Express 'Explorer' card has 100,000 bonus Membership Rewards Gateway points on offer. Includes $400 travel credit each year, free American Express lounge access plus a range of insurances and high points earn rates on spend.
- 100,000 Membership Rewards Gateway point bonus
- $400 travel credit every year
- Free access to the Sydney Airport American Express lounge twice a year
- 2 Membership Rewards points earned per $1 on all purchases except government bodies where you will earn 0.5 points per $1 spent.
- Included Insurances - smartphone screen insurance and various travel insurances (PDS)
- 0% p.a. on balance transfer for the first 12 months - A one-off credit plan establishment fee of 1% applies
- $395 p.a. annual fee
- Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the preceding 18 month period are ineligible for this offer. Previous and existing bank-issued American Express companion cardholders are eligible for this offer
- $1,500 minimum spend in 3 months required to earn bonus points
- Offer ends: 2nd October 2017
Read the Amex Explorer Guide →
Point Hacks earn a maximum of $250 per applicant for this card. More about this →
The American Express Explorer earns the equivalent of 1.5 KrisFlyer Miles per dollar with no points cap, including utlities. Government bodies earn at 0.5 Miles per $ spent.
The Westpac Altitude Business Platinum cards earns 1.2 Krisflyer miles per dollar on the American Express and 0.4 mile on domestic spend and 0.8 mile on overseas spend with the linked Mastercard.
American Express Velocity Platinum - 50,000 Velocity Points
The American Express Velocity Platinum card has a 50,000 Velocity Point bonus, along with a number of Virgin Australia perks including lounge passes, bonus points, and a free domestic flight.
- 50,000 Velocity point bonus
- Two free Virgin Australia lounge passes each cardholder year
- One free domestic flight with Virgin Australia each cardholder year
- 2.5 Velocity points earned per $ spend on selected Virgin Australia purchases, 1.5 Velocity points earned per $ on everything else except for government bodies and the ATO
- 0% p.a. on balance transfers for the first 12 months with 1% establishment fee - maximum balance transfer is $10,000 or 70% of your approved credit limit, whichever is less
- $375 annual fee
- Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the preceding 18 month period are ineligible for this offer. Previous and existing bank-issued American Express companion cardholders are eligible for this offer
- $1,500 minimum spend within the first 3 months required to trigger bonus points
Read the Velocity Platinum Amex guide →
Point Hacks earn a maximum of $200 per applicant for this card. More about this →
The American Express Velocity Platinum earns the equivalent of at least 1.11 KrisFlyer Miles per dollar for most transactions, and 1.85 Miles per $ on spend with selected Virgin Australia products and services, after being transferred from Velocity.
Utilities & government bodies earn at 0.37 Miles per $ spent.
American Express Platinum Charge - 100,000 Membership Rewards points
With a 100,000 Membership Rewards points bonus available on sign up, the American Express Platinum Charge is a great card for those who want to earn Membership Rewards points on everyday spend with lots of additional benefits. Read the Point Hacks guide for the full rundown.
- 100,000 Membership Rewards points signup bonus
- $300 travel credit annually
- Unlimited access to certain airline lounges - including Virgin Australia Domestic, Delta and American Express lounges globally
- Access to American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts perks & discounts
- 3 Membership Rewards points earned per $ spent at restaurants, 2 points earned per $ on travel spend, and 1 point per $ everywhere else except for utilities and the ATO
- $1200 p.a. annual fee
- Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the preceding 18 month period are ineligible for this offer. Previous and existing bank-issued American Express companion cardholders are eligible for this offer.
- Bonus points require $1,500 minimum spend in first 3 months
- Charge card, not credit card - balance requires payment in full each month but with no pre-set spending limit - more about this
- Offer ends: 2 October 2017
Read the Amex Platinum Charge guide →
Point Hacks earn a maximum of $330 per applicant for this card. More about this →
The American Express Platinum Charge Card earns the equivalent of at least 1 KrisFlyer Miles per dollar for most transactions, with 3 Miles per $ on restaurant and dining spend, and 2 Miles per $ on travel and overseas spend – those bonuses are available up to 300,000 points per year.
Utilities & government bodies earn at 0.5 Miles per $ spent.
American Express Platinum Edge - $200 travel credit each year
American Express are offering $200 travel credit each year with the Platinum Edge. Offers 3 points per $ at supermarkets, and 2 points per $ on fuel.
- $200 travel credit each year which can be used for flight, hotel or rental car bookings with Amex Travel
- Travel and purchase protection insurances (PDS)
- 3 Membership Rewards points earned per $ spent at supermarkets, 2 points earned per $ on fuel, and 1 point per $ everywhere else except for utilities and the ATO
- 0% p.a. on balance transfers for the first 12 months, with a 1% establishment fee - maximum balance transfer is $10,000 or 70% of your approved credit limit, whichever is less
- Annual fee: $195 p.a.
- Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the preceding 18 month period are ineligible for this offer. Previous and existing bank-issued American Express companion cardholders are eligible for this offer.
Read the Platinum Edge guide →
Point Hacks earn a maximum of $180 per applicant for this card. More about this →
The American Express Edge earns the equivalent of at least 1 KrisFlyer Miles per dollar for most transactions, with 3 Miles per $ on supermarket spend, and 2 Miles per $ on fuel spend – those bonuses are available up to 300,000 points per year.
Utilities & government bodies earn at 0.5 Miles per $ spent.
American Express Platinum Business Charge - 120,000 Membership Rewards points
With a 120,000 Membership Rewards bonus, the American Express Platinum Business Charge card is aimed at small and medium size businesses who want to maximise their points earn and travel benefits.
- 120,000 Membership Rewards points on approval
- 2 Membership Rewards points earned per $ spent at restaurants, airlines, accommodations and business expenses, 1 point per $ everywhere else except for utilities and the ATO
- A vast range of Small and Medium Enterprise specific benefits, insurances (PDS), rewards and travel options
- Unlimited access to Virgin Australia and American Express airline lounges globally
- $1500 p.a. annual fee
- Spend $5,000 in first two months of ownership to qualify for signup bonus
- Card Members who currently hold or who have previously held any other Card product issued by American Express Australia Limited in the preceding 18 month period are ineligible for this offer. Previous and existing bank-issued American Express companion cardholders are eligible for this offer.
- Offer expires: 2nd October 2017
Read the Amex Business Plat Charge guide →
Point Hacks earn a maximum of $330 per applicant for this card. More about this →
The American Express Platinum Business Charge earns the equivalent of 1 Krisflyer mile per dollar on general spend, 2 miles on selected business and advertising expenses, 2 miles at selected restaurants and 2 points on travel and overseas spend, capped at 375,000 p.a..
St George Amplify Signature Visa - 90,000 Qantas points
The Amplify Signature Visa has up to 90,000 bonus Qantas points or Amplify points on offer, plus two complimentary airport lounge passes per year. You can also receive a 10% bonus reward of the points you earned for the previous year on your birthday.
- 90,000 bonus Qantas or Amplify points
- 2 x Qantas Club or Priority Pass invitations per cardholder year
- 0.75 Qantas Points or 1.5 Amplify Points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases
- Overseas Travel Insurance, Extended Warranty Insurance and Price Guarantee (PDS)
- Access to Visa Luxury Hotels program
- $279 annual fee
- Offer ends: 22nd November 2017
- $3,000 minimum spend required the first 90 days to earn 60,000 bonus points, additional 30,000 bonus bonus points when you pay the second year annual card fee
- Offer not available to existing St. George/BankSA/Bank of Melbourne customers who hold an Amplify Platinum or Signature card, or those who have held one within the last 12 months
Read the St George Amplify Signature guide →
Point Hacks earns a range of commissions per applicant for this card. More about this →
The St. George Amplify Visa earns the equivalent of 0.75 KrisFlyer Miles per dollar with no points cap, along with a 10% points bonus of all points earned in the previous year on your birthday.
Many other cards with lower annual fees are also linked to KrisFlyer, but with lower points earn rates too. Check out the cards table for the list.
Share this article
Keith Mason
Point Hacks Credit Card Information
Point Hacks is published by Newformula Media. Newformula PTY LTD (ACN: 609 361 051) is a credit representative (486568) of Eurofinance Corporation Pty Ltd (Australian Credit License: 393845). In some instances, Newformula PTY LTD receives a commission or benefit for referring you to the services of a credit provider. This commission or benefit is disclosed at the point of referral to the credit provider. This website does not provide credit, assist you in obtaining credit, or advise you to apply for any particular product from a provider.
We have not taken into consideration your circumstances or financial situation when providing the information on this website. It is important you read the relevant PDS from the product issuer and seek the independent advice of an appropriately qualified professional before making a decision on a product.
While we invest a great deal of time and energy into ensuring we provide with you with the most up to date and accurate information, we do not warrant the accuracy of statements or information contained on the Website relating to third party goods and services, including credit card information, loyalty schemes and rewards. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability arising from any person acting on those statements or information to the fullest extent permitted by law. Where conditions or warranties are implied by law and cannot be excluded, our liability will be limited to the re-supply of information. You should confirm the accuracy of information provided on this Website with the third party product provider before acting on it.
With the The American Express Business Accelerator you need an ABN to apply.
As long as you keep transferring points to your Krisflyer before reaching the 100,000 limit you can consider this card also uncapped.
You do need an ABN, yes.
However the points are bonused on earning them, not on transferring them. You can see this on your points activity statement – you’ll see double, up until the point at which you earn 100,000. After that they earn at 1 point per dollar. The transfer rate to KrisFlyer doesn’t change though, so the card does have a cap for the 2 points per $ earn rate – but you do keep earning after the cap (points don’t drop down to 0).
The Westpac Altitude Black Amex only offers 1.2 Krisflyer points per $ now I think, can you verify. Will we be better off transferring our Citi Prestige points to Velocity after June 15th when they offer the 15% bonus as that will work out to around .852 points per dollar for Krisflyer.
Thanks Keith and understand. However you still need to add the double overseas rate for the St George/BankSA card.
The list is wrong both for the Citi Signature (no longer earns overseas bonus) and for the St George/BankSA card (does earn an overseas bonus) and also earns an exta 10% for your birthday so if you are keeping the card long term it makes it one of the highest earning non Amex cards.
Thanks – Citi Signature corrected.
I didn’t factor in the St. George birthday bonus into the earn rate – people should if they intend to keep the card year on year, but firstly if you don’t keep the card until that point then the earn rate is 0.75, and secondly, just like most of the cards on the list – they could devalue their earn rates or take away that feature at any time, so I chose not to factor it in given it’s a long-term benefit.
2 other cards that may be worth mentioning if you have no need of the free flight (Edge) or travel credit (Explorer) would be the DJs Amex cards.
The DJs Amex would give:
1.5 miles at supermarkets and fuel
1 mile at DJs
0.5 miles on everything else
The Platinum DJs Amex would give:
1.5 miles at supermarkets and fuel
2 miles at DJs
0.5 miles on everything else
Unless you shop a lot at DJs the regular card looks like a good deal for supermarkets and fuel (especially for only a $99 annual fee).