Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

Best Ways To Book Singapore Airlines First Class Using Points [Step-by-Step]

Stephen Au's image
Stephen Au
Stephen Au's image

Stephen Au

Senior Content Contributor

487 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 24U.S. States Visited: 22

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
Keri Stooksbury's image

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles, 3029 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
& Kellie Jez
Kellie Jez's image

Kellie Jez

Director of Operations & Compliance

1 Published Article, 1166 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10U.S. States Visited: 20

Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s c...

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Long considered one of the best experiences in flying, traveling in Singapore Airlines’ first class is a luxury you won’t want to miss. Specifically, Singapore Suites is one of the best first class cabins in the industry.

Not only is the inflight product amazing, but Singapore’s flight attendants are some of the most attentive in the industry. They are there with whatever you might need during your flight. The craziest thing is that Singapore Airlines actually has 3 types of first class products. The oldest one was unveiled in 2007, while the newest one debuted in 2017.

Two of these are found on the A380, though as you can probably imagine, the newer one is offered on fewer routes. The other product is aboard the 777-300ER.

You’re probably dying to know exactly what to expect and how to book this as soon as possible, so let’s get into it!

A Look Inside Singapore Airlines’ New A380 First Class Suites

New Singapore Suites, A380
Singapore Airlines’ new A380 first class suite. Image Credit: Greg Stone

These flights operate the brand-new A380, which Singapore Airlines only recently took delivery of in 2017, so now is absolutely the best time to try it. “What can I expect?” you may ask.

This. 

Singapore Airlines new A380 First Suite Double Bed
Singapore Airlines’ new A380 first class suite double bed. Image Credit: Greg Stone

It’s a huge step up from the older suites because you get even more space and a separate seat and bed!

Instead of the older Singapore Suites’ configuration of 1-2-1 (which we’ll get to below), you will enjoy an unprecedented level of privacy and space (1-1-1). The new suites measure up at 50 square feet, which is more real estate than you’ll know what to do with.

First, the main seat is a Poltrona Frau leather armchair, which is adjustable and can rotate up to 270 degrees. Additionally, you will have a separate bed, which is 27 inches in width and 6 feet 4 inches in bed length.

Your bedding and pajamas will be Lalique-branded, and you’ll have no problem sleeping on this flight.

Next to your seat is a huge table for eating and working.

New Singapore Suites, A380
Image Credit: Greg Stone

Singapore Airlines consistently gets the highest marks for its fine dining, catered by the International Culinary Panel of chefs.

Singapore Airlines New First Class Suites Caviar
Singapore Airlines’ new first class suite caviar. Image Credit: Greg Stone
Singapore Airlines New First Class Suites Steak
Singapore Airlines’ new first class suite steak. Image Credit: Greg Stone

How does some fine Krug Champagne sound to you? Specifically, the 2004 vintage, which retails for ~$250 per bottle?

Singapore Airlines new A380 First Suite Krug
Singapore Airlines’ new A380 first class suite Krug Champagne. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Lalique amenities are on offer here, and this amenity kit is filled with goodies.

Singapore Airlines new A380 First Suite Lalique Amentiy Kit
Singapore Airlines’ new A380 first class suite Lalique amenity kit. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Of course, pajamas are a given, and it just so happens that Lalique is the designer brand here.

Singapore Airlines new A380 First Suite PJs
Singapore Airlines’ new A380 first class suite PJs. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Once you walk into the first class lavatories, you’ll see a huge vanity counter and separate toilet.

Singapore Airlines new A380 First Suite Main Bathroom
Singapore Airlines’ new A380 first class suite main bathroom. Image Credit: Greg Stone

The new first class suites are extremely technologically advanced, and you can control your inflight monitor with your own personal tablet. The seat controls are thoughtfully designed and executed.

Hot Tip: Want to learn more about the new first class suites? Check out our in-depth review (with amazing pictures) of Singapore Airlines’ new first class suites!

As we mentioned above, Singapore Airlines is reconfiguring all of its A380s with new first class suites. Currently, the A380s are offered on a select list of routes to/from Singapore.

  • Singapore (SIN) – Auckland (AKL) on SQ285 and SQ286 only from October 30, 2022 (9 hr 55 min)
  • Singapore (SIN) – Frankfurt (FRA) – New York (JFK) on SQ25 (~12 hr 50 min and ~8 hr 35 min)
  • Singapore (SIN) – Hong Kong (HKG) on SQ892 and SQ893 only from October 30, 2022 (~3 hr 45 min)
  • Singapore (SIN) – London-Heathrow (LHR) on SQ322 and SQ317 only (~13 hr 30 min)
  • Singapore (SIN) – Sydney (SYD) on SQ231 and SQ222 only (~7 hr 45 min)
  • Singapore (SIN) – Zurich (ZRH) on SQ345 and SQ346 only from October 30, 2022 (~12 hr 40 min)

In addition, here are all of the tail numbers for Singapore Airlines’s A380 aircraft:

A Look Inside Singapore Airlines A380 First Class Suites

To fly Singapore Airlines’ first class suites, you will need to find a route that is operated by an Airbus A380, since the Singapore Suites are offered exclusively on this aircraft.

And as Singapore Airlines continues to reconfigure its A380 fleet, we expect its old suites to become a thing of the past. Nonetheless, flying on an older A380 in Singapore Suites is still a spectacular experience.

After a stop in the lounge, no one will blame you if you aren’t quite ready to board your flight, but don’t worry! The fun only continues once you’re onboard.

Singapore Suites First Class - Suite Seat
Use your KrisFlyer miles to try Singapore Suites, one of the best first class experiences in the sky. Image Credit: Alex Miller

The older Singapore Suites are still perfect for those traveling together, as the center 2 seats can have the divider removed.

Singapore Airlines First Class Suites Frankfurt to Singapore - Middle Seats
Image Credit: Alex Miller

Once at your suite, you’ll notice that you can pull the shades and close the doors for complete privacy. Of course, all seats are lie-flat and have direct aisle access. If you’re traveling with a significant other, the middle 2 seats can become a double bed, if you so desire.

Singapore Suites First Class - Double Turndown Service
This special turndown service is provided by Singapore Suites’ attentive cabin crew. Image Credit: Alex Miller

After you’ve settled in, a flight attendant will show you around your suite and offer you a pre-departure beverage and snack. You will also provide your meal order or confirm your meal choice if you reserved with Book the Cook before the flight.

Singapore Suites First Class - Special Cake
On Singapore Suites, special occasions call for extra special treats. Image Credit: Alex Miller

Singapore Airlines does all the little things right. You will receive a first class amenity kit and pajamas provided by Lalique. If you are celebrating an occasion like a birthday, honeymoon, anniversary, etc., just give them a call before your flight and let them know. You could get a special cake and souvenir to celebrate!

Hot Tip: Check out some of our reviews of Singapore Suites: JFK-FRA-SIN-SYD on the A380, and FRA-JFK on the A380 with plenty of pictures of the experiences!

A Look Inside Singapore Airlines First Class on the 777

After hearing what you get with Singapore Suites, you might be worried about flying first class if it’s not on the A380. Fear not: Singapore’s 777-300ER first class product is also fantastic.

Greg Stone - Singapore Airlines Boeing 777 First Class - Side On
One of the best seats in the sky can be found in Singapore Airlines’ first class on the Boeing 777-300ER. Image Credit: Greg Stone

From the first class check-in to the Private Room to the amazing service, you will have a phenomenal time.

The biggest difference is the seat. Rather than an enclosed suite, you will have a more traditional seat. However, with just 1 row of 4 seats in the first class cabin, you’ll enjoy plenty of privacy.

Each seat has direct aisle access and is lie-flat. At 35 inches wide, it’s also one of the widest seats available on an airplane, so you’ll have plenty of space!

Hot Tip: For a full review and tons of photos of Singapore Suites aboard the 777, check out our detailed guide.

How To Fly Singapore First Class Using Points

Now that you have a sense of how amazing this flight is going to be, let’s talk about how to book it.

Singapore KrisFlyer

If you want to book this flight, you are limited to a single frequent flyer program. Singapore Airlines only allows Suites and first class to be booked through its own KrisFlyer program.

You can book your flight online by following these steps:

  1. Visit the Singapore Airlines website.
  2. Choose Redeem Flights.
  3. Choose your travel dates and your desired route.
  4. Choose First as the cabin.
  5. Click Search.
  6. Choose your flight.

Hot Tip: Use our Transfer Partner Calculator to quickly determine how many miles you’ll get for transferring between programs.

You might see “Waitlist” space available rather than confirmable award space. If you want to put yourself on the waitlist, you will need miles available in your KrisFlyer account to do so.

Many have had success reaching out to Singapore Airlines to get moved off the waitlist by requesting a chaser (i.e., a request to open up more award space) prior to departure.

Singapore Airlines also allows you to book a stopover on award tickets. You get 1 free stopover for round-trip saver-level awards, and you can add extra stopovers on a one-way for around $100. You can add a stopover by calling after booking online, or you can simply book over the phone.

In some cases, you might be able to get a Singapore customer service representative to put an award on hold for you. There isn’t an official policy that we’ve seen, but many people have been able to place awards on hold for at least a couple of days.

These holds can be particularly useful if you are transferring points from one of Singapore’s partners. If one agent won’t allow you to put an award on hold, hang up and call again.

Other Options for Booking Singapore Airlines

Unfortunately, you cannot book Suites or first class with any other award programs. You can book economy flights through any of its Star Alliance partners including Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA Mileage Club, and Asiana Club.

Great Singapore Airlines Suites and First Class Redemptions

Singapore Airlines A380
Fly Singapore Suites on the Airbus A380 and enjoy first class luxury. Image Credit: Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is a fantastic way to get to Southeast Asia, but there is currently only 1 way to fly Suites from the U.S.: from New York (JFK) to Singapore (SIN) with a connection in Frankfurt (FRA). Suites class on this booking will cost you 148,500 KrisFlyer miles.

You could also just fly to Frankfurt from New York for 97,000 miles if you want to visit Europe. On the other end of the spectrum, you could fly from New York all the way to Sydney (connecting in both Frankfurt and Singapore) for 188,000 miles.

From the West Coast, you can fly first class on a Boeing 777-300ER from San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX) to Singapore (SIN) via Hong Kong (HKG) or Tokyo (NRT), respectively, for 130,000 miles. There are also nonstops offered by Singapore Airlines to Singapore from San Francisco and Los Angeles, but they only feature business class and premium economy.

There is one final piece of information you need when booking Singapore Suites and first class flights: there is a separate award chart for itineraries that involve flights operated by Star Alliance partners.

To book Star Alliance awards, you need to find award space online as directed above, then use Air Canada to find United award availability for connecting flights. Finally, you’ll call Singapore Airlines (833-727-0118) to provide the necessary flight info to an agent.

The “quick and dirty” Singapore Airlines new first class suites one-way award costs are here:

SCROLL FOR MORE
RouteSaver Cost (Cheapest)Advantage (Expensive)
Frankfurt (FRA) – New York (JFK)97,000143,500
Singapore (SIN) – Auckland (AKL)93,500155,000
Singapore (SIN) – Frankfurt (FRA)141,000225,500
Singapore (SIN) – Frankfurt (FRA) – New York (JFK)148,500243,000
Singapore (SIN) – Hong Kong (HKG)45,00073,000
Singapore (SIN) – London (LHR)141,000225,500
Singapore (SIN) – Sydney (SYD)93,500155,000
Singapore (SIN) – Zurich (ZRH)141,000225,500

Here’s a quick comparison of some of the U.S. routes:

SCROLL FOR MORE
Singapore Airlines Redemption Comparison
DepartureDestinationSingapore Airlines Award CostStar Alliance Award Cost
Los Angeles (LAX)Singapore (SIN)146,500 KrisFlyer miles
167,500 KrisFlyer miles
Los Angeles (LAX)Tokyo-Narita (NRT)120,500 KrisFlyer miles
157,500 KrisFlyer miles
New York (JFK)Frankfurt (FRA)97,000 KrisFlyer miles
121,000 KrisFlyer miles
New York (JFK)Singapore (SIN)148,500 KrisFlyer miles
167,500 KrisFlyer miles
New York (JFK)Sydney (SYD)188,000 KrisFlyer miles
188,500 KrisFlyer miles
San Francisco (SFO)Hong Kong (HKG)117,000 KrisFlyer miles
157,500 KrisFlyer miles
San Francisco (SFO)Singapore (SIN)146,500 KrisFlyer miles
167,500 KrisFlyer miles

The above routes work in both directions, so you can flip the departure and destination for the same price.

Singapore Airlines no longer imposes fuel surcharges on awards booked on its flights, so the total taxes and fees won’t be steep.

How To Earn Enough Miles for Singapore First Class

KrisFlyer miles is an American Express transfer partnerBrex transfer partner, Capital One transfer partner, Chase transfer partner, and Citi ThankYou transfer partner (all at a rate of 1:1) or from Marriott Bonvoy at a transfer rate of 3:1.

POPULAR FIRST CARD
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
60,000 points
$1,200
$95
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros

  • 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
  • 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
  • 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
  • 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
  • 2x points on all other travel worldwide
  • $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
  • 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
  • Excellent travel and car rental insurance
  • 10% annual bonus points
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel.
60,000 points
$1,200
$550
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent (740-850)

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros

  • 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
  • 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
  • 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
  • 5x points on airfare booked through Chase TravelSM
  • 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit
  • Priority Pass airport lounge access
  • TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS credit
  • Access to Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
  • Rental car elite status with National and Avis

Cons

  • $550 annual fee
  • Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Business Owner? See our article on Chase business cards that earn Ultimate Rewards.

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS
The Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card® from American Express

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 points
$1,760
$695
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros

  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
  • Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit)
  • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
  • Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
  • Access to Amex International Airline Program
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

Cons

  • $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
  • $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

BEST FOR DINING
American Express® Gold CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express® Gold Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

American Express® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
60,000 points
$1,320
$250
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The American Express® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros

  • 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
  • 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
  • Up to $120 annual dining credit: up to $10 monthly statement credit when you pay with the Amex Gold card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations
  • Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash: get $10 monthly in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account
  • No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
  • Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
  • Access to American Express transfer partners

Cons

  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Business Owner? See our article on Amex business cards that earn Membership Rewards.

Citi Premier® Card

Citi Premier® Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Frequent flyers will enjoy 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, air travel, and hotels.

Learn More(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Premier® Card

Frequent flyers will enjoy 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, air travel, and hotels.
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
60,000 points
$960
$95
21.24% - 29.24% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Citi Premier® Card is an excellent option for anyone looking for an all-around travel rewards credit card. The card helps you earn points fast with great 3x bonus categories such as restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotels. Plus, it offers access to airline and hotel transfer partners, doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, and has a reasonable annual fee!

Pros

  • 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotel purchases
  • Access to Citi transfer partners
  • Annual hotel credit
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
  • Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
  • Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
  • Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
  • 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
  • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 21.24% - 29.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

We cover the large number of Marriott credit cards available in our detailed guide.

Hot Tip: Learn about even more ways to earn Singapore KrisFlyer miles!

When Should You Search for Award Space?

Singapore Airlines can start releasing award space around 355 days from departure.

Finding Suites or first class space can be very difficult, so the sooner you start searching the better.

It is often easier to find award space when returning to (rather than departing from) the U.S.

What Makes This a Great Redemption?

Singapore Suites and first class are certainly among the top redemptions available if you’re looking for a luxury flight experience.

Singapore’s stellar amenities ensure you will make the most of your points, both in the air and on the ground!

Private Room Lounge

Singapore Airlines First Class The Private Room Lounge
Relax in one of the most exclusive airport lounges, Singapore Airlines’ Private Room. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Ever wondered what a first class lounge within a business class lounge would be like? How about an even more exclusive lounge within a first class lounge that’s within a business class lounge?

Well, you don’t have to wonder! When you fly Singapore Suites or first class from Singapore’s Changi Airport, you can relax in the Private Room, where you’ll be able to enjoy a glass (or 2) of Champagne and grab a snack.

As soon as you arrive at the airport (at the entrance exclusively for Singapore Suites and first class passengers), you will be greeted by a porter and a passenger relations officer from Singapore Airlines. From there you will be escorted to a seat at a check-in desk. If all are occupied, you will be provided a seat in the first class check-in lounge while you wait. Once checked in, you will be provided your boarding pass and the golden ticket: an invitation to the Private Room, Singapore’s most exclusive lounge. Your passenger relations officer will then escort you to immigration, and you will be on your way.

Once at Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris Lounge, you will be escorted into the Private Room where you can enjoy Champagne, snacks, and even a fine dining experience.

The Singapore staff are ready to help with anything you need; you only have to ask. If you’re shy, that’s okay! They will stop by to check on you and see if you want anything.

If you’re in the mood for a meal, grab a seat in the Private Room’s own restaurant. You can order anything you like from the menu, and even pair your meal with a glass of wine.

While Singapore Airlines doesn’t have showers on its Airbus A380s like Emirates and Etihad, it does have great shower suites in its lounge so you can freshen up before or between flights.

First Class Dining

Singapore Suites First Class - Dining & Book The Cook
Fine dining begins with caviar, then takes you through tasty appetizers, mouthwatering mains, and topped off with dessert! Image Credit: Alex Miller

Singapore Airlines is famous for its Book the Cook service that allows you to choose your meals before you board. This is a great way to guarantee you get the meal you want.

Probably the most famous dish served is the lobster thermidor. You’ll definitely want to book this prior to your flight!

Make sure you reserve your meal at least 24 hours before departure to ensure you receive the meal you want. There are also a number of tasty à la carte menu options if you do not book in advance.

Don’t forget to have some Krug Champagne when you board (and throughout the flight).

Singapore Airlines new A380 First Suite Champagne
Singapore Airlines’ new A380 first class suite Champagne. Image Credit: Greg Stone

First Class Service

This is one area where Singapore Airlines really stands out. The crew members are ever-present, but they assist without disturbing you.

They have an amazing way of anticipating your needs and happily helping you whenever you have a question or you want something to eat or drink.

If you like hot towel service, you’ll be in luck here, too. You’ll have multiple opportunities to refresh, which can be just what you need on those long flights of 10+ hours.

Final Thoughts

If it seems like we love Singapore Suites and first class, it’s because we do! From the moment your journey begins, this is a true luxury experience. What else could you ask for when on vacation?

Though only being able to book Suites and first class with KrisFlyer miles might seem like a problem, the fact that Singapore Airlines partners with all major transferable points programs mean you’ll never have trouble earning the miles.

This is definitely an experience you’ll want to try at least once (or twice, maybe even 3 times!) in your life.

If you want to Singapore one way or another but don’t think this is the right redemption for you, check out our article on the best ways to fly to Singapore with points and miles for additional award options.

The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to book Singapore Airlines Suites or first class?

To fly Singapore Suites or first class, you must book through Singapore’s own KrisFlyer program.

What credit cards can help me earn miles to fly Singapore Airlines Suites or first class?

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer partners with all major transferable points programs.

KrisFlyer miles can be transferred from American Express Membership Rewards, Brex Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards (all at a rate of 1:1) or from Marriott Bonvoy at a transfer rate of 3:1.

What do I get when flying Singapore Airlines Suites or first class?

Suites and first class passengers receive access to SilverKris first class lounges and the Private Room (when departing from or connecting in Singapore)

Inflight, you will receive industry-leading service and enjoy one of the best first class seats in the sky.

You can also enjoy Krug and Dom Perignon.

Don’t forget to “Book the Cook” so you can reserve your meal choice prior to departure!

Does Singapore Airlines fly first class suites from the U.S.?

The only A380 first class suites option from the U.S. is on a 5th freedom flight between New York (JFK) and Frankfurt (FRA) starting March 27, 2022.

Stephen Au's image

About Stephen Au

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status