DBS Altitude vs. UOB PRVI Miles Credit Card Comparison 2024

There are many miles-earning credit cards on the market in Singapore, and several of them are quite competitive. However, each is uniquely suited to a different kind of traveller. DBS Altitude Visa and UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card, for example, lead the market in their respective tiers. However, each of these cards is very different from the other, and best suited to optimise value for different lifestyles and spend behaviours. Which is a better fit for your needs? We've completed a detailed breakdown of their comparative strengths and weaknesses to help you make a confident and informed decision.

  • Local, overseas & category boosted rewards rates
  • Miles expiration details
  • Auto-conversion programmes, transfer fees & processing times
Comparison of Travel Perks
  • Lounge access & travel insurance
  • Limo transfers, golfing privileges & more
  • Card privileges programmes
Comparison of Card Fees & Requirements
  • Annual fees, spend-based waivers & bonus miles
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • Minimum age & minimum income requirements

Comparison of Competitive Travel Cards in Singapore by Dollar Value

Based on an average monthly spend of S$2,000, we analysed some of the most competitive travel cards on the market to estimate returned value-to-consumer after 2 years, accounting for rebates and netting out annual fees. As a note, dollar value is heavily dependent on spending habits; intangible benefits (like free travel insurance and airport lounge access) are valuable but difficult to quantify.

A graph displaying how competitive travel credit cards compare to one another in terms of their rewards
Comparison of Competitive Travel Cards in Singapore by Estimated 2-Year Dollar Value

Comparison of Competitive Travel Cards in Singapore by Dollar Value

Based on an average monthly spend of S$2,000, we analysed some of the most competitive travel cards on the market to estimate returned value-to-consumer after 2 years, accounting for rebates and netting out annual fees. As a note, dollar value is heavily dependent on spending habits; intangible benefits (like free travel insurance and airport lounge access) are valuable but difficult to quantify.

A graph displaying how competitive travel credit cards compare to one another in terms of their rewards
Comparison of Competitive Travel Cards in Singapore by Estimated 2-Year Dollar Value

Overview: DBS Altitude vs. UOB PRVI Miles Amex

While both DBS Altitude Visa Card and UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card are extremely competitive on the travel cards market, they each cater to very different kinds of consumers–the first provides affordable luxury, the latter offers high spenders rapid miles accrual. Where exactly do these cards differ, and which is better suited to your lifestyle? We've analysed the details and provided a clear breakdown so you can make a confident and informed decision.

Summary Comparison Table: DBS Altitude Visa vs. UOB PRVI Miles Amex

CategoryFeatureDBS Altitude VisaUOB PRVI Miles
  • Rewards Rate
Local Rate1.2 miles/S$11.4 miles/S$1
Overseas Rate2.0 miles/S$12.4 miles/S$1
Category Boost3.0 miles/S$1 (travel bookings)6.0 miles/S$1 (travel bookings)
  • Travel Perks
Lounge Access2 visits/yearN/A
Travel InsuranceCoverage up to S$1MCoverage up to S$500k
Limo TransfersDiscounted ratesUp to 8 free transfers/yr
Golfing PerksDiscounted green feesN/A
  • Annual Fee
Annual FeeS$192.6, 1yr waiverS$256.8, 1yr waiver
Spend WaiverWaived w/ S$25k/yr spendWaived w/ S$50k/yr spend
Bonus Miles10k miles (in lieu of waiver)20k miles (w/ S$50k/yr spend)
Additional details apply. See sections below or card websites for a further breakdown of information

Rewards Rates: DBS Altitude vs. UOB PRVI Miles Amex

DBS Altitude Visa Card and UOB PRVI Miles Card edge out their competitors in terms of rewards rates. However, these cards are not quite in the same playing field when considered holistically. DBS Altitude Card is in the affordable realm, with a moderate fee paired with an easy fee-waiver. It's local and overseas rates align with its closest competitor (Citi PremierMiles), but it offers an extra boost for online travel bookings that beats out many of its alternatives. While cardholders do not earn directly in miles, their rewards points can automatically be converted to KrisFlyer miles without added transfer fees (though the auto-conversion programme does charge a S$42.8 annual participation fee). Rewards never expire.

Comparison Table: Miles Rewards & Redemption

FeatureDBS Altitude VisaUOB PRVI Miles
Rewards Currency
  • DBS Pts (1 DBS Pt = 2 Miles)
  • UNI$ (UNI$1 = 2 Miles)
Local Rate1.2 miles/S$11.4 miles/S$1
Overseas Rate2.0 miles/S$12.4 miles/S$1
Category Boost3.0 miles/S$1, online travel bookings (up to 15k mi/mo)6.0 miles/S$1, major hotels & airlines spend
Rewards ExpiryDo not expire2 years
Auto-ConversionKF Miles Auto-Conversion ProgrammeKF Miles Auto-Conversion Programme
Conversion FeeS$26.75/transfer (Waived w/ Auto-Conversion Programme)S$25/transfer (Waived w/ Auto-Conversion Programme)
Processing Time1-2 Weeks3 Weeks
Additional details apply. See card websites for a further breakdown of information

UOB PRVI Miles Amex Card, however, sits more closely in the realm of luxury cards for high spenders, primarily because of its higher fee and more challenging spend requirements (discussed further below). However, UOB PRVI Miles Card's rates are resultantly much higher–in fact, they lead the market in some cases. People who prioritise rapid miles accrual and have substantial travel and overseas budgets can maximise earnings more quickly with UOB PRVI Miles Card than almost any other option on the market. It is worth mentioning, however, that consumers still need to convert points to miles, and rewards do indeed expire.

Travel Perks: DBS Altitude vs. UOB PRVI Miles Amex

In terms of perks, DBS Altitude outshines UOB PRVI Miles Amex Card. While a generally more affordable card, DBS Altitude provides consumers with a taste of luxury. Perks include lounge access, comprehensive travel accident insurance and discounted limo transfers & green fees. These features exceed those offered by other affordable cards and are in fact comparable to those offered by more expensive cards. Consumers who value convenience and comfort in their travels are likely to benefit from DBS Altitude Card.

Comparison Table: Travel Perks & Privileges

FeatureDBS Altitude VisaUOB PRVI Miles
Lounge Access2 visits/yr via Priority PassN/A
Travel InsuranceAccidental Death & Disablement (Up to S$1M)Accidental Death & Disablement (Up to S$500k), Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation (Up to S$50k)
Limo TransfersDiscounted worldwideUp to 8 free transfers/yr
Golfing PrivilegesDiscounted green fees in APACN/A
Card PrivilegesVisa Digital ConciergeUOB Travel Butler, Amex Essentials
Additional details apply. See card websites for a further breakdown of information

UOB PRVI Miles Amex Card has fewer luxury perks, which is perhaps a trade-off given its high rewards rates. For example, cardholders do not receive free lounge access, which is a frequent feature of expensive travel cards. Consumers do receive up to 8 free limo transfers per year in the form of 2 max transfers/quarter, though they must spend at least S$1k/quarter overseas to unlock this privilege.

Fees & Requirements: DBS Altitude vs. UOB PRVI Miles Amex

One of the main features that separates DBS Altitude from UOB PRVI Miles Amex is affordability. DBS Altitude Visa Card is extremely competitive precisely because of how affordable it is. Cardholders who spend at least S$25k/year (about S$2,083/month) are exempt from the already moderate S$192.6 annual fee. Those who do not meet this spend requirement receive 10,000 bonus miles, worth S$100+ in redemption value. This bonus offsets more than half of the annual fee.

Comparison Table: Requirements & Fees

FeatureDBS Altitude VisaUOB PRVI Miles
Annual FeeS$192.6, 1yr waiverS$256.8, 1yr waiver
Spend-Based WaiverWaived w/ S$25k spendWaived w/ S$50k spend
Bonus Miles10k mi/yr (in lieu of waiver)20k mi/yr (w/ S$50k spend)
FX Fee3.25%3.25%
Minimum Age21 years old21 years old
Income Req
  • SG & PR: S$30,000
  • Foreigners: S$45,000
  • SG & PR: S$30,000
  • Foreigners: S$80,000
Additional details apply. See card websites for a further breakdown of information

UOB PRVI Miles Amex Card is also affordable–but ironically, only for high spenders. The S$256.8 annual fee is quite low compared to luxury alternatives, which often have fees ranging from S$300-S$700+ without a waiver option. UOB PRVI Miles Amex cardholders can enjoy a fee-waiver, however, with S$50k annual spend. This averages to about S$4,167/month–a reach for the average consumer, but quite reasonable for those with larger budgets. Even better, at the S$50k/year spend level, cardholders also receive 20,000 bonus miles worth S$200+ in redemption value. As a result, UOB PRVI Miles Amex is an exceptional option for higher spenders who prioritise rapid miles accrual over perks.

Comparison to Similar Travel Credit Cards

Perhaps DBS Altitude Visa or UOB PRVI Miles Amex Card seem to be a great fit for your lifestyle. Even still, it's worth considering other options on the market before making a final decision. Here are a few competitive alternatives that may also meet your needs–we've reviewed their strengths and weaknesses and compared them to the main cards featured on this page.

Citi PremierMiles: Bonus Miles & Competitive Rates

  • Annual fee: S$192.6, 1-year waiver
  • 10,000 bonus annual renewal miles (worth S$100)
  • 1.2 miles per S$1 local spend, 2 miles per S$1 overseas spend
  • Miles earned never expire
  • 2 free lounge visits & free travel insurance
Citi PremierMiles Card is perhaps DBS Altitude Visa Card's closest competitor. Cardholders earn 1.2 miles per S$1 locally and 2 miles overseas. While there isn't a standing boost for online travel bookings–as offered by DBS Altitude–Citi PremierMiles Card does frequently have promotional rates with select merchants like Expedia, Kaligo and Agoda.


Cardholders also enjoy a few luxury perks, like 2 free lounge visits/year and complimentary travel insurance. In fact, Citi PremierMiles Card's travel insurance plan is one of the most comprehensive on the market, with coverage for travel accidents as well as travel inconveniences (baggage delays or loss, trip cancellations & more). While cardholders do not receive a waiver option (as offered by both DBS Altitude and UOB PRVI Miles Cards) they do receive 10,000 annual renewal miles without further qualification. This bonus, worth about S$100+ in redemption value, offsets the moderate S$192.6 fee. Overall, Citi PremierMiles Card is another affordable option for the everyday consumer who often travels.

  • Annual fee: S$192.6, 1-year waiver
  • 10,000 bonus annual renewal miles (worth S$100)
  • 1.2 miles per S$1 local spend, 2 miles per S$1 overseas spend
  • Miles earned never expire
  • 2 free lounge visits & free travel insurance
Citi PremierMiles Card is perhaps DBS Altitude Visa Card's closest competitor. Cardholders earn 1.2 miles per S$1 locally and 2 miles overseas. While there isn't a standing boost for online travel bookings–as offered by DBS Altitude–Citi PremierMiles Card does frequently have promotional rates with select merchants like Expedia, Kaligo and Agoda.


Cardholders also enjoy a few luxury perks, like 2 free lounge visits/year and complimentary travel insurance. In fact, Citi PremierMiles Card's travel insurance plan is one of the most comprehensive on the market, with coverage for travel accidents as well as travel inconveniences (baggage delays or loss, trip cancellations & more). While cardholders do not receive a waiver option (as offered by both DBS Altitude and UOB PRVI Miles Cards) they do receive 10,000 annual renewal miles without further qualification. This bonus, worth about S$100+ in redemption value, offsets the moderate S$192.6 fee. Overall, Citi PremierMiles Card is another affordable option for the everyday consumer who often travels.

Citi Prestige MasterCard: Luxury Perks for Affluent Travellers

Citi Prestige Card
Citi Prestige Card
  • Unlimited lounge access, free travel insurance & bonus hotel nights
  • Promotions:
  • Read Our Full Review
  • Annual fee: S$535
  • 1.3 miles per S$1 local spend, 2 miles per S$1 overseas spend
  • 25,000 annual renewal miles (worth S$250)
  • 15%-30% annual Citi relationship bonus
  • Unlimited lounge access, travel insurance, free hotel nights & more
Citi Prestige MasterCard is ideal for very affluent travellers who don't mind paying a premium for luxury perks. Cardholders enjoy a myriad of high-end privileges, including unlimited lounge access, complimentary limo transfers, free bonus hotel nights, up to 6 free green fees/year, access to JetQuay and much more. In addition, consumers receive an impressive 25,000 annual renewal miles (worth S$250+) and a yearly bonus of up to 30% based on relationship tenure with Citibank. These perks do come at a price, however. Citi Prestige has an annual fee of S$535 with no waiver option.


While Citi Prestige is a luxury card without a doubt, it's somewhat of an inverse of UOB PRVI Miles Card. While its privileges are amongst the best on the market, its rates are fairly low, aligning with those of far more affordable cards. Cardholders earn 1.3 miles per S$1 local spend and 2 miles overseas, without any category boosts. As a result, Citi Prestige is a great option for those who prioritise luxury, but not an ideal match for individuals who want to rapidly accrue miles.

Citi Prestige Card
Citi Prestige Card
  • Stand-Out: Unlimited lounge access, free travel insurance & bonus hotel nights
  • Promotions:
  • Read Our Full Review
  • Annual fee: S$535
  • 1.3 miles per S$1 local spend, 2 miles per S$1 overseas spend
  • 25,000 annual renewal miles (worth S$250)
  • 15%-30% annual Citi relationship bonus
  • Unlimited lounge access, travel insurance, free hotel nights & more
Citi Prestige MasterCard is ideal for very affluent travellers who don't mind paying a premium for luxury perks. Cardholders enjoy a myriad of high-end privileges, including unlimited lounge access, complimentary limo transfers, free bonus hotel nights, up to 6 free green fees/year, access to JetQuay and much more. In addition, consumers receive an impressive 25,000 annual renewal miles (worth S$250+) and a yearly bonus of up to 30% based on relationship tenure with Citibank. These perks do come at a price, however. Citi Prestige has an annual fee of S$535 with no waiver option.


While Citi Prestige is a luxury card without a doubt, it's somewhat of an inverse of UOB PRVI Miles Card. While its privileges are amongst the best on the market, its rates are fairly low, aligning with those of far more affordable cards. Cardholders earn 1.3 miles per S$1 local spend and 2 miles overseas, without any category boosts. As a result, Citi Prestige is a great option for those who prioritise luxury, but not an ideal match for individuals who want to rapidly accrue miles.

American Express Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Card: Beginner Miles for SIA Loyalists

American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card
  • Annual fee: S$176.55, 1-year waiver
  • 1.1 miles per S$1 local & overseas spend, 2 mi overseas in June & December only
  • 2 miles per S$1 spend on SingaporeAir online & app, SilkAir, KrisShop in-flight & online
  • 3.1 miles per S$1 spend on Grab transactions (up to 620 mi/mo)
  • Free travel insurance
  • Hertz Gold Plus Rewards & Amex Selects Privileges
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card offers SIA loyalists an easy way to earn straightforward miles. Cardholders earn 1.1 miles per S$1 locally and overseas, boosted to 2 miles overseas in June & December and spend with SIA brands. Grab rides earn 3.1 miles/S$1 spend, though rewards are capped at just 620 miles/month (about S$6.20 in redemption value). Rewards are directly earned as KrisFlyer miles, which are auto-credited to the cardholder's frequent flyer account. As a result, Amex SIA KF is very straightforward and easy-to-use, and might be a match for SIA travellers looking for a hassle-free rewards option.
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card
  • Stand-Out: Earn rewards for SIA spend, no transfer fees or processing times
  • Promotions:
  • Read Our Full Review
  • Annual fee: S$176.55, 1-year waiver
  • 1.1 miles per S$1 local & overseas spend, 2 mi overseas in June & December only
  • 2 miles per S$1 spend on SingaporeAir online & app, SilkAir, KrisShop in-flight & online
  • 3.1 miles per S$1 spend on Grab transactions (up to 620 mi/mo)
  • Free travel insurance
  • Hertz Gold Plus Rewards & Amex Selects Privileges
American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Card offers SIA loyalists an easy way to earn straightforward miles. Cardholders earn 1.1 miles per S$1 locally and overseas, boosted to 2 miles overseas in June & December and spend with SIA brands. Grab rides earn 3.1 miles/S$1 spend, though rewards are capped at just 620 miles/month (about S$6.20 in redemption value). Rewards are directly earned as KrisFlyer miles, which are auto-credited to the cardholder's frequent flyer account. As a result, Amex SIA KF is very straightforward and easy-to-use, and might be a match for SIA travellers looking for a hassle-free rewards option.

Travel Credit Card Comparison Tables

Credit CardLocalOverseasBoostExpiryTransfer Fee
DBS Altitude 1.2 mi/S$12.0 mi/S$13 mi/S$1 flights & hotelsN/AWaiver Option
Citi PM (Bonus Mi) 1.2 mi/S$12.0 mi/S$1N/AN/AS$25/transfer
Citi PM (No Fee)
Amex SIA KF 1.1 mi/S$12.0 mi/S$12 mi/S$1 with SIA brands, 3.1 mi/S$1 Grab3yrsN/A
KrisFlyer UOB 1.2 mi/S$13 mi/S$13 mi/S$1 dining, transport, online fashion & travel3yrsN/A
UOB PRVI Miles 1.4 mi/S$12.4 mi/S$16 mi/S$1 flight & hotels2yrsWaiver Option
Please note: DBS Altitude's category boost is limited to online bookings. Amex SIA KF Card's overseas rate applies only in June & December (1.1 mi/S$1 otherwise). KF UOB Card's boosted rates are unlocked w/ S$500 annual SIA spend. UOB PRVI Miles Amex Card's category boost is limited to select travel merchants
Credit CardLoungeTravel InsGolfTransportOther Perks
DBS Altitude 2 visits/yrCoverage up to S$1MDisc. green feesDisc. transfersVisa Concierge
Citi PM (Bonus Mi) 2 visits/yrCoverage up to S$1MN/AN/ACiti World Priv.
Citi PM (No Fee)
Amex SIA KF N/ACoverage up to S$350kN/AHertz Gold PlusAmex Selects
KrisFlyer UOB N/ACoverage up to S$500kN/AS$15 off GrabScoot Privileges
UOB PRVI Miles N/ACoverage up to S$500kN/A8 transfers/yrUOB Travel Butler
Please note: Travel insurance refers to free travel accident coverage for the principal cardholder; some cards offer additional kinds of insurance coverage (like medical benefits, emergency evacuation & repatriation, travel inconvenience)
Credit CardAnnual FeeSpend WaiverBonus MilesMin. Income
DBS Altitude S$192.6, waived 1yrWaived w/ S$25k annual spend10k mi/yr (in lieu of waiver)
  • SG & PR: S$30k
  • Foreigners: S$45k
Citi PM (Bonus Mi) S$192.6 fee, 10k annual bonus miles +
  • SG & PR: S$30k
  • Foreigners: S$42k
Citi PM (No Fee)
Amex SIA KF S$176.55, waived 1yrN/APromotions vary
  • SG & PR: S$30k
  • Foreigners: S$45k
KrisFlyer UOB S$192.6, waived 1yrN/A10k bonus mi/yr
  • SG & PR: S$30k
  • Foreigners: S$80k
UOB PRVI Miles S$256.8, waived 1yrWaived w/ S$50k annual spend20k mi/yr (w/ S$50k spend)
  • SG & PR: S$30k
  • Foreigners: S$40k
Waivers and bonus miles subject to change. See card websites for further details

Learn More About Finding the Best Credit Card for You

Carrie Arndt

Carrie is a Senior Analyst at ValueChampion, helping consumers find the best credit cards and other financial products based on quantitative and qualitative analysis. She previously led consumer studies worldwide as a Senior Research Executive at MMR Research, and led development & operations and BellaVetro. She attended Duke University and Penn State University, graduating with a degree in Political Science and Government. Her work has been featured on a variety of major media such as Yahoo Finance, Asia One, Buro, Zuu Online and more.

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