Getting a credit card with lounge access in Malaysia and beyond means you can get into exclusive airport lounges to start your trip in style when you fly. Different cards have their own lounge access offers - so weighing up the terms and conditions is important, to make sure you get the best free lounge access credit card for your specific needs.
This guide walks through the features, fees, pros and cons of 6 popular credit cards in Malaysia with airport lounge access - and we’ll also touch on the Wise card which can be a handy extra for overseas spending, with mid-market rates and no foreign transaction fee to worry about1.
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If you’re specifically looking for a Malaysian credit card with airport lounge access, you’ve got a few things to think about. There are lots of different card options which have their own features and fees - but the way that airport lounge access is managed can vary greatly.
If your priority is getting a KLIA premium lounge credit card which lets you into lounges on your outward journey you’ll have quite a few cards to pick from. If you’re looking for something that gives you very broad access to lounges in different airports and countries, your card options may be a little more limited.
Check the details of the offer carefully, looking for example at:
- Does the card offer lounge access in Malaysia only or in other countries and regions too?
- How many times a year can you go to an airport lounge - and 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?
- Is there a minimum spend requirement to qualify for lounge access?
- Are there other perks like discounts for guests or for once your free entry allowance is exhausted?
Here are a few great Malaysian credit cards that offer lounge access to kick off your research:
Alliance Bank Visa Infinite2 is a Plaza Premium lounge credit card which also lets the cardholder use select Travel Club lounges
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The Alliance Bank Visa Infinite has opportunities to earn Timeless Bonus Points at varying rates depending on the category of spending. You’ll get 8x rewards on some online spending, 5x on categories including overseas spend and dining, and 1x on most other retail transactions. Bonus points can be used for attractive gifts, and don’t ever expire, so you can save them up for the gift of your choice for as long as you like. Bear in mind that even though you get extra rewards for foreign currency spending, you’ll also pay an extra 1% fee.
Use Citi Premiermiles4 to enjoy access to Plaza Premium lounges in 17 different airports, 8 times a year
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The Citibank Citi Premiermiles credit card has a fairly high minimum income and annual fee, although the annual fee is waived for 3 years for new cardholders. The perks are aimed at customers looking for extensive lifestyle benefits, and include 8x lounge access, limo rides, and reward points you can use to offset spending or to get gifts. Foreign transaction fees are fairly high at 2.4%, making this a pretty expensive option for shopping while you’re abroad.
Get CIMB Travel Platinum6 for a no annual fee travel card which offers entry to select Plaza Premium lounges for both cardholder and supplementary cardholder, subject to conditions
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The CIMB Travel Platinum card could be an attractive option if you’d prefer a no annual fee credit card which has some lounge access as long as you spend enough every quarter. Lounge options aren’t as generous with this card compared to some other Malaysian credit cards with airport lounge access - but there’s no ongoing fee to pay, making this a strong contender if you want to test out a travel card with low risk.
👀 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 Maybank Visa Infinite card8 allows the primary cardholder to get into Plaza Premium airport lounges, and also comes with extras like golf privileges
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The Maybank Visa Infinite credit card is aimed at high income customers earning 100,000 MYR or more annually. The annual fee is also on the high side, but the lifestyle benefits might make it worthwhile for some customers. As well as airport lounge access, this card comes with golf offers, an airport speed pass, and discounts on dining.
If you’re an HSBC Premier Elite account holder you may be invited to apply for an HSBC Premier Travel credit card10 which offers 12x lounge access
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This card is for HSBC Premier Elite account holders only, who need to hold a high minimum relationship balance across savings and investments with HSBC Malaysia. If you’re eligible, you can get 12x entry to select Plaza Premium Lounges. Annual fees may be waived for this card depending on your HSBC customer status. Bear in mind there’s a foreign transaction fee if you use your card overseas.
The RHB World Mastercard11 allows you to get into Plaza Premium lounges 6x, and also has discounts for guests accompanying you
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There is no annual fee for the RHB World Mastercard which can make this a good choice if you’re not sure whether a travel card is right for you. To benefit from lounge access all you need to do is meet minimum spending requirements. Golf privileges and cash back on spending are also offered, making this a solid all round option for many customers.
Using a credit card is convenient and secure - but picking the right card for you is important to make sure you don’t end up paying unnecessary fees or facing restrictions on your card use. Before you sign up, pay attention to the following card features and fees:
- Make sure you’re eligible for the card you selected based on your income
- Look at annual fees - these may be waived in the first year but can be pretty high
- Check what interest will apply if you don’t pay your bill in full
- Choose a card which has benefits you’ll really enjoy - as well as lounge access you might get cash back or discounts for example
- Review the card fees carefully - particularly checking foreign transaction fees which apply whenever you’re abroad - you may be able to save on foreign transaction costs with an international debit card instead
Getting a credit card with airport lounge access can be a great perk, and help to make travel feel more luxurious. But spending overseas with a credit card can mean extra fees - grab a Wise card instead, to cut your foreign transaction costs.
Most credit cards with lounge access will also charge a foreign transaction fee when you spend overseas. There are also significant cash advance fees when you use an ATM.
Try Wise instead. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise digital account, and there’s no foreign transaction fee to worry about. All currency conversion uses the mid-market rate, with low fees from 0.43%. You can also get some free ATM withdrawals every month to make it easier and cheaper to get cash while you’re away from home.
💳 Order your very own Wise card
Lounge access might make your next trip that little bit more relaxing - use this guide to choose the right one for you, and pop a Wise card in your pocket to save on currency exchange while you’re away.
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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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