AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend — 1.2 mpd Base with Lounge Access
An upgraded KrisFlyer co-brand card boasting a 1.2 mpd base rate, 4 airport lounge passes, Hilton Silver status, and fast track to elite tiers.
AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend
American Express
Annual Fee
S$397.85
Minimum Income
S$50,000
Key Conditions
- •1.2 mpd base rate on general spend
- •2 mpd on Singapore Airlines Group, KrisShop, and Pelago
- •2 mpd on Grab rides in Singapore (capped at S$200/month)
- •Direct KrisFlyer crediting
- •Minimum income requirement of S$50,000
Earning Rates
mpd = miles per dollar spentCard information based on publicly available data as of April 2026.
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| TravelSingapore Airlines Group, KrisShop, Pelago, Scoot | 2 mpd |
| TransportGrab Singapore (capped at S$200/mo) | 2 mpd |
| All other spend | 1.2 mpd |
Set your spend per category. Caps applied automatically.
Total
S$2,500
Reachable destinations (economy, one-way)
These rates are not guaranteed. Banks update cashback rates, miles rates, caps, and eligible categories regularly. Numbers on this page are projections based on rates verified as of April 2026, not guarantees of future earnings. Terms and conditions apply.
Want cashback instead of miles?
Compare 11 Singapore cashback cards ranked by projected net annual cashback for your spending profile.
About AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend
Positioned as an upscale travel companion, the AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend elevates base spending to 1.2 miles per dollar while granting 2 mpd on the Singapore Airlines Group, Pelago, and Grab. The annual fee of S$370.60 can be offset through its lifestyle and travel privileges—namely 4 complimentary airport lounge accesses annually, complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status complete with a free night stay, and a fast track towards acquiring KrisFlyer Elite Gold status. Direct KrisFlyer crediting remains a convenient cornerstone of the card. Terms and conditions apply.
Key Features
- •1.2 miles per dollar on all general everyday spend
- •2 mpd on Singapore Airlines, KrisShop, and Pelago
- •2 mpd on Grab within Singapore (S$200 monthly cap)
- •4 complimentary Priority Pass airport lounge visits per year
- •Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status and a free night’s stay
- •Annual fee: S$397.85
Miles Earning Breakdown
With S$3,000 in monthly expenses consisting of a maxed-out S$200 on Grab (2 mpd) alongside S$2,800 on regular spending (1.2 mpd), the card reliably earns close to 3,760 miles each month. Though the miles accumulation slightly shadows more aggressive category-based cards, cardholders may find value when utilizing the Hilton free night stay and capitalizing on the airport lounges each year.
AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend vs AMEX KrisFlyer Credit Card vs SC Visa Infinite Card
Against the basic AMEX KrisFlyer (1.1 mpd, S$174.40 fee), the Ascend generates slightly more miles but primarily trades its significantly higher S$397.85 fee for concrete travel benefits that the standard card lacks. When squaring off against the SC Visa Infinite (S$599.50 fee, 1.4 mpd local), the Ascend offers a more attainable premium route with a more specific ecosystem focus built tightly around Singapore Airlines and Hilton.
Where Does AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend Earn the Most?
Naturally, any expenditure concerning Singapore Airlines, KrisShop, and Pelago may be routed through this card. Beyond fulfilling the S$200 monthly quota for Grab rides at 2 mpd, standard retail, dining, and utility payments effortlessly earn the reliable 1.2 mpd base rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many miles per dollar does the AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend earn?
The AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend earns 1.2 miles per dollar on all general spending and 2 miles per dollar on Singapore Airlines Group, KrisShop, Pelago, and Grab rides in Singapore (capped at S$200/month for Grab).
What is the annual fee for the AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend?
The annual fee is S$397.85. The minimum income requirement is S$50,000 per year.
What travel perks does the AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend include?
Cardholders receive 4 complimentary airport lounge visits per year, Hilton Honors Silver status, one free night at participating Hilton properties in Asia Pacific, and a fast track to KrisFlyer Elite Gold status.
Is the AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend worth the annual fee?
The S$397.85 fee can be offset by the 4 lounge visits (valued at approximately S$128), the Hilton free night (typically worth S$150-300), and Hilton Silver status. Cardholders who travel 2 or more times a year and stay at Hilton properties are more likely to extract full value from these perks.
Is there a cap on the 2 mpd Grab bonus?
Yes, the 2 mpd rate on Grab transactions in Singapore is capped at S$200 of spend per month. Grab spend above this threshold earns the base 1.2 mpd rate.
Are these rates guaranteed?
No. Banks change miles-per-dollar rates, caps, and eligible categories regularly. The numbers shown are projections based on rates verified at the date noted, not guarantees of future earnings.
Last verified: April 2026
SGfi provides general information and comparison tools for educational purposes only. This does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making financial decisions. SGfi may receive compensation from partners featured on this site. Rates shown are based on publicly available information and may change.
SGfi is not a licensed financial advisor under MAS regulations. All miles values are KrisFlyer Saver Award Chart estimates. Actual availability may vary.