SIA, Amex offer 4th joint credit card

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and American Express launched their fourth joint credit card on Monday, allowing travellers to spend just 60 cents to earn one KrisFlyer mile.

Open to fliers in all classes, the Amex Singapore Airlines Ascend Credit Card also offers perks including free access to any Sats Premier Lounge and global Plaza Premium Lounge four times a year, a free night's stay in one of 80 Millennium Hotels and Resorts properties and round-the- clock emergency assistance.

Ascend cardholders can also double the number of miles earned when they book tickets on SIA's website.

Amex and SIA began their co-branding relationship in 2000. They first launched the KrisFlyer Gold Credit Card.

Gold cardholders have to spend at least 80 cents to earn one KrisFlyer mile.

The miles can be used to redeem tickets on SIA and on all Star Alliance carriers. Some 25,000 would be needed for a return economy trip to Bangkok.

Two other cards were subsequently launched exclusively for SIA's First and Business Class frequent travellers.

Since 2000, Amex has seen "year-on-year double-digit percentage growth" in the number of miles given out under the Amex-SIA credit cards, Amex said.

Despite the competitive credit card market here, KrisFlyer cardholders are said to spend on average about three times more than other cardholders.

SIA's loyalty marketing vice- president Tan Jo Ann said the latest card is one of many measures to be taken this year to make its loyalty programme more attractive to KrisFlyer frequent fliers.

There are about two million members globally, with around a quarter residing in Singapore.

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