Best Credit Cards With Airport Lounge Access In Malaysia
An airport lounge is a restricted waiting area with comfortable seating, business facilities, complimentary food, an open bar, and Wi-Fi access.
You can access these lounges in three ways:
- through a membership program,
- by paying an entrance fee per visit, or
- by owning a credit card that offers complimentary airport lounge access.
We’ve shortlisted some of the best credit cards with airport lounge access, whether you’re seeking unlimited international access, moderate benefits for frequent fliers, or just a starter card with a few visits per year.
Entry-Level Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access
To debunk the myth that credit cards with complimentary airport lounge access are only for the extremely elite, here is a recommendation for a credit card offering this benefit with minimum income requirements between RM2,000 and RM3,000 a month.
CIMB Travel Platinum Credit Card - 4x Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
This credit card is an excellent option for those who want to get into the travel rewards game without a high annual fee. Its benefits offer a blend of airport perks, travel rewards, and insurance coverage, making it a valuable tool for both occasional and frequent travellers.
Airport Lounge Access: The card offers up to 4x complimentary access passes per year to participating Plaza Premium Lounges worldwide, or 1x per quarter. You must meet a minimum quarterly spend of RM3,000 to be eligible for each complimentary visit.
Minimum Income Requirement: The minimum annual income is RM24,000, which is RM2,000 per month.
Annual Fee: This card has a free-for-life annual fee with no conditions attached, for both principal and supplementary cards.
Travel Insurance: The policy includes coverage for medical expenses of up to RM25,000 per individual and trip cancellation of up to RM25,000 per family, offering added protection for unexpected situations.
Other Perks:
- Bonus Points: Earn 5x Bonus Points on overseas, airline, and duty-free spending.
- Air Miles: Points can be redeemed for air miles and hotel stays with partners like KrisFlyer, Enrich, Avios, and Marriott.
- Airport Transfers: The card offers up to 2x airport transfers via Grab, with a value of RM65 per ride.
- Hotel and Lifestyle Privileges: Enjoy complimentary hotel stays, discounts on golf fees, and premium benefits from Mastercard Travel & Lifestyle Services.
AEON BiG Visa Gold - 3x Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
With a low minimum income requirement and a range of practical benefits, this card is a solid choice for everyday Malaysians who want to get more value out of their daily spending while still enjoying exclusive travel perks.
Airport Lounge Access: The card provides 3x complimentary access passes per year to participating Plaza Premium Lounges in Malaysia. This benefit requires a minimum spend of RM500, in a single or combined transaction, within 30 days before and/or after the lounge visit date.
Minimum Income Requirement: The minimum monthly income is RM3,000, making it accessible to a wide range of cardholders.
Annual Fee: The annual fee is RM95 for the principal card. The fee is waived for the first year, and for subsequent years, it can be waived by making at least 12 transactions annually.
Travel Insurance: The card provides complimentary travel insurance coverage of up to RM200,000 for accidents when you charge the full flight fare to the card. The insurance also covers travel inconveniences, such as luggage loss or damage (up to RM250), and flight delays (up to RM400).
Other Perks:
- Cashback: Enjoy up to 5% cashback on your spending at AEON BiG stores on the 28th of every month, on petrol every Sunday, and on all online and overseas transactions, which we explained in detail in our review.
- AEON Points: Earn 4x AEON Points on the 10th of every month at AEON BiG stores and a standard rate for other transactions.
- Flexible Payments: The card offers a 0% Instalment Payment Plan at participating merchants and a Flexi Payment Plan for greater financial flexibility.
If you need other options, the AEON Gold Mastercard and Visa credit cards also offer 3X access to selected Plaza Premium Lounges in Malaysia with the same minimum income requirement and annual fee as the AEON BiG Visa Gold.
Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access for Mid-Income Earners
If your monthly income ranges between RM3,000 and RM6,000, these cards strike a good balance between affordability and travel comfort — offering a few complimentary lounge visits along with solid travel perks.
UOB World Mastercard - 6x Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
This card offers a decent lounge perk tailored for those earning a moderate income yet wanting to enjoy travel privileges.
Airport Lounge Access: The card provides 6x complimentary airport lounge visits per calendar year to Plaza Premium Lounges in Malaysia (KLIA Terminal 1). Each cardholder may use the lounge once per day, and visits beyond the complimentary limit or longer than 3 hours may incur charges. The card does not provide lounge access outside Malaysia under the current terms.
Minimum Income Requirement: The minimum annual income is RM60,000, which is RM5,000 per month.
Annual Fee: The annual fee is RM600. However, it can be waived if you make a total retail annual spend of RM50,000 per year from the preceding year.
Travel Insurance: Travel with confidence knowing you're protected with complimentary overseas personal accident coverage of up to RM300,000, which also includes purchase protection. Both privileges are subject to terms and conditions.
Other Perks:
- UNIRM Rewards: Earn accelerated points on e-commerce and overseas spend.
- Financial Flexibility: Enjoy 0% interest Balance Transfer and Easy Payment Plan options across multiple tenure periods.
AmBank Visa Signature - 6x Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
This card is a strong choice for those who frequently travel and seek luxury perks without a high annual fee. Its free lounge access, while conditional, is a standout feature that extends to supplementary cardholders, a rare privilege among cards in this category.
Airport Lounge Access: The card offers 6x complimentary access per year to participating Plaza Premium Lounges in Malaysia and overseas. This benefit is valid for both primary and supplementary cardholders.
Minimum Spending Requirement for Lounge Access: The lounge access is conditional. You must spend a minimum of RM1,000 in a single or cumulative transaction within 30 days before or 30 days after your lounge visit to be eligible for the free access.
Minimum Income Requirement: The minimum monthly income required is RM6,666.67.
Annual Fee: The card has a free-for-life annual fee with no conditions attached for the principal cardholder. The first three supplementary cards are also free for life.
Travel Insurance: The card provides complimentary travel insurance coverage of up to RM1,000,000 for both the cardholder and their family. The coverage is activated when the full fare of airline tickets is charged to the card. The policy covers travel accidents and inconveniences like luggage loss, flight delays, and more.
Other Perks:
- AmBonus Points: Earn 3x AmBonus Points for every RM1 spent on overseas transactions and 1x AmBonus Point on local spending.
- Golf Privileges: Get a complimentary round of golf with one paying guest at selected golf clubs.
- Club Marriott Privileges: Enjoy special discounts on dining and accommodation at participating Marriott hotels.
- Flexible Payments: The card offers Easy Payment Plans (EPP) and Balance Transfer options for financial flexibility.
Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards for High-Income Earners
For those earning RM6,000 to RM10,000 monthly, these credit cards provide more frequent lounge entries, priority services, and exclusive travel benefits, perfect for frequent travellers who value convenience and comfort.
Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card - Unlimited Airport Lounge Access
This card is a strong option for frequent flyers who value airport lounge access and convenient travel-related perks. While the annual fee is high, its waiver criteria and fast reward redemption make it a compelling choice for those with a high travel spend.
Airport Lounge Access: The card provides unlimited complimentary access to participating Plaza Premium Lounges in both KLIA and KLIA2. This benefit is for the principal cardholder only and is subject to a valid international boarding pass.
Minimum Income Requirement: The minimum monthly income required to apply is RM8,000.
Annual Fee: The annual fee is RM600. It is waived for the first year. For subsequent years, the fee is waived if you make at least RM60,000 in retail spending annually.
Travel Insurance: The card provides complimentary travel insurance coverage of up to USD100,000. This includes medical expenses (including for COVID-19), travel accidents, and travel inconveniences like baggage delay. The coverage is activated when the full flight ticket is charged to the card.
Other Perks:
- Air Miles: The card offers a competitive rewards program with a fast conversion rate. For every 2 miles points, you can redeem 1 Air Mile from a range of preferred frequent flyer programs, including Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer, British Airways' Avios, and Emirates Skywards.
- Airport Transfer Rebate: Get a rebate of up to RM65 on Grab rides to or from any airport in Malaysia, once a month. This is valid when you spend a minimum of RM2,500 on selected travel expenses (airlines, hotels, and online travel agencies) within 90 days before the Grab ride transaction.
HSBC Visa Signature - 6x Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
This card is a good match for moderately frequent flyers who want free access to Plaza Premium Lounges in three countries: Malaysia (KLIA), Singapore (Changi Airport), and Hong Kong (HK International Airport).
Airport Lounge Access: The card offers 6x complimentary lounge visits per year for principal cardholders to participating Plaza Premium Lounges in Malaysia (KLIA), Singapore (Changi Airport), and Hong Kong (HK International Airport). Your accompanying guests also receive a 25% discount on their entry fees.
Minimum Income Requirement: The minimum annual income required is RM102,000, which is RM8,500 per month.
Annual Fee: The annual fee is RM600. However, it can be waived if you make at least 12 transactions and spend a minimum of RM2,000 annually for the subsequent years.
Other Perks:
- Rewards Points: The card offers an attractive rewards points structure:
- 8x Reward Points on all online and overseas spending in foreign currency.
- 5x Reward Points on local online and shopping mall spending in Ringgit Malaysia.
- Financial Flexibility: The card provides options for Balance Transfer and Easy Payment Plans with 0% interest for various tenures.
Maybank Visa Infinite - 5x Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
This card is tailored for high-income earners who seek premium travel experiences and high-value rewards. It offers a combination of airport-related privileges, superior rewards, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Airport Lounge Access: The card offers 5x complimentary access passes per year to participating Plaza Premium Lounges in Malaysia and overseas. This benefit is limited to the principal cardholder, but accompanying guests and the cardholder can receive a 20% discount on standard walk-in rates after all complimentary passes have been used.
Minimum Income Requirement: The minimum annual income required is RM100,000, which is equivalent to RM8,333.33 per month.
Annual Fee: The annual fee is RM800, but it is waived for the first year. For subsequent years, the fee can be waived with a minimum annual retail spend of at least RM80,000.
Travel Insurance: The card provides complimentary travel insurance coverage of up to RM2 million when you charge the full travel ticket to the card. The coverage includes:
- Travel Personal Accident Insurance: up to RM2 million.
- Missed Flight Connection (after 12 hours): RM1,000.
- Luggage Delay (after 12 hours): RM1,000.
- Lost Luggage (after 48 hours): RM3,000.
Other Perks:
- Visa Airport Speed Pass: Enjoy the privilege of fast-track immigration at over 280 international airports, helping you save time at customs.
- Rewards Conversion: You earn 5x TreatsPoints for every RM1 spent overseas. The conversion rate is a competitive 12,500 TreatsPoints to 1,000 of your preferred air miles, including Enrich Miles, KrisFlyer Miles, and Asia Miles.
Airport Lounge Access for Premium and Invitation-Only Credit Cards
Reserved for high-net-worth individuals, these exclusive cards come with unlimited lounge access, global concierge services, and premium travel privileges — often available by invitation only or through private banking relationships.
HSBC Premier Travel Credit Card - 12x Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
This is a premium, invitation-only card designed for high-net-worth individuals. It offers a comprehensive suite of benefits, from extensive lounge access to accelerated air miles, making it an excellent choice for globetrotters.
Airport Lounge Access: The card provides 12 complimentary visits per year to over 1,300 participating Plaza Premium Lounges worldwide, including KLIA, Dubai International Airport, Brisbane Airport, etc. This benefit is for the principal cardholder only.
Minimum Income Requirement: A specific monthly income requirement is not publicly listed on the card's main page. However, it is an exclusive card for HSBC Premier account holders, which requires a minimum of RM3,000,000 in total relationship balance with the bank.
Annual Fee: The annual fee is RM600 for the principal card. The fee can be waived for the first year, and for subsequent years, it can be waived with an annual retail spend of RM45,000.
Travel Insurance: Enjoy complimentary travel insurance coverage of up to USD500,000, which is provided by Mastercard.
Other Perks:
- Air Miles: The card offers an excellent earn rate of 1.1 air miles for every RM1 spent overseas. For local spending, you earn 1 air mile for every RM4 spent.
- Hotel and Lifestyle Benefits: The card includes a complimentary one-night stay at a selection of top global hotels, as well as access to the Mastercard Southeast Asia Golf Programme with discounted green fees.
- Global Connectivity: The card offers complimentary global data roaming with FlexiRoam in over 120 countries.
- Financial Services: Access to flexible financial services like Cash Instalment Plans and Balance Transfer Instalments.
AmBank Signature Priority Banking Visa Infinite - Unlimited Airport Lounge Access
This is a highly exclusive card for AmBank's top-tier clients, offering an extensive range of premium benefits. Its main appeal lies in the luxurious, unconditional access it grants to airport lounges for both the primary and supplementary cardholders.
Airport Lounge Access:
- Unlimited access to participating Plaza Premium Lounges in Malaysia and overseas for principal and supplementary cardholders who are qualified as AmBank Signature Priority Banking (AmSPB) customers with a minimum Asset Under Management (AUM) of RM500,000 with the bank.
- For non-AmSPB customers or those who do not meet the AUM requirement, the card provides 6x complimentary access per year. This access is subject to a minimum spend of RM1,000 within 30 days before or after each lounge visit.
Minimum Income Requirement: The minimum annual income to be eligible is RM120,000, which is RM10,000 per month.
Annual Fee: The card is Free for Life for the principal cardholder with no conditions attached. The first three supplementary cards are also free for life.
Travel Insurance: The card provides complimentary travel insurance coverage of up to RM2 million for the cardholder and their family when the full fare of airline tickets is charged to the card.
Other Perks:
- AmBonus Points: Earn 5x AmBonus Points on all overseas transactions. The card also offers a very favorable air miles conversion rate, converting your points into miles with partners like Enrich, Asia Miles, and KrisFlyer.
- Golf Privileges: Enjoy a complimentary round of golf with one paying guest at selected golf clubs.
- Visa Concierge Services: Get access to a 24/7 personal assistant service to assist with travel, dining, and other lifestyle needs.
- Club Marriott Privileges: Enjoy special discounts on dining and room bookings at participating Marriott hotels.
Extra Travel Perks: Airport Transfers and Ground Transport
The journey to and from the airport can be as important as the trip itself. A growing number of Malaysian credit cards now provide valuable perks for airport transfers, helping you start and end your travels in comfort and style.
Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card
- Provides complimentary airport transfers in Malaysia via Grab, with cashback of up to RM65 for a minimum spend on travel-related expenses within 90 days.
UOB Visa Infinite Card
- Offers up to 12x complimentary local airport limousine rides to KLIA Terminal 1 or 2 per year when you meet a minimum spend on travel categories.
Alliance Privilege Visa Signature
- Entitles cardholders to 2x complimentary e-hailing airport rides worth up to RM80 each per year, for a cumulative annual retail spend of RM120,000 or above.
Standard Chartered Priority Banking Visa Infinite
- Offers up to RM80 cashback on Airport Limo and KLIA Ekspres rides when returning from an overseas trip, as long as you have a Priority Banking membership.
CIMB Travel World Elite / Travel World / Travel Platinum Credit Card
- Provide access to the Mastercard Airport Limo service via DragonPass, offering preferential rates on premium ground transportation to and from airports.
How to Choose the Best Airport Lounge Credit Card
Finding the best airport lounge credit card in Malaysia isn’t just about enjoying free food and comfy chairs before a flight. It’s about choosing a card that truly matches your travel habits, spending style, and financial comfort. With so many cards offering lounge access, the right choice can make every trip smoother and more rewarding.
1. Frequency of Travel
Your travel frequency should be the first deciding factor.
- Frequent travellers: Look for cards with unlimited or a high number of complimentary lounge visits annually. This ensures you never run out of passes, no matter how often you fly.
- Occasional travellers: Entry-level cards with 2 to 6 free visits a year may be more practical. They usually come with lower annual fees and income requirements, making them easier to qualify for.
2. Lounge Access Requirements
Not all lounge access is the same. Pay attention to:
- Number of visits: Some cards cap visits quarterly or annually, while premium cards may offer unlimited access.
- Lounge networks: Popular options include Plaza Premium Lounges at KLIA/KLIA2, LoungeKey, Priority Pass, and DragonPass for global coverage.
- Guest privileges: Travelling with family? Some cards include free guest entry, while others charge additional fees.
3. Annual Fees and Income Requirements
Airport lounge cards often come with higher costs, so balance the perks with affordability.
- Annual fee matches your budget: For example, some cards are free for life, while premium ones can cost RM600 to RM800 a year.
- Income requirement fits your profile: Entry-level lounge cards may start at RM2,000 monthly income, while high-tier cards often require RM8,000 or more.
4. Additional Travel Perks
Beyond lounge visits, look for cards that add value to your trips:
- Travel insurance: Coverage for flight delays, lost baggage, or medical emergencies overseas.
- Airport transfers: Rebates or complimentary rides via limo, Grab, or KLIA Ekspres.
- Air miles and rewards: Ideal for frequent flyers who want faster points-to-miles conversion.
- Lifestyle perks: Dining deals, hotel privileges, and even golf discounts add extra value, making the card rewarding to use beyond airport visits.
5. Spending Habits & Rewards
Finally, think about where you spend the most.
- Frequent overseas spenders: Look for cards with high points or cashback on international transactions.
- Everyday spenders: If you mainly shop locally, balance lounge perks with strong cashback or rewards on daily spending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the common FAQs about credit cards with free airport lounges:
1. Which credit cards offer free airport lounge access in Malaysia?
Here in Malaysia, you'll find top-tier cards like the Maybank Visa Infinite, UOB Visa Infinite, HSBC TravelOne, CIMB Travel Platinum, or Standard Chartered Journey are popular choices.
These cards typically open doors to a variety of lounge networks, including major players like Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and DragonPass, along with well-known local chains such as Plaza Premium Lounges scattered across KLIA and other airports nationwide. Each card comes with its unique set of lounge affiliations and specific usage rules, so it's always wise to check its individual terms.
2. Are there any fees or hidden costs that I should know about?
Yes, there can be. While airport lounge access is often promoted as complimentary, it usually comes with a credit card that charges an annual fee, so the cost is built into that yearly payment. You may also face:
- Per-visit charges: These apply if you go over your allotted number of complimentary entries.
- Guest charges: Applicable if you bring additional companions beyond your card's included guest limit.
- Temporary pre-authorization holds: Some lounge networks might initiate a minor pre-authorization (often around US$1) on your card when you enter, even for free visits. This is typically released after a short period. Nobody likes an unexpected bill, right? Therefore, always make it a point to thoroughly review your card's terms and conditions.
3. How many complimentary lounge visits do I get annually or quarterly?
Most credit cards offer a set number of free entries within a year or every quarter. For example, your card might grant you between 4 to 8 visits annually, or perhaps 1 to 2 entries per quarter.
A handful of ultra-premium cards might provide unlimited lounge access, though these often come with a substantially higher annual fee. You'll want to clarify what happens once your complimentary visits are used up; typically, any subsequent entries will incur a direct charge, often billed in USD to your card. Always check the product terms and conditions.
4. Can I bring my family or friends into the lounge for free using my credit card?
The policy regarding guest access can differ across various credit cards. Some premium cards, like the UOB Visa Infinite Card, include the convenience of bringing one accompanying guest within your allocated visits, while others might offer a limited number of complimentary guest entries per year.
However, many other cards will impose a per-guest fee (which can sometimes be rather substantial) for any additional companions you bring along. For example, the Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card typically offers a discount on published rates for accompanying guests. It's important to confirm your card's exact guest policy beforehand to avoid any unwelcome surprises at the lounge reception.
5. Is a separate lounge membership card (like Priority Pass) required, or can I just use my credit card for entry?
- For programs such as Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or DragonPass: You'll typically need to activate a separate membership after your credit card is issued. Your bank usually provides clear instructions, and you might receive either a physical membership card or instructions to download a digital version via their mobile app. You would then present this membership card (or the app) along with your boarding pass for entry, rather than just your credit card itself.
- For lounges like Plaza Premium or certain airline-specific lounges: You can often gain direct access simply by presenting your eligible credit card and your same-day boarding pass at the reception desk. Knowing which method your card supports beforehand will certainly help avoid any last-minute hassle at the lounge entrance!
6. What types of airport lounges can I actually access with my Malaysian credit card?
- Third-party lounge networks: These are the most widespread, including Priority Pass (known for its vast global reach with thousands of lounges worldwide), LoungeKey, DragonPass, and of course, Plaza Premium Lounges (which have a strong presence across Asia, including at KLIA and other major Malaysian airports like Penang and Langkawi International Airports).
- Airline-specific lounges: While less common for general travel credit cards, certain co-branded airline cards might offer direct access to their airline's own lounges (e.g., you might find specific cards that grant entry to the MAS Golden Lounge). For international journeys, the Priority Pass network generally offers broad access globally, while Plaza Premium maintains excellent coverage in key Malaysian and Asian airports.
7. What facilities and services are typically offered within airport lounges in Malaysia?
- Comfortable and spacious seating areas – a definite upgrade from the bustling main terminal!
- Complimentary food and beverages, often including hot meals, various snacks, soft drinks, and more.
- High-speed Wi-Fi to keep you connected, whether for work or entertainment.
- Convenient charging stations for all your devices.
- Business amenities like printers, current newspapers, and magazines. Larger lounges might even feature additional perks such as showers, private restrooms, or dedicated quiet zones. And yes, for lounges within Malaysia, you can often find halal food options available, catering to local needs!
8. Are there specific income thresholds or credit score requirements for these Malaysian credit cards?
Yes, indeed, these higher-tier cards typically come with distinct eligibility criteria. For most premium cards that offer lounge access (especially those in the Visa Infinite or World Mastercard categories), banks will impose minimum annual income requirements. These figures are often significantly higher than what's needed for standard credit cards.
Furthermore, possessing a strong credit score and a healthy credit history is essential for your application to receive approval. It's always a good practice to consult the specific bank's website or speak directly with a representative to confirm if you meet their current eligibility benchmarks before you apply. This can save you time and effort!
9. How do I activate or register for my complimentary lounge visits once I have my credit card?
Once your credit card is approved and safely in your hands, your bank will usually send you a welcome kit that includes instructions on how to activate your lounge benefits.
- For programs like Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or DragonPass: You'll typically be required to register online via the respective lounge program's website, using details from your new credit card. Post-registration, you'll either receive a physical membership card by mail or instructions to download a digital version through their mobile app. This membership card or the app is what you'll present for lounge entry.
- For direct access lounges (ex, Plaza Premium): Often, no prior activation is necessary. You simply present your eligible credit card and your same-day boarding pass directly at the lounge reception. Always make sure to follow the specific activation instructions provided by your bank to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry!
10. Do my supplementary cardholders also receive complimentary lounge access?
This benefit varies across different banks and specific credit card products. Some cards will extend the same lounge access benefits (including the number of visits) to supplementary cardholders.
However, others might not offer any lounge access for them, or only provide it with an additional fee. It is important to review the specific terms and conditions of your chosen card regarding supplementary cardholder benefits before you decide to get any add-on cards.
Travel in Style Without Breaking the Bank
Hopefully, you’ll be able to see that there is an airport lounge access credit card for everyone.
Whether you’re a domestic or international traveller, a frequent flier or an occasional tourist, you can find a credit card with free airport lounge access that suits you — with affordable income requirements and reasonable annual fees.
Don’t forget that when you apply for a credit card through RinggitPlus, you’ll be eligible for some pretty awesome sign-up gifts upon approval!
Check out our credit card recommendation service if you can't decide which credit card to sign up for. It's free of charge and won't take much of your time!
