Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced last October that it has launched a new lifestyle and rewards app, Kris+ — a rebranding from the previously known, KrisPay app, in a move away from just being a mobile loyalty wallet, but instead focuses on rewards, deals and privileges in lifestyle, dining and retail spaces.
A one stop shop, Kris+ allows you to earn miles, enjoy special rewards and make payment using just one platform.
To find out more about the newly rebranded lifestyle app by SIA, SilverKris interviewed four members of the Kris+ team; Jeanette Lee, General Manager of the SIA Lifestyle Ecosystem; Sylvia Tan, Head of Product Integration; Arun Sabarirajan, Assistant Manager of Application Services; and Denise Yeo, Product Partnership Manager.
Lee explains that they first came up with mobile miles wallet, KrisPay in 2018 when they heard from customers that they were looking for more micro-redemption options that were relevant to their everyday purchases.
It began as an engagement tool to drive instant redemption and reward of SIA’s airline loyalty miles, KrisFlyer miles. However, “as the program gained traction, we recognised that there were more opportunities to grow this ecosystem to engage and bring value to both our customers and merchant partners,” Lee shares. This gave rise to Kris+, with KrisPay as the wallet function within Kris+. “The aim of Kris+ is to bring more joy to the everyday of our customers,” she adds.
Here are five reasons to download Kris+ now.
1. It’s the only travel miles exclusive app in the market
According to Lee, there is a common misconception that KrisFlyer miles can only be earned through flying and used to exchange for flight tickets only. In fact, KrisFlyer miles can be accumulated through various channels, and with the Kris+ app, you can instantly spend those miles on purchases at partner brands. There are currently more than 175 partners and 780 outlets across Singapore on the app, with more than 150 Kris+ privileges between them. As they continue to improve on Kris+ and add more lifestyle features, users will have more options of redeeming and earning KrisFlyer miles on every transaction on the app – something unique from other lifestyle apps, she adds.
2. It has great perks
The “Earn” feature in the app excites Tan the most. “You can pick up miles with every purchase at our Kris+ partners, as well as receive exclusive birthday privileges, including 90% off spa packages and 1-for-1 dining deals at our favourite restaurants.” Look out for the occasional flash deals at selected retailers too!
Of course, the crowd favourite – Singapore Airlines’ Boarding Pass Privileges – can now be found in the app, and is available to anyone in Singapore without travelling. In the near future when we can travel again, Kris+ users can look forward to redeeming travel packages such as Singapore Stopover Holidays, or privileges which were previously only available with your boarding pass, which you can use at various attractions for a discounted price.
3. There are plenty of options to use your miles
With more than 175 partners in the app, you can offset your purchases at a wide range of places, from snacks and bubble tea at Polar Puffs & Cakes and Gong Cha, or at casual eateries such as Tapas Club, Perch, and PizzaExpress, says Yeo. As for retail partners, Aldo, Bottles & Bottles, Harvey Norman and Sulwhasoo are just some examples where you can earn and redeem miles at. Furthermore, there are also exclusive PPS-tiered privileges, birthday privileges and deals offered by partners that can be redeemed exclusively on Kris+. These include exclusive deals at Simmons, Breitling, Red House Seafood and The Royal Albatross. Kris+ is also now in India. Recently launched in February, it has over 1,500 outlets countrywide.
4. It’s a smart app
For a personalised user experience, the app offers the option of location-based or interest-based recommendations. Simply select three areas of preferences (for example activities, wellness and dining) and the app will generate privileges you may like. “If you need ideas on where to enjoy Kris+ at, simply click “Discover”, and let the geolocation function of our app find your nearest partner,” Tan shares.
5. It involves quite a bit of tech
The team behind the app uses an agile methodology which aims to roll out a new feature every four to six weeks. Rest assured however, that while the team is keen on introducing exciting new features that will enhance user experience, the safety and stability of the app is first and foremost its priority.
For those concerned about data safety, you’d be happy to know that the KrisPay wallet in Kris+ is built on Microsoft Azure’s platform using a blockchain technology to secure customer miles. The technology is safe and capable of processing concurrent blockchain transactions for many users efficiently, says Lee. There is also proper safeguarding of both partners’ and customers’ information in a highly secure environment, adds Sabarirajan.
So really, there’s no reason not to use it. “If you are a traveller to Singapore, start your journey to privileges and deals like a local, with Kris+,” says Yeo.
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