Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer American Express® Platinum Credit Card


Review
The Ultimate Fast-Track to Singapore Airlines Premium Rewards
The Maybank Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer American Express® Platinum is arguably the most efficient tool in Malaysia for travelers dedicated to the SIA ecosystem. Unlike traditional rewards cards that require manual points conversion, this card operates on a direct-earning mechanism. Every Ringgit spent is automatically credited as KrisFlyer miles to your account, eliminating conversion fees and the risk of points expiring in a bank portal.
For frequent flyers, the card’s standout feature is the accelerated path to KrisFlyer Elite Gold status. By spending RM35,000 within the first year on SIA Group transactions, cardholders can bypass the usual flight requirements to enjoy Star Alliance Gold benefits, including worldwide lounge access and priority boarding. This is complemented by 5x complimentary annual access to Plaza Premium Lounges, providing immediate travel comfort from day one.
While the earn rate for local general spending is modest at 1 Mile per RM2.50, the card compensates with an industry-leading 1 Mile per RM1 spent on Singapore Airlines, Scoot, and KrisShop. Furthermore, cardholders benefit from American Express’s premium lifestyle perks, such as significant dining discounts at Marriott Bonvoy hotels and Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur.
Verdict: This card is a niche powerhouse. While it lacks the flexibility of multi-airline rewards, it offers unbeatable value for Singapore Airlines loyalists who want a "set-and-forget" miles strategy combined with high-end travel privileges.
Pros
- Best rate for SIA Group spend (1 Mile / RM1)
- Direct earning - no conversion fees or expiry risk
- Complimentary lounge access (5x/year)
- Welcome bonus of 7,000 miles (first txn)
- First year annual fee waived
Cons
- Below average earn rate for local spend (1 Mile / RM2.5)
- Only earns KrisFlyer miles (no other airlines)
- High effective fee if not waived (RM300)
- Not all merchants accept Amex
Miles Earning
Card benefits
5x Plaza Premium Lounge Access
Complimentary access to participating Plaza Premium Lounge and Sky Lounge (Subang) in Malaysia
Fast Track to KrisFlyer Elite Gold
Upgrade to KrisFlyer Elite Gold membership tier when you spend min. RM35,000 on SIA Group in the first year
Travel Insurance
Up to RM750,000 travel insurance coverage when you charge your travel tickets to the card
Golf Privileges
Complimentary Green Fees at participating golf clubs in Malaysia and overseas
Premium Dining Privileges
Up to 50% discount at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur and up to 40% at Marriott Bonvoy participating hotels in Malaysia