Touch n’ Go Visa Card review - Is this prepaid travel card really worth getting in Malaysia?

The Touch 'n Go eWallet Visa Card¹ (TNG Visa card) is linked to an ewallet which you can top up from your phone, to use your card to spend and withdraw cash in Malaysia and abroad. You can use your TNG Visa card overseas for spending anywhere the Visa network is supported, with the Visa exchange rate and no foreign transaction fee. But how does the TnG Visa Card work, what’s the difference from the regular TnG card, and is it worth it?

Read our guide to learn more. We’ll also highlight how the TNG Visa card compares for international spending against another popular travel card from Wise, so you can see if it’s right for you.

What is the Touch ‘n Go (TNG) Visa Card?

The TNG Visa Card can be used to spend online and in person, and to make cash withdrawals. It’s linked to an ewallet which you can top up easily, to make spending simple².

The TNG Visa is not the same as the standard TNG card³. To get the TNG Visa you’ll need to complete an application in the TNG app - but once you’ve got your card it can be used far more flexibly than your normal TNG card. While the basic TNG card is only accepted at select payment points, the TNG Visa is on the Visa card network which is very widely accepted globally. That means you can use it to spend and make cash withdrawals more or less anywhere in the world.

How to use the TNG Visa Card

Let’s start with the TNG Visa card benefits. The TNG Visa card and account can be used to⁴:

• Make contactless payments in stores
• Pay by QR in select location (ewallet)
• Withdraw cash from any Visa ATM
• Transfer money to other Touch ‘n Go ewallet users (ewallet)
• Pay for parking and road tolls
• Top up your mobile prepaid
• Pay for your utilities and your phone
• Purchase movie and flight tickets

Once you’ve got your ewallet account and card, you’ll be able to get verified and opt in to increase your wallet size, and to get extra features. Here are your key options, and the limits associated⁴:

There’s no fee to get your card in the first place, but there may be a courier or delivery charge to pay. You might also find you have to pay a reload fee, depending on how you choose to add money to your account⁵.

Using your card in an ATM locally in Malaysia costs 1.4 MYR per withdrawal, while making an international ATM withdrawal has a 10 MYR fee⁶. We’ll take a look at how this cost measures up against an alternative - the Wise card - a bit later.

TNG Visa Card exchange rate

The TNG Visa Card ewallet holds MYR, but you can use your card to spend and make withdrawals globally. When you spend overseas, the cost of your purchase is converted back to MYR using the Visa exchange rate⁷, to be deducted from your account. There’s no separate foreign transaction fee to pay, and you can see the live Visa exchange rate for the currency you need in the card app.

It’s worth comparing the Visa exchange rate you’re offered against the mid-market exchange rate which you can find easily on Google. If there’s a difference, it might mean there’s a fee added to the rate you’re offered - which can make it more expensive to spend overseas.

TNG Visa Card vs Wise card

The Touch ‘n Go Visa Card is a travel card which can be used to pay for things while you’re abroad. But how does it compare to other travel card options available in Malaysia?

Let’s look at a head to head comparison of the TNG Visa against the Wise card. With Wise you can hold a multi-currency balance for international spending with the mid-market exchange rate and low conversion fees. Here’s a summary:

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

How to apply for a TNG Visa Card

You’ll need to apply for the TNG ewallet Visa Card in the TNG app. The card is available to Malaysian residents and foreigners with a valid Malaysian mailing address for delivery of the card when it’s been dispatched.

Here’s an outline of how to apply for a TNG Visa card⁸:

1. Open the Touch ‘n Go app and tap on Visa Card
2. Tap Get Card Now and enter your details, following the onscreen prompts
3. Upload your ID documents if you’re asked to do so
4. Tap Pay Now, pay the delivery fee, and your card will be dispatched

How to top up your TNG Visa Card

You can top up your TNG ewallet to make sure you have funds available for spending with your TNG Visa Card. All you need to do is open the TNG app and navigate to the top up function. Follow the prompts to pay in your preferred way, and you’re ready to spend or withdraw with your card.

Summary

The Touch ‘n Go Visa Card uses a digital wallet to allow you to add money and spend and make withdrawals conveniently. The TNG Visa offers more features than the standard Touch ‘n Go card, and can be used anywhere the network is supported globally. However, it’s not necessarily the most flexible option for international spending.

Compare your options with TNG against the Wise card. You can open and manage your Wise card account in an app, just like you do with TNG. However, Wise stands out because you can hold a multi-currency balance, and spend any currency you hold for free wherever in the world you might be. Wise currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate with low conversion costs from 0.33% and no foreign transaction fee. You’ll also get some free ATM withdrawals monthly, which can make it easier to get cash while you’re overseas, making Wise a great bet for your next trip away.