The Best Travel Credit Cards in Malaysia

Whether you are travelling for business or to enjoy yourself, cost for flights, accommodation and meals can’t be avoidable. Having the best credit card in Malaysia can make a difference.

Each card offers different benefits. It can be points, travel insurance and even allow you to access the lounges in KLIA and KLIA2.

No worries about what type of credit card to choose. We have compiled a list of the best credit cards in Malaysia for travel, allowing you to better understand each card.

Best Travel Credit Cards In Malaysia for 2024

1. OCBC World Mastercard

Features & Benefits

• Enjoy up to 1% cash back for spending overseas and 0.5% on local retail.
• Relax yourself at KLIA Plaza Premium Lounge in Malaysia for free twice a year as you wait for your flight.
• Enjoy complimentary travel insurance, which goes up to RM2,000,000.

Eligibility

• Applicants are required to have a minimum of RM100,000 for their annual income.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old and 18 years old is required for supplementary cardholders.

Fees & Charges

• The annual fee for primary card RM388. Free for the first year. Annual fee for supplementary card for RM188.
• An RM25 of sales and services tax will be charged upon activation and anniversary dates.
• Cardholders are required to pay RM50 or 5% of the outstanding amount for minimum payment. The amount paid is based on whichever is higher.
• For any late payment, cardholders are required to pay RM10 or 1% of the outstanding payment. Maximum up to RM100.
• For cash withdrawal, there will be a charge of a RM20 or 5% of the outstanding amount, whichever is higher.
• The Interest rate will be 15 to 18% yearly.

2. UOB PRVI Miles Card

Features & Benefits

• Enjoy 5X UNIRM on every RM1 spent overseas. Max RM5,000.
• Enjoy 50% off for Grab rides. Up to 4 redemptions per month and RM10 off per transaction. Limited to 2,000 redemptions per month (first come first serve basis)

Eligibility

• Applicants are required to have a minimum of RM60,000 for their annual income.
• Applicants must be at least 21 years old and 18 years old for supplementary cardholders.

Fees & Charges

• The annual fee for the primary card is RM198. The annual fee for a supplementary card is RM30.
• An RM25 of sales and services tax will be charged upon activation and anniversary dates.
• Cardholders are required to pay RM50 or 5% of the outstanding amount for minimum payment. The amount paid is based on whichever is higher.
• For any late payment, cardholders are required to pay RM10 or 1% of the outstanding payment. Maximum up to RM100.
• For cash withdrawal, there will be a charge of a RM20 or 5% of the outstanding amount, whichever is higher.
• The Interest rate will be 18% yearly.
• The Foreign transaction fee will be 1% UOB fee plus any fees related to Visa.

3. HSBC TravelOne Credit Card

Features & Benefits

• Earn up to 8X reward points when spending foreign currency
• Earn up to 5X reward points when spending on local travel (hotel, travel agencies, and airlines) and dining
• Earn up to 1X reward points on other eligible spending.
• 6X complimentary access at selected Plaza Premium Lounge entries worldwide every year.
• Enjoy up to USD250,000 travel insurance protection when paying air tickets at full cost.
• Complementary protection for purchasing on E-commerce.
• Enjoy exclusive discounts on Agoda

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.

4. RHB World Mastercard Credit Card

Features & Benefits

• Earn up to 6% cashback when spending on travel, petrol & dining.
• 6X complimentary access at selected Plaza Premium Lounge entries in Malaysia every year.
• Enjoy travel insurance coverage up to RM600,000
• Enjoy complimentary green fees at selected golf clubs in Selangor, Malaysia

Eligibility

• Annual income: RM24,000
• 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.

Top Travel Credit Card For Each Category

Best Credit Cards To Offer Air Miles Redemption

1. HSBC Travelone Credit Card

Collect points by spending locally or overseas and redeem the points for air miles. There’s an extensive range of airlines, such as Air Asia, Malaysian Airline and Singapore Airline to convert your points into miles. The redemption rates depend on individual airline.

You can earn up to 8X by spending foreign currency, 5% by spending for local travel and 1% for eligible spending. There will also be 6X complementary access at selected Plaza Premium Lounge worldwide and insurance coverage. It is one of the best Malaysia credit cards for overseas spending.

2. Maybank 2 Gold Card

Convert your points to air miles with Maybank 2 Gold card. The Maybank 2 Gold Cards is one of the travel cards in Malaysia offering the best air miles conversion rates.  It is suitable for those with low minimum income requirement and their annual fees are free.

You will earn one reward point for every RM1 spent. You will get 5X reward points for spending on weekdays with the Maybank 2 Gold American Express.

Best Credit Cards To Offer Free Airport Lounge Access

1. RHB World Mastercard

RHB World Mastercard is a good option if you want to relax as you wait for your flight. They offer 6X complementary access to Plaza Premium lounge with a minimum spend. Bring along your guest where they can get some discount in Malaysia.

RM24,000 minimum annual income is required. It is suitable for those with low minimum annual income. No annual fees are required.

2. AmBank Signature Priority Banking Visa Infinite

This card will be a good option if you travel a lot. You will have unlimited access to Plaza Premium lounges at local and overseas airports.

At the same time, the requirement to apply will also be high. You need to be a customer for AmBank Signature Priority and have a certain amount of Assets Under Management.

If you are not a customer, you need to spend a minimum of RM1,000 within 30 days before and after each entry at least five times a year. The minimum annual income will be RM120,000.

If you are expecting a high annual fee, you will be surprise that there will be no annual fee for this card.

Best Credit Cards To Offer Travel Insurance Coverage

1. AmBank Visa Signature Card

Travel insurance is essential for travelling and AmBank Visa Signature Card can help you with it. You get to enjoy up to RM1 mil insurance coverage.

From lost luggage to flight delay (more than 6 hours), you will get compensation for it.

The minimum annual income to apply for this card will be RM80,000. Don’t worry about the annual fee as it is free for life.

2. Alliance Bank Visa Infinite Card

Besides getting up to 5X bonus points from spending locally and overseas, you get to enjoy the complimentary travel insurance coverage issued by MSIG.

Their travel insurance covers:

• Lost Luggage
• Delayed Luggage
• Missed Connection
• Medical Expenses
• Death or Total Permanent Disablement

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: Find the Best Travel Credit Card for Your Journey

With so many choices in the market, getting the right travel credit card for your trip is essential. Understanding your own needs when you travel and find a card that match your needs and spending habits. It helps to maximise the benefits that you can receive.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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