Your Guru Guide on How to Earn KrisFlyer Miles for Newbies

How to earn KrisFlyer miles, explained

Have your friends gone for their third vacation in the last 6 months? Do your social media feeds give you a major case of FOMO and have you dreaming for your next flight?

If your TikTok algorithm looks like Conde Nast or Nat Geo on steroids, with content creators and influencers popping up on your mobile screens in all sorts of exotic destinations on the regular, then it's probably about time that you pamper yourself with a trip.

After all, no wanderlust, no fuss.

There's just one problem - money, money, money.

But hey, as all seasoned travel hackers will tell you, there exists a golden ticket to globetrotting. And that comes in the form of another valuable type of currency: earning KrisFlyer miles.

For all you newbies getting a first look at the wonderful world of miles, here's a complete guide on how you can earn, calculate and redeem your KrisFlyer miles for Singapore Airlines flights.

First step, sign up for your KrisFlyer membership

The first step to earn KrisFlyer miles, above all, is to sign up for a KrisFlyer account.

Signing up for a KrisFlyer account is free, so hurray for that. And you can do it easily on KrisFlyer's website. Occasionally, there will be sign up promos but they are kinda rare, in case you decide on waiting for one.

What's great about the membership program is that it rewards customers for spending on airlines.

This includes airlines like Singapore Airlines, Scoot, and other Star Alliance carriers like Thai Airways, and United Airlines, as well as partner airlines like Virgin and Vistara.

You might be asking yourself that all important question however.

How many miles do I need to redeem a free award flight?

Well, here's an idea of the amount of KrisFlyer miles you'd need for certain flights and destinations for Economy Saver return trips (the cheapest fare class):

Aside from redeeming miles for free flights, one of the ways you can earn miles is when you fly.

But that defeats the purpose, doesn't it?

After all, the whole point of accruing air miles is to get flight tickets for "free", not pay for them. And the best way to do that is to tap into your everyday spend.

But before we get into that, how many air miles can you actually earn by flying?

In terms of earning KrisFlyer miles, that depends on the fare class you book tickets under. Take this return flight from Singapore to Barcelona for example. If you fly Economy, you can earn up to 13,544 miles.

Again, this will vary according to the fare class.

For Economy Lite and Value, you will only earn 50% (6,772 miles) of that amount, while you can earn 10,158 miles with Economy Standard.

Confusing, right? But it doesn't stop there.

Compare this with Premium Economy (16,930 miles) and Business Flexi (20,316 miles) for the same return trip.

It's safe to say that it pays to book more expensive flights, like business class, to earn miles (if you're fortunate enough to afford it and use that to accelerate your miles earned), or at the very least, premium economy.

So the moral of the story is: don't book budget flights if you're planning on racking up miles.

Who knows? You might work your way to KrisFlyer Elite Gold status one day.

If you'd like to suss out the amount of air miles needed for your favourite destinations, check out the KrisFlyer miles calculator.

Make sure you use the right credit card

Now, there are plenty of credit cards in Singapore that you can use to earn KrisFlyer miles.

Still, you need to know the difference between KrisFlyer cards and other air miles credit cards. As a rule of thumb, it's generally best to earn bonus miles by optimising your spending.

Picking the credit card that suits you

Firstly, most cards, except for KrisFlyer co-brand cards, don't earn miles directly. Instead, you will earn bank points that you can then convert into miles. It would be good to pick a rewards credit card with no minimum spend.

Which begs the question: how much is one KrisFlyer mile worth, and how can you best stock up on miles?

Well, the answer depends on whom you ask and what you do, but you can expect one mile to have an average value of 1.4 cents to 1.8 cents.

But what if you want to earn KrisFlyer miles quickly?

In terms of racking up miles, one pro tip is to maximise your local spend with the credit card that suits your spending habits, whether it's dining out or online shopping. A KrisFlyer branded card is great for this, as it allows you to fully utilise your daily expenditures to earn miles.

Also, try signing up for a credit card deal that offers a hefty amount of sign-up bonus miles. Of course, you'll need to choose a card that you'll definitely use in daily life for the most value based on each dollar spent.

Pick the right card, and you'll be rewarded handsomely.

Best credit cards to earn KrisFlyer miles:

You can also earn when you spend on Kris+ partners

What's great about the Kris+ app

This is ultra easy, as you can earn KrisFlyer miles based on your spending habits, and all you need to do is download the Kris+ app (App Store + Google Play).

There'll be over 190 partners for you to pick, ranging from bubble tea to taxi bookings, and you can earn KrisPay miles which can be converted into KrisFlyer miles.

And there are plenty of fantastic promotions for you to spend on.

For instance, some restaurants have wickedly good conversion rate of $1 to 9 KrisPay miles, letting you earn KrisFlyer miles quickly.

After you stock up on all those bonus miles, you can either offset future purchases with them, or, as we would naturally advice you to do, convert them into KrisFlyer miles.

Either way, when you earn KrisPay miles with these everyday purchases, it'll set you on a fast track to redeem flights, pronto.

You can earn when you stay at hotels or rent a car

How to earn KrisFlyer miles with hotels and car rentals

You can check out partnerships like Infinite Journeys, a collab between KrisFlyer and Shangri-La, where you can earn KrisFlyer miles with all of your stays at any Shangri-La, JEN, Traders, and Kerry hotel globally.

At the same time, you can earn Shangi-La's Golden Circle Award Points, which can also be converted into miles.

But do take note that you might lose value for trading in unused hotel points to KrisFlyer miles, versus using them for free stays or room upgrades.

However, if you prioritise having a business class flight more than having a fancy accommodation to stay in, then that could be an option for you to explore.

In any case, there are many partners that KrisFlyer has paired up with, so just keep a look out for these establishments the next time you travel to accrue those valuable hotel points to boost your miles earned.

And KrisFlyer's rewards programme doesn't end there - you can even earn miles with car rentals too, so keep your eyes peeled for KrisFlyer's list of partners the next time you embark on that YOLO road trip.

You can earn while you shop & convert points to KrisFlyer miles

Some key ways to shop and earn miles like a pro

Shopaholics rejoice; now you have that all-important excuse to indulge in your favourite pastime - indulging in a bit of retail therapy.

For a start, KrisShop is a great place for KrisFlyer members to level up their miles games.

You can also check out KrisFlyer's retail partners, like Changi Rewards and CapitaLand, to earn reward points.

Again, pick the right credit card to optimise your spending. The best bet is a co-branded card like the American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card.

And you can earn while playing games and contests

Keep your eyes peeled for branded gaming contests

Who says you can only stack up miles when you fly? You can also earn miles while having fun at the same time by joining KrisFlyer's branded contests or games.

All you've got to do is follow Singapore Airlines' Instagram or Facebook page, and there'll be announcement of these games and contests every once in awhile.

Book tours and activities during your next vacay

Sure, you can just stay in the hotel during your holiday, a la White Lotus style.

But where's the fun in that?

One of the best ways to rack up some serious overseas spend is by booking fun activities or tours that take you to hidden, off-the-beaten-path gems you'd never discover otherwise, or by buying tickets for must-see attractions like Gardens by the Bay, for example.

And the best part is, you can earn miles while you're at it too.

For example, you can really put your dollar to good use and stretch it to its full value on Pelago.

But what if we told you that you can save money and earn miles when you fly at the same time?

Drumroll, please...

And here's a promo for you if you're flying off soon (applicable from now till 31st Dec 2024):

Here's another Pelago promo you might want to check out:

If you're flying with Singapore Airlines anytime soon, you can enjoy a 10% discount, up to SGD 150 off, on any travel activity booked on Pelago from now until December 31st, 2024!

And get this—it can be used three times per PNR code, giving you triple the discount and triple the fun.

Enjoying this promo is simple as it gets.

Head on over to this step-by-step instruction page, follow the redemption guidelines, and that's it. You'll be racking up miles by booking Pelago activities in no time, while saving money on them.

Now, that's the dream.

Plus, all you KrisFlyer members can now enjoy an earn rate of 3 KrisFlyer miles per 1 SGD for every activity on Pelago. Depending on what you're doing, you have the chance to earn and redeem KrisFlyer miles at discounted prices.

Now, here are cool activities you can check out to really rack up those miles:

Utilise the Universal Studios Singapore (USS) VIP experience pass

The Universal Studios VIP Experience Pass is your ultimate theme park hack. Get treated like a star as you earn miles. 

Be personally escorted through USS for a guided tour and get priority access to rides and shows. No waiting, no queuing - just pure fun. Perfect for those who want to hit the top attractions even on a busy day.

But hey, if you’re more the “explore at your own pace” type or flying solo, the USS ticket is still a good option. You can wander the 7 themed zones at your own pace, discover hidden gems and take pictures without a schedule.

Join a snorkelling tour at the Great Barrier Reef

Snorkel at the magnificent Great Barrier Reef and see the beauty of Mother Nature as you encounter green turtles, manta rays, clownfish, and soft and hard corals at one of the world's most beautiful spots. After you're done with snorkelling, swimming, or diving, you can relax onboard a super-luxe catamaran and enjoy a delicious tropical buffet lunch.

Go on a 4WD jeep tour at Mount Batur

You don't always have to exert yourself physically to experience the majesty of nature. Join a tour and soak in the stunning Balinese sunrise on Mount Batur, one of the island's most active volcanoes, or opt for a later daytime slot if you prefer to sleep in. Enjoy a convenient hotel pick-up service and head to the Kintamani district with a friendly English-speaking guide, who will take you to the summit without the need to trek!

Get Muay Thai tickets for Bangkok's Rajadamnern Stadium

There's no better way to soak in traditional Thai culture than by watching a Muay Thai match in Bangkok at one of the country's most iconic stadiums. Score ringside seats or sit among the locals betting on their favourite fighter in the 2nd or 3rd class areas—whatever your choice, this age-old sport is certain to get your heart pumping.

Plan easier with a three-day Hakone Kamakura pass

Hakone, a fantastic hot spring (onsen) spot near Tokyo, is your perfect getaway into nature. With the Hakone Kamakura Pass, you can easily explore Hakone, Enoshima, and Kamakura. The pass covers eight different transport options, like the scenic Hakone Tozan Line, the exciting Hakone Ropeway, and the lovely Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. It’s a great way to enjoy all the best spots in Hakone at your own pace!

Live Your Frozen Fantasies at Hong Kong Disneyland

When it comes to "letting it go" during your holiday, there's no better place to do that than at the World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland! The park's newest attraction is the world's largest and most immersive recreation of the lovable 2013 film that became a cultural phenomenon. Imagine stepping into Elsa's Ice Palace and traversing the rugged, picturesque scenery of Arendelle Forest.

Enjoy Thrills and Spills at Adventure Cove Waterpark

So, you’re feeling the pinch of forking out some extra cash for the holidays. Not to worry! A fabulous budget-friendly option for you and the family is to head to Adventure Cove Waterpark, where you can have a splashing good time in the sun without breaking the bank while earning those juicy KrisFlyer miles at the same time. Just think about that when you’re going for your third round on your favourite water slide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do KrisFlyer miles ever expire?

Yes, KrisFlyer miles expire three years after the end of the month in which they were earned. To avoid losing your air miles, make sure to use them for flights or other spends before they expire.

How do you earn KrisFlyer Elite miles without flying?

You can earn KrisFlyer Elite miles without flying! Just shop and dine with Kris+ in Singapore and Australia, grab some gadgets or SIA-branded goodies from KrisShop, or book cool experiences through Pelago. These are great ways to earn KrisFlyer Elite miles for your next trip.

What's the difference between KrisFlyer miles and KrisFlyer elite miles?

The difference is that KrisFlyer miles are for earning rewards, while KrisFlyer Elite miles are used to determine your membership tier in the KrisFlyer programme. Elite miles can’t be converted or redeemed, only used to advance through status tiers.

Are KrisFlyer miles worth it?

Yes, KrisFlyer miles can be worth it, especially when booking business class tickets. You might get more than 2 cents per mile, compared to an average of 1.4 to 1.8 cents per mile.

How can I earn KrisFlyer points quickly?

Explore these ways to earn KrisFlyer miles quickly: choose the right credit card, take advantage of lucrative sign-up offers, pay your annual fee, shop through the Kris+ app and KrisShop, and convert hotel loyalty points.

How do you redeem KrisFlyer miles?

You can redeem KrisFlyer miles for award flights, offset flight ticket prices, book travel experiences and activities on Pelago, use them for hotel stays and car rentals, pay for KrisShop purchases, transfer to the Kris+ app for everyday spend, or convert them to other rewards points.

Which card can earn KrisFlyer miles?

You can earn KrisFlyer miles with a few great cards: The American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card offers 1.2 miles per dollar on local and overseas spending, 3.2 miles per dollar on Grab, and extra perks.

The American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card gives 1.1 miles per dollar on local and overseas spending and 3.1 miles per dollar on Grab.

Meanwhile, the KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card earns you 1.2 miles per dollar on all spending and 3 miles per dollar on dining, food delivery, and more. Each card has its own set of benefits to help you rack up those KrisFlyer miles.