It’s the travel season! Following a two-year lull that heavily restricted travelling, Malaysians are now out in full force, hopping onto planes and zipping across countries throughout the holiday year-end period. There will be lots to pack and must-have essentials to bring with you, and one of them could be a credit card. With the right credit card, you can save money, earn rewards, and enjoy an elevated lifestyle while you travel! Sounds too good to be true? Why not check out these best travel credit card in Malaysia?
Which Is Better For Travel, Visa Or Mastercard?
Both Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted abroad, besides providing largely similar benefits and features. Hence, you will get to enjoy the best travel perks no matter which card you opt for.
Which Credit Card Is Best For Travel In Malaysia?
From racking in the air miles to enjoying access to premium airport lounges, here are some of the best travel credit cards to apply in Malaysia that will reward you with great privileges!
Best Travel Credit Card In Malaysia For Earning Air Miles
Convert your spending into air miles every time you swipe your credit card. You can use the accumulated air miles to lower plane ticket prices, upgrade seat class, and even redeem free flights.
1. Maybank World MasterCard
With the Maybank World MasterCard, you can earn Treats AirMiles points that are convertible to free flights and will never expire. Upon successful application and approval, you will receive 50,000 points, with the conversion rate set at 8,000 Treats AirMiles = 1,000 Enrich Miles (effective September 2022). Every RM2 spent on all local retail expenses (RM1 on overseas retail expenses) will earn you 5 points.
Annual fee: RM800 (free for first year)
Who can apply: Anybody with a minimum annual income of RM100,000
2. AirAsia Hong Leong Gold/Platinum Visa
The Hong Leong AirAsia Gold or Platinum Visa cards are ideal for those who frequently fly with the low-cost airline. Earn airasia points from daily spending, which can be used to redeem trips to over 150 airasia destinations and lifestyle rewards with airasia’s partners. For starters, get up to 5,000 welcome airasia points with a minimum spend of RM2,500 during the first 60 days upon card activation, with up to additional 5,000 airasia points to be earned every quarter of the year when you spend a minimum of RM5,000.
Annual Fee: RM200 (Gold) RM350 (Platinum)
Who can apply: Anybody with a minimum annual income of RM24,000 (Gold) or RM60,000 (Platinum)
3. HSBC Premier World MasterCard
The HSBC Premier World MasterCard is another great travel credit card that offers generous Reward Points for overseas transactions. Besides earning 10x Reward Points on every RM1 you spend abroad, you can also get up to 8x Reward Points on contactless payments, groceries, and online shopping. You can then use your accumulated points to redeem Malaysia Airlines’ Enrich points, AirAsia BIG Points, and Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Miles, among others.
Annual fee: Free
Who can apply: HSBC Premier account holder with a minimum RM200,000 in total relationship balance in HSBC
Best Travel Credit Card In Malaysia For Airport Lounge Access
For the frequent flyer who appreciates having wide access to exclusive airport lounges.
4. Standard Chartered WorldMiles MasterCard
The Standard Chartered WorldMiles MasterCard grants you free unlimited access to the Plaza Premium Lounge in KLIA and klia2! The lounge offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities, including all-day food and drink servings, workstations, shower facilities, and entertainment.
Annual fee: RM600 (free for first year)
Who can apply: Anybody with a minimum annual income of RM90,000
5. RHB Visa Infinite
Enjoy free unlimited access to selected airport lounges in Malaysia and Singapore with the RHB Visa Infinite credit card—perfect if you fly between the two neighbouring countries frequently. Not only that, you also get a 20% discount at airport lounges around the world (except in Shanghai and Beijing).
Annual fee: Free
Who can apply: Anybody with a minimum annual income of RM150,000
6. Standard Chartered Priority Banking Visa Infinite
A world traveller? Then apply for the Standard Chartered Priority Banking Visa Infinite credit card and enjoy unlimited complimentary access to over 1000 airport lounges globally! On top of that, you get up to RM80 cashback on your airport limousine or KLIA Ekspres ride home upon returning from your overseas travel.
Annual fee: RM800 (free for first two years)
Who can apply: Standard Chartered Priority Banking members
Best Travel Credit Card In Malaysia For Travel Insurance Coverage
As per Murphy’s Law, anything that can go wrong will go wrong, so might as well get proper travel protection coverage.
7. Maybank 2 Cards Premier
Complement your journey with travel insurance coverage of up to RM1,000,000 with the Maybank 2 Cards Premier. You can get insured as much as RM5,000 for lost luggage and RM1,600 for delayed flights, missed flights, luggage delay, and luggage loss.
Annual fee: RM800 (free for first year)
Who can apply: Anybody with a minimum annual income of RM100,000
8. Hong Leong Emirates HLB World Card
The Hong Leong Emirates HLB World Card offers automatic travel insurance coverage of up to RM3,000,000 underwritten by MSIG Insurance (Malaysia). This includes travel medical, travel accidents, as well as personal and family trip inconveniences.
Annual fee: RM288
Who can apply: Anybody with a minimum annual income of RM90,000
9. OCBC Premier Voyager MasterCard
With a sum of up to RM4,000,000, the OCBC Premier Voyager MasterCard offers one of the highest travel insurance coverages you can find. Get up to RM2,000 payback if you miss a flight or lose your luggage.
Annual fee: RM750 (free for first year)
Who can apply: OCBC Premier Banking members
Enjoy Some Of The Best Travel Perks With These Credit Cards
Credit cards are great travel companions, as evidenced by the wide-ranging perks they offer. Having the best travel credit cards in Malaysia let you travel in style and luxury. They also got your back in case mishaps happen during your trips. If you know of other credit cards that provide awesome travel benefits, drop your recommendations in the comments!
Related: Seas The Day With These Apps On Your Phone For A Hassle-Free Getaway
