Unlock Free Luxury Travel: The Ultimate Guide to Start Collecting Miles

- -
4 days ago
4 min read

Unlock Free Luxury Travel: The Ultimate Guide to Start Collecting Miles

Have you ever walked past the first-class cabin and wondered, "How do they afford those seats?" For most, the answer isn't a massive salary—it’s travel miles. But if you’re still waiting to "earn" a free flight just by flying once a year, you’re playing the game wrong. This guide will show you how to stop dreaming and start booking.

Why You Should Start Collecting Miles Today

Collecting miles (often called "travel hacking") is the process of earning points through everyday spending to redeem for high-value travel.

Fly for "Free": Pay only the taxes and fees on international flights.
Upgrade Your Experience: Turn an economy budget into a Business or First Class reality.
Travel More Often: Lowering the cost of flights allows you to explore more destinations every year.

3 Simple Steps to Start Your Journey

1. Choose Your "Currency"

Don't spread yourself too thin. Start by focusing on one of these three types of points:

Transferable Points (Best for Beginners): Points from banks like Chase, Amex, or Capital One. These are the most flexible because you can send them to dozens of different airlines.
Airline-Specific Miles: Best if you live near a major hub (e.g., Delta in Atlanta).
Hotel Points: Great for those who have their flights covered but want free stays.

2. Get the Right Credit Card

The fastest way to earn a "free" flight isn't by flying—it’s the Sign-Up Bonus (SUB). One card bonus can often net you enough miles for a round-trip ticket to Europe or Hawaii.

Pro Tip: Always ensure you can hit the "Minimum Spend" requirement without spending more than you normally would. Never carry a balance, as interest payments will quickly negate the value of your miles.

3. Use Shopping Portals

Before you buy anything online, go through an airline shopping portal (like Rakuten or United MileagePlus Shopping). You can earn 2x to 10x miles per dollar on purchases you were already going to make at stores like Apple, Nike, or Sephora.

How Much Are Your Miles Actually Worth?

Not all redemptions are created equal. To ensure you’re getting the best deal, use this simple formula to calculate the Cents Per Point (CPP):

Value per Mile = {Cash Price of Ticket - {Taxes/Fees}} / Total Miles Required

Redemption Type	Value Level	Typical CPP
Domestic Economy	Standard	1.0 – 1.4¢
International Economy	Good	1.5 – 2.0¢
Business/First Class	Excellent	3.0 – 8.0¢+

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Letting Miles Expire: Log in to your accounts once a month or use a tracking tool.
Hoarding Points: Miles are not like stocks; they don't gain value. Airlines often "devalue" their points, so Earn and Burn.
Ignoring Fees: Some international airlines charge high "fuel surcharges." Always check the total cash cost before booking.

Ready to Take Your First Flight?

The world of miles and points moves fast, but the rewards are life-changing. Don't leave free travel on the table.

Comparing the Best "Starter" Credit Cards

In Singapore, most Singaporean "starter" cards are accessible with a minimum annual income of S$30,000, and the strategy often involves "stacking" cards for specific categories rather than using just one.

As of January 2026, here are the best entry-level cards based on your spending profile.

Starter Card Comparison (Singapore 2026)

Card	Best For...	Key Earn Rate	Annual Fee
DBS Altitude	The Safety Net	1.3 mpd (Local) / 2.2 mpd (FCY)	S$196 (1st Year Waived)
Citi Rewards	The Online Shopper	4.0 mpd (Online/Shopping)	S$196 (1st Year Waived)
HSBC Revolution	The Lifestyle User	4.0 mpd (Contactless/Travel)	No Fee Ever
UOB PRVI Miles	The High Earner	1.4 mpd (Local) / 2.4 mpd (FCY)	S$261 (Waivable)

Which Card Fits Your Lifestyle?

1. The "Online & App" Addict

Top Choice: Citi Rewards Card If you spend heavily on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, Grab, or Foodpanda, this is your gold mine.

The Math: You earn 4.0 miles per dollar (mpd) on almost all online transactions (excluding travel).
The 2026 Hack: Pair this with the Instarem Amaze Card. Link your Citi Rewards to Amaze to convert offline overseas spending into "online" spend, earning 4.0 mpd while bypassing high bank FX fees.

2. The "Contactless & Commuter"

Top Choice: HSBC Revolution This card is a "must-have" because it has no annual fee and rewards the way most Singaporeans pay: tapping their phone.

The Math: Earn 4.0 mpd on contactless payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) at supermarkets, restaurants, and for travel bookings (flights/hotels).
Pro Tip: As of 2026, HSBC has extended its bonus caps, making this one of the most generous "free" cards for dining and groceries.

3. The "Steady & Patient" Beginner

Top Choice: DBS Altitude If you aren't a big spender and want to take years to save for a Business Class flight, you need miles that don't expire.

The Math: You earn a respectable 1.3 mpd locally. While lower than the "4.0 mpd" cards, there is no monthly cap.
The Perk: You get 2 free Priority Pass lounge visits per year—rare for an entry-level starter card.

4. The "Regional Traveler"

Top Choice: UOB PRVI Miles If you frequently travel to Malaysia, Thailand, or Indonesia, this card offers a specialized boost.

The Math: Earn 3.0 mpd on spending in these regional neighbors.
Note: The miles expire in 2 years, so this is for "sprinters" who earn and burn quickly rather than long-term hoarders.

3 Rules for Singapore Miles Chasers

The S$30k Rule: Most of these cards require a S$30,000 annual income for locals/ PRs (usually higher for foreigners, around S$42,000 – S$65,000).
Watch the Caps: "4.0 mpd" cards like Citi Rewards and HSBC Revolution usually cap your bonus spending at S$1,000 per month. Anything above that earns a measly 0.4 mpd.
The "SimplyGo" Trap: If you use your card for MRT/Bus, check if it earns miles. The UOB Preferred Platinum Visa is a popular 4.0 mpd choice specifically for mobile tap-to-pay on transit.