KLIA Plaza Premium Lounge free access credit cards - Which one is the best?

The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the busiest and largest international airport located in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. Within KLIA, there are two Plaza Premium Lounges – one at KLIA Terminal 1 and another at Terminal 2. These 24-hour lounges offer travellers an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate in comfort at different points in their travel.

This guide will take you through the features of 6 popular Malaysian credit cards that will grant you access to the Plaza Premium Lounges. We’ll also touch on the Wise card which is advantageous for overseas spending, with mid-market rates and no foreign transaction fees¹.

Table of contents
How to get KLIA Plaza Premium Lounge access What to consider when choosing a lounge access credit card Best credit cards with free access to the KLIA Plaza Premium Lounge HSBC TravelOne HLB Visa Infinite AEON Visa Gold Standard Chartered Journey AmBank Signature Visa Maybank World Mastercard Maximise your foreign currency transactions with the Wise card

How to get Plaza Premium Lounge access in KLIA?

The Plaza Premium Lounges in KLIA Terminal 1 and 2 are open to all travellers regardless of airline or class of travel. Those with credit cards and travel passes affiliated with the Plaza Premium Lounge enjoy complimentary entry. We'll compare some of the best Plaza Premium Lounge free access credit cards.

Others can gain access through the purchase of Plaza Premium Lounge Pass – valid for 12 months upon activation – online at the official website. Each visit can go up to 3 hours. The most affordable pass – a 2-visit Kuala Lumpur and Singapore pass that grants one lounge visit at each city – is priced at USD 70².

What to consider when choosing a credit card with KLIA Plaza Premium Lounge access?

If you’re a frequent traveller on the hunt for a Malaysian credit card that grants you airport lounge access, particularly to the KLIA Plaza Premium Lounge, you have plenty to pick from.

As each card comes with its own fees, features, and conditions for lounge access, it is important to draw comparisons between the cards to bag the best deal.

To narrow down your options, here are some things to look out for:

• How many times a year can you go to an airport lounge?
• Is the offer for the primary card holder only, or are guests allowed?
• Does the card allow you into a selection of lounge brands or is Plaza Premium your primary option?
• Are there discounted entry options for guests subsequently once the free-entry allowance is exhausted?
• Is there a minimum spend requirement to qualify for lounge access?

Which are the best credit cards with free access to the KLIA Plaza Premium Lounge?

Here are a couple of Malaysian credit cards that provide free access the Plaza Premium Lounge in KLIA for absolutely no cost so you can fill up on food and rest before your flight:

HSBC TravelOne

The HSBC TravelOne card allows a combined total of 6 complimentary visits per year to Plaza Premium Lounges in KLIA, Changi Airport, and Hong Kong International Airport (international departures). This access can be shared between primary and supplementary card holders³.

Minimum annual income of 60,000 MYR 300 MYR annual fee waivable upon an annual spend of 20,000 MYR 6x access to Plaza Premium Lounges in KLIA, Changi Airport, and Hong Kong International Airport (international departures), shared between primary and supplementary cardholders per year 1% HSBC foreign transaction fee plus additional fees by Mastercard

On top of that, the credit card also offers complimentary travel insurance when you purchase your air tickets with the HSBC TravelOne credit card. HSBC TravelOne credit card holders are also privy to exclusive travel discounts on Agoda – you’re looking at up to 12% discount on hotel bookings.

The HSBC TravelOne credit card offers reward points for overseas spending which can be redeemed under an extensive range of airline and hotel partners. However, bear in mind spending in foreign currency will incur higher fees – a 1% HSBC fee plus additional fees by Mastercard.

HLB Visa Infinite

The HLB Visa Infinite card charges no annual fees and grants access to Plaza Premium Lounges in Malaysia and Singapore up to 4 times a year. Accompanying guests can enjoy up to 20% off on regular lounge access passes⁴.

Minimum annual income of 150,000 MYR No annual fee 4x access to Plaza Premium Lounges in Malaysia and Singapore per year, up to 20% discount off published rate for accompanying guests 2% foreign transaction fee

Any local and overseas spending on the HLB Visa Infinite card will earn you Enrich points. Issued by Malaysian Airlines, these points can naturally be spent on MAS flights. It is also eligible for use with partnering hotels and vendors.

The card also offers complimentary Travel Accident and Inconvenience insurance coverage for air tickets purchased using the HLB Visa Infinite card. While the HLB Visa Infinite card does not charge an annual fee, it does have a rather high minimum annual income requirement. This card will, however, come in handy for frequent flyers of MAS.

AEON Visa Gold

The AEON Visa Gold card offers three times access to the Plaza Premium Lounges in Malaysia annually with no concessions made for supplementary card holders.

Minimum annual income of 36,000 MYR 95 MYR annual fee, first year waived, subsequent year waived with minimum of 12 transactions per year 3x access to Plaza Premium Lounges in Malaysia per year 1% foreign transaction fee added to the exchange rate set by Mastercard⁵

The card’s perks are designed for loyalists of AEON stores and BiG hypermarkets. It’s useful for getting cashback and points from day to day spending on groceries and dining out.

Focusing on rewards from local spending, the AEON Visa Gold isn’t your traditional travel card. You’ll be able to get points locally and still get to travel in style with free access to the KLIA Plaza Premium Lounge. Though it is definitely recommended to get another card for your overseas spending and expenditure.

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Standard Chartered Journey

The Standard Chartered Journey card comes up top for frequent flyers on the lookout for access to the Plaza Premium Lounges in KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Terminal 2. It allows primary cardholders unlimited lounge access throughout the year. That’s not all, accompanying guests will also enjoy 20% off the published rates⁶.

Principal cardholder must be 21 to 65 years old with a minimum annual income of 90,000 MYR 600 MYR annual fee, first year waived Unlimited access to Plaza Premium Lounges in KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Terminal 2, 20% discount off published rate for accompanying guests 1% foreign transaction fee added to the exchange rate set by Mastercard

The Standard Chartered Journey card offers free airport transfers and grants travel insurance coverage for you and your family members when you charge the air tickets to your card.

While the card features a rather high annual fee, it is waived on the first year and subsequently can be waived if you spend a minimum of 60,000 MYR annually.

AmBank Signature Visa

Unlike the usual credit card, the AmBank Signature Priority Banking Visa Infinite Credit Card is one that you can’t apply for. Instead, you have to be invited to get the card. To qualify, you have to have deposits or investments of more than 200,000 MYR or investments of 150,000 MYR with AmBank⁷.

Upon invitation, cardholders will enjoy unlimited access to Plaza Premium Lounges in over 50 countries both locally and internationally. This includes London, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, amongst others.

By invitation only No annual fee Unlimited access to Plaza Premium Lounges in 50 countries 1% foreign transaction fee added to the exchange rate set by Mastercard

In general, the travel perks for AmBank Signature Priority Visa Infinite Credit Card are extensive. On top of unlimited lounge excess across the globe, you can earn 5x AmBonus Reward Points on overseas spend which can be converted to miles. Expect concierge services and exclusive benefits at Club Marriott Malaysia.

It’s a great card to have if you’re a high wealth individual.

Maybank World Mastercard

The Maybank World Mastercard grants complimentary access to the Plaza Premium Lounges in Malaysia and countries across the world like Hong Kong and Shanghai up to 5 times a year. That’s not all – when you exceed the stipulated number of times, you’ll be entitled to a 20% discount on the published lounge access rates⁸.

Your accompanying guests, too, can enjoy a 20% discount on every visit.

Principal cardholder must be 21 to 65 years old with a minimum annual income of 100,000 MYR 800 MYR annual fee, first year waived 5 x access to Plaza Premium Lounges in Malaysia and selected international airports per year, 20% discount off published rate for accompanying guests 2.25% foreign transaction fee

The card also allows you to earn TreatsPoints that can be converted to free flights. The best part – these points do not expire. When you charge your air tickets to the card, you will also be entitled to a generous travel personal accident insurance coverage and coverage forluggage delays, lost luggages, and flight misconnections.

That said, the card does have a rather high minimum annual income requirement of 100,000 MYR and a 800 MYR annual fee. However, the additional perks of the card will come in handy if you’re a frequent traveller.

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What else to look out for when choosing a credit card?

Even if you’re set on getting a credit card that allows you complimentary lounge access, there are other factors to consider. It is important to make sure you get the right card that will maximise your spending based on your lifestyle.

Before you sign up, pay attention to the following card features and fees:

• Compare the annual fees and check for fee waiver
• Check what interest rates will apply if you don’t pay your bill in full
• Choose a card that will benefit you in multiple ways beyond lounge access, like cash back or the eligibility for travel-related discounts
• Review the card fees – in particular, the foreign transaction fees which are incurred on overseas spend – you may be able to save on foreign transaction costs with an international debit card instead

While credit cards incentivise overseas spend with extra rewards that often can be exchanged for free flights or discounted accommodation, it is important to note that overseas spend does incur more charges on your credit card - always consider if the benefits are worth the extra cost.

Bring along a credit card for lounge access and the Wise card to maximise your foreign currency transactions

Getting complimentary lounge access can make all the difference in your journeys, especially if you’re a frequent traveller. While you might be tempted to use the same credit card on your overseas expenses to rake in the points or rewards, remember that you will be incurring additional foreign transaction fees.

Instead of swiping your credit card overseas, reach for the Wise debit card instead. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise digital account without any hidden transaction fees to worry about when spending with your card in 150+ countries. All currency conversions use the mid-market rate, with low fees from 0.33%. To sweeten the deal, you can also get some free ATM withdrawals every month to make it easier and cheaper to have cash on hand while you’re away from home.

Use this guide to help you make the best decision so you can travel in luxury while also making the smarter financial choices with your Wise card.

🚀 Get your very own Wise card

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Sources:

1. Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing: Only Pay for What You Use for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.
2. Plaza Premium Lounge pass price
3. HSBC TravelOne
4. HLB Visa Infinite
5. AEON Visa Gold
6. Ambank Visa Infinite
7. Maybank World Mastercard