AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card Bonus MCC Categories
The AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card earns bonus rewards when you spend at merchants with specific MCC (Merchant Category Code) codes. Here's a breakdown of which categories earn bonus rates:
1. SIA Group + Grab — 2 MPD
Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights booked direct (singaporeair.com/flyscoot.com, SGD, ex-SG), KrisShop and Pelago earn 2 MPD uncapped. Grab earns 1.2 + 0.8 bonus capped at S$200/mo.
| Category | MCC Codes | Top Merchants |
|---|---|---|
| SIA Group + Grab | All | Singapore Airlines, Scoot, KrisShop, Pelago, Grab |
Tips to Maximize AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card Rewards
- Miles auto-credit to KrisFlyer monthly — 3-year expiry from credit, no option to hold points
- No FCY bonus: foreign currency earns the flat 1.2 MPD (3.25% FX fee)
- Renewal fee earns a 10,000-mile voucher yearly; S$10,000 FCY/yr earns an 18,000-mile Foreign Spend voucher
- KrisFlyer Elite Gold accelerator at S$15k eligible flights/12mo
Frequently Asked Questions
Which MCCs are excluded from AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend?
AMEX publishes category exclusions, not MCC codes (amex-sg-exclusions.pdf): cash advance, balance transfer, instalments, KrisFlyer miles purchases, SingPost/SAM, insurance (except Amex channels), SPC, BUS/MRT transit, wallet top-ups (GrabPay/ShopeePay), utilities, public hospitals/polyclinics, education and charity.
Is AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend good for miles?
For KrisFlyer redemptions only: miles lock into KrisFlyer at 3-year expiry and 1.2 MPD flat is low. Better as an SIA Group spend card (2 MPD) plus Elite Gold accelerator.
What income do I need for AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend?
AMEX typically requires S$30,000 personal income for credit cards though it is not stated on the product page.
Last Updated: October 2026 | MCC codes and card rewards may change. Always verify with CheckMCC and your card issuer.