Get ready for this rough ride of my introduction to the whole credit card system where you can take advantage of it in the most legal manner. I am sure most of you guys have at least a vacation or two in a year. And what if I tell you can get free tickets by being just more interested and particular about the way credit card redemption work?

• Rebates Or Rewards Credit Cards?

In my opinion, stick to one and this is how you will benefit most from it. To be able to achieve spending and welcome bonus miles on Singapore Airlines Frequent Flyer Program which is also known as the Krisflyer, go for the travel credit cards. They are usually rewards credit cards. And some of these cards come with premium lounges access at airports all over the world. However, minimum annual income tends to be at least $50000 per annum. Refer to this really nice website, FlyStayTravel for the introduction to all the credit cards where you can earn miles. My advice to you is to know which card gives you the best miles per $ spending for different categories. For example, there are different earning rates for Travel and Shopping, credit card dependent of course.

• Why Krisflyer And Not Other Programs?

The Singapore Airlines has an extensive network of partners where you can redeem and earn your flights miles. Online redemption of Krisflyer miles gives you a 15% discount, so why not? Singapore Airlines is also one of the best airlines in the world in terms of comfort and service, certainly worth the miles.

Singapore Airlines is under the Star Alliance network, redemption and miles accrual can be done with any of these airlines.

This is my current miles balance. Take note that I do not spend excessively to earn miles. I consider myself a saver than a spender. Instead I make the most of credit card sign-up bonuses and try to accumulate my spending to specific cards. Honestly around 50% of my miles balance came from sign-up and spending bonuses. This amount of miles is obtained through a spending of around SGD5000. If you have a big purchase, this can be easily obtained. It depends on the spending habits, it may take some people 3 months, some 9 months. Each to their own. Regardless of which, think about it and you will realize that it’s a fantastic deal.

An economy class one-way ticket from Singapore to New York City via Frankfurt costs 31875 miles after the 15% discount for online redemption. Take note that redemption is only for the price of the ticket, you still need to pay for the taxes and surcharges, in this case is SGD419.90.

And here’s how much it costs if you were to buy it one-way! Ridiculously expensive, even more than a return. Not a very fair comparison here but it’s Singapore Airlines. Most people buy return tickets except for students studying overseas etc. And so, $419.90 for an economy one-way ticket to NYC is a steal.

A search on suites class on the same flight came up with 93500 miles and SGD447.50. Look like it’s a lot of miles but certainly attainable. How much if you are paying in full?

A hefty SGD11067.50! Worth it to pay in full? No, certainly does not make any economical sense unless you are on a business trip.

Fancy somewhere nearer from Singapore? Return tickets to Beijing costs 34000 miles and SGD353.50. Notice that flight tickets and accommodation costs take up a huge bulk of your traveling budget. Save on the tickets and you can spend it better elsewhere. Sound logical?

This is the award charts for Krisflyer saver award flights redemption. But saver award means that you have to book the tickets more advance than usual because there is a certain quota on those redemption and they usually run out fast. In my opinion, the miles are worth most when you use it on long haul destinations or non-economy class tickets. If you were to look at the miles required for award flights between economy and suites class for the different zones, they are increasing exponentially. However they are less than prices differences if you were to pay fully for the tickets, this explains why miles are actually more worth it for business/suites class redemption.

• Premium Lounges Access

Out of miles redemption for business or suites class tickets which give you access to lounges access at airports around the world? Or you are traveling on budget airlines? Having the right travel credit cards gives you this for free. DBS Altitude Visa Signature Credit Card gives you Priority Pass Membership and 4 free access a year. Refer to here for details. ANZ Travel Visa Signature Credit Card allows free and unlimited access to Veloce Lounges. Facilities are these lounges varies from refreshments to shower rooms.

All of the above is definitely not hard to achieve but it takes a little effort from you to know your stuff. And in return you save money and get better experiences.