Singapore introduced the SGQR standard back in 2018, aiming to clean up the potpourri of QR codes that merchants were often awash with- and with more than 40 mobile payment players active at the time, no wonder.
The idea behind SGQR was to implement a single QR code that can be scanned by multiple payment apps, reducing clutter and simplifying the payment process (though I must admit that when I first heard about the idea, it kind of reminded me of this).
Kris+ has now announced its plans to switch to the SGQR system, so if you’ve grown accustomed to looking for their blue and purple bordered QR codes, you’ll need to rewire your brain.
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| S$5 for new Kris+ Users | |||
| Get S$5 (in the form of 750 KrisPay miles) when you sign-up with code W644363 and make your first transaction |
Kris+ switching to SGQR codes
From December 2024, Kris+ will be rolling out SGQR to partner outlets in Singapore, replacing the existing Kris+ QR codes.
Kris+ users will need to update to the latest version of the app to scan these QR codes. You know you’re using the right version if your Scan screen shows “Scan Kris+ supported QR code” at the bottom.
All other steps in the payment process remain the same, and you can still continue to scan dedicated Kris+ QR codes wherever you see them.
Let’s be clear: this does not mean that you can start to earn credit card or KrisPay miles everywhere you spot an SGQR code. The merchant must still be registered with Kris+ in order to accept Kris+ payments.
Rather this just means one less QR code for merchants to display. If anything, this change will make it that much harder to spot a Kris+ merchant, since Kris+ will be one of many logos clustered at the bottom of a SGQR. Keep your eyes peeled!
What’s the best card to use with Kris+?
As a reminder, Kris+ transactions code as online spend, and generally retain the same MCC as the underlying merchant (with some very limited exceptions).
The following cards are the safest to use, as they’re MCC-agnostic. So long as you transact on Kris+, you’ll earn up to 4 mpd, on top of the Kris+ miles.
| ๐ณ Best Cards for Kris+ (All Categories) |
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| Card | Earn Rate | Remarks |
 DBS WWMCApply |
4 mpd | Max. S$1.5K per c. month |
 Citi Rewards + AmazeApply |
4 mpd | Max. S$1K per s. month. Do not use Citi Rewards Card alone- no bonuses |
 KrisFlyer UOB CardApply |
3 mpd | No cap |
Dining merchants are probably the second biggest category, and in that case you can also consider the following cards for an extra 4 mpd.
| ๐ฝ๏ธ Best Cards for Kris+ (Dining) |
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| Card | Earn Rate | Remarks |
 UOB Lady’s CardApply |
4 mpd | Max. S$1K per c. month. Must choose Dining as quarterly bonus category |
 UOB Lady’s SolitaireApply |
4 mpd |
Max. S$2K per c. month. Must choose Dining as quarterly bonus category |
 HSBC RevolutionApply |
4 mpd* | Max. S$1K per c. month |
 UOB Pref. Plat. VisaApply |
4 mpd | Max. S$1.1K per c. month |
| *Exercise caution because from 1 May 2024, MCC 5814 and 5499 are ineligible for bonuses |
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There are other possibilities as well for retail and wellness merchants. Do refer to the article below for all the options.
Conclusion
From this month, you’ll start to notice the familiar Kris+ QR codes disappearing from merchants. Don’t panic- it doesn’t mean your favourite merchant has left Kris+. Instead, look out for the Kris+ icon at the bottom of the SGQR code, which indicates acceptance.
Given how slow most places are to remove old branding and stickers, however, there’ll hopefully be some other way of easily identifying Kris+ merchants.
I would say it can be also a good thing as due to limited counter space, some places store the Kris+QR out of sight. So unless you know and asked about it, you won’t be any wiser. Therefore just need to establish new habit of scanning all SGQR for Kris+ logo ๐
Exactly. To me, it almost feels like it’s intentionally done that way to keep people from earning more miles