What Is A Rewards Credit Card?
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.
Is it worth getting a credit card with reward points?
It depends on your preference and how would you like to use a rewards credit card daily. Essentially, two factors make up the best reward credit cards.
The first factor is the amount of reward points and the second factor is which card gives you the best reward redemptions.
Therefore, the key to looking for the best rewards credit card is getting one that offers both great redemption items and allows you to collect points quickly and easily.
How to choose the best credit card for reward points collection?
The best way is to choose one that offers a higher points collection rate or points multipliers.
Let’s say that for every RM1 you spend using your rewards credit card, you collect 1x reward points. That’s alright but wouldn’t it be better if you could collect more points for every Ringgit you spend?
For example, many reward credit cards give you more points for overseas spending compared to local spending. Some reward cards have point multipliers for different kinds of expenditure.
Case in point, the HSBC Visa Signature lets you earn 8x reward points on overseas shopping using foreign currencies, whereas you'll get 5x reward points when you shop in-store at participating local merchants or online shopping using Ringgit Malaysia.
Which rewards credit card should I get?
While there is a myriad of rewards credit cards in the market, it's important to choose one that can benefit you the most in terms of your preference, lifestyle suitability and your income.
Typically, a rewards credit card with the highest reward points is often the popular choice for most people.
However, don't you think it's even better if you maximise a rewards credit card on the type of expenses you frequently come back to such as petrol fueling or grocery shopping?
By using a rewards credit card on selected spending categories, the higher you spend, the more reward points you're going to get.
When accumulated to a certain amount, you can redeem the points for air miles, shopping voucher(s), gadget(s), household items and so much more!
Now, which rewards credit card should you get? We compiled a list of recommendations below based on several types of spending categories.
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 | |
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![]() Petronas Maybank Visa Gold |
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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 | |||
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![]() HSBC Platinum Credit Card |
![]() Standard Chartered Visa Platinum |
![]() UOB Lady's Card |
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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 | Capped at 3,000 Additional Reward Points | No specific cap | Capped at 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 | |||
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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 Timeless Bonus Point (TBP) for every RM1 spent on Entertainment transactions |
Cap on rewards points | Unlimited Loyalty Points | No specific cap | No cap |
Cinemas | 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 card 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 Timeless 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 | |||
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![]() Alliance Bank Visa Infinite |
![]() HSBC Visa Signature |
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Highest rewards points |
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8X TBP for every RM1 spent on e-Commerce |
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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. |
Compare and apply rewards credit cards online!
Simply compare the rewards credit cards that suit your preferences and apply online seamlessly with us. Just click on the 'Apply button' above and you’ll be taken to our WhatsApp chatbot. We’ll assist you thereafter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rewards Credit Cards
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