Best Rewards Credit Cards in Malaysia 2025

It is a card that gives you reward points in certain categories based on the amount you spend. Once accumulated, the reward points can then be used to redeem special items or gifts as offered by the bank.

Earn Smarter: Understanding Rewards Credit Cards in Malaysia

A rewards credit card is a powerful financial instrument that converts everyday spending into future value, from air miles to shopping vouchers. Whether a rewards card is the best choice for you depends entirely on your spending discipline and redemption goals.

The Key to Maximum Value: The best rewards card offers the ideal balance between a fast accumulation rate (high multipliers) and high redemption value (e.g., maximizing air miles). Choosing a card that precisely matches your most frequent expenses (e.g., petrol or groceries) is essential to accumulating points quickly and easily.

1. Best Rewards Credit Cards For Petrol

In Malaysia, where driving is an integral part of daily life, managing petrol costs efficiently is key. Petrol-focused credit cards are designed to turn this recurring expense into a rewarding opportunity.

A prime example is the Petronas Maybank Visa Gold, which rewards cardholders generously with 8x TreatsPoints on weekends and 5x TreatsPoints on weekdays when fueling up at any PETRONAS station.

This card is perfect for frequent drivers looking to maximize their savings directly at the pump, ensuring that every Ringgit spent on fuel contributes back to their rewards. 

BEST REWARDS POINTS CREDIT CARDS FOR PETROL
	Petronas Maybank Visa Gold
Highest rewards points	8X TreatsPoints for every RM1 spent at PETRONAS Service Stations on weekends (Saturday & Sunday). 5X TreatsPoints for every RM1 spent at PETRONAS Service Stations on weekdays (Monday - Friday).
Cap on rewards points	No specific cap
Stores	All PETRONAS Service Stations nationwide. Starting from September 1, 2023, Setel CardTerus transactions at PETRONAS Service Stations are also eligible for rewards.

2. Best Rewards Credit Cards For Grocery Shopping 

Grocery shopping is a fundamental part of every Malaysian household's budget. Credit cards in this category are crafted to make your essential purchases work harder for you.

The HSBC Platinum Credit Card stands out by offering a consistent 5X reward points for every RM1 spent at your favourite supermarket.

Similarly, the Standard Chartered Visa Platinum provides 5X reward points on local supermarket spending, with an added bonus for online grocery shoppers who meet a minimum spend.

For ladies, the UOB Lady's Card specifically offers 5X UNIRinggit points on grocery purchases, making everyday essentials more rewarding.

These cards help you accumulate points faster on your routine grocery runs, which can then be redeemed for various benefits.

BEST REWARDS POINTS CREDIT CARDS FOR GROCERY
	HSBC Platinum Credit Card	Standard Chartered Visa Platinum	UOB Lady's Card
Highest rewards points	5X rewards points on every RM1 spent	5X rewards points on every RM1 spent	5X UNIRinggit points on every RM1 spent
Cap on rewards points	3,000 Additional Reward Points	No specific cap	15,000 UNIRinggit points per month
Stores	Any local supermarket or grocery merchants (based on MCC). Refer here for MCC Codes.	Any local supermarket (MCC codes 5411 and 5499).Refer here for MCC Codes.	Supermarkets and hypermarkets (online or in-store, MCC 5411). Refer here for MCC Codes.

3. Best Rewards Credit Cards For Movies

For the dedicated movie buff or anyone who enjoys a regular cinema outing, specific credit cards can significantly enhance the entertainment experience while saving you money.

The RHB Islamic Rewards Motion Code Credit Card-i is a standout, offering an impressive 10X reward points on every RM1 spent on movie tickets, regardless of the cinema.

For fans of a specific chain, the GSC Hong Leong Gold Visa rewards you with 3X reward points on GSC movie tickets and even provides exclusive discounts on drinks and food.

Even a general card like the Alliance Bank Visa Platinum offers a base 1X reward points on entertainment transactions, ensuring that every trip to the theatre contributes to your rewards.

These cards make catching the latest blockbuster even more rewarding.

BEST REWARDS POINTS CREDIT CARDS FOR MOVIES
	RHB Islamic Rewards Motion Code Credit Card-i	GSC Hong Leong Gold Visa	Alliance Bank Visa Platinum
Highest rewards points	10X Loyalty Points for every RM1 spent on movie ticket purchases	3X Reward Points for every RM1 spent on movie tickets & concession items	1x Three-Year Bonus Points (TBP) for every RM1 spent on Entertainment transactions
Cap on rewards points	Unlimited Loyalty Points	No specific cap	No cap
Stores	Any cinema/movie ticket purchase (MCC 7832). Refer here for MCC Codes.	GSC Cinemas only (website, mobile app, counter)	Any movie theatre/entertainment venue (based on MCC for Entertainment). Refer here for MCC Codes.

4. Best Rewards Points Credit Cards For Online Shopping

The surge in online shopping has made specialized credit cards an indispensable tool for Malaysian consumers. These cards are designed to amplify the rewards from your virtual purchases.

The CIMB e Credit Card offers an exceptional 12X CIMB Bonus Points on its special 'eDay' (every 28th of the month) for online shopping, dropping to a still respectable 3x on other days.

For those seeking non-expiring rewards, the Alliance Bank Visa Infinite provides 8X Three-Year Bonus Points (TBP) on online shopping.

Meanwhile, the HSBC Visa Signature rewards both local and foreign currency online spend with 5X and 8X reward points respectively.

These cards transform your digital transactions into significant opportunities for accumulating points and maximizing value.

BEST REWARDS POINTS CREDIT CARDS FOR ONLINE SHOPPING
	CIMB e Credit Card	Alliance Bank Visa Infinite	HSBC Visa Signature
Highest rewards points	12X Bonus Points on eDay (every 28th of the month) 3X Bonus Points on other days	8X TBP for every RM1 spent on e-Commerce	5X Reward Points for every RM1 spent (local currency) 8X Reward Points for every RM1 spent (foreign currency)
Cap on rewards points	20,000 Bonus Points per statement cycle for all 12X or 3X earning categories combined (online, e-wallet, auto-billing, contactless)	RM3,000 per statement cycle	15,000 Additional Reward Points per month
Stores	Online spend on Shopee and Lazada. Refer here for more info.	Covers e-Commerce transactions based on POS Condition Code 59.	Online transactions (MCC codes for online retail, e.g., 5311, 5732). Foreign currency spend is explicitly rewarded higher. Refer here for MCC Codes.

How Reward Multipliers and Points Work

Reward points can be one of the most attractive features of a credit card. But to get the most out of them, you need to understand how multipliers, caps, and point values actually work. 

1. What “12x Points” Actually Means

When a card says you can earn 12x points, it means you’ll earn twelve times the usual points for every ringgit you spend. This can help you accumulate rewards quickly, but only up to a monthly limit.

Most high-multiplier cards come with a cap, which is the maximum number of boosted points you can earn each month. After reaching that limit, your spending will no longer earn the same high rate.

Think of it like a tap: You get strong water flow (12x points) at the start of the month, but once the cap is reached, the tap slows down or turns off.

Why this matters: A high multiplier sounds impressive, but if the cap is low, the total rewards you get may also be low.

2. How Caps Affect Your Actual Rewards

Here’s a simple look at how much value you’re really getting from popular cards with high multipliers and caps:

If you’re a high spender, a card with lower multipliers but no cap may give you more rewards each month.

3. How Much Your Points Are Worth

Not all points have the same value. Each bank uses its own point system, and some are worth more than others. Understanding the real value helps you decide whether your card rewards are actually worth it.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

4. Putting It All Together: Your Rewards Card Decision Checklist

To choose the right rewards card, focus on these four actionable questions:

1. Check Eligibility: Does the card's minimum income requirement align with your salary? (A premium card, regardless of perks, is useless if you can't get approved.)
2. Calculate the Cap: How much must you spend before the multiplier stops working? A card with a lower multiplier but a higher cap may give you more total rewards.
3. Validate Point Value: How valuable are the points? (e.g., 500 Maybank points are worth RM1.00.) Ensure the points convert well for your desired redemption (miles, vouchers, etc.).
4. Match Your Lifestyle: Does the card's high multiplier match your most frequent spending? (e.g., If you rarely drive but have a petrol card, you gain little value.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking of making your credit card work harder for you? Here’s a simple guide to help you understand especially if you're just starting out.

1. How do I earn reward points with my credit card?

Every time you swipe (or tap!) your card for eligible purchases, you earn points usually 1 point for every RM1 spent. Some cards give bonus points when you spend on certain categories like online shopping, dining, petrol, or overseas. These are known as reward multipliers.

2. What’s a reward multiplier and why does it matter?

A reward multiplier boosts the number of points you earn per ringgit spent. For example, 5x points on online shopping means you earn 5 points for every RM1. It’s the fastest way to stack up points, so be sure to check which categories your card rewards most.

3. Do all types of spending earn points?

Not everything counts. Most cards don’t give points for transactions like cash advances, e-wallet reloads, government payments (LHDN, EPF), utilities, or insurance premiums. Always check your card’s T&Cs to avoid surprises.

4. Do reward points expire?

Yes, usually within 1 to 3 years. Some cards offer "evergreen points" that never expire, but that’s more the exception than the rule. Use your bank app or statement to track your balance and expiry dates.

5. Where can I check my reward points balance?

You can view your points in your monthly statement, online banking, or your bank’s mobile app. Some apps also show what you can redeem, making it easier to plan ahead.

6. What can I use my points for?

Points can be redeemed for shopping vouchers, gadgets, bill rebates, or even air miles like Enrich, KrisFlyer, and AirAsia Points. If you love to travel, converting points to air miles often gives you the best value.

7. Can I use reward points to waive fees or charges?

Some banks let you use points to waive your annual fee or offset the RM25 government service tax. But you can’t use them to directly pay your credit card balance.

8. Can I transfer points to someone else or another card?

Points usually can’t be shared or moved between people. And if you cancel your card, any unused points will typically be forfeited. Some banks let you transfer points to partner airline programs, but not to other individuals.

9. How do I maximise my credit card reward points?

• Use high-multiplier cards: Focus on cards that reward your frequent spending categories (e.g. groceries, petrol).
• Track expiry dates: Don't let your points expire unused.
• Redeem wisely: Items like air miles or premium vouchers typically offer higher value per point.
• Look out for promos: Some banks offer bonus points during special campaigns or festive seasons.

10. Are reward points better than cashback?

It depends on your lifestyle.

• Reward points offer flexibility with a variety of redemption options (vouchers, miles, merchandise).
• Cashback offers instant value as a rebate on your statement. If you prefer simple savings, cashback may be more straightforward. But if you like travelling or exclusive gifts, rewards cards could give you more value in the long run

Compare and apply rewards credit cards online!

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