Fancy traveling the world for free, in First Class cabin and get fetched by limousine upon arrival? Swipe and earn air miles faster with the best travel credit cards in Malaysia
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What Is The Best Air Miles Credit Card In Malaysia?
Looking to maximize your spending for your next adventure? An air miles credit card is your ultimate travel companion, designed to convert your everyday expenditure into valuable flight rewards. For frequent travellers in Malaysia, these cards are game-changers, enabling you to claim free flights, significantly offset airfare costs, or even indulge in seat upgrades to a higher class.
Featured Air Miles Credit Cards in Malaysia
Choosing a "good" air miles credit card isn't just about finding the best air miles conversion rate in Malaysia. While earning the most air miles for every Ringgit spent is certainly appealing, smart cardholders also consider crucial factors like eligibility requirements, specific spending categories that yield higher rewards, and dreaded points expiry dates. After all, what good is a great miles conversion if you can't unlock the benefits before they vanish?
Below, we've highlighted some of Malaysia's top air miles credit cards, many of which offer fantastic air miles benefits through their rewards point catalogues. To truly pinpoint the best conversion rate, you'll need to weigh how quickly you earn points from your specific spending habits against how many points are required to redeem a set amount of air miles.
Conversion rate: 12,500 TreatsPoints for 1,000 Enrich/KrisFlyer/Asia Miles (Note: Updated as of Feb 2025) Reward points validity: 3 years Minimum income requirement: RM100,000 per annum
Annual fee:
RM800 (Free for the first year, and with a minimum spend of RM80,000 per year subsequently)
The Maybank 2 Cards Premier package is a powerful duo, comprising the Maybank 2 Cards Reserve American Express and the Maybank Visa Infinite. These premium travel credit cards supercharge your earnings, offering you 5X TreatsPoints with every RM1 spent locally or overseas on the American Express card. Essential transactions like utilities, education, EzyPay, and insurance still earn a solid 1X TreatsPoint per RM1.
The Maybank 2 Premier Amex card stands out for offering one of the most competitive TreatsPoints-to-air miles conversion rates among Maybank's extensive range, allowing you to quickly accumulate rewards for your next free flight redemption or business class upgrade. While its RM100,000 annual income requirement and RM800 annual fee (though waiveable) position it as a high-tier air miles credit card, its accelerated earning makes it a prime choice for serious mile collectors in Malaysia.
Travel Perk: The Maybank Visa Infinite card within this pair also offers 5X complimentary access to selected Plaza Premium Lounges in Malaysia, a popular benefit for travellers seeking airport comfort.
Conversion rate: 20,000 TreatsPoints for 1,000 Enrich/KrisFlyer/Asia Miles (Note: Updated as of May 2024) Reward points validity: 3 years TreatsPoints validity Minimum income requirement: RM30,000 per annum Annual fee: Free for life
With a low minimum income requirement and the unbeatable perk of free-for-life annual fees, the Maybank 2 Gold Cards are undeniably one of the most accessible air miles credit cards in Malaysia. This makes them an excellent entry point into the world of travel rewards for a wider audience.
Despite its accessibility, the Maybank 2 Gold American Express card surprisingly delivers one of the best air miles conversion rates in its category. You can earn 5X TreatsPoints on all retail spending made on WEEKDAYS only. For other transactions like utilities, education, insurance, and EzyPay Instalment with the Amex card, you'll earn 1X TreatsPoint per RM1 spent. The accompanying Mastercard earns 1X TreatsPoint for every RM1 spent on all transactions. While the Amex's 5X TreatsPoints apply only on weekdays, strategic spending can still lead to significant mile accumulation without the burden of an annual fee.
25,000 Reward Points for 1,000 Asia Miles or KrisFlyer Miles
Reward points validity: 3 years Minimum income requirement: RM72,000 per annum Annual fee: RM600 (Can be waived when you swipe 12 times with no minimum spend each year)
The HSBC Visa Signature card is a standout rewards credit card in Malaysia for those who are strategic about their spending categories. It offers impressive multiplier points that truly accelerate your air miles earning:
8X Reward Points on all overseas and online spending in foreign currencies (perfect for international online shopping!).
5X Reward Points on local malls and online spending in Ringgit Malaysia.
If your expenditure heavily leans into these high-multiplier categories, this card will deliver excellent air miles value. Otherwise, you might find more general rewards schemes more suitable for diverse spending.
Travel Perk: HSBC Visa Signature cardholders also enjoy six (6) complimentary access to selected Plaza Premium Lounges in selected airports annually, adding a touch of comfort to your journeys. Eligibility requires a minimum income of RM6,000 a month (RM72,000 p.a.), which is quite reasonable for a card offering such travel benefits.
RM4 per 1 KrisFlyer Mile on local and overseas spend.
RM3 per 1 KrisFlyer Mile on online purchases.
RM1 per 1 KrisFlyer Mile for Singapore Airlines, Scoot and KrisShop website
Reward points validity: 3 years Minimum income requirement: RM36,000 per annum Annual fee: RM100 (Free for the first year)
The Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer American Express Gold is uniquely designed for Singapore Airlines loyalists and those who frequently travel through Changi Airport. This card earns you KrisFlyer Miles directly, skipping the conversion from a separate rewards catalogue – a rare and convenient feature among air miles credit cards in Malaysia.
While you earn KrisFlyer Miles on all your regular spending, the earning rate dramatically improves when you purchase Singapore Airlines tickets online. This makes it an essential KrisFlyer miles credit card for dedicated SIA flyers. A fantastic bonus is the 3,000 Bonus KrisFlyer miles you immediately receive upon your first use of the card.
Travel Perk: Cardholders also get five (5) access per year under a 50% discount on a walk-in rate at selected Plaza Premium Lounges per visit, offering a budget-friendly way to enjoy lounge comfort.
Important Terms: Understanding Your Air Miles Journey
Navigating the world of air miles can sometimes feel like learning a new language. To help you out, here are some key terms you'll often encounter when exploring air miles credit cards in Malaysia:
TreatsPoints: This is Maybank's proprietary rewards points system. When you use your Maybank credit card, you earn TreatsPoints, which can then be converted into various airline miles, including Enrich Miles.
Enrich Miles: These are the loyalty points earned through Malaysia Airlines' frequent flyer program, Enrich. You accumulate them by flying with Malaysia Airlines or its partners, or by converting points from credit cards like the AmBank Enrich Visa Infinite or Maybank TreatsPoints. These miles typically have an expiry period (example: 3 years), though extensions via activity or fees might be possible.
KrisFlyer Miles: These are the loyalty points for Singapore Airlines' renowned frequent flyer program, KrisFlyer. They are highly sought after in Malaysia due to Singapore Airlines' extensive network and premium cabins. KrisFlyer miles commonly expire after 3 years.
BIG Points: This refers to the loyalty points for AirAsia's loyalty program, formerly known as BIG Rewards. You earn these by flying with AirAsia or through specific partner activities, and some cards might offer direct BIG Points earning or conversion.
Companion Voucher: A fantastic travel perk offered by some premium credit cards. This voucher typically allows a companion to fly with you for free or at a significantly discounted fare when you redeem an award ticket for yourself.
Annual Fee: This is the yearly charge that banks levy for your credit card membership. While often tied to premium benefits like air miles, many cards offer waivers if you meet specific annual spending criteria.
Minimum Income Requirement: An income threshold set by banks that you must meet to qualify for specific credit card tiers, particularly premium ones offering substantial air miles and travel benefits.
Points Expiry: The defined period after which any unused reward points (earned from your credit card spending) will no longer be valid. This is commonly around 3 years from the date of earning for some bank points (example: HSBC Reward Points expire after 3 years tied to card anniversary month), but can be shorter (example: 12-15 months for some Maybank TreatsPoints) or longer (if non-expiring for specific card statuses). This is different from airline miles expiry once points are converted.
Choosing the best air miles credit card for you
As you can clearly see, selecting the best air miles credit card isn't simply about finding the highest conversion rate. While some cards indeed offer more air miles for your Ringgit spent, you must meticulously assess if the card truly aligns with your expenditure patterns, lifestyle, and most importantly, your income.
Air miles aren't the sole travel-related benefits credit cards have to offer. For instance, you might choose a specific travel credit card even if it yields fewer air miles because it grants valuable perks like free airport lounge access or attractive overseas cashback. To simplify your search for the ideal air miles credit card in Malaysia, consider using a reliable credit card comparison tool.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs] on Best Air Miles Credit Cards
Here are the top questions Malaysians are asking when looking for the perfect air miles credit card to fuel their wanderlust, ensuring you're fully informed:
1. What are "air miles credit cards" and how does it work?
Simply put, an air miles credit card is your go-to financial tool designed to fast-track your travel rewards. Instead of earning simple cashback or generic points, every Ringgit you spend (be it online, at home, or abroad) gets you closer to coveted "air miles." These miles are the currency of major airline loyalty programs like Malaysia Airlines' Enrich, Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer, or Cathay Pacific's Asia Miles, ultimately allowing you to redeem for flights, cabin upgrades, and exclusive travel benefits.
The mechanism is quite ingenious: you simply use your chosen air miles credit card for your everyday purchases, and for every Ringgit spent, you earn a certain number of reward points or directly earn miles. For instance, a card might give you 1 Enrich Mile for every RM1.50 spent overseas, or 1 KrisFlyer Mile for every RM2 spent locally. Once you've accumulated enough points or miles, you can then log into your airline loyalty account (or the bank's rewards portal) to convert these points into actual air miles, which you can use for flight redemptions, upgrades, or other travel-related benefits.
2. Which airlines can I earn miles with using a credit card?
Malaysia Airlines (Enrich Miles): A staple for many Malaysian banks, often linked to cards like the AmBank Enrich Visa Infinite or convertible from general reward points (e.g., Maybank TreatsPoints).
Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer Miles): Extremely popular, with cards like the UOB PRVI Miles Elite or HSBC TravelOne Credit Card offering competitive conversion rates to KrisFlyer.
Cathay Pacific (Asia Miles): Another strong regional player that many cards allow conversion to, such as the UOB PRVI Miles series.
AirAsia (BIG Points): While less common for direct conversion from premium bank cards, some cards might offer BIG Points or specific co-branded AirAsia cards exist for this.
Other Airline Partners: Depending on the bank and the specific card, you might also find options to convert points to miles for other airlines like British Airways (Avios), Emirates (Skywards), Qatar Airways (Privilege Club), or other members of global alliances like Star Alliance or Oneworld. Always check the specific bank's airline transfer partners list!
3. What are the quickest ways to earn air miles with a credit card?
Prioritise Overseas Transactions: Many cards, like the Alliance Bank Visa Infinite or UOB PRVI Miles cards, offer significantly enhanced earning rates for foreign currency spending – sometimes doubling or tripling your miles per Ringgit.
Leverage Bonus Categories: Direct your spending to specific categories where your card offers multiplier points, such as dining, online shopping, e-wallet top-ups (check current promotions), or direct travel bookings.
Capitalise on Sign-Up Bonuses: Many cards, including those from Maybank, and UOB entice new applicants with a substantial bonus miles or points sum upon meeting an initial spend target within the first few months. You can simply check on our Sign-Up Offers page for more info!
Centralise Your Spending: Funnel all your eligible expenses through your primary air miles card to hit higher spending tiers and accumulate points faster.
4. What is a Companion Voucher & how does it work for flight redemptions?
A companion voucher is a truly fantastic perk often found bundled with certain premium travel credit cards, especially those co-branded with airlines or high-tier financial products. Imagine this: when you redeem your miles for an award ticket or purchase an eligible full-fare ticket for yourself, this voucher steps in to provide a second ticket for a travel partner at a significantly reduced rate, or sometimes even completely free.
While the base airfare for your companion might be covered, do remember that you'll typically still be responsible for the associated airport taxes and other fees. This generous feature can unlock substantial savings, making your dream trips for two much more attainable!
5. Can I convert credit card points to airline miles like Enrich or KrisFlyer?
Yes, absolutely, and this flexibility is a hallmark feature of many leading air miles credit cards in Malaysia! Most cards that accumulate generic bank reward points such as Maybank TreatsPoints, HSBC Reward Points, or CIMB Bonus Points that come with a list of partner airline loyalty programs. This means your points aren't locked into just one airline; you have the power to convert them to several major players.
For instance, your HSBC TravelOne Credit Card points can seamlessly transform into KrisFlyer Miles, Enrich Miles, Asia Miles, and a host of other international airline currencies. However, it's worth noting that direct earning cards (like the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer American Express Gold) will inherently tie your miles exclusively to that specific airline's program. Always dive into your chosen card's rewards catalogue to explore its full suite of airline transfer partners.
6. Can I redeem air miles for more than just flights?
Cabin Upgrades: Elevate your travel experience from Economy to Business or First Class.
Hotel Stays: Many airline loyalty programs (including KrisFlyer, Enrich, and Asia Miles) partner with hotels, allowing you to use miles for complimentary nights or even transfer miles to hotel loyalty points.
Travel Experiences & Packages: Explore options to redeem miles for car rentals, exclusive tours, or even curated holiday packages.
Retail Vouchers & Merchandise: While generally offering a lower value per mile, you might find redemption options for gift vouchers or items through the bank's reward catalogue.
Airport Conveniences: This can include excess baggage, priority check-in, or even airport lounge access (though many air miles cards offer this directly).
7. Do air miles credit cards have annual fees, and are they worth it?
Yes, the vast majority of air miles credit cards, especially those with generous earning structures and premium perks, do come with an annual fee. These fees can range from a few hundred Ringgit to well over RM1,000 for top-tier cards. The "worth it" factor truly hinges on your individual spending habits and travel frequency:
If you're a frequent traveller or a high spender, the value derived from redeemed flights, valuable upgrades, and included travel benefits (like lounge access or comprehensive travel insurance) can easily outweigh the annual fee.
Annual Fee Waivers: Many cards offer annual fee waivers if you meet a specific minimum annual spend (e.g., RM30,000 or RM50,000 yearly), effectively making the card free if you consistently hit that threshold.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Always calculate how many miles you expect to earn and what value you can get from them versus the annual fee. Sometimes, a higher fee is justified for accelerated earning and more exclusive benefits.
8. What is a good air miles conversion rate for Malaysians?
Understanding the conversion rate is pivotal for savvy mile collectors! This rate indicates how many Ringgit you need to spend to earn one air mile (for example: RM1.50 = 1 mile).
Generally, a lower RM value per mile is better. For instance, RM1.20 = 1 mile (for overseas spend on some cards like the Alliance Bank Visa Infinite) is far more lucrative than RM5 = 1 mile.
Consider spending categories: Many cards offer better rates for overseas spend or specific local categories (dining, online, or travel bookings).
Beware of tiered earning: Some cards might have different earning rates once you hit certain monthly or annual spending thresholds.
Direct vs. Points Conversion: Some cards (like Amex KrisFlyer cards) directly earn miles, simplifying conversion. Others earn bank reward points which then convert to miles (for example: Maybank TreatsPoints to Enrich Miles, HSBC Reward Points to various airline miles), so you also need to check the points-to-miles conversion ratio (for instance: after recent revisions, 12,500 Maybank TreatsPoints are needed for 1,000 Enrich Miles on most premium cards).
9. Do air miles from credit cards expire?
The expiry rules depend on two key aspects:
Bank Reward Points: If your card earns bank reward points (for example: Maybank TreatsPoints, HSBC Reward Points) that you later convert to airline miles, these points themselves usually have an expiry date. Some Maybank TreatsPoints may expire in 12-15 months unless you qualify for Rewards Infinite status for non-expiring points. You must convert them to miles before they expire.
Airline Miles: Once your points are successfully converted and credited to an airline's loyalty program (Enrich Miles, KrisFlyer Miles or Asia Miles), the miles typically have their own expiry policy. For instance, KrisFlyer miles commonly expire after 3 years. Enrich Miles might also expire after a set period, though they often have provisions for extensions through flight activity or co-brand card usage. Asia Miles typically have an 18-month validity but can be extended with qualifying activity. Always check both your credit card's reward points expiry terms and the airline loyalty program's specific mileage expiry rules.
10. What extra perks that I can get with Air Miles Credit Cards in Malaysia?
Travel Insurance: Many cards offer complimentary travel insurance coverage (often for personal accidents, medical emergencies, or travel inconveniences like lost baggage or flight delays) when you charge your flight tickets to the card.
Airport Transfers/Limousine Service: Some premium cards provide complimentary airport transfers or discounted limousine services, particularly for higher spending cardholders.
Exclusive Hotel & Dining Discounts: Benefit from special partnerships with hotels and restaurants, offering exclusive discounts, complimentary meals, or upgraded stays.
Global Concierge Services: Higher-tier cards may include 24/7 personal concierge assistance for everything from travel bookings and dining reservations to event tickets.
Foreign Currency Transaction Perks: While less common for pure "miles" cards, some travel-focused cards might feature lower foreign transaction fees or more competitive exchange rates compared to standard cards.
11. Is an Air Miles Credit Card right for you?
An air miles credit card is best suited for individuals who fit a specific profile to truly extract maximum value:
The Frequent Traveller: If you fly regularly, whether for business across Asia or leisure globally, you'll naturally accumulate a substantial amount of miles through your consistent travel.
The High Spender: Individuals with significant monthly credit card expenditure (for example, RM3,000 to RM10,000+) can accumulate enough points/miles quickly to make redemptions worthwhile.
The Airline Loyal: People who consistently fly with a particular airline or are part of a specific airline alliance (for instance: Oneworld via Malaysia Airlines, Star Alliance via Singapore Airlines), can concentrate their miles for specific redemptions within that ecosystem.
The Strategic Optimiser: Someone willing to actively track their spending categories, card benefits, and stay updated on redemption values to maximise their mile earning and ensure efficient use of rewards. If you rarely travel, have low monthly credit card spending, or prefer immediate financial benefits, a cashback or general rewards credit card might offer more tangible value for your lifestyle in Malaysia.
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