Whether you're looking to apply for your first credit card, pursue a higher point redemption rate, or find the most cost-effective cashback credit card in Malaysia, this article will round up the noteworthy Malaysian credit cards for 2025 — including options with low application thresholds (affordable minimum annual income requirements), rich reward mechanisms, and reasonable fees, helping you accurately match your spending needs.

Key Parameters Comparison of Popular Credit Cards in Malaysia 2025

Below is a comparison of popular credit cards issued by major Malaysian banks (such as Maybank and CIMB), with clear details from income thresholds and annual fees to reward mechanisms:

Basic Information of Popular Credit Cards (Income Thresholds and Fees)

Core Benefits of Popular Credit Cards (Rewards and Scenarios)

6 Key Factors for Choosing a Malaysian Credit Card

With numerous credit cards available (such as CIMB and Maybank), focus on the following aspects to find the best fit for you:

1. Income Threshold Compatibility

Monthly income requirements vary significantly across cards (2,000 MYR to 10,000 MYR). Choose based on your pre-tax income to avoid application rejection, which may affect your credit record. For example:

• Beginners/low income: Maybank Grab Card (2,000 MYR), CIMB eCredit Card (2,000 MYR);
• High income/premium needs: Alliance Bank Visa Infinite (10,000 MYR)

2. Annual Fees and Hidden Costs

Annual fees are a key cost factor: some cards waive the first-year fee, others waive the next year's fee with minimum transactions/amounts, and some offer lifetime fee waivers. Calculate long-term usage costs.

• Lifetime fee waiver: Maybank Grab Card, UOB Simple Card;
• Waiver via spending: RHB Shell Card (24 annual transactions for next year's waiver), Public Bank Platinum Card (12 annual transactions for next year's waiver).

3. Interest and Repayment Costs

Unpaid balances incur interest, and rates may differ for spending vs. cash advances (usually higher for advances). Prioritize cards with flexible minimum repayment options and aim to pay in full to avoid high interest.

4. Reward Mechanisms Aligned with Spending Habits

Unpaid balances incur interest, and rates may differ for spending vs. cash advances (usually higher for advances). Prioritize cards with flexible minimum repayment options and aim to pay in full to avoid high interest.

• Cashback: Ideal for frequent spending scenarios (e.g., RHB Shell Card's 12% fuel cashback, Standard Chartered Smart Card's 20% dining cashback);
• Points: Suitable for online shoppers (e.g., CIMB eCredit Card's e-commerce point redemption);
• Perks: Premium cards (e.g., Alliance Visa Infinite) with airport lounges and insurance, ideal for business travelers.

5. Insurance and Additional Benefits

Many cards offer complimentary insurance (e.g., Maybank Visa Classic's travel insurance with flight purchases). Note activation conditions (e.g., payment via the card) and choose cards with practical附加福利. Some cards offer useful insurance:

• Maybank Visa Classic Card: Complimentary travel insurance with flight purchases;
• Alliance Visa Infinite Card: Includes travel and online shopping insurance (activated via card payment).

6. Foreign Transaction Costs

Foreign transaction fees typically range from 1% to 2.25% (including bank and card network fees). For frequent cross-border spending, choose cards with lower fees (e.g., CIMB eCredit Card, Public Bank Visa Platinum).

• Low-fee options: CIMB eCredit Card (1% + network fees), Public Bank Platinum Card (1.25%);
• High-fee caution: Maybank Grab Card (2.25%, suitable for mainly domestic use).

Detailed Features of Popular Malaysian Credit Cards 2025

1. CIMB eCredit Card — Ideal for E-commerce Enthusiasts

• Threshold: Monthly income ≥2,000 MYR, easy to apply;
• Core benefits: 5x points on online spending, up to 12x points on "eDay" (28th of each month); 400 points redeemable for 1 MYR, with points directly抵扣 Shopee, Lazada orders;
• Fees: 100 MYR annual fee (first-year waived), perfect for users with regular monthly online shopping needs.

2. Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card — Cashback King for Dining & Entertainment

• Threshold: Monthly income ≥3,000 MYR;
• Core benefits: Up to 6% cashback on digital lifestyle spending (e.g., streaming, ride-hailing), up to 20% cashback at partner restaurants; cashback automatically credited without redemption;
• Additional perks: Includes movie ticket discounts, ideal for young people who enjoy dining out and watching films.

3. RHB Shell Visa Credit Card — High Cashback for Car Owners

• Threshold: Monthly income ≥2,000 MYR, beginner-friendly;
• Core benefits: 12% cashback on Shell fuel (max 50 MYR/month), up to 5% cashback on other spending;
• Fees: 195 MYR annual fee (first-year waived; next year's fee waived with 24 annual transactions). Frequent fuel users can save hundreds of MYR annually.

4. Maybank Grab Credit Card — Zero-Fee Commuting Essential

• Threshold: Annual income ≥24,000 MYR (2,000 MYR monthly average), extremely low barrier;
• Core benefits: Lifetime annual fee waived; 5x points on Grab rides/food delivery; points upgrade Grab membership level;
• Suitable for: Users who commute or order food via Grab daily, enjoying extra benefits at zero cost.

5. Alliance Bank Visa Infinite — Comprehensive Premium Benefits

• Threshold: Monthly income ≥10,000 MYR, targeting high-income groups;
• Core benefits: No annual fee; includes buy-one-get-one-free dining, airport lounges, travel insurance, and other premium perks; Shariah-compliant version available;
• Suitable for: Users with frequent business travel and a preference for high-quality additional services.

6. Public Bank Visa Platinum Credit Card-i — Shariah-Compliant Choice

• Threshold: Monthly income ≥3,333.33 MYR;
• Core benefits: Shariah-compliant; 4% cashback on online and international transactions; portion of dining spending automatically donated to charity;
• Features: Balances religious needs with spending benefits, ideal for socially conscious users.

Conclusion: How to Choose the Best Credit Card for You?

• Beginners/low-threshold needs: Prioritize Maybank Grab Credit Card (lifetime fee waiver), CIMB eCredit Card (rich e-commerce points);
• Frequent fuel users/car owners: Opt for RHB Shell Visa Credit Card (12% fuel cashback);
• Dining and entertainment enthusiasts: Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card (20% restaurant cashback) offers the best value;
• Premium benefit seekers: Alliance Bank Visa Infinite (no fee + VIP services) suits high-income individuals.

Choose based on your spending scenarios (e.g., online shopping, fuel, dining), income level, and ability to bear annual fees. This way, your credit card will truly be a "money-saving tool" rather than a burden.