{"id":12862,"date":"2014-12-18T14:15:27","date_gmt":"2014-12-18T06:15:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imoney.my\/articles\/?p=12862"},"modified":"2024-07-10T18:00:02","modified_gmt":"2024-07-10T10:00:02","slug":"the-best-credit-cards-in-malaysia-in-2014","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.imoney.my\/articles\/the-best-credit-cards-in-malaysia-in-2014","title":{"rendered":"The Best Credit Cards In Malaysia For 2014!"},"content":{"rendered":"
As we close another fantastic year and prepare to usher in 2015, it\u2019s time to evaluate which credit card did the best this year. Which are the best credit cards in Malaysia this year? This year\u2019s preeminent plastics have taken the credit card scene by the storm with fantastic offers — in terms of cash back, merchants, flexibilities and rewards!<\/p>\n There are hundreds of credit card in Malaysia clamouring for your attention — and if you don\u2019t do your due diligence, you may just end up with a bad piece of plastic that doesn\u2019t do you any good.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve done the home work for you and shortlisted the best credit card for these categories:<\/p>\n If you like a little help with your credit card bills with rebates from your card issuer, this is the card you should go for.<\/p>\n HSBC Amanah MPower Visa Credit Card-i<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Interest rate:<\/strong> 15%<\/p>\n Annual fee<\/strong>: RM90* Free with 12 swipes a year<\/p>\n Cash back:<\/strong> Why it\u2019s the winner:<\/strong> Drawback:<\/strong> Though it has a high cash back rate, it also comes with a low cash back limit of RM50. However, by making it easy to earn the maximum cash back every month means you don\u2019t have to worry about the government tax on your plastic.<\/p>\n Want to be rewarded for every spending, get the card that gives you more reward points for every RM1 spent.<\/p>\n Citibank Rewards Platinum Card<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Interest rate:<\/strong> 8.88%<\/p>\n Annual fee:<\/strong> RM100 per annum per Rewards Category<\/p>\n Rewards:<\/strong> Why it\u2019s the winner:<\/strong> Drawback:<\/strong> The best travel credit card is one that allows you to accumulate air miles even when you are not travelling. And we\u2019ve found just the right card for you.<\/p>\n Standard Chartered WorldMiles Card<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Interest rate:<\/strong> 15%<\/p>\n Annual fee:<\/strong> RM180 (Free for the first year)<\/p>\n Airmiles:<\/strong> Why it\u2019s the winner:<\/strong> Drawback:<\/strong> If a hefty credit card balance is weighing you down, consider a good 0% balance transfer deal that will give you some breathing space to get your finances back in order.<\/p>\n Maybank 2 Cards<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Interest rate:<\/strong> 8.88%<\/p>\n Annual fee:<\/strong> Free<\/p>\n Balance transfer:<\/strong> 0% for 12 months with one-time upfront fee of 3% of transferred amount, with minimum transfer of RM1,000.<\/p>\n Why it\u2019s the winner:<\/strong> Drawback:<\/strong> Find out how much you can save with\u00a0balance transfer<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n With the volatile petrol prices without subsidy, Malaysians really need to look for smart ways to cut down on their fuel expenses. This card will reward you for every litre of petrol you pump!<\/p>\n Hong Leong Wise Gold Card<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Interest rate:<\/strong> 15%<\/p>\n Annual fee:<\/strong> RM160<\/p>\n Cash back:<\/strong> Why it\u2019s the winner:<\/strong> Drawback:<\/strong> With all that has changed over the past year\u2014and several years\u2014it\u2019s probably worth re-evaluating your cards. From hundreds of cards to choose from, iMoney has made it much easier for you to make the wise decision when it comes to your plastic.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve read the fine print in every cardholder agreement, combed through credit card statements, surveyed as many credit card holders as we possibly can — just to better understand how they work and what type of spenders they benefit.<\/p>\n Remember, a credit card, if used wisely can open doors to thousands of rewards and savings. If you always pay off your balance in full, you can definitely go for a rewards cards with all the frills. However, if you don\u2019t, stick to a low-rate card for now, or you\u2019ll end up paying for someone else\u2019s rewards with your interest payments.<\/p>\n Choose the right card, and you may see yourself saving more in 2015!<\/p>\n * Article updated on July 31, 2015 to reflect the latest 5% Weekend Dining Cash Back<\/a> term, effective August 1, 2015.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/span>Best cash back credit card<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n
\n8% on weekends for local petrol, dining and groceries for monthly spending of RM2,001 and above
\n5% on weekends for local petrol, dining and groceries for monthly spending of RM2,000 and below<\/p>\n
\nIt offers one of the highest cash back rates, without having too spend too much on your credit card monthly. The various categories for high cash back makes this card suitable for almost every one — and that much easier to save!<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/span>Best reward credit card<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n
\n5x Citi Rewards points from selected Rewards categories
\nCategories that are not chosen will continue to enjoy 1X Citi Rewards points except for petrol transactions
\nThe categories are shopping, travel, driving, home, entertainment and others.<\/p>\n
\nThis is one of those cards that is evergreen. No matter what changes you see in your life, this card will see you through it. With six categories to choose from, this card is made for everyone.<\/p>\n
\nYou will need a minimum of two selected categories, which means you will have to pay at least RM200 on annual fee for the two categories. That can be quite steep if you don\u2019t maximise it just right.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/span>Best travel credit card<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n
\n1 WorldMiles Point for every RM3 spent locally
\n1 WorldMiles Point for every RM2 spent overseas<\/p>\n
\nThe wide variety of frequent flyer programmes you can convert your WorldMiles to make this our favourite travel card this year. You don\u2019t even have to spend a fortune to redeem a flight. With three years expiry on your points, you can take your own sweet time to accumulate your air miles and finally get the free vacation you deserve.<\/p>\n
\nIt offers a chance for non-frequent travellers to earn air miles on their usual spending, but the entry point is quite steep for most with minimum annual income at RM100,000. Matched with the high annual fee of RM180, this is definitely not an entry level card, but if you do qualify for it, it is sure to fulfill your travelling needs.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/span>Best balance transfer credit card<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nThe combo of a low balance-transfer fee with a long 0% interest window make this a great card for folks trying to pay off a debt. Plus, it also gives you the best of both worlds — with 5% on weekend dining with Maybankard 2 American Express and 5 TreatsPoints for every RM1 spent locally or abroad using the Maybankard 2 American Express and 1 TreatsPoints for every RM1 spent locally or abroad using the Maybankard 2 MasterCard. With a low interest rate, low rate for balance transfer, high reward points and cash back rate, what\u2019s not to like about the Maybank 2 Cards?<\/p>\n
\nWe are really nitpicking here. The best cash back rate and reward points are only available on the American Express, which have fewer participating merchants compared to MasterCard and Visa. With low cash back and reward points given, the MasterCard doesn\u2019t do much and can probably be stashed at the bottom of your purse.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/span>Best petrol credit card<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n
\n10% cash back every day for spending on two categories from the nine categories available plus the mobile category, which is a bonus category for every card holder.<\/p>\n
\nIf you choose the Petrol category as one of your selected categories, you can enjoy 10% cash back, regardless of the petrol brand or the day you fuel up. With a high cash back limit of RM100, you will be able to save up to RM1,200 a year! All you need to do is to make 10 transactions worth RM50 each a month. With other categories available, you don\u2019t even need to have another card to take care of your other expenses. This plastic is the only one you need!<\/p>\n
\nThe RM160 annual fee may stop you on your track to getting your petrol saving. But even with the RM160 a year, you are still saving up to RM1,040 a year! That\u2019s not such a bad deal. However, don\u2019t be too quick to change your spending category as you will be charged an additional RM10 for each change.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/span>The above credit cards don’t fit your bill? Take this quiz <\/a>to find the perfect credit card that will save you some bucks!\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n