Singapore KrisFlyer is a new Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partner, which is great news if you hold Ultimate Rewards cards, such as the Sapphire Preferred, Ink Bold or Ink Plus.
Previously, only AMEX Membership Rewards points and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) points transferred to Singapore KrisFlyer.
Why transfer points to Singapore KrisFlyer? Well, Singapore KrisFlyer typically only makes Suites and First Class awards available to its own KrisFlyer members, and not to other Star Alliance partners. And Singapore Business Class is also much more available with KrisFlyer miles than with United or other Star Alliance airlines.
I've previously booked two Singapore Suites award seats for Award Booking clients, using KrisFlyer miles, whereas you can't even book one using United miles. So this is indeed great news for Ultimate Rewards, especially in light of the United Award Chart Devaluation earlier this year.
Here's a quick FAQ on transferring Ultimate Rewards points to Singapore KrisFlyer:
Can I Transfer Ultimate Rewards Points to Anyone?
Technically you can, but per the Ultimate Rewards rules you're supposed to only transfer to your spouse or domestic partner: “Ultimate Rewards point transfer features are designed to allow our cardmembers to take advantage of the rewards they earn. The features are not intended to allow transfers to third parties other than a spouse or domestic partner of the cardmember. Transfers to unauthorized third parties or any other abuse of the Ultimate Rewards program may result in suspension or termination of the ability to participate in the program and forfeiture of points already earned.”
Are Ultimate Rewards Points Transfers to Singapore KrisFlyer Instant?
No, but neither are AMEX Membership Rewards transfers to Singapore KrisFlyer. Membership Rewards says to allow 48 hours and Ultimate Rewards says to allow up to 2 business days. In practice Membership Rewards points usually transfer to Singapore KrisFlyer within 24 hours, and I suspect it will similar with Ultimate Rewards, but I'll report back on how long a transfer I just made to KrisFlyer takes.
5/22 Update: AMEX Membership Rewards points transferred overnight for a couple recent client transfers. I am still waiting for Ultimate Rewards points to transfer.
Will Transferring Ultimate Rewards Points Keep Singapore KrisFlyer Miles from Expiring?
No. Transfers to Singapore KrisFlyer from Chase Ultimate Rewards points, AMEX Membership Rewards points or Starwood (SPG) will NOT keep your Singapore KrisFlyer miles from expiring. They expire 3 years after being earned, with a one-time 6 month extension possible by using cash or miles to extend.
What Are the Best Ways to Earn Ultimate Rewards Points to Transfer to Singapore KrisFlyer?
Focus on earning 5X or more Ultimate Rewards points per dollar:
- 5X for all cell phone, Internet and cable TV spend via your Ink Bold or Ink Plus
- 5X for all Amazon spend, via gift cards bought at an office supply store with your Ink Bold or Ink Plus
- 5X for all Whole Foods grocery spend, via gift cards bought at an office supply store with your Ink Bold or Ink Plus
- 5X for restaurants and all dining spend, via the current Q2 Chase Freedom Restaurant 5X category
- 5X for all Starbucks spend, gift cards bought at an office supply store with your Ink Bold or Ink Plus
- Ultimate Rewards Mall Deals, via gift cards bought at an office supply store with your Ink Bold or Ink Plus, and additional Ultimate Rewards bonus points
What are the Best Uses of Singapore KrisFlyer Points?
Watch for an upcoming post on this!
Do you plan to transfer Ultimate Rewards points to Singapore KrisFlyer to redeem for a Singapore Suites, Singapore First Class or Singapore Business Class award?
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