The consensus among community members is that while it is technically possible for individuals on a tourist visa to apply for certain types of credit cards in Thailand, there are significant limitations and challenges involved. Most respondents agree that a secured credit card may be obtainable if the applicant provides a deposit as collateral, but approval often necessitates a work permit or a long-term visa such as a retirement or marriage visa. Experiences and opinions vary, with some asserting they have obtained unsecured credit cards without a work permit, while others claim that banks typically refuse applications from tourists. Overall, while possibilities exist, they are generally limited by the applicant's visa status and banking policies.
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there are actually tourist prepaid debit visa cards available. But I wouldn’t bother
Reply to
Tore *********
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Michael ********
Tourist can but it's not a real credit card.
Secured credit card via collateral through a fixed deposit account.
If you want 30k THB limit, you need to first give them 30k THB as collateral which is locked.
*I spoke with Bankonk Bank head office, they allow it with either property or funds locked as collateral. It's not worth it on the fixed account, the debit card provides the same security protection.
Gigi ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m asking this because I want to collect points to redeem flight ticket for Bangkok airways
Kd *********
If you have year long visa for retirement, marriage and work, you can apply but they ask you to deposit money and they lock that amount and keep it as a gurantee and money you deposit is your credit card limit.
It used to be like this, years ago. But times have changed. I have an ordinary Visa Credit Card issued by Bangkok bank. But well, for Thai circumstances I had a big amount of money stocked there when I got it. But: no extra account to "back up" my card.
Reply to
Angelo ***********
Reply
Alex ******
Yes! You need to deposit for the amount you want to credit. I hope you know what i mean.
Werner ************
Yes walk from bank to bank to ask nicely
Jim ********
No way in the world
Pual *****
When I'm staying in Thailand, I only use UOB. I've a UOB account from my hometown.
UOB can be used internationally. There are UOB branches in Thailand also. Good enough.
Grant **********
I got a unsecured American Express card in thailand, no work permit, at the time i only had a non o multi entry visa based on marriage,
Grant **********
I have on already, had it for over 7 years now and if you don't believe than it not my problem, i have a credit card with Amex thailand unsecured with a 400k limit
i am very sure, the card is linked with my thai airway royal orchid program for points, i have had thw card for 8 years already and no money deposited, it is a true credit card. I have never had a work permit, just visa based on marriage and no itnis not a card linked to my wifes card, it is in my name
it is a credit card, and yes the limit is covered by my money on a Thai bank account. It’s convenient and it gives me extra benefits (Platinum card) without an extra fee.
No such thing! You can't get a Debit Credit Card - it's one or the other. Almost impossible for any foreigner to get a credit card in Thailand. You get an ATM debit card
yes but you can use it like a creditcard at any place where they accept creditcards you can use the debit card. ( except some car rentals ) Your number on the card is with the same encryption like a creditcard. So what’s the problem ? Some people say creditcard to this card. Ok, you get no credit that’s it but it’s useful
It's not a problem. What I'm saying is you cannot get a credit card in Thailand without a lot of difficulty and with having to put a locked amount of money in a bank account to cover the credit limit
🤣🤣 ok you are right. I don’t use it every day at the 711 or online …. But you are right !
Reply to
Alex *******
Reply
Liza ******
Even if you want to save life of a local you need to hold work permit, ridiculous.
Stephen ********
Don’t get one. Or a bank. Will create problema for you with tax on the DTV. Unless you only bring in 150,000 and the credit card would make things more complicated I would assume.
Paul *******
Unfortunately, no. You need to hold a Thai work permit.
Jason **********
You need a work permit to apply even for a secured credit card.
Yes, that's what I thought. Someone claimed he could apply for a secured credit card without a work permit (he's on a retirement visa) but I doubted his story.
However, what's the point of a secured credit card? Just use a debit card and have access to all your money.
I already hold two unsecured credit cards in my home country with a very large limit (especially on the 1st one).
I have 2 Thai debit cards (with 2 different banks). I also hold various investment and savings products with different banks in different countries.
If I could qualify for a Thai credit card, I'd of course only apply for an unsecured one. Seems pointless to apply for a secured credit card to me, when the point of a credit card is the fact you are loaning money from the bank.
yes it’s a secured CC. No need for me to have another one in Thailand. It’s more convenient to buy/book online and I can save air miles without an extra expense.
My Thai Platinum CC is free as long as I’m using it yearly.
We can have different opinions if it’s pointless or not, just wanted to mention that it is possible to have one in Thailand, even on a TV, but off course there are requirements.
I get Thai frequent flyer miles by flying with Star Alliance carriers and can also get lounge access when flying with THAI even on an economy ticket just with miles. Priority pass is another option and I have my credit card rewards back home.
To each their own, but a secured credit card seems more than pointless to me, as there are no advantages.
For those without a credit card, a debit card allows you to make online purchases too. The only time you need an actual credit card is when renting a car.
Of course I like my credit cards (which are actual, unsecured cards) for the many advantages they bring but I wouldn't be saying this if they were secured.
I'm afraid many banks will simply shoo you away if you attempt to apply for a credit card without a work permit. Yes, even if it's a secured credit card. I'm certain yours isn't an unsecured one as that's a no no without a work permit.
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Milo *********
You can apply for one, sure. You probably won't be approved though.
Ciaran *********
No, you can’t apply for a credit card on a tourist Visa.
Peter ********
Thai atm card I assume? Yes I got one with my tourist visa.