The Best Travel Credit Cards in Malaysia

As 2024 progresses, a new champion emerges in the Malaysian traveller’s toolset. The best travel credit card in Malaysia is more than just a financial tool; it’s a gateway to new experiences, linking our rich heritage in Penang to the frenetic Tokyo streets or the tranquil Bali beaches. Malaysians are looking for more than just financial flexibility with each swipe; they’re looking for rewards, experiences, and the peace of mind that only the best credit card in Malaysia for travel can deliver. We’ve listed a few suggestions for all income levels below.

Best Travel Credit Cards in Malaysia 2024

1. HSBC TravelOne Credit Card

Features & Benefits

• Earn 8X RP on foreign currency spending.
• Earn 5X RP on local travel and dining spending.
• Earn 1X RP on other eligible spending.
• Enjoy 6X free Plaza Premium Lounge entry worldwide every year.
• Enjoy $250,000 travel insurance protection for you and your family.
• 100% recycled plastic for your credit card material.

Eligibility

• Annual income: RM60,000.
• Principal cardholder: 21 years old.
• Supplementary cardholder: 18 years old.

Fees & Charges

• The annual fee is RM300 for the primary card and RM150 for the supplementary card.
• There is RM25 for sales and services tax on the activation and anniversary dates of each primary and supplementary card.
• The minimum monthly payment is RM50 or 5% of the outstanding amount, depending on what is greater.
• A cost of RM10 or 1% of the outstanding late payment fee, up to a limit of RM100, is levied.
• The cash withdrawal charge is RM15 or 5% of the outstanding amount, whichever is greater.
• Interest rate charges range from 15 to 18% yearly.

2. Maybank Visa Infinite

Features & Benefits

• Earn 5X points for every RM1 on all global retail spending.
• Earn 2X points for every RM1 on all local retail spending.
• Earn 1X points for every RM1 on petrol, utilities, education, insurance and EzyPay Instalment.
• Enjoy travel insurance protection up to RM2 million.
• Enjoy 5X free access to Plaza Premium Lounge.
• TreatsPoints can be converted to Enrich Miles, KrisFlyer Miles or Asia Miles.

Eligibility

• RM100,000 is the minimum annual income.
• The principal cardholder must be at least 21 years old.
• The minimum age is 18 (supplementary cardholder).

Fees & Charges

• RM800 annual fee for the primary card and RM400 for the supplementary card.
• The annual fee is free for the first year and waived for the subsequent year when spending a minimum of RM80,000 yearly.
• There is RM25 for sales and services tax on the activation and anniversary dates of each major and supplementary card.
• RM25 or 5% of the outstanding amount, whichever is higher for the minimum monthly payment.
• There is a charge of RM10 or 1% of the outstanding late payment fee, up to a maximum of RM100.
• RM10 or 5% of the outstanding amount, whichever is higher for the cash withdrawal fee.
• 18% for the interest rate on cash withdrawals.

3. UOB World Card

Features & Benefits

• Earn 12X UNIRM points for every RM1 on e-commerce spend and e-wallet reload.
• Earn 5X UNIRM points for every RM1 on selected departmental stores and global transactions.
• Earn 1X UNIRM points for every RM1 on local spending.
• Enjoy travel insurance protection up to RM50,000.
• Enjoy 6X free access to Plaza Premium Lounge.

Eligibility

• RM60,000 is the minimum annual income.
• The principal cardholder must be at least 21 years old.
• The minimum age is 18 (supplementary cardholder).

Fees & Charges

• RM600 annual fee for the primary card and RM150 for the supplementary card.
• The annual charge will only be eliminated for 3 years when qualified cardmembers’ applications filed during the campaign are approved by UOB Malaysia.
• There is RM25 for sales and services tax on the activation and anniversary dates of each major and supplementary card.
• RM50 or 5% of the outstanding amount, whichever is higher for the minimum monthly payment.
• There is a charge of RM10 or 1% of the outstanding late payment fee, up to a maximum of RM100.
• RM20 or 5% of the outstanding amount, whichever is higher for the cash withdrawal fee.
• 18% for the interest rate on cash withdrawals.

4. HSBC Premier Travel Credit Card

Features & Benefits

• Earn 1.1X air miles on overseas spending.
• Earn 1X air miles for every RM4 local spend.
• Complimentary access to Plaza Premium Lounges
• Enjoy Global Data Roaming of free 3GB 10-day.
• Enjoy 10% discounts on Expedia hotel bookings.
• Enjoy 7% on Agoda hotel bookings.
• Enjoy discounts and cashback offers from the store and online merchants across over 25 countries.
• Enjoy 50% off green fees at 42 gold clubs.
• 100% recycled plastic for your credit card material.

Eligibility

• RM36,000 is the minimum annual income.
• The principal cardholder must be a minimum of 21 years old.
• The supplementary cardholder must be a minimum of 18 years old.

Fees & Charges

• The annual fee is RM600 for the primary card and free for the supplementary card.
• First-year annual fee waived and waived when spending more than RM45,000 annually in the subsequent years.
• There is RM25 for sales and services tax on the activation and anniversary dates of each primary and supplementary card.
• The minimum monthly payment is RM50 or 5% of the outstanding amount, depending on what is greater.
• A cost of RM10 or 1% of the outstanding late payment fee, up to a limit of RM100, is levied.
• The cash withdrawal charge is RM15 or 5% of the outstanding amount, whichever is greater.
• Interest rate charges range from 15 to 18% yearly.

5. OCBC World MasterCard

Features & Benefits

• Enjoy up to 1.2% cashback on all retail with no monthly cap.
• Enjoy 2X complimentary access to Plaza Premium Lounge in Malaysia.
• Enjoy travel insurance protection up to RM2,000,000.

Eligibility

• RM100,000 is the minimum annual income.
• The principal cardholder must be a minimum of 21 years old.
• The supplementary cardholder must be a minimum of 18 years old.

Fees & Charges

• The annual fee is RM388 for the primary card and RM188 for the supplementary card.
• There is RM25 for sales and services tax on the activation and anniversary dates of each primary and supplementary card.
• The minimum monthly payment is RM50 or 5% of the outstanding amount, depending on what is greater.
• A cost of RM10 or 1% of the outstanding late payment fee, up to a limit of RM100, is levied.
• The cash withdrawal charge is RM20 or 5% of the outstanding amount, whichever is greater.
• Interest rate charges range from 15 to 18% yearly.

Top Travel Credit Card for Each Category

Best Credit Cards To Offer Air Miles Redemption

The allure of exploration has deeply woven itself into our daily lives. From crucial business meetings in Singapore to sunlit holidays in Bali, travelling has transitioned from a mere luxury to an undeniable necessity. Tapping into this shift, banks have masterfully reshaped their reward structures. Now, with the best credit card in Malaysia for travel, those points accumulated from lavish dinners or grand shopping adventures can be seamlessly converted to air miles, ushering you into a realm of travel possibilities.

The blueprint is straightforward: Spend consciously, gather those precious points, and when ready, morph them into air miles after reaching the requisite conversion mark. Yet, as is the case with many financial nuances, intricacies lurk in the shadows. Banks vary in their conversion scales, and your selection of the best credit card in Malaysia for travel can determine whether you’re taking a brief domestic hop or an expansive global journey.

Best Credit Cards To Offer Free Airport Lounge Access

The airport lounge is a peaceful sanctuary amid the hectic noise of airports. Traditionally reserved for the most affluent travellers, these lounges offer comfort and luxury. They provide a break from the regular airport hustle with comfortable seating, gourmet meals, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a serene ambience.

To attract the modern traveller, banks have injected their credit card programmes with various travel-centric incentives, the most notable of which is complimentary airport lounge access. Whether on business or vacation, the opportunity to rest, work, or simply have a quiet lunch can improve your travel experience.

Best Credit Card To Offer Overseas Spending

Regarding travelling, the benefits of using a credit card while buying abroad are difficult to overlook. Credit cards have upped the game by offering enticing rewards targeted expressly for overseas transactions and providing an additional safety layer by saving your funds for emergencies. There will be no more fumbling with foreign currencies or calculating conversion rates while on the road. Simply swipe and let your credit card handle the rest.

One of the primary benefits is the increased number of points or rewards you receive for each foreign transaction. Consider it a “thank you” from your bank for becoming a global citizen.

Best Credit Cards To Offer Travel Insurance Coverage

Journeys, no matter how painstakingly planned, are fraught with unforeseeable events. Any trip can be ruined by the traveller’s nightmare of delayed flights or the aggravation of misplaced luggage. While these inconveniences are unavoidable when travelling, some credit cards are stepping up to provide a safety net: complimentary travel insurance.

Such services are especially useful for frequent travellers, such as business executives. Their hectic schedules frequently leave them with little time to navigate the complexities of individual travel insurance programmes. It’s one less thing on their to-do list with a travel credit card that includes insurance.

Travel Credit Card Benefits and Features

Navigating the enormous universe of travel perks and features can be difficult, particularly when looking for Malaysia’s best travel credit card. These cards promise more than just monetary transactions; they also provide a slew of features tailored to the world traveller in every Malaysian. Here are some things to watch for:

1. Air Miles Accumulation: The foundation of any good travel card. Air miles are earned for every ringgit spent and can be redeemed for aeroplane tickets. The best travel credit card in Malaysia will make those dream travels a reality.

2. Complimentary Lounge Access: There will be no more queuing at packed gates. Access to lounges adds a touch of luxury to your journey, providing a quiet spot to relax, eat, or even catch up on work.

3. Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Supplying protection against unforeseen flight cancellations, delays, or luggage loss.

4. Competitive Foreign Exchange Rates: When you get the most bang for your buck, international travel becomes easier. Favourable exchange rates can make a significant difference in your vacation budget.

5. Local and International Discounts: Enjoy discounts and cashback offers that make every spend worthwhile, whether dining at a local Malaysian hotspot or shopping overseas.

6. Global Acceptance: A feature that ensures your card will be accepted, whether at a remote cafe in Europe or a boutique store in Southeast Asia.

7. Emergency Assistance: Uncertainties in travel are unavoidable. However, with 24-hour emergency support, you can get aid no matter where you are.

8. Flexible Payment Options: Your financial situation is easy to control. Spread out major expenses over a number of months to guarantee that you can keep travelling without running into financial difficulties.

It’s not just about the plastic in your pocket while looking for the best travel credit card in Malaysia. It’s about the plethora of doors it opens, making every journey smooth and pleasant, whether domestic or international.

Loyalty Points: Converting Rewards into Air Miles

Loyalty is more than simply a sentiment; it’s a treasure mine of benefits waiting to be discovered. Every transaction, every swipe of your card, can pave the path for thrilling experiences and exquisite pleasures.

The frequent-flyer programme (FFP) is a golden ticket for regular travellers. It commemorates your loyalty to an airline and allows you to accrue air miles whenever you purchase flight tickets. What’s the appeal of these flight miles? Redeem your air points for free flights. Do you want to add a touch of luxury to your long-haul flight? Convert them for cabin improvements. Those same miles can get you free entry to airport lounges, which are peaceful havens.

Take the Hong Leong AirAsia Gold Visa, for example. It results from a collaboration between Hong Leong and AirAsia and serves as a light for individuals whose travel bug has bitten. Every retail transaction you make, whether at a local supermarket, an international boutique, or directly on AirAsia’s plethora of services, awards you with BiG Points – AirAsia’s own brand of air miles.

• AirAsia Transactions: Spend RM1 and bag 6 BiG Points.
• Overseas Transactions: Spend RM2 and earn 1 BiG Point.
• Local Transactions: A spend of RM5 gifts you 1 BiG Point.

If you’re a budding professional with a burgeoning wanderlust, the card’s accessibility is commendable. With a minimum income requirement of just RM2,000 per month, it’s an excellent fit for those in the nascent stages of their careers yet dreaming of global adventures.

The world of travel-centric credit cards expands even further for people with a somewhat higher income group. Among the alternatives are

• New AEON Visa Gold: Combining retail rewards with travel perks for the shopper-traveler.
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer American Express Gold: A great partnership between a global airline and a financial powerhouse.
• UOB PRVI Miles Card: For those looking for premium travel amenities without the premium price.
• HSBC TravelOne Credit Card: A combination of flexible rewards and extensive travel benefits.

Things You Should Know When Spending Overseas

It is exciting to embark on an international journey. But, amid all the excitement, it’s critical to grasp the dynamics of spending abroad, especially if you’re using a credit card. Here are a few things to keep in mind, particularly if you’re using the best malaysia credit card for overseas spending:

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) Charges: When purchasing in a foreign country, shopkeepers may offer to bill you in your native currency (in this case, Malaysian Ringgit). This may appear convenient, but it frequently comes with an additional expense known as the DCC charge. It’s best to be charged in the money of the country you’re staying in.

Foreign Transaction Fees: Most credit cards charge fees for global transactions. Typically, it represents a portion of the purchase price. Some of the best travel credit cards in Malaysia reduce or waive foreign transaction fees during promotional periods.

Inform Your Bank: Banks monitor credit card transactions to avoid fraudulent activity. Sudden overseas spending can raise a red signal, causing your card to be blocked. Choosing the best Malaysia credit card for overseas spending and informing your bank of your scheduled trip is the wise option to have a good trip experience.

ATM Withdrawals: If you need to withdraw cash with your credit card, be aware that you will most likely be charged a cash advance fee and interest rates. In addition, the ATM you’re using may have its own cost. For ATM withdrawals abroad, it is normally recommended to use a debit card.

Check for Card Acceptance: While many international destinations accept credit cards, some may prefer specific card networks such as Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Having more than one type of card or extra cash on hand is usually a good idea as a backup.

Exchange Rates: The exchange rates executed by credit card companies may not be the same as market prices. Understanding this will offer you a clearer view of your expenditures and will help you prevent unpleasant surprises when the bill arrives.

Consider Travel Insurance: As previously said, some of the best travel credit cards in Malaysia include free travel insurance. This may be helpful if an unforeseen circumstance arises abroad.

Secure Your Card: Travelling frequently means visiting lively markets or packed tourist attractions, making it critical to protect your credit card. Always store it securely and check in frequently to confirm it’s still with you.

Conclusion

There will be a major increase in the products and perks associated with the best travel credit card in Malaysia. As Malaysians have become increasingly adventurous travellers, the necessity for a credit card that matches their travel goals has never been greater. These cards now have many features, ranging from air mile accumulation to full travel insurance and enhanced international transaction benefits. They’ve evolved from being merely payment instruments to essential travel partners. Choosing the best travel credit card in Malaysia is more than simply purchases; it’s also about smooth global excursions. As we look at the best cards, remember that the correct card may boost your travels, providing both financially savvy and unmatched experiences.

If you’re interested on finding other best credit cards, you can visit our Best Credit Card in Malaysia page.

**Disclaimer: This article is only offered for general informational reasons and is not meant to cover all facets of the subjects it addresses. It is not meant to be taken as advice you should rely on. You must seek expert or professional advice before acting or refraining from acting based on the information in this publication. The content in this publication does not represent professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its affiliates in law, taxes, or other matters. A comparable outcome is not always assured by past performance. We give no assurances that the information in the publication is accurate, full, or up to date, either explicitly or implicitly.

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