If you’re looking for credit cards in Malaysia with free lounge access, AmBank has multiple options for you to consider. It's a broad spectrum of cards that allow varying degrees of complimentary lounge access both in Malaysia and overseas.
This guide dives into 5 popular AmBank credit cards, highlighting the lounge access it grants and the features and fees you can expect. We’ll also be sharing more about the Wise card, an international debit card that facilitates cost effective and convenient spending overseas - more on that later.
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While lounge access is likely your key determining factor when choosing an AmBank credit card, there are some other important points to note. Before making your choice, it is worth considering the general features and fees involved to weigh the costs and benefits of the different AmBank cards.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind when making your decision:
While the AmBank credit cards might be one way to enjoy travelling in luxury, they might not be the best option for overseas spending. Given the additional foreign transaction fees these cards incur, an international debit card like Wise will instead minimise any additional costs when spending overseas.
AmBank credit cards grant access to an extensive line up of Plaza Premium Lounges in Malaysia and overseas including countries like Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, UK, US and more.¹ Beyond that, AmBank card holders can also enjoy a complimentary meal set at designated dining outlets in the airport such as Flight Club and TGM internationally.
| 🤔 Considering a lounge access card from another bank? Check out our comparison of the best Malaysia credit cards with free airport lounge access |
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Now that you know more about picking a credit card, we'll dive into comparing requirements, features and fees of various AmBank cards. Here are the 5 most popular AmBank lounge access credit cards that allow you to rest, unwind, and even enjoy a meal during your travels:
With the AmBank Visa Infinite card², principal cardholders can enjoy Plaza Premium lounge access 6 times annually both in local and international airports. This includes countries like Singapore, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Each accompanying adult will be privy to a 25% discount on published rates within Malaysia and 20% discount internationally.
To qualify, a minimum spend of 1,000 MYR must be made on the card 30 calendar days before and/or 30 calendar days after each lounge access.
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While cardholders won’t be charged annual fees, the card’s minimum annual income requirement of 120,000 MYR is fairly high. The card’s perks are aimed at frequent travellers looking to fast track their air miles conversion. Also, earn 5x AmBonus Points for every Ringgit spent overseas and 1x AmBonus Point for every RM1 spent locally. The accumulated reward points can be converted to air miles with 50 airline partners.
The AmBank Visa Signature card³ grants access to local and international Plaza Premium lounges 6 times a year. To qualify, a minimum spend of 1,000 MYR must be made on the card 30 calendar days before and/or 30 calendar days after each lounge access.
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The AmBank Visa Signature can be an attractive option for those who enjoy the lap of luxury. Cardholders will enjoy exclusive annual membership with Club Marriott in Malaysia and enjoy discounts on dining and accommodation. You’re looking at up to 20% off all participating Marriott hotels in Asia Pacific.
Enjoy complimentary lounge access 6 times a year to Plaza Premium lounges across more than 50 countries both internationally and locally (including London, Taiwan, and Australia) with the AmBank World Mastercard⁴.
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Although the AmBank World Mastercard is a no annual fee card, it has a relatively high annual income requirement of 120,000 MYR. Those who qualify can benefit from lifestyle perks such as golf privileges, discounted dining, and hotel accommodations on top of complimentary lounge access.
👀 Looking for a travel card to maximise your overseas spending? See how Wise compares with other multi-currency cards like BigPay and MAE in Malaysia.
The AmBank UnionPay Platinum card allows complimentary Plaza Premium lounge access twice a year at over 27 major airports worldwide. To qualify, a minimum spend of 1,000 MYR must be made on the card 30 calendar days before and/or 30 calendar days after each lounge access.
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Comparing across the board, the AmBank UnionPay Platinum card’s lounge access pales in comparison. However, with a minimum annual income requirement of 60,000 MYR, it is one of the more accessible cards.
If you’re a frequent traveller, the card’s complimentary travel insurance with 1 million MYR personal accident coverage is certainly advantageous. To be insured, you just have to charge the full fare of your airline ticket to your AmBank UnionPay Platinum card.
If you’re an AmBank Signature Priority Banking⁵ card holder, you and your supplementary card holder get unlimited Plaza Premium lounge access in Malaysia and overseas.
However, to enjoy this unlimited complimentary access, you must also be an AmBank Signature Priority Banking customer and have deposits or investments of 500,000 MYR or more with AmBank.
Otherwise, you will be entitled to lounge access up to 5 times a year if you meet the minimum spend of 1,000 MYR made on the card 30 calendar days before and/or 30 calendar days after each lounge access.
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On top of charging no annual fees, the AmBank Signature Priority Banking card offers a generous mile conversion rate. You can get 5x AmBonus Points for every 1 MYR spent overseas. If you’re a frequent flyer, this could potentially mean savings on your air tickets.
When you swipe your credit card overseas, expect to be subjected to conversion rates⁶ determined by Mastercard, UnionPay, or Visa plus a 1% foreign exchange fee imposed by AmBank.
Making cash withdrawals at overseas ATM, too, incur additional fees of 5% of the amount advance or minimum 50 MYR, whichever is higher.
Having a credit card can come with many perks, complimentary lounge access amongst them. However, knowing when to use your credit card is important to get the most mileage out of your spending.
When you make foreign currency purchases overseas, Malaysian issued credit cards incur transaction fees. Not only that, there are significant cash advance fees when you make ATM withdrawals. Either way, you’ll be spending more when you swipe your credit card overseas.
Instead, consider the Wise card. Not only can you hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise digital account, you can pay in over 150+ countries, and there’s no foreign transaction fee to worry about. All currency conversion uses the mid-market rate, with low fees from 0.33%. Plus, you can get some free ATM withdrawals every month to make it easier and cheaper to get cash while you’re away from home.
Apart from your AmBank lounge credit card, the Wise card is a travel essential to save on currency exchange on your globe-trotting adventures.
Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
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*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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