In recent years, Kris+ has quietly established itself as a formidable force in Singapore’s digital payment ecosystem. Created by Singapore Airlines, Kris+ merges payment convenience, lifestyle privileges, and loyalty rewards into a single app that is now a go-to for savvy consumers. Whether you’re a frequent flyer looking to maximise KrisFlyer miles or a local shopper keen on exclusive dining deals and cashback, pairing Kris+ with the right credit card can significantly amplify your rewards.
This guide dives deep into the best credit cards to use with Kris+ in Singapore, highlighting how different cards optimise your spending and how to stack benefits effectively.
Understanding Kris+: More Than Just a Payment App
Before diving into the best card pairings, let’s first understand what Kris+ offers:
- Earn KrisPay miles with each transaction (transferable to KrisFlyer miles)
- Bonus miles for selected merchants (up to 9 mpd during promotions)
- Instant redemption via miles or card payment
- Integration with lifestyle rewards (e.g. food, shopping, wellness)
- Frequent promotions offering extra miles, discounts, and cashback
What makes Kris+ so compelling is its ability to layer miles with card-based rewards, effectively doubling or tripling the returns for smart users.
Key Strategy: Stack Miles, Cashback or Points
When paying via Kris+, users typically scan a QR code at a participating merchant and pay through the app using a linked credit card (usually via Apple Pay or Google Pay). The goal is to earn KrisPay miles from Kris+ and points/miles from your credit card issuer, sometimes both simultaneously.
Thus, to maximise benefits:
- Use a card that earns high miles/points per dollar (mpd/ppd) for mobile wallet transactions
- Choose a card with category-specific bonuses aligned with Kris+ merchants (e.g. dining, retail)
- Ensure the card supports mobile contactless payments
Best Credit Cards to Pair With Kris+ in Singapore
Here are some of the most rewarding credit cards that pair excellently with Kris+ payments:
1. HSBC Revolution Credit Card
Why it shines:
HSBC Revolution offers 4 mpd (10X reward points) on online and mobile contactless payments. This aligns perfectly with Kris+ transactions, provided the merchant accepts PayWave or similar.
Features:
- 4 mpd on contactless dining, retail, entertainment
- No annual fee (lifetime waiver)
- Monthly cap: $1,000 spend (for 4 mpd rate)
- Points transferable to KrisFlyer and other airline partners
Kris+ compatibility:
Since Kris+ is considered a mobile contactless transaction, it falls within the 4 mpd bucket. You’ll also earn KrisPay miles on top (usually 1-9 mpd depending on merchant and promo).
Ideal for:
Everyday dining, lifestyle spending, and younger consumers wanting a fee-free card with strong returns.
2. Citi Rewards Card
Why it shines:
The Citi Rewards Card is famous for its generous 10X Rewards (4 mpd) on online shopping and mobile wallet payments, which includes Kris+ usage.
Features:
- 4 mpd on mobile contactless and online shopping
- $1,000 monthly cap on 10X Rewards
- Points can be transferred to KrisFlyer, Asia Miles, Etihad Guest, etc.
Kris+ compatibility:
As long as the card is linked via Apple Pay or Google Pay, Kris+ purchases qualify for bonus points. A solid card for fashion, food, and small luxury splurges.
Ideal for:
Fashionistas, online shoppers, and miles chasers looking for global airline transfer options.
3. UOB Preferred Platinum Visa Card
Why it shines:
This UOB stalwart continues to offer 4 mpd on mobile contactless spending. With Kris+ being a contactless mobile payment, this card becomes a natural fit.
Features:
- 4 mpd on mobile wallet transactions
- $1,110 monthly spend cap for bonus rate
- UNI$ convertible to KrisFlyer miles
- Slightly more restrictive in merchant coding
Kris+ compatibility:
Most Kris+ merchants qualify under UOB’s mobile wallet category. Ensure the merchant’s MCC is eligible under UOB’s bonus list.
Ideal for:
Spenders looking for predictable, repeatable 4 mpd earnings on contactless payments.
4. DBS Woman’s World Mastercard
Why it shines:
Despite its name, this card is open to all genders and is often used by seasoned miles collectors for its 4 mpd on online spending, which includes in-app payments such as Kris+.
Features:
- 4 mpd on first $2,000 of online spend
- Ideal for large Kris+ purchases
- Transfer points to KrisFlyer and other partners
Kris+ compatibility:
While mobile contactless may not qualify, in-app payments via Kris+ are treated as online transactions. Hence, this card performs well when Kris+ is used as a standalone payment app (especially online redemptions or pre-purchased vouchers).
Ideal for:
Large-value online transactions and lifestyle spending via apps.
5. American Express KrisFlyer Credit Card
Why it shines:
Co-branded with Singapore Airlines, this card earns directly into your KrisFlyer account, with periodic promotions offering bonus KrisPay miles when used with Kris+.
Features:
- 1.1 mpd on general spend, 2 mpd on Singapore Airlines bookings
- Access to Amex-exclusive Kris+ bonuses (e.g. 6 mpd at selected outlets)
- KrisFlyer miles earned go straight into your account (no conversion fees)
Kris+ compatibility:
From time to time, AMEX offers exclusive Kris+ tie-ins, giving bonus miles for using their card within the app. These can be seasonal or merchant-specific.
Ideal for:
KrisFlyer loyalists and frequent travellers who want a seamless mileage accrual strategy.
6. Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card
Why it shines:
Although not typically associated with Kris+, this card offers 3.2 mpd on dining, petrol, taxis and hotel bookings, many of which overlap with Kris+ categories.
Features:
- 3.2 mpd on selected categories (min. $300/month spend)
- Low annual fee, waived for 3 years
- Points transferable to airline miles (KrisFlyer included)
Kris+ compatibility:
Not a direct mobile wallet card, but can still earn category-based high miles when Kris+ purchases fall under dining or travel-related MCCs.
Ideal for:
High spenders on food, travel, and transport who want a card with consistent performance.
Bonus: Cards to Avoid With Kris+
While many cards offer high returns, not all cards are suitable for use with Kris+. Some that you may wish to avoid include:
- UOB One Card: Rewards are based on total monthly spend and not category-specific, so Kris+ rewards may not optimise return.
- Cashback cards with strict criteria, e.g. POSB Everyday Card or Standard Chartered Smart Card, which may exclude mobile wallets or apply complex minimum spend tiers.
- Cards that exclude mobile contactless or app-based payments from bonuses.
Pro Tips to Maximise Kris+ and Credit Card Synergy
- Always link your best mpd card to your mobile wallet and use it for Kris+ transactions.
- Check MCC eligibility — some cards exclude certain merchant codes even when transacted via Kris+.
- Monitor promo periods — Kris+ often has bonus mile days or extra discounts for specific banks or card types.
- Transfer KrisPay miles within 7 days if you wish to convert them to KrisFlyer miles (conversion only possible for unspent KrisPay miles).
- Combine with merchant offers — such as dining vouchers or retail discounts on Kris+, giving effective cashback layered with miles.
Final Thoughts
In Singapore’s increasingly digital-first spending landscape, Kris+ is becoming a valuable tool not just for payments, but for strategic rewards accumulation. The true value lies in pairing Kris+ with the right credit card — one that aligns with your spending habits, lifestyle needs, and rewards preference.
Whether you’re a miles maximiser, a contactless connoisseur, or a pragmatic spender, there’s a card-Kris+ pairing that can stretch every dollar further. By understanding the mechanics behind each card and the nuances of Kris+, you can unlock a highly rewarding and seamless payment experience — both on the ground and in the skies.