Best Credit Cards in Malaysia 2022
RinggitPlus brings you the latest deals, discounts and offers from your favourite credit cards so you can maximise on savings.
Keep a tab on this section as it will be updated weekly.
Credit Card Promo Code and Discount in Malaysia 2022
[updated: 6 July 2022]
FOOD & DINING PROMOTION |
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Bank | Merchant | Promotion | Expiry Date |
Affin Bank | Vanilla Crepe | 12% off total bill (no minimum spend) at participating outlets - SS15 - Sunway Pyramid - Paradigm Mall - Mid Valley Megamall - Sunway Velocity - IOI City Mall Putrajaya |
31 Aug 2022 |
AmBank | Arthur's Bar & Grill |
25% off Food Bill for AmBank Visa Infinite or Visa Signature Credit Card 10% off Food Bill for all AmBank Debit Mastercard and AmBank Credit Card every Monday to Friday |
31 Aug 2022 |
CIMB | Leten Dim Sum & Asian Cuisine | 10% off food bill |
30 Dec 2022 |
Citibank | Curate, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur | 15% off dining | 31 Dec 2022 |
HSBC | Haagen Dazs |
Offer I: Buy 1 Item from Creation Menu in a single receipt on Every Wednesday and Get 50% OFF on 2nd item at Haagen Dazs. Offer II: Buy Triple Scoops Ice Cream in a single receipt on Every Wednesday and Get a Complimentary Triple Scoops Ice Cream at Haagen Dazs. |
31 Oct 2022 |
Hong Leong Bank | Hilton Kuala Lumpur | 10% off total F&B bill at any dining outlets in the hotel |
30 Nov 2022 |
Public Bank | Ezy Durian | 10% off (min. spend RM200) |
31 Aug 2022 |
RHB | ILI POT | RM10 off (min. spend RM50) Promo code: RHBPOT10 |
14 Oct 2022 |
UOB | Courtyard by Marriott, Penang | 15% off total food bill |
31 Dec 2022 |
ONLINE SHOPPING PROMOTION |
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Bank |
Merchant | Promotion | Expiry Date |
AEON | TMC Care Pharmacy | 5% off for first-time purchase (min. spend RM30) Voucher code: AEONTMCC |
31 Dec 2022 |
Affin Bank | Aurora Italia | 25% off normal-priced items (exclude new items & gram bars) Coupon code: AURAFFIN25 |
31 Jul 2022 |
Alliance Bank | HappyFresh | RM10 off (min. spend RM120) Promo code: HAPPYALLI |
30 Sep 2022 |
AmBank | Alwis & Xavier | 10% off *Visa only (min. spend RM75) Promo code: VISA10 |
31 Dec 2022 |
CIMB | KLOOK |
All users 5% off on all local activities 2% off on special activities Promo code: CIMBKLOOK5 New users RM15 off with min. spend RM100 on all local activities Promo code: NEWCIMB15 |
31 Dec 2022 |
Citibank | Montigo | 20% off (min. spend RM50) Promo Code: MONTIGOXCITY20 |
10 Jul 2022 |
HSBC | Bonia | Enjoy 20% OFF* selected normal priced Items at participating stores and online Promo code: BNXHSBC20P |
31 Mar 2023 |
Hong Leong Bank | Shopee | RM18 off (min. spend RM20, new users only) Promo code: NEWHLB |
31 Aug 2022 |
Public Bank | Online Pasar | RM20 off & complimentary delivery (min. spend RM120) Promo code: PUBLICFD20 |
31 Dec 2022 |
RHB | Beast Kingdom | 10% off normal-priced items Promo code: BK+first 6 digits of your RHB card number |
31 Dec 2022 |
UOB | DELL | 5% off for all S-Series, SE Series, G Series & Alienware gaming monitors Promo code: UOB5OFF |
31 Jul 2022 |
HOTEL & TRAVEL PROMOTION |
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Bank | Merchant | Promotion | Expiry Date |
AEON | Agoda | Up to 9% off on hotel bookings with Mastercard only Book via agoda.com/mymastercard |
31 Dec 2022 |
Affin Bank | The Chow Kit - Ormond Hotel |
25% off daily rates for all room categories 30% off daily rates for all room categories (min. 3 nights booking) Promo code: TCKABB |
31 Oct 2022 |
Alliance Bank | Dorsett Putrajaya | 20% off Best Available Rate for all room categories Promo code: DORSETTA2022 |
31 Dec 2022 |
AmBank | Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort | 20% off Best Flexible Room Rates Book via avanihotels.com/en/sepang |
31 Dec 2022 |
CIMB | Expedia |
7% off hotel bookings worldwide Promo code: CIMBMY7 |
31 Dec 2022 |
Citibank | Lexis Hibiscus, Port Dickson | 15% off best available rate for all room categories (for Citi Rewards & Travel Account Credit Cards) 10% off best available rate for all room categories (for Citi Cash Back Credit Cards & Citi Debit Cards) |
30 Oct 2022 |
HSBC | KLOOK | 12% off hotel bookings in Malaysia Promo code: HSBCHOTEL12 |
31 Dec 2022 |
Hong Leong Bank | Hotels.com | 8% off first room bookings Stay period: valid until 31 March 2023 |
31 Dec 2022 |
Public Bank | Rosa Malacca Hotel | RM180 nett (Sun - Thurs) RM260 nett (Fri & Sat) |
30 Nov 2022 |
RHB | Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Kuantan | RM260 nett for 2D/1N stay in a Deluxe Room for a single or double occupancy with two breakfasts | 31 Dec 2022 |
UOB | Agoda | 8% off worldwide hotel bookings (capped at RM200/booking with UOB Visa cards) Stay period: valid until 30 June 2023 |
31 Dec 2022 |
What is a credit card?
It is a payment instrument that you can use to purchase something instead of using cash.
In theory, when you pay for something using a card, that amount is owed from the bank and need to be paid back.
A credit card is designed to meet various income levels, from the entry-level (sometimes referred to as Gold), mid-range (Platinum), and high-income (e.g. Infinite, Premier, Signature).
How does a credit card work?
Think of it like a fast loan that you can pay back when your salary kicks in.
To understand more on how it works, let’s take a look at the basic features such as follows:
Annual fee
A credit card has a fee that is charged annually to the card members for the benefits that come with it.
Some of them don’t have an annual fee, whereas there are also cards with an annual fee waiver condition.
Typically, to get your credit card annual fee waived is simply by making one transaction per month for 12 consecutive months, or meet the card's minimum spending required in a year.
Interest rate on purchases
This may not be theoretically correct, but banks charge interest on the outstanding amount as a penalty for borrowing their money and not repaying them on time.
Credit card interest rate, also known as Finance Charge, is usually charged on the outstanding balance amount when it is past due.
For example, if you have used up RM300 on your card and failed to settle it within the 20-day interest-free period, a Finance Charge of between 15% - 18% p.a. will be levied on that amount.
In Malaysia, there are 3 tiers of annual interest rates chargeable on the outstanding balance based on the cardholders’ repayment habit:
Interest rate | Descriptions |
15% p.a. (1.25% p.m.) | Tier 1: for cardholders with prompt payments for 12 consecutive months |
17% p.a. (1.42% p.m.) | Tier 2: for cardholders with prompt payments for 10 months or more in the last 12-month cycle |
18% p.a. (1.50% p.m.) | Tier 3: for cardholders with payments of less than 10 months in a 12-month cycle |
If you consistently pay your card bills in full and on time, then you don't have to worry about interest rates at all.
Interest-free period
This is a grace period whereby you can enjoy zero interest on your outstanding balance.
This period starts from the date of issuance of your credit card statement until the statement due date.
Credit limit
This is the maximum amount that a lender can extend to you for a particular line of credit.
If you earn a monthly income of RM3,000 or less, the bank will usually set a credit limit to 2 times your salary.
For those earning more than RM36,000 per year, there is no limit to the credit that will be assigned to you.
You can also own multiple cards from multiple banks with varying credit limits.
Cash advance
Cash advance is a facility that allows you to withdraw money from your credit card through ATM much like a debit card.
Not to be confused with a cash loan facility whereby you can borrow a certain amount from your card and repay it in instalments, which is similar to an EPP.
A cash advance is subject to a cash withdrawal fee and interest rate of 18% p.a., which is calculated daily until you pay up the withdrawn amount in full.
Billing or statement cycle
Each credit card transaction you make will be posted in your credit card statement.
This statement, which itemises all your transaction histories for the past month, will arrive at your mailbox or inbox in the current month.
It is important to take note of the statement due date so that you will not be charged with unnecessary fees and charges on the outstanding balance.
Minimum monthly payment
In your statement cycle, you are allowed to make a partial repayment of your credit card bill to avoid being charged with a late finance fee on the outstanding balance.
However, the remaining amount of your outstanding balance will still incur finance charge.
The minimum monthly payment is usually at 5% of the total outstanding balance, which must be settled before the statement due date.
How many types of credit cards are there in Malaysia?
There are 4 biggest card networks or card schemes in Malaysia: Visa, Mastercard, American Express and UnionPay.
They partnered with Malaysian banks to issue credit cards to consumers.
The banks then further categorised these cards to meet various consumers’ needs and spending habits to having features such as cashback, reward points and air miles.
Cashback: You get back a portion of money you have spent into your account
Rewards: You earn loyalty points for every Ringgit spent, redeemable for products and services
Air Miles: You earn loyalty points for every Ringgit spent, redeemable at your frequent flyer programs
Normally, a credit card will have one of the features above.
Depending on the income band, it can have a combination of features such as cashback and rewards, or air miles and cashback.
What is the main requirement for credit card application?
The major requirement is your minimum income.
According to the BNM guidelines, the minimum income for a first-time applicant is RM24,000 annually.
Banks will require proof of income to qualify you as a credit card holder.
Other than that, you must also have a valid identity card, employer letter of confirmation and other documents to support your application.
Not all banks have the same income requirement for the same card type.
For example, a Gold card by Bank A is offered to those with a monthly salary of RM3,000 and above, whereas Bank B opens to anyone earning a minimum of RM2,000 per month.
How many credit cards can I apply?
There is no limit to the number of credit cards you can apply from any bank, however, your chances of getting approved will depend on your income and other factors mentioned above.
BNM has stated that for those earning RM36,000 and less, you can own credit cards from maximum two different card issuers, with a credit limit capped at 2 times your monthly salary (but whether you get this amount depends on the banks you choose).
For anyone with a yearly income of RM36,000 and above, you can own as many credit cards you want from multiple issuers.
What happens if I fail to repay my credit card on time?
If you miss your payment, a late payment fee will be charged on the outstanding balance.
Your outstanding balance will attract a finance charge of between 15% - 18% per annum which is compounded daily until you paid off the overdue amount.
What is a CCRIS Report?
CCRIS is a central system that stores information of your credit histories which is referenced by all banks when assessing your credit risk.
A late payment habit can have a negative effect on your CCRIS (Central Credit Reference Information System) record.
Plus, you will also have a lower credit score that consequently reduces your chances of getting approved on your personal, car or home loan applications in the future.
Continue reading to find out how you can get your hands on your own credit report online.
How to register and get your CCRIS report online?
According to the Credit Bureau by BNM, any individual can make a request to obtain your personal CCRIS report online via eCCRIS portal.
However, for business owners and deceased individuals, only authorised persons can make a request to the Credit Bureau for access to the credit report.
If you have yet to register as an eCCRIS user, you may go to the Credit Bureau's website (creditbureau.bnm.gov.my/obtaining-your-credit-report), fill in the application form and submit it online via eLINK.
Alternatively, you may also get your credit report via any Credit Reporting Agencies such as Experian, or visit the CCRIS kiosk at any AKPK branches near you.
Which credit card is the best for me?
At RinggitPlus, we have several categories that can cater to the unique needs of every Malaysian, such as:
- Sign Up Offers – For the lovers of free gifts. Apply for a selected card, get approved by the bank, activate it and then claim your gift!
- No Annual Fee – First year free? Free for a lifetime? Free annual fee? You got it.
- Cashback – Get cash back into your account on every spend.
- Rewards – Collect reward points to redeem free gifts, vouchers and air miles.
- Petrol – Earn reward points, cashback or air miles with every fuel spend. Get discounts on car washes, polishes, parts and accessories.
- Travel – Save on fuel spend, air ticket or travel insurance coverage.
- Islamic – For ethical spenders.
- Air Miles – For frequent flyers and travelers.
- Free Airport Lounge Access – For business frequent flyers.
- Online Shopping – For shopaholics who have a con-fashion (confession).
- Movie Promotions – For movie buff.
- Premium - For the VIPs and high net-worth individuals.
List of banks to apply for a credit card online
There are 19 banks in Malaysia offering credit cards for various consumers with unique appetites that you can apply online for. They are:
- Citibank
- HSBC
- Public Bank
- RHB
- Standard Chartered
- UOB
- AEON Credit Service
- Affin Bank
- Affin Islamic Bank
- Alliance Bank
- AmBank
- BSN
- Bank Islam
- Bank Rakyat
- CIMB
- Hong Leong Bank
- ICBC
- Maybank
- OCBC
Top 5 Credit Cards in Malaysia 2022
Having a hard time choosing the best credit cards available in the market? Below would be our top 5 picks of credit cards that can cater to your unique preferences.
Have a read on our review of these cards and apply online with RinggitPlus easily. You might also stand a chance to bring home exciting sign-up gifts too!