Best Credit Card in Malaysia 2025

Do you have a hard time choosing a credit card? From cashback, travel, and no annual fee credit cards, which to choose?

A credit card is a great financial tool, but at the same time, it wouldn't be as great if it didn't add some value to your lifestyle.

While you may already have a card preference in mind, it's still good to 'shop' around first to get an idea of which type of credit card is best for you to use daily. 

What Is a Credit Card? 

A credit card is a payment instrument to purchase something instead of cash. In theory, when you pay for something using a credit card, that amount is owed to the bank and needs to be paid back.

It is designed to meet various income levels, from the entry-level, also referred to as Gold, to mid-range, known as Platinum, and high-income, such as Infinite, Premier, and Signature.

How Does a Credit Card Work in Malaysia? 

Think of it as a fast loan that you can pay back when your salary kicks in. Let’s take a look at the basic features:

1. 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.

For example, a bank might offer an annual fee waiver simply by swiping your credit card at least 12 times in a year, or some might require you to meet a certain spending amount in a year to get the waiver.

2. Interest Rate (Finance Charge)

This may not be theoretically correct, but banks charge interest on the outstanding amount as a penalty for borrowing their money and not repaying it on time.

A credit card interest rate or a 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, an interest rate of between 15% to 18% per annum will be levied on that amount.

In Malaysia, there are three tiers of credit card annual interest rates chargeable on the outstanding balance based on the cardholders’ repayment habits:

If you consistently pay your card bills in full and on time, then you don't have to worry about interest rates at all.

3. 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's due date.

4. 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 of two times your salary.

For those earning more than RM3,000 a month, 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.

5. Cash Advance

A cash advance is a facility that allows you to withdraw money from your credit card through an 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% per annum, which is calculated daily until you pay up the withdrawn amount in full.

6. Billing or Statement Cycle

Each credit card transaction you make will be posted on your credit card statement. 

This statement, which itemises all your transaction histories for the past month, will arrive in your mailbox or inbox in the current month.

It is important to take note of the statement's due date so that you will not be charged with unnecessary finance charges on the outstanding balance.

7. Minimum Monthly Payment

In your statement cycle, you are allowed to make a partial repayment of your credit card bill to avoid being charged a late finance fee on the outstanding balance.

However, the remaining amount of your outstanding balance will still incur a finance charge. 

The minimum monthly payment is usually 5% of the total outstanding balance, which must be settled before the statement's due date.

How to Choose the Right Credit Card for You

1. Evaluate Your Lifestyle: Are you a frequent online shopper, traveller, or driver?
2. Compare Categories: Look at rewards for dining, groceries, petrol, and e-wallet reloads.
3. Use RinggitPlus Tool: Our Credit Card Recommendation Service helps to match your salary, preferences, and financial goals.

Choose Best Credit Cards by Category:

Here are the top credit cards curated by category to help you find the one that best fits your spending needs and lifestyle.

Credit Card with Sign-Up Offers

It doesn't matter if this is your first time applying for a credit card or if you're looking for a new credit card from a different bank. RinggitPlus rewards you abundantly with attractive sign-up gifts every week!

Browse through the participating banks, compare and apply for the selected credit card(s), meet the requirements accordingly and then claim your gift.

No Annual Fees Credit Cards

First-year free? Free for a lifetime? Annual fee waiver? You bet that we have them all on RinggitPlus.

Credit cards without annual fees are often the preferable choice among Malaysians, it's even better for first-timers as you get to build your credit score without having to worry about paying extra money on annual fees.

Cashback Credit Cards

Get cash back into your card account on every eligible spending, every month!

Typically the most popular choice among credit card users in the market, credit cards that earn you cashback aren't just rewarding, but they can help you save more as well.

If you're a big spender on grocery shopping, petrol fueling or online shopping, for example, you might want to consider a cashback credit card for your expenses.

Other types of spending criteria are available for cashback as well, such as utility payments and dining.

Reward Points Credit Cards

As its category name implies, every swipe of your credit card earns you attractive rewards points, also known as loyalty points.

Take note of the eligible spending, and swipe or tap away to collect reward points!

Thereafter, the accumulated rewards points can be used to redeem gifts, shopping vouchers, dining coupons, air miles conversions and many more.

Petrol Credit Cards to Save on Fuel

Perfect for individuals who are always on the road and are looking to maximise their petrol spending even further.

Petrol prices in Malaysia nowadays aren't exactly pocket-friendly. But with a petrol credit card, you get to earn rewards points, cashback or air miles just by spending on petrol.

Plus, certain petrol credit cards may also give you special discounts on car polishes, parts or accessories.

Travel Credit Cards

Specially tailored for frequent flyers from all walks of life, this type of credit card can help you save some money on your travelling expenses.

From rewards points, cashback, special discounts, complimentary access to airport lounges, and free travel insurance — you name it — you may get them all with a travel credit card.

Islamic Credit Cards

This type of credit card category isn't as complicated as it may sound — it works the same as the conventional ones. The only difference is the spending criteria, whereby they must be Shariah-compliant.

Hence, it is suitable for those ethical spenders! All faiths are welcome to apply for an Islamic credit card.

Air Miles Credit Cards

As their category name suggests, air miles credit cards are perfect for frequent flyers or travellers.

With this type of credit card in hand, you can convert the rewards points you've collected on eligible spending to air miles for a variety of frequent flyer programs from different airlines.

Collect as many air miles as you can, you might even fly for free. Who knows?

Credit Cards with Free Airport Lounge Access

If you've always wanted to chill at the airport lounge (like the Plaza Premium Lounge, for example) when you're travelling, do you know that you can get complimentary access to it with a credit card?

You can, and we're not bluffing. Simply follow through with certain spending criteria or other applicable terms, and you might just be eligible for the complimentary access.

Online Shopping Credit Cards

Special for shopaholics who have a con fashion (confessions).

Why not maximise your online spending while you're at it with a credit card for online shopping? You can get rewarded with either cashback or reward points.

Cashback helps you save money, while rewards points let you redeem gifts, vouchers and more. Decisions, decisions.

Credit Cards for Movie Promotions

Movie buff, do you know that you can enjoy exclusive movie promotions, discounts or cashback with a credit card?

Movie tickets can be expensive at times, not to mention if you purchase them in sets. So, why not make use of this type of credit card to help you save more?

Other than movie promotions, certain credit cards also earn you reward points for other eligible spending.

Premium Credit Cards

Curated for the VIPs and high-net-worth individuals! Also called black cards, this type of credit card not only comes with higher annual income requirements but also offers much more attractive benefits.

From golf benefits to travel benefits and other exclusive privileges, premium cards are designed to elevate your lush lifestyle to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ] About Credit Card 

Let’s dive deep into the questions most Malaysians ask about credit cards:

1. How many types of credit cards are there in Malaysia?

Malaysia has four (4) biggest card networks or card schemes: 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 by having features such as cashback, reward points or air miles.

• Cashback: You get back a portion of the money you have spent in 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.

Essentially, 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.

2. What is the minimum salary needed for a credit card in Malaysia?

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) requires a minimum annual income of RM24,000 (RM2,000 per month) for first-time applicants. However, different cards have different requirements hence, some need RM8,500 per month for premium cards.

3. How many credit cards can I apply for?

BNM has stated that for those earning RM3,000 and less, you can own a maximum of two credit cards from two different banks, with a combined limit of two times your salary.

Anyone with a monthly income above RM3,000 may own multiple credit cards from multiple issuers, subject to your credit background and the bank's approval requirement.

4. How do Islamic credit cards work?

Islamic credit cards in Malaysia follow Syariah-compliant principles. Instead of charging interest (riba), they apply a fixed profit rate called Ujrah. Additionally, many Islamic credit cards include complimentary Takaful (islamic insurance) for accidents, death, or total permanent disability.

5. What is cashback and how it can help save money?

Cashback is one of the easiest ways you can get extra value from everyday spending. When you use a cashback credit card, you’ll receive a small percentage of the money you spend credited back to your account. Most cashback credit cards in Malaysia offer rebates between 1% to 15%, depending on the spending category and monthly conditions.

However, keep in mind that cashback is usually subject to: Monthly caps (e.g. up to RM30 or RM50 cashback per month), Minimum spend requirements (e.g. RM500 or RM1,000 per month), and Specific categories only (like dining, petrol, online spend).

6. What happens, financially and legally, if I miss a payment?

Failing to pay your credit card balance on time triggers immediate financial penalties and long-term damage to your credit health.

• High Interest Charges (Finance Charge): You will be immediately charged the highest annual interest rate of 15% to 18% (Tier 3), which is compounded daily on the outstanding balance.
• Late Payment Fees: Banks will apply a mandatory late payment fee, which is typically between RM10 and RM100, or a maximum of 1% of the total outstanding balance (whichever is lower).
• Credit Score Damage: Your late payment is officially reported to the Central Credit Reference Information System. A poor payment record will cause future loan or credit card applications (for housing, car, personal loans) to be heavily scrutinized, delayed, or outright rejected for several years.

7. What is a CCRIS report, and how can I get it online?

The Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS) is a system that records your credit history for banks to assess your credit risk. You can get your free report online through the eCCRIS portal, but a registration is required if this is your first time accessing it. You can also obtain it via approved credit reporting agencies or at CCRIS kiosks in AKPK branches. Only authorised individuals may request reports for businesses or deceased persons.

8. What is a cash advance, and should I use it?

A cash advance lets you withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card. Don't do it unless it's an emergency. You'll be charged:

• Withdrawal Fee: A flat fee is applied instantly, usually 5% of the total amount withdrawn.
• Zero Grace Period: Interest starts accruing immediately from the moment of withdrawal.
• Highest Interest Rate: The interest charged is typically the highest tier, 18% per annum, calculated daily until the entire withdrawn amount is paid back.

9. How can I avoid paying the annual fee on my credit card?

Most credit cards waive the annual fee if you meet one of two common conditions:

• Minimum Annual Spending: You spend a predetermined total amount per year (e.g., RM10,000 for entry-level cards or up to RM24,000 for premium cards).
• Minimum Transactions: You make a specific, low number of transactions within the year (e.g., 12 swipes/purchases per year, which translates to just one purchase per month).

Always check your specific card's waiver conditions and set a reminder a month before your renewal date to ensure you have met the requirement!

10. Can I apply for a credit card if I'm currently in my probation period?

It is generally difficult, but not impossible. The flexibility depends on the bank and the card type:

• Higher Flexibility: Institutions that aggressively target entry-level applicants, such as RHB and Alliance Bank, are known to be slightly more lenient, especially if you meet the minimum income and provide a clear letter of employment/offer.
• Best Strategy: If you have salary savings, the Secured Credit Card (backed by a Fixed Deposit) is your safest bet. Since the bank holds collateral, your employment status becomes secondary, and approval is nearly guaranteed regardless of your probation status.

How to Apply for a Credit Card (3 Simple Steps)

The application steps are simple, and you can apply in just 10 minutes or less from the comfort of your home.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

• Monthly income meets the card requirement
• Age 21 and above
• Malaysian citizen or permanent resident

Use our comparison tool to pick a card, or click the "Chat on WhatsApp" button to try our Credit Card Recommendation Service.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

• IC (MyKad)
• Latest 3 months' payslips or EA form
• Bank statements (if self-employed)

Step 3: Apply Online

1. Click "Apply Now" on your chosen card
2. You'll be redirected to our secure WhatsApp chatbot
3. Answer a few questions
4. Submit your application
5. Bank will contact you within 3-7 working days

Should you have any questions regarding your credit card application, reach out to us at [email protected]. 

Exclusive Credit Card Sign-Up Offers and Weekly Gifts

Besides earning great rewards and cashback from your new card, you can unlock immediate value by taking advantage of our high-value gifts and exclusive promotions.

RinggitPlus frequently rewards new applicants with special offers when you apply through our platform. Keep an eye on the dedicated promotions page below to see all the latest deals and exclusive sign-up gifts this week!

See All Current Offers: https://ringgitplus.com/en/credit-card/sign-up-offers/

Best Credit Card Promotions in Malaysia (2025 Ongoing Offers)

Credit cards are useful if you know how to use them wisely. Besides giving you a rewarding spending experience with all the reward points or cash rebates, etc. to collect, you can also enjoy numerous ongoing deals, promo codes and discounts at participating merchants all around Malaysia.

In the tables below, you will find the latest deals, discounts, and offers from your favourite credit cards so you can maximise your savings.

Keep a tab on this section, as this list will be updated monthly.

[Updated: 30 November 2025]

All Participating Banks In RinggitPlus

We compare cards from 19 major banks in Malaysia:

Local Banks: Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, Hong Leong Bank, RHB, AmBank, AFFIN BankAlliance Bank, BSN, Bank Rakyat

Islamic Banks: Bank Islam, AFFIN Islamic Bank, HSBC Amanah, Public Islamic Bank

International Banks: HSBC, Standard Chartered, UOB, OCBC, ICBC

Others: AEON Credit Service

Why Compare With RinggitPlus?

Personalised Matches: Our smart tool recommends cards based on your actual spending patterns, not just promotional rates.

Transparent Comparisons: We show you the real costs including caps, fees, and minimum spend requirements, so you know exactly what you're getting.

Exclusive Offers: Apply through us to unlock amazing sign-up gifts updated weekly from top banks.

Expert Support: Get instant answers via WhatsApp or [email protected]. We're here to help you choose and apply with confidence.