CIMB Islamic Debit MasterCard

Key Benefit:
  • 1 Debit Card Bonus Point for every RM2 on retail spending
  • Shariah compliant
  • Discounts and privileges at participating merchants, including Ripcurl, Timberland & MPH Bookstores
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 15
None

CIMB Debit MasterCard

Key Benefit:
  • 1 Debit Card Bonus Point for every RM2 on retail spending
  • 2x bonus points on all retail purchases on your birthday month
  • Discounts and privileges at participating merchants, including Ripcurl, Timberland & MPH Bookstores
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 15
None

Alliance Bank Hybrid Standard Debit Card

Key Benefit:
  • 1% cashback on overseas spending
  • Maximum cashback is RM50 a month
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 12
None

Alliance Islamic Bank Hybrid Standard Debit MasterCard-i

Key Benefit:
  • 1% cashback on retail spending
  • Maximum cashback is RM30 a month
  • Shariah compliant
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 12
None

Bank Islam Team Harimau Visa Debit Card-i

Key Benefit:
  • Shariah compliant
  • 20% discount on new arrival of Al-Ikhsan Merchandise
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 12
None

Alliance Bank Hybrid AP Platinum Debit Card

Key Benefit:
  • 1.5% cashback on overseas spending
  • Maximum cashback is RM100 a month
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 12
None

Alliance Bank Hybrid Premium Debit Card

Key Benefit:
  • 2% cashback on overseas spending
  • Maximum cashback is RM200 a month
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 12
None

AFFIN Islamic Bank Visa Debit Card

Key Benefit:
  • Earn 1 AFFIN Rewards Point for every RM1 spent
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 12
Waived with conditions

Alliance Islamic Bank Hybrid Platinum Debit MasterCard-i

Key Benefit:
  • 1.5% cashback on retail spending
  • Get 1.5% cash back on spending up to RM 6000 each month
  • Shariah compliant
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 12
None

Hong Leong Touch'n Go Zing Debit Card

Key Benefit:
  • The Touch'n Go Card with an automatic reload feature.
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 10
None

Hong Leong Junior Debit Card

Key Benefit:
  • Let your child enjoy the convenience and security of receiving pocket money in a card
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 8
None

BSN Matrix-i Debit Card

Key Benefit:
  • 0.5% cashback on retail spending
  • Shariah compliant
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 8
None

BSN Matrix Debit Card

Key Benefit:
  • 0.5% cashback on retail spending
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 8
None

BSN Batman Visa Debit Card

Key Benefit:
  • Your annual fee of RM8 will be waived subject to a minimum accumulated retail spend of RM3,600 over the last 12-month period.
  • 0.5% on all retail spending including online transactions.
  • Additional 5% Cash Back for Visa payWave and online transactions. 10% off on normal priced items at DC Comics Super Heroes Outlets.
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 8
Waived with conditions

Bank Rakyat Debit Card-i

Key Benefit:
  • *Annual fee is waived for the first year. RM8 from the second year onwards
  • Shariah compliant
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 8
None

Hong Leong Debit MasterCard

Key Benefit:
  • 1 Bonus Plus Point for every RM1 on retail spending
  • Eligible to apply for a Hong Leong Touch n' Go Zing Debit Card with auto-reload facility, linked to your Debit MasterCard
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 8
None

Alliance Islamic Bank My eSaving Debit MasterCard-i

Key Benefit:
  • Shariah compliant
  • High interest return on Alliance My eSaving Account-i
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 8
None

BSN Visa Debit Card-i

Key Benefit:
  • Minimum spend of RM3,600 p.a.
  • 0.5% unlimited cash back
  • BCARD Loyalty Programme
  • Shariah compliant
  • Bulit-in Touch'n Go Features
  • PLUSMiles Rewards & Privileges
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 8
Waived with conditions

UOB Debit MasterCard

Key Benefit:
  • Earn 1% Smart$ Cash Rebate at BHPetrol stations, and up to 10% SMART$ Cash Rebates, which is as good as cash at participating outlets
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 8
None

Alliance Bank My eSaving Debit Card

Key Benefit:
  • High interest returns on Alliance My eSaving Account
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 8
None

BSN Visa Debit Card

Key Benefit:
  • Minimum spend of RM3,600 p.a.
  • 0.5% unlimited cash back
  • BCARD Loyalty Programme
  • Bulit-in Touch'n Go Features
  • PLUSMiles Rewards & Privileges
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 8
Waived with conditions

Maybank Aspire MasterCard Platinum Debit Card

Key Benefit:
  • Earn 1 Treats Point for every RM3 spent
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 0
Waived for life

HSBC Visa Debit Card

Key Benefit:
  • Get exclusive deals and special discounts at more than 2,000 food and shopping outlets nationwide
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 0
None

HSBC Amanah Visa Debit Card-i

Key Benefit:
  • Get exclusive deals and special discounts at more than 2,000 food and shopping outlets nationwide
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 0
None

Maybank Visa Debit Picture Card

Key Benefit:
  • Every month, you get fifth cash withdrawals at Maybank ATMs for free; thereafter, RM0.50 per withdrawal.
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 0
Waived for life

Public Bank UTAR Debit MasterCard

Key Benefit:
  • 1 TAR Point for every RM1 on retail spending
  • Facility available to automatically transfer funds from your selected Savings/Current account to your Debit Card Account to avoid shortfall of funds
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 0
Waived for life

Public Bank TARC Debit MasterCard

Key Benefit:
  • 1 TAR Point for every RM1 on retail spending
  • Facility available to automatically transfer funds from your selected Savings/Current account to your Debit Card Account to avoid shortfall of funds
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 0
Waived for life

Citibank Citigold Debit & ATM Card

Key Benefit:
  • 1 Reward Point for every RM1 on retail spending
  • Retail Purchase Protection Plan up to RM10,000
  • Travel Accident & Inconvenience Benefits up to RM500,000
  • Citibank World Privileges, with discounts and privileges at over 25,000 establishments worldwide
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 0
Waived for life

Maybank Visa Platinum Debit payWave

Key Benefit:
  • Earn 1Treats Points for every RM3 spent in signature base retail transactions, while in the pin base, you earn 1 TreatsPoints for every RM5 spent
  • Set your own Purchase Limit up to maximum RM10,000 or default to RM2,000
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 0
Waived for life

Maybank Maybankard Visa Debit

Key Benefit:
  • 1 TreatsPoints for every RM3 on retail spending
  • Every month, you get four cash withdrawals at Maybank ATMs for free; thereafter, RM0.50 per withdrawal.
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 0
Waived for life

Maybank MasterCard Platinum Debit

Key Benefit:
  • 1 TreatsPoints for every RM3 (signature-based) or RM5 (pin-based) on retail spending
  • Every month, you get four cash withdrawals at Maybank ATMs for free; thereafter, RM0.50 per withdrawal.
  • Enjoy selected Maybank and MasterCard Platinum Privileges
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 0
Waived for life

Maybank Manchester United Visa Debit

Key Benefit:
  • 1 TreatsPoints for every RM2 on retail spending
  • Every month, you get four cash withdrawals at Maybank ATMs for free; thereafter, RM0.50 per withdrawal.
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 0
Waived for life

Maybank FC Barcelona Visa Debit

Key Benefit:
  • Set your own Purchase Limit up to maximum RM10,000 or default to RM2,000
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 0
Waived for life

Citibank Debit & ATM Card

Key Benefit:
  • 1 Reward Point for every RM1 on retail spending
  • Retail Purchase Protection Plan up to RM5,000
  • Travel Accident & Inconvenience Benefits up to RM350,000
  • Citibank World Privileges, with discounts and privileges at over 25,000 establishments worldwide
+ more info
Annual Fees
RM 0
Waived for life

Debit Card Explained

Moving around with physical cash is very risky and this makes it not only inconvenient but difficult to manage the way you spend. That is one of the reasons why debit card as introduced.

What Is A Debit Card?

A debit card is a plastic card which makes it possible to debit or use money directly from your bank account. Like a cheque book, a debit card is usually given along with other banking products (e.g. when you open a new savings or current account).

The advantage of a debit card is that it allows its holder to debit money at any authorised merchant as long as your account is funded. In some ways, a debit card is similar to credit card, but it only works when there are available funds in your account.

Debit cards are sometimes said to be half an ATM card and half a credit card. This is because some debit cards issued by banks allow you to enjoy the exclusive rights and discounts given to credit cardholders.

How Does A Debit Card Work?

When you make a transaction using a debit card, money is deducted immediately from your savings or current account because the card is linked directly to your bank account by electronic means. When the card is swiped at any merchant that accepts debit cards, it subtracts the money from your bank account and automatically deposits it straight into the merchant’s account. The merchant receives the money immediately.This type of transaction is different from when using a credit card, which is using borrowed money from a bank or financial institution.

Some debit cards will require your signature when transaction is in progress just like a credit card does, while other debit cards use a PIN number for verification. This is added for security reasons as only you will know your PIN number.

There are certain factors which you need to be aware of when you select a debit card, such as;

Limitations

Some debit cards are not allowed to be used for all kinds of transactions. For example, you may not make online transactions or purchases with debit cards from certain merchants. A debit card usually has a maximum limit you can bill for, though it is your choice to set the limit you want.

Linked Savings Account

It is a good idea to consider linking your debit card to an account that matches your spending habits. However, not all bank accounts can be linked to a debit card.

Fees And Bills

There might be fees you have to pay when you apply for a debit card. Most people do not usually consider these fees. The fees may include:

  • Annual Fee:

    The bank issuing the debit card may require that you pay an annual fee just as it is done with credit cards. Although, annual fees on debit cards are usually less than that of a credit card.

  • ATM Withdrawals:

    Some banks may offer up to a certain number of free ATM withdrawals, but start charging after that.

  • Replacement fee:

    If you lose your card and want a replacement, banks may charge you for this.

Importance And Benefits Of A Debit Card

Debit cardholders do enjoy specific privileges and discounts such as;

  • Cashback:

    The cashback benefits on a debit card are usually less favourable than those offered by credit cards.

  • Reward Points:

    Just like credit cards, some debit cards reward you with points each time you swipe your card.

  • Discounts:

    As a debit card holder, you may also enjoy discounts and privileges offered by banks and participating merchants.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Debit Card

When you use a debit card, you will never be in debt with the bank since purchase amounts are deducted directly from your linked savings account. It is relatively easy to apply for a debit card in Malaysia, as all you need is to have a current or savings account that offers such facility.

One disadvantage of using a debit card is that you can only spend the money you have in your linked savings account. Any transaction in excess of your bank balance will either not go through, or result in the bank charging you an overdraft fee.

Common Debit Card Terms

  • PIN:

    This stands for “Personal Identification Number”. A PIN is like a password – it is a series of digits used during a transaction to validate that you are the cardholder.

  • Debit Card Issuer:

    This refers to a bank or any other financial institution that issues debit cards.