Best Credit Cards

Credit cards in Malaysia work similarly to personal loans. When you make a payment using one, you are essentially “borrowing” money from the card issuer. By the end of each month, you are expected to repay the amount you’ve “borrowed”. Failure to do so would see you being charged an interest on your unpaid amount.

• What is a credit card?

  A credit card is a financial service very much like a small-scale loan. When you make a payment using your credit card, you are essentially “borrowing” money from the card issuer and are asked to repay the amount at the end of each month.

  
  If you fail to repay on time, you will be charged an interest on your unpaid amount.

• What Are the Different Credit Cards Categories In Malaysia?

  There are various types of cards, each with different privileges and functions. In Malaysia, these are the major categories of credit cards you can consider applying for:

  Rewards credit cards: These cards give you reward points for purchases made using your credit card. Reward points are redeemable for gifts, vouchers, and other benefits.

  Cash back credit cards: These cards return a percentage of what you spend on the card each month. The value of this cashback depends on what you’re buying, as each card caters to a certain type of lifestyle.

  Low interest: These cards offer lower interest rates compared to conventional cards.

  Travel credit cards: These cards give you air miles with partner airlines for selected purchases. Miles are redeemable for travel-related privileges, such as air tickets, and seats upgrades with participating airlines.

  Petrol credit cards: These cards offer petrol-related benefits, such as cash rebates or extra reward points on fuel and spending at petrol kiosks.

  Dining credit cards: These cards offer discounts and promotions for various restaurants and eateries.

  Shopping credit cards: These cards offer discounts and promotions from various shopping outlets and stores. Some shopping credit cards also cater to online shopping as well.

  Premium: Premium cards offer promotions and privileges that focus on higher-end products and services, such as golfing, fine-dining and exclusive clubs.

  Islamic credit cards: These are credit cards which are compliant with Islamic law or Shariah. Islamic credit cards are easy to identify because they usually have the “-i” suffix in their names.

• What are the credit card interest rates?

  Interest rates for credit cards in Malaysia commonly range between 13.5 – 17.5% p.a. You might be charged a higher interest rate if you have a history of missing payments on bills and loans, or other credit cards. If you have a low credit score, this may also affect the interest rate you are charged.

  
  Check your credit score here for free.

• What are the minimum monthly repayments?

  Card holders are generally required to make a minimum payment of 5% of your monthly bill (or a minimum of RM50).

• What happens if I miss a payment on my credit card?

  You will be charged a penalty of 1% of the unpaid amount on your bill (or a minimum of RM10) if you miss a payment. This amount is cumulative, so it will add up over time.

• What are the credit limits In Malaysia?

  In Malaysia, credit card holders with income of RM36,000 or less in a year are restricted to a maximum credit limit of twice of his or her monthly income.

  For example: if your monthly income is RM2,000, your credit limit would be a maximum of 2 × RM2,000= RM4,000. Credit limits for those earning above RM36,000 are determined by the card issuers.

• How many credit cards can you hold in Malaysia?

  You can hold any number of credit cards from a maximum of two (2) card issuers if you are a qualified cardholder with an annual income of RM36,000 or less. There are no limitations on the number of cards and card issuers if your annual income is above RM36,000.

• What documents do I need for an application

  The documents needed for an application are different depending on which credit card you want.
  However, they will usually ask for:

  • A copy of your MyKad (both sides)
  • Your payslips from the last three months or,
  • Your latest bank statements from the last three months or
  • Your EPF statements from the last three months or,
  • If you are self-employed, your latest Borang B/BE with LHDN acknowledgement.

• What credit card can I get with a low credit score?

  It is very difficult to get a credit card with a low credit score. We recommend you to instead focus on improving your credit score before trying to get a credit card.

  
  Check your credit score here for free.

• How does a credit card installment work?

  Some retailers will offer installment plans for your credit card purchases. In this case, you will be allowed to pay for your purchase through monthly payments.

  
  These payments will be reflected in your credit card statement, which you are required to pay off at the end of each month.

• Can I use a credit card to transfer/withdraw money?

  No, you cannot use a credit card to transfer or withdraw money.

• Can I use a credit card to get a cash advance?

  No, you cannot use a credit card to get a cash advance.