Last Updated:
6 June 2024

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This guide is crafted to cater to the growing interest in leveraging credit card rewards for enhanced travel experiences, particularly through KrisFlyer, Singapore Airlines' esteemed loyalty program. As travelers increasingly seek value and quality in their journeys, the allure of Singapore Airlines' superior service standards positions KrisFlyer miles as a coveted asset.

This comprehensive guide is designed to bridge the gap between aspiration and reality for Malaysian credit card users, offering a detailed comparison of credit cards that facilitate KrisFlyer miles accrual.

It goes beyond mere accumulation, providing strategic insights into maximizing mile earnings in alignment with individual spending patterns and travel goals. Whether you're plotting a business trip, a luxury escape, or a much-needed holiday, this guide empowers you to make informed decisions, turning everyday spending into extraordinary travel opportunities.

By navigating the intricate landscape of credit card offers and rewards, this guide aims to simplify the process of earning KrisFlyer miles, ensuring readers can unlock the full potential of their spending. It's not just about earning miles; it's about opening the door to a world of premium travel experiences, making luxury travel accessible and attainable.

Through this guide, readers will gain the knowledge and tools needed to elevate their travel game, turning the dream of flying with one of the world's leading airlines into a tangible reality.

Understanding Miles Per Ringgit: A Practical Guide

Miles Per Ringgit (MPR) simplifies the comparison of airline miles accrued per RM1 spent across various banks. This metric is vital because each bank offers distinct conversion rates for airline miles, making it challenging to assess which card offers the best return on spending. The MPR creates a standardized method to gauge the value of each ringgit spent in terms of miles earned.

The Local MPR focuses on everyday spending within Malaysia, reflecting a more realistic calculation by including points earned in specific categories like dining and groceries. These categories often have enhanced earning rates, which are factored into the average Local MPR, providing a comprehensive view of potential miles accumulation.

Exclusions from Local MPR

Not all spending categories are relevant for the Local MPR calculation, especially those infrequently used in daily transactions. The following categories are excluded:

Duty-Free Spend

These exclusions ensure the Local MPR remains a practical and reliable metric for regular spenders, offering clarity on how to maximize airline miles from everyday purchases.

Priority/Preferred/Invitation-Only Credit Cards:

Card	Local MPR	Overseas MPR	Average MPR	Annual Fee	Notes
UOB Visa Infinite Metal Card	0.66*	1.77	1.21	RM3000	*The average of 5X UNIRM for Dining (1.11MPR) and 1X UNIRM for Local (0.22MPR) is taken.
UOB Privilege Banking Visa Infinite	0.33*	0.88	0.6	RM600	*The average of 5X UNIRM for Dining (0.55MPR) and 1X UNIRM for Local (0.11MPR) is taken.
Ambank Signature Priority Banking The Metal Visa Infinite	0.08	0.8	0.44	RM0
Standard Chartered Priority Banking Visa Infinite	0.14	0.71	0.43	RM800
RHB Premier Visa Infinite	0.175*	0.57	0.37	RM0	*The average MPR of local, dining, online and hotels are taken.
HSBC Premier Travel Mastercard	0.125	0.45	0.28	RM600	Capping of 10,000 and 15,000 KrisFlyer Miles for Overseas and Local spend respectively.
Ambank Signature Priority Banking Visa Infinite	0.08	0.4	0.24	RM0

Credit Cards with Annual Income Requirement > RM100,000:

Card	Local MPR	Overseas MPR	Average MPR	Annual Fee	Notes
UOB PRVI Miles Elite	0.33*	1.11	0.72	RM600	*The average of 5X UNIRM for Airlines (0.55MPR) and 1X UNIRM for Local (0.11MPR) is taken.
The Platinum Card Maybank	0.71	0.71	0.71	RM3250
UOB Visa Infinite	0.33*	0.88	0.6	RM600	*The average of 5X UNIRM for Dining (0.55MPR) and 1X UNIRM for Local (0.11MPR) is taken.
Maybank 2 Cards Premier	0.2	0.5	0.35	RM800	Effective 22/5/24
Ambank Visa Infinite	0.1	0.5	0.3	RM0
UOB Zenith World Elite	0.15	0.31	0.23	RM1000

Credit Cards with Annual Income Requirement > RM60,000:

Card	Local MPR	Overseas MPR	Average MPR	Annual Fee	Notes
Maybank Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer American Express Platinum	0.4	0.5	0.45	RM300
Standard Chartered Journey Mastercard	0.36*	0.5	0.43	RM600	*The average of local, travel & dining MPR is taken for Local MPR.
UOB World Card	0.39*	0.33	0.36	RM600	*The average MPR of E-Wallets, Groceries and Local Spend is taken.
HSBC Visa Signature	0.2*	0.32	0.26	RM600	*The average MPR of E-Wallet and Shopping is taken. Capping applies.
UOB PRVI Miles Visa Platinum	0.19*	0.33	0.26	RM198	*The average MPR of dining and travel is taken.
HSBC TravelOne Mastercard	0.14*	0.32	0.23	RM300	*The average MPR of Dining, Travel and Local Spend is taken. ^20,000 points cap per month.

Credit Cards with Annual Income Requirement Below RM60,000:

Card	Card	Local MPR	Overseas MPR	Average MPR	Annual Fee	Notes
	Maybank Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer American Express Gold	0.25	0.25	0.25	RM100

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ 1: What is KrisFlyer, and why should I collect KrisFlyer miles?

KrisFlyer is Singapore Airlines' loyalty program, offering members the ability to earn miles from flying, credit card spending, and other partnerships. Collecting KrisFlyer miles allows you to access premium travel experiences, including upgrades, award flights with Singapore Airlines and its partners, and other exclusive benefits. Our guide dives deep into maximizing your mile accrual through credit cards in Malaysia.

FAQ 2: How can I earn KrisFlyer miles with Malaysian credit cards?

Many credit cards in Malaysia offer the ability to earn KrisFlyer miles directly or convert reward points to KrisFlyer miles. Our guide compares these cards based on earning rates, bonus mile opportunities, annual fees, and additional benefits, helping you choose the best card for your spending habits and travel goals.

FAQ 3: Which Malaysian credit card offers the best earning rate for KrisFlyer miles?

The best credit card for earning KrisFlyer miles varies depending on your spending pattern, preferred categories, and card benefits. Our guide provides a comprehensive comparison to help you identify which card aligns best with your lifestyle and maximizes your KrisFlyer miles accrual.

FAQ 4: Are there sign-up bonuses for credit cards that can boost my KrisFlyer miles?

Yes, many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that can significantly boost your KrisFlyer miles balance. Be sure to check out each credit card page to see if there are any updated sign-up bonuses.

FAQ 5: How can I use KrisFlyer miles for travel?

KrisFlyer miles can be redeemed for award flights, upgrades on Singapore Airlines and its partner airlines, and other travel-related rewards.

FAQ 6: Can I transfer miles from other loyalty programs to KrisFlyer?

Certain loyalty programs and credit card rewards programs allow you to transfer points to KrisFlyer miles. Our guide details which Malaysian credit cards and programs offer this flexibility, including transfer ratios and how to make transfers effectively.

FAQ 7: How can I keep my KrisFlyer miles from expiring?

KrisFlyer miles typically expire after three years, but there are strategies to extend their life. Our guide provides advice on managing your miles, including how to earn or spend miles to reset the expiration clock.

Final Thoughts

I've written substantially over the past few months that one should seriously consider redeeming your hard earned credit card points for something else other than Enrich Miles. Given that Singapore Airlines is our closest neighbour, it makes sense to take a look at KrisFlyer.

Not only does Singapore Airlines have a wider network than Malaysia Airlines, but the hard product and soft product is miles ahead of Malaysia Airlines.

Granted, perhaps the most difficult aspect of redeeming KrisFlyer flights is the availability. Saver awards are not easy to come by nowadays, and you'll find yourself having to book many months in advance to secure a Saver Award seat on Singapore Airlines, especially to popular destinations such as Tokyo and London.