The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards in Malaysia for Expats (2025)

Trying to get a credit card in Malaysia as an expat? It’s harder than it should be.

Some banks ask for local payslips, others don’t recognise MM2H visas, and if you’re self-employed or living off savings, good luck getting past the first form.

We reviewed dozens of cards, filtered by income requirement, bank flexibility, approval feedback, and real expat use cases.

This guide will help you:

• Find a credit card that fits your visa, income, or lifestyle, even if you’re self-employed or retired
• Skip banks that reject expats and focus only on those with high approval rates
• Compare cards by what really matters: cashback, travel perks, Shariah-compliant options, and real-life expat feedback

No recycled tips. Just real, verified credit card advice tailored for expats in Malaysia.. clear, practical, and genuinely helpful.

Best Credit Cards for Expats in Malaysia (From Global Banks)

These cards come from established international banks in Malaysia like HSBC, UOB, and OCBC, banks that are more familiar with expat documents, offshore income, and visa types.

Here’s what we found to be the Top 10 expat-friendly credit cards from international banks in 2025:

Best Credit Cards for Expats in Malaysia (From Local Banks)

These local cards aren’t marketed to expats, but some have managed to get approved, especially if they already bank locally and can show documents like a tenancy agreement or work letter. Approval isn’t guaranteed, but the rewards can be better than international cards.

Which Credit Card Is Right For You? (Based on Expat Profile)

Real Expat Voices: Quick Stories

“My email applications kept getting rejected by Maybank for months. When I finally applied in person, I was told expats need to earn RM10,000 a month, not RM60k per year like I thought. I looked into a secured card, but RM10k upfront just to get a credit card felt excessive. Eventually I tried Standard Chartered and got approved.” (Reddit user, r/MalaysianPF)

“I make RM72k a year and I’m a tax resident. I eventually got approved through Standard Chartered, the whole process was online. They only asked for passport, 3 months payslips, 6 months bank statements, and a letter from my employer. Took two weeks and no drama.” (Reddit user, r/MalaysianPF)

“HSBC is used by myself and all my expat colleagues. You technically need RM10k/month for Premier, but they seem to accept lower-income foreigners for standard accounts. I’m in Employment Pass Category II and was still able to get in. Standard Chartered also approved me and gave me a limit so high it felt like they were daring me to skip the country (I won’t, in case they’re reading this!).” (Reddit user, r/MalaysianPF)

“Most of my foreign friends here ended up applying with either UOB or CIMB. They had better luck than with Maybank or Public Bank, especially if you don’t already have a savings account there.” (Reddit user, r/MalaysianPF)

What You’ll Need to Apply (as an Expat)

• Valid Passport
• Work Visa, MM2H Letter, or Dependent Pass
• Proof of Malaysian Address (Utility Bill or Tenancy Agreement)
• Proof of Income (Payslip, Offer Letter, or Bank Statement)
• Fixed Deposit (FD) in Malaysia, boosts approval even for working expats

Some banks like HSBC and OCBC have onboarding processes designed for expats, they know what to look for.

Can’t Get Approved? Consider a Secured Credit Card

If you’ve been rejected multiple times, even with proper documents, don’t give up just yet. Many expats succeed by applying for a secured credit card.

Here’s how it works:

• You place a Fixed Deposit (FD) with the bank, usually RM10,000 or more
• The bank issues you a credit card with a matching limit
• After 12–24 months of good usage, some banks allow you to convert it into an unsecured card

Banks like RHB, CIMB, and HSBC offer secured card options for foreigners. It’s a smart way to build credit history and still enjoy card perks.

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Final Thoughts

Finding the right credit card in Malaysia as an expat doesn’t have to be a guessing game, and you shouldn’t settle for the first card a bank offers you.

Once you know which cards actually work with your visa, income type, and lifestyle, everything changes: you can earn cashback on groceries and fuel, enjoy travel perks without surprise fees, and finally stop feeling like the banking system wasn’t built for you.

This guide was made to simplify all of that, so you can pick with confidence, apply smart, and skip the trial-and-error.

More Guides for Expats in Malaysia:

Best Money Transfer Services for Expats in Malaysia (2025)
Compare Wise, BigPay & others, which gives you the best rates?

Malaysia Expat Survival Guide 2025 – Money, Tax, Banking & Living Costs
Everything you need to know before (and after) landing in Malaysia.

Ultimate Guide to Investing in Malaysia for Expats (2025)
From REITs to property to stocks, how expats can grow wealth in Malaysia.

How to Buy Property in Malaysia as an Expat – Full Guide (2025)
Understand the legal process, costs, and restrictions before you invest.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult a licensed financial advisor before making major money decisions.