What Is A Rewards Credit Card?
A rewards credit card lets you earn points when you make eligible purchases. You can exchange these points for rewards available through the bank’s rewards programme.
For example, if your card awards one point for every RM1 spent, an eligible RM200 purchase earns 200 points. The value of those points depends on the bank’s redemption rates and the reward you choose.
Some cards offer bonus points for selected spending categories, while others award a standard rate on most purchases. Cash advances, fees and certain other transactions may not qualify, so check the card’s terms before using it.
How Rewards Credit Cards Work
Rewards credit cards turn eligible spending into points. The number of points you earn and how you can redeem them depend on your card’s terms.
- Make eligible purchases. Pay with your credit card to earn points on qualifying transactions.
- Accumulate points. Points are awarded according to the card’s earning rates and any applicable spending limits.
- Redeem your points. Exchange your points for available rewards, such as vouchers, products or air miles.
- Check expiry rules. Some points expire after a set period. Check your balance and redemption deadlines so you can use them before they lapse.
Rewards don’t replace your repayment obligations. If you carry an outstanding balance, finance charges can outweigh the value of the points you earn. Pay your statement balance in full by the due date whenever possible.
Best Rewards Credit Cards In Malaysia 2026
The cards below offer different ways to earn points, from online shopping and fashion to overseas spending and entertainment. Compare their benefits and costs to find one that suits your spending habits.
UOB World Card
The UOB World Card rewards selected online purchases, e-wallet reloads, supermarket spending and overseas transactions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rewards | Earn 12X UNIRinggit on eligible e-commerce spending and selected e-wallet reloads, including Touch ‘n Go, Boost, BigPay and iTunes. Earn 5X on selected department stores and supermarkets or hypermarkets, and on overseas spending, subject to spending limits. |
| Annual fee | RM600 for the principal card and RM150 for the supplementary card. The annual fee can be waived with RM50,000 in annual spending, subject to the card’s terms. |
| Minimum annual income | RM60,000 |
| Travel benefits | Six complimentary airport lounge visits per calendar year for the principal cardholder, subject to the card’s terms. |
| Best suited for | Cardholders with regular eligible online, retail and overseas spending. |
The bonus rates have spending limits. For example, overseas spending earns 5X UNIRinggit on up to RM24,000 per membership year, with subsequent spending earning 1X. Check the eligible merchants and limits before applying.
Public Bank Visa Signature
The Public Bank Visa Signature combines reward points with cashback on eligible dining and online transactions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rewards and cashback | Earn 10X Green Points per RM1 on eligible Green Category transactions. Get 2% cashback on eligible dining and online transactions of at least RM100 per transaction, capped at RM30 per monthly statement cycle. |
| Annual fee | RM388 for the principal card and RM200 for the supplementary card. The first year is free. Subsequent annual fees can be waived with 12 card swipes in the preceding 12 months, subject to the card’s terms. |
| Minimum annual income | RM80,000 |
| Travel benefits | Two complimentary Plaza Premium Lounge visits per year, subject to eligible retail spending conditions. Complimentary travel insurance of up to RM500,000 is also available under the card’s terms. |
| Best suited for | Cardholders who spend on eligible dining, online purchases and Green Category transactions. |
Lazada UOB Card
The Lazada UOB Card is designed for frequent Lazada shoppers. It awards bonus points on eligible Lazada and Lazada Wallet spending, alongside selected online and lifestyle categories.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rewards | Earn 10X UNIRinggit on eligible Lazada and Lazada Wallet spending, subject to a RM500 spending limit for the bonus rate. Earn 5X on selected online lifestyle and entertainment spending, as well as eligible telecommunications and insurance spending, subject to category limits. |
| Annual fee | RM100 for the principal card and RM70 for the supplementary card. The annual fee can be waived with RM20,000 in annual spending, subject to the card’s terms. |
| Minimum annual income | RM24,000 |
| Shopping benefits | Selected Lazada vouchers and promotions may be available, subject to campaign dates, spending conditions and redemption limits. |
| Best suited for | Cardholders who regularly shop on Lazada and spend in the card’s eligible categories. |
UOB Lady’s Card
The UOB Lady’s Card offers bonus points on selected spending categories, including fashion and groceries. It is available to female applicants and comes in different card tiers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rewards | Earn 10X UNIRinggit on eligible fashion spending and 5X on eligible grocery purchases. Eligible overseas spending and online spending in foreign currencies can also earn 5X, subject to the card’s terms. |
| Annual fee | RM68 for Classic, RM128 for Platinum and RM300 for Solitaire principal cards. Annual fee waivers are available at different spending thresholds for each tier. |
| Minimum annual income | RM60,000 for Platinum and RM120,000 for Solitaire. Check the bank’s requirements for the Classic card. |
| Additional benefits | Selected card tiers offer travel privileges and other benefits. Eligibility and conditions vary by tier. |
| Best suited for | Female cardholders who regularly spend on eligible fashion and grocery purchases. |
RHB Rewards Visa Credit Card
The RHB Rewards Visa Credit Card rewards selected entertainment, overseas, online, health, insurance and shopping transactions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rewards | Earn 10X points on eligible cinema spending, 4X on overseas transactions, 3X on eligible online transactions and 2X on eligible health, insurance and shopping transactions. Other eligible retail spending earns 1X. |
| Annual fee | RM200 for the principal card. The first year is free, with a waiver available in subsequent years if you spend RM10,000 annually, subject to the card’s terms. Supplementary card fees are waived. |
| Minimum annual income | RM24,000 |
| Additional benefits | Selected instalment plans and other card services may be available, subject to eligibility and participating merchants. |
| Best suited for | Cardholders who spend on entertainment, online purchases, shopping and overseas transactions. |
How Much Are Credit Card Reward Points Worth?
The value of credit card points depends on the reward you choose and the number of points required to redeem it. There isn’t one fixed value that applies to every rewards programme.
For example, if a voucher worth RM50 requires 10,000 points, each point is worth RM0.005 when redeemed for that voucher.
| Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|
| Voucher value | RM50 |
| Points required | 10,000 |
| Value per point | RM50 ÷ 10,000 = RM0.005 |
Check whether points expire, redemption fees apply or a reward is subject to availability.
Rewards Credit Cards Vs Cashback And Air Miles Cards
Rewards, cashback and air miles cards offer different benefits. Your choice depends on whether you prefer flexible redemptions, direct savings or travel rewards.
| Feature | Rewards Credit Card | Cashback Credit Card | Air Miles Credit Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reward type | Points earned on eligible spending | Cashback on eligible purchases | Miles or points converted into miles |
| How you use rewards | Redeem points for available rewards | Receive cashback according to the card’s terms | Redeem miles for eligible flights and travel rewards |
| Main benefit | Choice of available rewards | Direct savings on eligible spending | Travel rewards for eligible bookings |
| What to check | Earning rates, redemption value and expiry rules | Cashback rate, monthly cap and spending requirements | Miles conversion rate, expiry rules and redemption availability |
| Best suited for | People who want a choice of rewards | People who prefer direct savings | People who travel and can use the miles |
Neither option is automatically better. Compare the rewards you can earn against the card’s fees and spending conditions. If you prefer direct savings on everyday purchases, a cashback credit card may be easier to manage. If you want to accumulate miles for flights, compare air miles credit cards.
How To Choose A Rewards Credit Card
Choose a rewards card based on the purchases you already make, not the highest advertised points rate alone.
Start with your usual monthly spending. If you shop online often, a card that rewards eligible online purchases may suit you. If you spend more on groceries, fashion or overseas transactions, look for a card that rewards those categories.
Compare these factors before applying.
- Rewards rate and eligible spending. Check how many points you earn on your usual purchases and whether spending limits affect the rate.
- Annual fee. Compare the fee with the rewards and benefits you expect to use. Check the spending required to qualify for a waiver.
- Minimum income. Make sure you meet the bank’s eligibility requirements before applying.
- Points expiry and redemption. Check how long your points last and what you can redeem them for.
- Repayment habits. Rewards are less useful if interest charges outweigh their value. Choose a card you can manage and repay in full each month.
A card with a high bonus rate may not be the best fit if you rarely spend in its eligible categories. Focus on the rewards you can earn through your normal budget.
How To Apply For A Rewards Credit Card
Once you've chosen a card, apply through RinggitPlus by following the application link on its product page. Check the card's eligibility requirements and prepare your identification and income documents before applying.
Before submitting your application, check the Credit Card Sign-Up Offers page for current welcome gifts and promotions. Read the terms carefully, as some offers require you to meet minimum spending conditions within a specified period.
How To Redeem Credit Card Reward Points
You can usually redeem credit card points through your bank’s online banking platform, mobile app or rewards portal. The exact process depends on the card issuer.
Log in to the relevant platform and check the rewards catalogue. Choose an available reward, review the number of points required and confirm the redemption. Some programmes let you exchange points for vouchers or products, while others offer options such as air miles.
Before redeeming, compare the points required with the reward’s value. Check whether the reward has an expiry date, whether delivery charges apply and how long fulfilment may take. If your points are close to expiry, check the available redemption options before they lapse.
How To Get More Value From Rewards Credit Cards
You can get more from a rewards card by using it for eligible purchases you already planned to make and keeping track of its conditions.
Pay attention to bonus categories and spending limits. If a card offers extra points on online purchases, use it for eligible transactions rather than assuming every online payment qualifies. Check whether e-wallet reloads, bill payments and other transactions earn points under the card’s terms.
Keep an eye on your points balance and expiry dates so you can redeem them before they lapse. Compare redemption options instead of choosing the first reward you see.
Don’t increase your spending just to earn more points. Paying interest or missing a payment can cost more than the rewards you receive. Pay your statement balance in full by the due date and choose a card that fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between rewards points and cashback?
Rewards points accumulate when you make eligible purchases and can be redeemed for items offered by the bank’s programme. Cashback gives you a rebate on eligible spending. Points offer a choice of redemptions, while cashback provides a more direct saving.
Do credit card reward points expire?
Some credit card reward points expire after a set period. The expiry rules depend on the bank and rewards programme. Check your card’s terms and points balance regularly.
Can I earn reward points on every credit card transaction?
No. Banks may exclude certain transactions, such as cash advances, fees and other specified payments. Some purchases may also earn points at a lower rate than bonus categories. Check the card’s terms to confirm which transactions qualify.
Are rewards credit cards better than cashback cards?
Neither type is always better. Rewards cards may suit people who want to redeem points for different benefits, while cashback cards may suit those who prefer direct savings. Compare the value you can receive from your usual spending, along with the card’s fees and conditions.
Can I have more than one rewards credit card?
You can apply for more than one credit card, subject to each bank’s eligibility and approval requirements. Having multiple cards may let you earn bonus rewards across different spending categories, but it also means managing several statements, fees and payment dates.
Do I need to pay interest to earn rewards points?
No. You can earn points on eligible purchases without carrying an outstanding balance. Paying your statement balance in full by the due date helps you avoid finance charges that could outweigh the value of your rewards.
Where can I find credit card sign-up offers?
Visit the RinggitPlus Credit Card Sign-Up Offers page to check current welcome gifts and promotions. Read the eligibility requirements, campaign dates and spending conditions before applying.
