Amex KrisFlyer Ascend Card Offers Strong Sign-Up Bonus but High Annual Fee

The American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card, known as the Ascend, offers a mix of benefits and drawbacks for frequent travelers. With an annual fee of S$397.85 and no first-year waiver, the card earns 1.2 miles per dollar (mpd) on most spending and 2 mpd on Singapore Airlines Group purchases. The Ascend also includes a free Hilton night annually and a fast-track to KrisFlyer Elite Gold status in the first year, making it appealing for short-term use.

However, the card’s high annual fee and limited earning potential compared to other cards make it less attractive for long-term retention. The miles earned can only be transferred to KrisFlyer, and there are restrictions on renewal perks if the fee is waived. Additionally, the card lacks lounge access and has narrower merchant acceptance than Visa or Mastercard.

For those new to American Express, the Ascend currently offers a sign-up bonus of up to 45,000 KrisFlyer miles, including 5,000 miles for the first charge, 20,000 miles for S$5,000 in eligible spend within six months, and another 20,000 miles for spending S$1 in the 15th month. This bonus is valid for applications made by 31st January 2027.

The card also allows cardholders to refer friends through Member Invites, earning 15,000 KrisFlyer miles per successful referral, up to 45,000 miles annually. This feature alone can help offset a significant portion of the annual fee, making it a valuable perk for those with a network of potential referrals.