Best Premium Credit Cards In Malaysia
For most people, a premium credit card is almost always seen as a sign that you have made it in life. Imagine the thrill of swiping a black credit card when you’re shopping or travelling abroad!
If you’re thinking about applying for one, read on as we lay out the benefits offered by a range of premium credit cards and everything in between.
What is a premium credit card?
It is a type of credit card that is catered to the mass affluent segment of society with an annual income of more than RM100,000. It is more or less the same in terms of utilities and features as the basic to mid-range credit card.
The difference is that they usually come with a hefty annual fee for the benefits and exclusive privileges they offer to the cardholders. If you’re lucky, the bank will sometimes waive the annual fee for you, depending on your cumulative annual spending or personal discretion.
A premium credit card is packed with exclusive benefits you can’t get from gold or platinum credit cards such as personalised services, access to some of the prestigious golf courses around the world, complimentary travelling benefits and more.
To add on, these special cards are often offered to high-net-worth individuals and in some cases, by invitation only.
Which premium credit card is best for me?
Let’s take a look at selected premium credit cards with a range of splendid benefits offered by various banks that might come in handy for any unique individual’s needs.
For Business Frequent Flyers
Are you always flying overseas for business? Well, if you spend half your life frequenting the airport to catch your next flight, the following premium credit cards can be a great companion for you to get ahead and away from the bustling crowd.
UOB Visa Infinite Card
Upon UOB credit card activation, you will get to indulge in infinite travel experiences! Being a business frequent flyer, travelling back and forth can be arduous and we get that. With UOB Visa Infinite, this card works hard to ensure you get to enjoy the journey after your hard work.
Every time you swipe your card either globally or locally, up to 10x UNIRinggit rewards points are yours to collect and spend. The more you spend, the more points you earn. So what to do with the points then? You can redeem air miles from several airlines to get free flight tickets. If you don’t like your designated seating, you can upgrade it too for free!
As a UOB credit card holder, you can apply for a 0% Instalment Payment Plan to convert your purchases into 12, 18, 24 and 36-month payment tenures at zero interest when you spend a minimum of RM500 at any participating merchants.
Minimum income: RM120,000/year
Annual fee: RM600/principal card and RM300/supplementary card
Annual fee waiver: Waived when spending RM50,000 and above annually
| Travel Insurance Coverage | Rewards Points | Premium Benefits |
| Up to RM500,000 |
✔ 10x UNIRinggit Points on overseas purchases paid in foreign currencies ✔ 5x UNIRinggit Points on local dining spending (equivalent or more than RM1,000 of total dining spend per calendar month) ✔ 1x UNIRinggit Points on local dining spending (less than RM1,000 of total dining spend per calendar month) ✔ 1x UNIRinggit Points on other types of local spending (excluding cash advance, IPP, petrol, payment to government bodies and charity organizations) |
✔ Access to the UOB Infinite Private Lounge at EmQuartier Bangkok ✔ 25% discount for Immigration Fast Track Program at over 450 international airports ✔ 20% discount on TBR Luxury Airport Transfer Service overseas ✔ 12x complimentary access to selected airport lounges in Asia Pacific via Airport Companion by DragonPass mobile app ✔ Up to 12x complimentary limo services from KL/PJ to KLIA/KLIA2, subject to minimum spending criteria ✔ Double air miles redemption during the birthday month *Terms and conditions apply for all premium benefits |
Affinbank World MasterCard
If you think that all premium credit cards come with a high-income requirement, think again. This Affinbank World MasterCard offers a low monthly income requirement of around RM6,666 compared to other premium credit cards.
That’s not all, this black credit card also offers complimentary green fees at the finest selected golf courses in Malaysia and other countries subject to minimum spending criteria, and 3x rewards points when you swipe this card overseas for retail transactions, plus 1x rewards points for every Ringgit spending on local retail.
Minimum income: RM80,000/year
Annual fee: RM500/principal card and RM400/supplementary card
Annual fee waiver: Free for the first year and waived when spending RM48,000 or swipe minimum 12x on retail transactions annually in the subsequent years
| Travel Insurance Coverage | Rewards Points | Premium Benefits |
| None |
✔ 3x AFFIN points on overseas retail purchases ✔ 1x AFFIN point on local retail purchases |
✔ 6x complimentary access per year to participating Plaza Premium Lounges in Malaysia and selected countries, subject to a minimum of RM3,000 spending criteria stated in the latest credit card statement ✔ 24-hour World Mastercard concierge service for your travel arrangements, shopping, dinner reservations and more ✔ Complimentary green fees to selected golf courses in Malaysia and other countries, applicable only to the Principal cardholder and is subject to a minimum of RM3,000 spending criteria stated in your latest credit card statement ✔ Convert your accumulated AFFIN Rewards Points to Enrich Points, AirAsia BIG Points and Malindo Miles *Terms and conditions apply for all premium benefits |
Hong Leong Emirates HLB World Elite Card
Emirates, the renowned airline has partnered with Hong Leong Bank in offering this premium Hong Leong credit card for avid travellers. Live like the king or queen that you are and enjoy worldwide recognition or acceptance with this premium credit card.
When you activate your Hong Leong Emirates HLB World Elite card, you will stand a chance to receive a complimentary flight to Europe and a Skyward Miles Welcome Bonus worth 10,000 miles. You can shop with peace of mind knowing that each time you swipe this premium card, the items that you have purchased will get automatic purchase protection.
Additional perks include FREE limousine service, golf privileges, overseas travel and medical insurance with this exquisite Hong Leong Emirates HLB World Elite Card.
Minimum income: RM250,000/year
Annual fee: RM2,500/principal card
Annual fee waiver: None
| Travel Insurance Coverage | Rewards Points | Premium Benefits |
| Up to USD500,000 |
✔ 2.5x Skywards Miles for every RM4 on Emirates transactions ✔ 1.75x Skywards Miles for every RM4 on overseas transactions ✔ 1x Skywards Miles for every RM4 on local transactions ✔ 150,000 Skyward Miles + 10,000 Skyward Miles (Anniversary Bonus) with RM300,000 spending in a year ✔ Extra 10,000 Skywards Miles (Welcome Bonus) for your first retail transaction (within 45 days from approval date) |
✔ Free golf privileges, automatic membership upgrade and exclusive personal services ✔ Complimentary access to the Emirates Business Class Lounge in Dubai within the card anniversary (no minimum spend required) ✔ Overseas medical and travel insurance, plus an automatic purchase protection*Terms and conditions apply for all premium benefits |
For Influencers/ Content Creators
Being an influencer is not as easy as it may seem. An influencer’s job requires hard work and dedication and it takes every inch of passion within them to provide top-notch content for their audiences. A part of their job requires constant travel.
If you’re an influencer or a content creator, we have a list of premium credit cards that work super hard to ensure your travelling or shopping experience is the best that it can be.
Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card
Who says only high-income earners can apply for a premium credit card? Standard Chartered offers a rather low monthly income requirement of RM8,000 for their Journey credit card application. Exclusive for avid travellers, there are awesome travel perks with this Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card.
As a Standard Chartered credit card holder, start your journey with peace of mind as you get complimentary unlimited access to participating Plaza Premium Lounge in KLIA and KLIA2 simply by showing your valid international boarding pass.
What about travel insurance, you ask? Well, you get complimentary travel medical coverage worth up to USD100,000 which includes COVID-19 coverage! Just don’t forget to charge all your travel fares using this Journey credit card to enjoy this perk.
Additionally, earn cashback of up to RM65 on your airport transfers via Grab, and get Miles Points for every Ringgit spent on selected categories which can then be redeemed to air miles of your favourite frequent flyer programs!
Minimum income: RM96,000/year
Annual fee: RM600/principal card
Annual fee waiver: Free for the first year and waived when you spend a minimum of RM60,000 per year in the subsequent years
| Travel Insurance Coverage | Rewards Points | Premium Benefits |
| Up to USD100,000 | ✔ 1x Miles Points for every RM1 spent on dining, travel (hotels, airlines and online travel agencies e.g. Agoda, Booking.com and Expedia) and overseas retail transactions ✔ 1x Miles Points for every RM5 spent on eligible local transactions (exclude government-related spending, cash withdrawals, utilities, e-wallets and special event categories) | ✔ Unlimited free access to Plaza Premium Lounge in KLIA and KLIA2 ✔ Save up to RM65 on airport transfers via Grab ride to/from any airport in Malaysia (subject to spending criteria) ✔ Mastercard E-Commerce Purchase Protection of up to USD200 for your online purchases ✔ Flexible credit lines such as Cash-On-Call Plus, Flexi-On-Balance Plus, Easy-Payment-Scheme, Automatic Balance Conversion and Credit Card Limit Increase *Terms and conditions apply for all premium benefits |
CIMB Visa Infinite
CIMB Bank offers low minimum income requirements for their Infinite credit card application. When you apply for this Visa Infinite card, you don’t need to pay an annual fee for a lifetime.
It gets better though; you will also receive free travel insurance coverage of up to RM1 million when you charge your flight tickets to this premium card. Apart from that, you can relax and unwind before boarding your next flight as you get 8x complimentary yearly access to participating Plaza Premium Lounge too.
It is impossible to not shop while travelling. With this CIMB Visa Infinite credit card, you will earn reward points when you do a little retail shopping and dining while abroad! Local spending gets you reward points too. The more reward points you collect, the merrier the gifts or vouchers you can redeem via CIMB’s reward catalogue.
Exceeded your credit card limit? Fret not! With CIMB CashLite, you can apply from as low as RM1,000 up to your available credit limit at a flat interest rate of 9.88% per annum.
Minimum income: RM120,000/year
Annual fee: Free for life
| Travel Insurance Coverage | Rewards Points | Premium Benefits |
| Up to RM1,000,000 |
✔ 5x points on overseas dining and retail spend ✔ 1x point on local spend |
✔ Access to exclusive worldwide events, shopping and dining promotions ✔ Travel assistance via CIMB Premier travel desk ✔ 8x complimentary yearly access to participating Plaza Premium Lounge ✔ Zero interest easy payment plan *Terms and conditions apply for all premium benefits |
OCBC World MasterCard
Don’t miss the chance to travel in style with this sleek black premium OCBC World MasterCard, offering you travel perks such as complimentary 2x access in a year to the KLIA Plaza Premium Lounge and 24/7 concierge service.
With an annual fee of only RM388, this credit card is quite the catch. First-time OCBC credit card applicants also get their first year's worth of annual fee waiver. Additionally, you can earn up to 1.2% cash rebates monthly when you spend the first RM1,000 on all retail purchases with your credit card, uncapped!
Minimum income: RM100,000/year
Annual fee: RM388/principal card and RM188/supplementary card
Annual fee waiver: Free for the first year for first-time OCBC credit card applicants and customers who don't hold any OCBC credit cards in the past 12 months
| Travel Insurance Coverage | Cashback | Premium Benefits |
| Up to RM2,000,000 | ✔ 1.2% cashback on all retail transactions for spending up to RM1,000 monthly ✔ 0.6% cashback on all retail transactions for spending above RM1,000 monthly |
✔ 2x complimentary yearly access at KLIA Plaza Premium Lounge ✔ 24 hours concierge service ✔ No cap on cashback ✔ Zero interest with low one-time upfront fees for an easy payment plan *Terms and conditions apply for all premium benefits |
For Golfers
Golf is a recreational sport that is loved by the elites. It may cost a fortune when you consider the cost of the gear, equipment, green fees and golf club membership fees. With these premium credit cards, you can get discounts and complimentary access to perfect your swing.
RHB Visa Infinite
This RHB Visa Infinite comes with several great benefits that you surely wouldn’t want to miss. Once you activate your premium credit card, you no longer have to worry about expensive green fees as RHB Golf Privileges grants you complimentary green fees at golf clubs in Selangor.
Additional travel perks are yours to use as well such as endless air miles redemption and unlimited airport lounge/ aerotel access in Malaysia and Singapore, including complimentary travel insurance coverage worth up to RM2 million. Simply charge all your travel fares to enjoy these travel perks!
Minimum income: RM150,000/year
Annual fee: Free for life
| Travel Insurance Coverage | Rewards Points | Premium Benefits |
| Up to RM2,000,000 |
✔ 5x points for every RM1 spent on overseas retail transactions ✔ 1x point for every RM1 spent on local retail transactions |
✔ Complimentary green fees by RHB Golf Privileges at golf clubs in Selangor ✔ Complimentary unlimited access to participating airport lounges/aerotels in Malaysia and Singapore ✔ 25% discount on walk-in rates ✔ 25% discount on walk-in rates to participating airport lounges in Malaysia for your accompanying guest(s) ✔ 20% discount on walk-in rates to participating airport lounges globally, except Shanghai and Beijing *Terms and conditions apply for all premium benefits |
Maybank Islamic Ikhwan Visa Infinite Card-i
Indulge yourself with this Maybank Islamic Ikhwan Visa Infinite Card-i as its premium perks include travel benefits and significant golf privileges within Malaysia and around the world.
Maybank is also known for its awesome Treats Fair whereby cardholders can redeem accumulated points which will expire after three years with any products or services they prefer. Plus, you’ll get 10,000 TreatsPoints upon activating your brand-new Maybank Islamic Ikhwan Visa Infinite Card-i.
So what to do with that many points? You can convert your TreatsPoints to Enrich Miles, KrisFlyer Miles or Asia Miles at special low rates. In addition, you can exchange 10,000 TreatsPoints for 1,000 Air Miles and book a flight ticket to your favourite destinations.
Minimum income: RM100,000/year
Annual fee: RM800/principal card and RM400/supplementary card
Annual fee waiver: Free for the first year and waived when you spend RM80,000 in a year in the subsequent years
| Travel Insurance Coverage | Rewards Points | Premium Benefits |
| Up to RM2,000,000 |
✔ Get 10,000 TreatsPoints on card activation and your first purchase ✔ 5x points for every RM1 spent on overseas retail transactions ✔ 2x points for every RM1 spent on local retail transactions (except government bodies) ✔ 1x point for every RM1 spent on petrol, utilities, education, insurance and EzyPay Instalment |
✔ Complimentary green fees at selected premium golf clubs in Malaysia and abroad with unlimited rounds ✔ 10% off green fees for your guests ✔ 40% off dining (excluding alcoholic drinks) at Marriott Bonvoy participating hotels and resorts in Malaysia (until 31 December 2024) ✔ 5x access to participating Plaza Premium Lounge in Malaysia and abroad ✔ Convert TreatsPoints to Enrich Miles, KrisFlyer Miles or Asia Miles at low rates ✔ Exchange 10,000 TreatsPoints for 1,000 Air Miles and book a flight to your favourite destinations *Terms and conditions apply for all premium benefits |
Choosing the right premium card for you
Choosing the right premium credit card can be tricky, considering each one of them comes with an enticing benefits package that is hard to ignore. Sometimes the benefits of a premium card can also be found in a lower-end credit card. These are the key points that you can consider before applying for a premium credit card:
Annual fee
The annual fee for premium cards can reach up to thousands of Ringgit. You may be able to enjoy an annual fee waiver but with conditions as set out by the bank.
Outsized privileges
From travel benefits, and golf privileges to complimentary airport lounges access all over the world, a premium credit card has a lot to offer. However, if you don’t use these benefits regularly, you will pay a hefty annual fee for nothing.
Credit score
Premium cards are usually offered to high-income earners and those with excellent credit scores. If you’re eligible, don’t hesitate to apply for a premium credit card and enjoy the benefits to your heart's content!
