AMEX HighFlyer Card Review: Is It Still Worth It for Business Spending?

The American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card, once lauded for its generous rewards, is now facing scrutiny for diminished benefits and increasing costs. What was once a standout offering has, for many, become a less compelling option in the competitive landscape of business credit cards.

Overview: AMEX HighFlyer Card

The AMEX HighFlyer Card is designed for businesses looking to earn rewards on Singapore Airlines and Scoot purchases, and potentially access travel perks. However, recent changes have significantly impacted its value proposition.

Key Features

• Income Requirement: S$30,000 per annum.
• Annual Fee: S$400 (as of April 23, 2025).
• Points Validity: 3 years.
• Transfer Partners: KrisFlyer.
• Foreign Currency Transaction Fee: 3.25%.

What Has Changed?

The AMEX HighFlyer Card has undergone several changes that have eroded its previous appeal:

• No First-Year Fee Waiver: The first year’s annual fee is no longer waived.
• Reduced Earn Rates: Earn rates have been reduced to 1.2 HighFlyer points (equivalent to 1.2 KrisFlyer miles) per S$1 spent on most purchases.
• Removed Perks: Lounge access has been removed.
• Increased Annual Fee: The annual fee increased to S$400 in April 2025.
• Exclusion List: A growing list of exclusions now apply to earning points, including payments to utilities, public transport, and certain online services.

Earning Potential

• SGD/FCY Spend: 1.2 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent.
• SIA Group Spend: 2 mpd on SIA Group spend, with up to 8 mpd on selected Singapore Airlines tickets.

While the earn rates on Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights are competitive, the 1.2 mpd earn rate on all other spending is mediocre compared to many consumer credit cards.

Redeeming HighFlyer Points

HighFlyer points can be redeemed for:

• KrisFlyer miles (1:1 ratio, up to 150,000 miles per year).
• Flight bookings or add-ons.
• Airline e-vouchers or lounge passes (though these are generally less valuable than transferring to miles).

Business Offers

AMEX HighFlyer Cardholders are eligible for business offers, but these are often credits for services that may not be relevant to all businesses.

KrisFlyer Elite Gold Fast Track

Cardholders can fast-track to KrisFlyer Elite Gold status by spending at least S$15,000 on Singapore Airlines or Scoot tickets within the first 12 months of card approval. Singapore Airlines. KrisShop transactions no longer count towards this requirement.

ALL Accor+ Explorer Membership

Principal Cardholders receive a complimentary ALL Accor+ Explorer membership, which includes benefits like free night stays and discounts on hotel stays and dining. However, the annual fee must be paid to receive this benefit.

Is the AMEX HighFlyer Card Worth It?

The AMEX HighFlyer Card suffers from poor earn rates and lacklustre benefits, and there’s little reason to utilize it — unless your only alternative are corporate cards. If you can use personal cards for business spending, there are better options available. However, if your company restricts you to using corporate cards, the AMEX HighFlyer Card may be a decent choice, as it offers better earn rates and benefits than many other corporate cards.

MileLion Verdict: Leave It