Swipe and Earn Perks: 6 Credit Cards in Bangkok with Travel Deals
According to statistics published by Statista.com, Thailand saw a surge in credit card payment transactions in 2022. The number rose from approximately 686 million transactions in 2021 to 850.4 million transactions in 2022. Owning a credit card not only offers convenience and serves as a backup fund, but it also helps individuals build their credit history.
Are you contemplating whether to apply for a credit card or not? These cards come in handy during shopping trips if you prefer to not carry large amounts of cash, while also providing reward programs such as discounts and cashback. Aside from being convenient for online purchases, some credit cards also have travel benefits for frequent flyers. From providing travel insurance to giving airport lounge access, there are enticing perks awaiting cardholders.
If you’re considering applying for a credit card soon, we’ve curated a list of cards that offer unbeatable rewards, including travel deals that enhance your flying experience. Check them out below:
Bangkok Bank Visa Platinum Travel Credit Card
One of the oldest and biggest banks in Thailand, Bangkok Bank offers a range of cards that suit different lifestyles. Jetsetters will lean toward the Bangkok Bank Visa Platinum Travel Credit Card that lets you enjoy traveling with four key benefits: special deals on tour packages and access to activities organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, mileage redemption, personal assistant services, and travel insurance.
For mileage redemption, spending at least 25THB earns you points that can be redeemed for flights with Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, or AirAsia. Going on a trip soon? You’ll also receive advice on arranging international visas. As for travel insurance, get up to US$200,000 protection for you, your spouse, and children under 23 years old. If you’re traveling together domestically or overseas, you can use your credit card when paying for public transport tickets or tour packages.
You can apply for the Bangkok Visa Platinum Travel Credit Card today and conveniently track your application online.
Krungsri Exclusive Signature Credit Card
Officially known as Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited, Krungsri Bank is recognized as the fifth-largest bank in Thailand. The Krungsri Exclusive Signature Credit Card offers enticing deals, including travel privileges for primary credit cardholders who have accumulated spending within a specified period.
For 2024, they are offering a BKK-America round-trip direct airfare ticket, private limousine, and airport services when the target spending is reached by December 31. This privilege can be claimed within the year until January 31, 2025. Got a long flight? Those who can maintain a certain total investment balance will also be granted access to the Thai Airways International Royal Silk Lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport or Royal Silk at domestic airports twice a year; as well as to worldwide airport lounges via DragonPass Card up to four times a year.
You can review the terms and conditions of this travel privilege online as well as how you can upgrade your ticket when flying.
Kasikornbank (KBank) Debit Card
KBank invites you to make the most of the ultimate lifestyle experience with the KBank Debit Card, a card that lets you dine, travel, and shop with unmatched benefits and privileges. While not a credit card, you can still get discounts from participating merchants of VISA. Traveling overseas? You can avail of travel insurance coverage of up to THB100,000 when you use your KBank Debit Card when purchasing your air ticket.
Travel insurance covers accidents, loss or damage of baggage, baggage delay, trip delay, and trip postponement or cancellation.
You can view the application details and process online and be on your way to becoming a KBank Debit Cardholder.
KTC Visa Signature Credit Card
Krungthai Card Public Company Limited or KTC wants you to make the most out of life with the KTC Visa Signature Credit Card, a card with no annual fee and a bevy of privileges for cardholders. Aside from letting cardholders earn twice the KTC FOREVER points when spending in foreign currency, primary cardholders are also granted access to Suvarnabhumi Airport’s MIRACLE LOUNGE twice a year. To avail of this perk, you need to have a normal account status and should have made at least one transaction after activating your card.
To access the MIRACLE LOUNGE, present your KTC Visa Signature Credit Card with a Thai Airways boarding pass for international flights.
You can easily apply for your KTC Visa Signature Credit Card online.
UOB Zenith Credit Card
A subsidiary of the United Overseas Bank Limited, UOB Thailand wants you to “discover the pinnacle of privilege” with the UOB Zenith Credit Card, a card that lets you earn rewards for spending in Thai Baht or foreign currency.
Aside from earning twice or thrice the reward points, frequent travelers can avail of complimentary airport limousine transfers at participating airports in Bangkok and within the Asia Pacific region twice a year. Through a Priority Pass card, you can also get unlimited complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges in Thailand and around the world. Staying in a hotel? Get a complimentary fourth night at participating hotels when booking through UOB Zenith’s Personal Assistant and paying with your Zenith Credit Card.
You can apply for UOB’s Zenith Credit Card online.
ICBC Horoscope UnionPay Credit Card (Platinum)
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) Thai Bank offers a variety of credit cards tailored to different needs, but for frequent flyers, the Horoscope UnionPay Credit Card (Platinum) stands out as the best choice.
Some key benefits of owning this card include enjoying a “no foreign exchange risk” perk, meaning all transactions conducted in Thailand and abroad are settled in Thai Baht. When dining out during your travels, you can receive a four percent cash rebate when spending THB1,000 or more at restaurants worldwide. Going on a long flight? The Horoscope UnionPay Credit Card (Platinum) allows you to purchase DragonPass Lounge VIP access at a discounted rate, providing access six times a year.
Each credit card privilege comes with terms and conditions. You can apply for an ICBC credit by visiting any of their branches nationwide. You can review the required documents for each application online.
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