Best Credit Card in Malaysia 2026

Find the credit card that best meets your needs, or simply compare all credit cards from your favorite bank.

Find your credit card now

What Is A Credit Card?

A credit card lets you buy things now and pay later, usually with benefits like cashback or rewards points. When you use a credit card, the bank pays the merchant on your behalf. You then pay the bank back, either in full by the due date (which is what you should aim for) or in smaller monthly payments if needed.

The real value of credit cards in Malaysia isn't just the convenience. It's the rewards. Use a cashback card for your RM800 monthly petrol bill, and you could get RM96 back every year. That's essentially a free tank of fuel, just for using the right card.

Most Malaysians carry at least one credit card, but not everyone is maximising what they could be earning back. Whether it's cashback on your RM3,000 monthly grocery bill, petrol rebates that actually cover your weekend trips to Penang, or air miles that get you to Bangkok for free, the right card makes a real difference to your wallet.

The question isn't whether you need a credit card. It's whether you're using the right one for how you actually spend your money.

Credit Card Tiers in Malaysia

Credit cards come in different tiers based on income requirements and benefits:

Gold Mastercard/Visa cards (RM2,000-RM3,000 income): Entry-level cards with basic rewards and benefits.

Platinum Mastercard/Visa cards (RM4,000-RM5,000 income): Better cashback rates and more perks than Gold cards.

Premium cards (RM6,000+ income): Signature, Infinite, and World Elite cards with perks like airport lounge access, higher cashback rates, and travel insurance.

The tier you qualify for depends on your monthly income, but higher tiers aren't automatically better. A Gold cashback card that perfectly matches your spending can give you more value than a Premium card with benefits you never use.

Types of Credit Cards in Malaysia

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

Cashback Credit Cards

Every month, a portion of what you spent comes back to you as cash credited to your card account. No points to track, no redemption catalogues to browse. Just money back.

Cashback is straightforward: 1% cashback = RM1 back for every RM100 spent. Cards typically offer 0.5% to 1.5% on all spending (flat-rate) or 3% to 12% on specific categories like petrol, groceries, or dining.

Example: You spend RM600/month on petrol. A flat 1% cashback card gives you RM6 back. A petrol-focused card giving 8% cashback gives you RM48 back. That's RM504 vs RM72 yearly, a RM432 difference.

Travel Credit Cards

If you fly regularly (whether for work or annual holidays), travel cards can give you significant value through air miles, free airport lounge access, and travel insurance.

Air miles: Many travel cards let you convert your rewards points to airline miles with Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Singapore Airlines, or other frequent flyer programmes. Rack up enough miles, and you can redeem free flights.

Airport lounge access: Premium travel cards often include complimentary access to airport lounges (Plaza Premium, KLIA lounges, overseas lounges). Worth RM80-RM150 per visit if you were paying cash.

Travel insurance: Complimentary coverage when you book flights or travel packages using the card. Saves you RM100-RM300 per trip.

The value in travel cards comes from frequent use. If you only travel once a year domestically, a simple  cashback credit cards might serve you better. If you fly 4 to 5 times a year, including international trips, a travel card can save you thousands.

Petrol Credit Cards

If you drive regularly, a petrol credit card can save you hundreds of ringgit a year just by filling up at the same stations you already use.

These cards typically offer 8% to 12% cashback or rewards points specifically on petrol spending at partner stations (Shell, Petronas, BHP, Caltex). Some also include rebates on toll payments or car-related spending, like parking and car washes.

Example calculation:

  • Monthly petrol spending: RM500
  • Card cashback rate: 10%
  • Monthly savings: RM50
  • Yearly savings: RM600

That's RM600 back in your pocket annually, which essentially covers 1-2 months of free petrol.

The catch is you usually need to fuel at specific brands. Check which petrol stations you actually use before applying. A Shell card is useless if you always go to Petronas.

Islamic Credit Cards

Islamic credit cards work the same way as conventional cards. Swipe to pay, settle your bill monthly, earn rewards. The difference is in the underlying structure, which follows Shariah principles.

Instead of charging interest or riba (which isn't permissible in Islamic finance), Islamic cards use a Tawarruq contract. This is a buying and selling arrangement that achieves a similar economic outcome to interest, but structured in a Shariah-compliant way. 

For the cardholder, the practical difference is minimal. You still get cashback, rewards points, and all the usual credit card benefits. You still need to pay your bills on time to avoid additional charges.

No Annual Fees Credit Cards

Why pay RM150 to RM300 a year just to hold a piece of plastic?

No annual fee cards are free to hold, whether it's your first year or your tenth year. 

Two types of no-annual-fee cards exist in Malaysia:

Lifetime free cards: No fee ever. Examples include Alliance Bank Visa Platinum, Maybank 2 Cards, and Public Bank Quantum Visa.

Conditional waivers: Free if you meet spending requirements. For instance, the HSBC Visa Signature card waives its annual fee if you spend RM12,000 annually. UOB ONE Card waives if you spend RM1,500 quarterly.

If you're not a heavy spender, lifetime free cards make more sense. You don't have to worry about hitting the spending threshold to avoid fees.

Rewards Credit Cards

Instead of cashback, you collect points on every Ringgit spent. These points can be redeemed for shopping vouchers, gifts, dining discounts, or converted to air miles.

Rewards cards work well if you don't need the money immediately (points accumulate over time), enjoy redeeming for specific items or experiences, or want the flexibility to convert points to air miles when you're planning a trip.

The main downside is that points can expire (usually after 2 to 3 years), and redemption catalogues can be hit-or-miss. If you forget to redeem your points, you get nothing. Cashback is simpler because the money comes back automatically.

Online Shopping Credit Cards

Online shopping cards give you boosted cashback or rewards when you buy from specific e-commerce platforms: Shopee, Lazada, Grab, Zalora, and others.

Typical benefits include higher cashback rates (5% to 10%) on partner platforms, special discounts or vouchers exclusive to cardholders, and bonus rewards points on online transactions

Someone who spends RM800/month on Shopee can earn RM40-RM80 back monthly with the right card (5-10% cashback), compared to RM8 with a standard 1% cashback card.

Best Credit Cards in Malaysia 2026

Here are our curated picks across the most popular categories to help you narrow down your options quickly.

Best for Cashback

Best for Travel and Lounge Access

Best for Petrol

Best Lifetime Free Cards

Limited Time Credit Card Sign-Up Offers

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/

How Does a Credit Card Work in Malaysia?

Here's what you need to understand about how credit cards work in Malaysia, from fees to interest rates to what happens when you don't pay on time.

Annual Fee

Some credit cards charge you a yearly fee just for holding the card, anywhere from RM80 to RM800, depending on the card tier. Others are free for life.

Then there are cards with conditional waivers. These are free as long as you meet certain requirements. For example, a card might waive the RM168 annual fee if you swipe at least 12 times a year, or if you spend RM12,000 annually.

If you're a light spender who only uses your card occasionally, a lifetime free card makes more sense than trying to meet minimum spending requirements.

Interest Rate (Finance Charge)

If you don't pay your bill in full by the due date, the bank charges interest on whatever amount you still owe. This is where credit cards can get expensive if you're not careful.

In Malaysia, there are three tiers of interest rates based on how good you are at paying on time:

Your Payment Track Record Interest Rates Monthly Rate
Paid on time for 12 months straight 15% p.a. 1.25% per month
Paid on time for 10-11 months out of 12 17% p.a. 1.42% per month
Paid on time for less than 10 months 18% p.a. 1.50% per month

Here's what that means in real money: if you carry a RM5,000 balance for one month at 18% p.a., you're paying RM75 in interest that month. Do that for a year and you've paid RM900 in interest. That RM5,000 debt has now cost you RM5,900.

The best way to use a credit card is to pay your full outstanding balance every month before the due date. That way, you pay zero interest, and you keep all the cashback or rewards you earned.

Minimum Payment Trap

Always pay your full balance if you can. The minimum payment is a trap, not a feature.

Every month, your credit card statement shows two amounts:

  • Total outstanding balance (what you owe in full)
  • Minimum payment (usually 5% of your balance, or RM50, whichever is higher)

The bank only requires you to pay the minimum, but if that's all you pay, you're charged interest on the remaining balance. This is how people get stuck in credit card debt.

Example: You owe RM5,000. The minimum payment is RM250. If you only pay the minimum every month at 18% p.a. interest, it will take you over 2 years to clear the debt, and you'll have paid an extra RM1,500 in interest charges.

Cash Advance and Cash Withdrawal Fees

Most credit cards let you withdraw cash at ATMs, but this is one of the worst ways to use your card. Cash advances are expensive. Avoid them unless it's an absolute emergency.

Cash advances come with three costs:

  • Immediate interest (usually 18% p.a., starts accruing from day one, no grace period)
  • Cash advance fee (typically RM15 per withdrawal or 5% of the amount, whichever is higher)
  • ATM fees (if using a non-bank ATM)

Withdraw RM1,000 cash, and you'll immediately pay RM50 in fees plus interest starting that day. By the time you pay it back 30 days later, you've paid around RM65 total for borrowing RM1,000. That's an effective monthly rate of 6.5%, or 78% annualised.

Credit Limit

Your credit limit is the maximum amount you can spend on your card. This is set by the bank based on your income, credit score, and existing debts.

In Malaysia, Bank Negara guidelines recommend that your total credit card limit across all cards should not exceed twice your monthly income. So if you earn RM5,000 monthly, your combined credit limit across all cards should ideally be capped at RM10,000.

Banks typically start new cardholders at lower limits (RM3,000 to RM10,000) and increase them over time if you pay on time and use your card regularly.

You can request a credit limit increase from your bank after 6 to 12 months of good payment behaviour, though approval depends on your updated income and credit profile.

Interest-Free or Grace Period

The grace period is the time between your statement date and payment due date, during which you don't get charged interest, as long as you pay your full balance.

Most Malaysian credit cards give you around 20 to 25 days after your statement is generated to pay without interest. This means you can effectively get up to 55 days of interest-free borrowing if you time your purchases right (buy something on day 1 of your billing cycle, get 30 days until statement, then another 25 days to pay).

The grace period only applies if you pay your full outstanding balance. If you only pay the minimum or a partial amount, interest starts accruing immediately on the remaining balance.

Billing or Statement Cycle

Every month, your bank sends you a statement listing all your transactions from the previous month. This statement shows how much you spent, the minimum payment required (usually 5% of the total), the full payment amount, and the payment due date.

Example cycle:

  • 1-31 Dec: You make purchases
  • 1 Jan: Statement issued showing December spending
  • 21 Jan: Payment due date
  • 22 Jan onwards: If you haven't paid, interest starts

Mark your due date in your calendar. Missing it by even one day triggers interest charges and can affect your payment track record (which determines your interest tier).

Balance Transfer

Balance transfer is when you move your credit card debt from one card to another, usually to take advantage of a lower interest rate or a 0% promotional period.

Malaysian banks regularly offer balance transfer promotions where you can transfer your debt and pay 0% interest for 6 to 12 months. You'll typically pay a one-time processing fee (around 3% to 5% of the transferred amount), but you save significantly on interest if you're carrying a large balance.

Example: You have RM10,000 debt on a card charging 18% p.a. Transfer it to a 0% balance transfer plan for 12 months with a 3% fee (RM300). Instead of paying RM1,800 interest over the year, you only pay RM300 upfront.

Balance transfers are useful for clearing debt faster, but they only work if you actually clear the debt during the promotional period. If you don't, you're back to paying high interest rates on whatever remains.

Easy Payment Plan (EPP)

Easy Payment Plan, also called instalment plans, lets you convert large purchases into fixed monthly payments at a lower interest rate than regular credit card charges.

Most Malaysian credit cards offer EPP for purchases above RM500 to RM1,000, with tenure options ranging from 3 to 36 months. The interest rate (called an effective interest rate or flat rate) is usually lower than the 15% to 18% standard credit card rate, often around 0% to 6% p.a., depending on the bank and promotion.

EPP is useful for big-ticket items like laptops, furniture, or travel packages. Instead of paying RM5,000 upfront or carrying a balance at 18% interest, you can convert it to RM

416 monthly instalments over 12 months at 0% interest (if there's a promotion).

Banks also offer EPP at the point of sale with partner merchants. You'll see "0% instalment" signs at electronics stores, furniture outlets, and even some travel agencies. The bank charges the merchant a fee, so you genuinely pay 0% interest.

The catch: once you convert a purchase to EPP, you can't pay it off early without penalties in most cases. You're locked into the monthly instalments for the full tenure.

How to Choose the Best Credit Card in Malaysia

Choosing the right credit card depends on how you spend, not on which card has the flashiest benefits brochure.

Here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Look at Your Monthly Spending

Pull up your bank statements for the last three months and categorise where your money actually goes:

  • Petrol/transport
  • Groceries/dining
  • Online shopping
  • Bills (utilities, phone, internet)
  • Travel (flights, hotels)

If you're spending RM600 monthly on petrol, a petrol card with 8% cashback gives you RM576 yearly. If you're spending RM2,000 monthly on groceries, a card with 5% cashback on supermarkets gets you RM1,200 back.

The card that matches your biggest spending category wins.

2. Calculate the Value of Rewards

Cashback is straightforward (1% cashback = RM1 back for every RM100 spent). Rewards points and air miles require a bit more maths.

For rewards points, check the redemption value:

  • If 1,000 points = RM10 voucher, then 1 point = 1 sen
  • If you earn 5 points per RM spent, that's 5% effective return

For air miles, estimate based on how you'd redeem them:

  • Short-haul flights (KL to Bangkok): around 15,000 to 25,000 miles
  • If a RM500 flight costs 20,000 miles, 1 mile = 2.5 sen value
  • A card earning 1 mile per RM gives you 2.5% effective return if you use the miles for flights

The best cards give you 3% to 10% return on specific categories (like petrol or groceries) and 0.5% to 2% on everything else.

3. Check Annual Fees vs. Benefits

A card with an RM300 annual fee needs to give you at least RM300 in benefits to break even.

Worked example: HSBC Visa Signature

  • Annual fee: RM192 (waived if you spend RM12,000 yearly)
  • Airport lounge access: 8 visits yearly
  • If you use 4 lounge visits (worth RM400 if bought separately) and get RM150 in cashback, total value = RM550
  • Net benefit: RM550 (value) minus RM192 (fee) = RM358 gain
  • But only if you actually use those lounge visits

If you won't use the premium benefits, a free card with decent cashback makes more financial sense.

4. Factor in Income Requirements

Premium cards sound great until you realise you don't qualify.

Most cashback cards require a monthly income of RM2,000 to RM3,000. Travel cards and lounge access cards usually start at RM5,000 to RM8,000 monthly. The ultra-premium cards (World Elite, Visa Infinite) often require RM10,000 or more.

Banks verify your income through payslips, EPF statements, or tax returns. If you're self-employed, you'll need to show bank statements or business income proof.

If you're earning RM3,000 monthly, you're better off with a Gold-tier card that gives strong cashback on everyday spending than trying to chase a Premium card you won't qualify for.

5. Apply Through RinggitPlus

Apply for credit cards online with ease through RinggitPlus. Our platform lets you compare cards side-by-side and apply directly without visiting multiple bank websites or branches.

Our  credit card recommendation service can help match you with cards that suit your income and spending patterns. Check our weekly sign-up offers to see if there are any current promotions available when you apply.

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.

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.

2. Gather Your Documents

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

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 to 7 working days

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

Best Credit Card Promotions in Malaysia (2026 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: 23 February 2026]

FOOD AND DINING PROMOTION
Bank Merchant Promotion Expiry Date
AEON Baskin Robbin Buy 1, Free 1 on a single regular scoop 31 Mar 2026
AmBank Mokky's Pizza and Coffee 10% OFF total bill
(Minimum RM70)
*Valid for AmBank Visa credit cards only
31 May 2026
AFFIN Bank Yolé 10% OFF total bill
14 Sept 2026
Bank Islam GrabFood/GrabCar RM5 OFF
Promo code: BIMB5
(Minimum spend RM30)
*Valid for transactions made via the Grab app
Limited to the first 750 redemptions per month for both
30 June 2026
CIMB Nando's 10% OFF total bill
31 Apr 2026
HSBC Aburii 15% OFF on Japanese Omakase Course Menu
*Valid for dinner session only (6:00pm – 10:30pm)
31 Oct 2026
Hong Leong Bank myBurgerLab RM10 OFF total bill
Promo code: MLBXVISA10
(Minimum spend RM50)
30 Apr 2026
Maybank Pasta Panas 15% OFF on pasta (beef & chicken only)
*Valid for selected outlets
31 May 2026
UOB US Pizza 50% OFF on regular traditional pizza
Promo code: UOB50
31 Mar 2026

SHOPPING PROMOTION
Bank
Merchant Promotion Expiry Date
AEON Shopee RM30 OFF
(Minimum spend RM60)
*Valid for AEON Mastercard only
31 Mar 2026
AmBank Casetify 12% OFF
Promo code: 15VISA
31 May 2026
AFFIN Bank Bulan Bintang 10% OFF at all official boutiques
(Minimum spend RM800)

30 Sept 2026
BSN Watsons RM20 OFF on website purchase
(Minimum spend RM100)
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
*Limited to 1,250 redemptions
30 Apr 2026
CIMB Poh Kong  RM50 OFF on Diamond and Gem
(Minimum spend RM500)
31 Oct 2026
HSBC Book Xcess 20% OFF on website purchase
(Minimum spend RM120)
Promo code: HSBCBX06P8YCNSJNT3
30 June 2026
Hong Leong Bank Motherhood RM25 OFF
Promo code: MMYVISA50
(Minimum spend RM100)
31 Mar 2026
Maybank Kapten Batik 10% OFF normal-priced items on website
Promo code: KBMBB10
31 Dec 2026
Standard Chartered GARMIN
Up to 40% OFF GARMIN wearables 
*Valid for Standard Chartered Priority Banking cardholders
31 July 2026
UOB Zalora 12% OFF
Promo code: UOBZAL2026
(Minimum spend RM250)
*Capped at RM100
31 Dec 2026

HOTEL AND TRAVEL PROMOTION
Bank Merchant Promotion Expiry Date
Affin Bank Royal Chulan Up to 20% OFF for hotel bookings
Promo code: AFFROYALE20
15 July 2026
Alliance Bank Sky Suite Airport Lounge 20% OFF
Promo code: VISA
*Valid for Alliance Bank Credit Card & Visa Virtual Credit Card
31 Mar 2026
AmBank RedBus 45% OFF on bus and ferry ticket bookings via website
Promo code: RBVISA
31 May 2026
BSN Berjaya Hotels and Resorts 20% OFF Room Category
30% OFF Suite Category
*Valid for All BSN Credit Card/-i
30 June 2026
CIMB Imperial Lexis

Up to 15% OFF on dining, room stay, and spa treatment

16 Sept 2026
Hong Leong Bank TUI BLUE The Haven Ipoh 10% OFF on selected rooms
Promo code: VISA
*Blackout dates apply
30 Nov 2026
HSBC Grand Lexis Port Dickson 15% OFF for hotel booking via website
Promo code: HSBC25B
*Valid for selected HSBC Bank/HSBC Amanah Visa Credit Card/-i
30 Nov 2026
Maybank LEGOLAND 40% OFF for Theme Park + SEA Life + Water Park
40% OFF for Theme Park + SEA Life
40% OFF for Theme Park
16 Apr 2026
Standard Chartered EQ Hotel 30% OFF on the best available rate
*Valid for VISA Infinite Privilege cardholders
31 Aug 2026
UOB Expedia 7% OFF for hotel bookings via website
Promo code: UOBMY7
31 Dec 2026

Choose Credit Cards from Your Preferred Bank

Already banking with a specific institution? View all their credit card options from these bank categories:

Local Banks: Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, Hong Leong Bank, RHB, AmBank, AFFIN Bank, Alliance 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

Browsing by bank is useful if you want to consolidate all your accounts with one institution for easier management, or if you have existing relationship benefits like higher credit limits or faster approvals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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 happens if I fail to make the minimum credit card payment for more than 6 months?

If you miss minimum payments for over 6 months, expect these consequences:

  • Credit score damage: Missed payments are reported to CTOS and CCRIS, staying on your record for years. This makes it harder to get approved for future loans, credit cards, or even rental agreements.
  • Debt grows fast: Late payment fees (RM10-RM25 per missed payment) plus 18% annual interest continue piling up on your balance.
  • Card suspension: The bank will block new purchases and may eventually close your account.
  • Debt collectors: After 3-6 months, your debt may be handed to collection agencies, who will contact you repeatedly.
  • Possible legal action: In extreme cases, banks can sue to recover the debt.

If you're struggling to pay, contact your bank immediately. Many have hardship programmes that can help restructure your debt. Ignoring the problem only makes it worse.

3. 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.

4. Can I apply for multiple credit cards at the same time?

Yes, you can apply for multiple credit cards at once, but it's generally not recommended.

Each credit card application triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report. Multiple hard inquiries within a short period can lower your credit score temporarily and signal to banks that you might be desperate for credit, which could result in rejections.

Better approach: Apply for one card at a time. Wait for approval (usually 3-7 working days) before applying for another. Space out applications by at least 3-6 months if possible.

5. How do Islamic credit cards work?

Islamic credit cards in Malaysia follow Syariah-compliant principles. Instead of charging interest (riba), they apply a profit rate using a Tawarruq contract. This is a buying and selling arrangement that achieves a similar economic outcome to interest, but structured in a Shariah-compliant way.

For the cardholder, the practical difference is minimal. You still get cashback, rewards points, and all the usual credit card benefits. You still need to pay your bills on time to avoid additional charges. Islamic cards are suitable for anyone, not just Muslims.

6. What is cashback, and how does it 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).

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 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.

What You Get With RinggitPlus

Compare cards based on how you actually spend. Instead of browsing hundreds of options, filter by what matters to your wallet: petrol cashback ratesgrocery rewardsair miles conversion, or dining benefits.

Our comparison shows you the full picture for each card. Annual fees, cashback caps, income requirements, and actual returns based on your spending patterns. You can see which RM600/month petrol spend earns you RM48 back (8% card) versus RM6 (1% card), then decide if the higher-earning card's annual fee is worth it.

Check your eligibility before applying: Use our WhatsApp recommendation tool to see which cards match your income and credit profile. Helps you avoid wasting applications on cards likely to reject you.

All costs shown upfront: Annual fees, cashback caps, minimum spending requirements, and interest rates are listed for every card. No fine print surprises.

Current sign-up offers: Some banks run sign-up promotions through RinggitPlus (shopping vouchers, appliances, cashback). Check what's available this week before you apply.

Need help deciding? Chat with our Cards Assistant on WhatsApp at +603-90780880, email [email protected], or browse our comparison guides. We're here to help you find the right card for your spending, not just the most popular one.

We work with all major banks in Malaysia, including Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, RHB, Hong Leong Bank, UOB, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Alliance Bank, AmBank, AEON, AFFIN Bank, Bank Islam, Bank Rakyat, and BSN.

Learn More About Credit Cards

RinggitPlus Credit Card Blog

Read more about credit cards with our comprehensive guides, latest news, and practical tips for Malaysian cardholders. From maximising cashback earnings to understanding new card launches, our blog keeps you updated on everything credit card-related in Malaysia.

Key Takeaways

  • A credit card lets you buy now and pay later, with rewards like cashback (get money back), air miles (redeem free flights), or rewards points (redeem vouchers and gifts)
  • The best credit card depends on where you spend the most (petrol, groceries, travel, online shopping)
  • Cashback cards give the most straightforward value if you pay your balance in full every month
  • Premium cards with airport lounge access are worth it only if you fly regularly (4+ times yearly)
  • Always pay your full outstanding balance before the due date to avoid interest charges (15% to 18% p.a.)
  • Balance transfers can save you hundreds in interest if you're carrying debt, but only if you clear it during the 0% promotional period
  • Compare cards based on actual rewards rates and annual fees, not just marketing promises
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