What the Skypass Credit Card Is
The Skypass Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by Korean Air and a major U.S. bank. It earns miles in Korean Air's frequent flyer program, called Skypass, which you can use toward flights, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards. The card comes with a sign-up bonus, ongoing earning rates on purchases, and perks tied to Korean Air travel.
This card is designed for people who fly Korean Air regularly or want to accumulate miles toward a future trip. Unlike a general travel card that earns points across many airlines, a co-branded card like this one concentrates rewards in a single program, which can mean faster mile accumulation if you're loyal to that airline.
Key Takeaways
- The Skypass Credit Card earns miles in Korean Air's frequent flyer program, which you redeem for flights and upgrades on Korean Air and partner airlines.
- You receive a sign-up bonus after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of opening the card.
- The card charges an annual fee, which varies by card tier, and that fee is not refunded if you close the account.
- Korean Air miles expire if your account is inactive for three years, so you need to use or earn miles regularly to keep them.
- The card's value depends on how often you fly Korean Air and whether you can use the perks like priority boarding and checked baggage allowance.
Annual Fee and Card Tiers
The Skypass Credit Card charges an annual fee when you open it and every year on your card anniversary. The amount depends on which version of the card you hold. There is typically a standard tier with a lower fee and a premium tier with a higher fee that includes additional benefits like lounge access or higher earning rates.
You pay this fee whether you use the card or not. The fee is charged to your account automatically, and you cannot avoid it by not making purchases. If you close the card before the anniversary date, you may still be charged the annual fee depending on the issuer's policy, so check the terms before you explore.
Sign-Up Bonus and Earning Rates
When you open the card, you receive a sign-up bonus in Skypass miles if you spend a certain amount within a set timeframe, usually three to six months. This bonus is the main incentive to open the card, and it can represent thousands of miles toward a free flight.
After the sign-up period, you earn miles on every purchase. The earning rate is typically higher on Korean Air tickets and travel purchases, and lower on other categories like groceries or gas. Some cards offer bonus miles on specific spending categories or during promotional periods, so check the current offer before you explore.
How to Redeem Skypass Miles
Miles in your Skypass account can be redeemed for economy or business class seats on Korean Air flights, as well as flights on partner airlines like Delta, United, and others in the SkyTeam alliance. You can also use miles for seat upgrades, baggage fees, and other travel-related purchases through the Skypass program.
Redemption rates vary by route, season, and how far in advance you book. Peak travel times (holidays, summer) often require more miles per flight than off-peak times. You redeem miles through the Korean Air website or by calling their customer service line, and you must have a Skypass account linked to your credit card.
Cardholder Perks Beyond Miles
The Skypass Credit Card typically includes benefits like priority boarding on Korean Air flights, a free checked baggage allowance, and discounts on Korean Air purchases. Premium tiers may include lounge access at certain airports, travel insurance, and concierge services.
These perks are meant to add value beyond the miles themselves. However, their worth depends on how often you fly Korean Air. If you only take one or two trips per year, you may not use the baggage allowance or lounge access enough to justify the annual fee. Read the full benefits list before you open the card to make sure the perks match your travel habits.
Mile Expiration and Account Maintenance
Skypass miles expire if your account has no activity for three consecutive years. Activity includes earning miles (through the card or flights), redeeming miles, or logging into your Skypass account. If your miles expire, you lose them permanently and cannot recover them.
To keep your miles active, you need to use the card regularly or take at least one Korean Air flight every three years. If you earn miles but don't fly, you can also log into your Skypass account online to reset the activity clock. Plan ahead if you know you won't be flying for a while, or consider whether keeping the card makes sense if you won't use it.
Comparing the Skypass Card to Other Airline Cards
If you're deciding between the Skypass card and another airline card, compare the annual fees, sign-up bonuses, and earning rates. A general travel card that earns points across many airlines may give you more flexibility if you don't fly Korean Air exclusively. However, if you fly Korean Air frequently, a co-branded card concentrates your rewards in one program, which can mean faster redemptions.
Also consider the perks. Some airline cards offer better lounge access, travel insurance, or baggage benefits than others. The best card for you depends on your actual travel patterns, not on which card has the highest sign-up bonus. If you fly multiple airlines equally, a general travel card may serve you better than a single-airline card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer Skypass miles to another person?
Skypass miles are tied to your account and cannot be transferred to another person. However, you can use your miles to book a flight for someone else if you have their name and ticket information. Some programs allow you to gift miles to a family member under certain conditions, so contact Korean Air directly to ask about their current policy.
What happens to my miles if I close the credit card?
Closing the credit card does not close your Skypass frequent flyer account, and your miles remain in your account. However, you will no longer earn miles on credit card purchases. You can still redeem miles you have already earned, and you can earn miles by flying Korean Air or through other Skypass partners.
Is the sign-up bonus worth the annual fee?
That depends on the bonus amount and the annual fee. If the sign-up bonus is worth more than the annual fee in miles, and you plan to use those miles, then yes. However, if you won't meet the spending requirement or won't redeem the miles, the bonus has no value to you. Calculate whether the miles you'll earn in the first year (bonus plus regular spending) justify the fee before you open the card.
Can I earn miles without the credit card?
Yes. You can earn Skypass miles by flying Korean Air, booking through their website, or using partner programs like hotels and car rentals. The credit card is one way to earn miles, but not the only way. If you don't want to pay the annual fee, you can still accumulate miles through flights and other activities.
What if I don't use my miles before they expire?
Once miles expire after three years of inactivity, they are gone and cannot be recovered. There is no way to restore expired miles. To prevent expiration, log into your Skypass account at least once every three years, or earn and redeem miles regularly through flights or the credit card.