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Can a tourist visa holder apply for a credit card in Thailand?
Thai credit cardtourist visacredit card applicationsecured credit cardThai bankingexpat bankingfinancial services in Thailandvisa requirements
TLDR : Answer Summary
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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Ko *******
You can apply for anything…😀
John **********
No. If you open a bank account you can get a debit card
Tore *********
@John *********
there are actually tourist prepaid debit visa cards available. But I wouldn’t botherReply to
Tore *********
Reply
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.
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 POSTERI’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.
Angelo ***********
@Kd ********
Depends on the bank. My credit card is a normal credit card.Kd *********
@Angelo **********
you mean a debit card?Angelo ***********
@Kd ********
No, I mean a credit card.Kd *********
@Angelo **********
if you work for a company, you can somehow get it. Individual applications is impossible unless you deposit a guarantee amount.Angelo ***********
@Kd ********
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.
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
Paul *******
@Grant *********
You're not getting an unsecured credit card in Thailand without a work permit. Period.Paul *******
@Grant *********
Unsecured without a work permit? Sure...as if they didn't shoo you away.Grant **********
@Paul ******
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 nameReply to
Grant **********
Reply
Gigi ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Grant *********
can you use the point to redeem Bangkok air flight ticket?Reply to
Gigi ****
Reply
Alex *******
Yes, go to an agency it’s easy then
Roberto *********
@Alex ******
CrapAlex *******
@Roberto ********
? WhyRoberto *********
@Alex ******
Because foreigners can't get a Thai credit card. Agents can open a bank account but you just get a debit cardAlex *******
@Roberto ********
that’s what I saidPascal ***********
@Roberto ********
you can get a credit card as a foreigner if you have a Thai bank account. They will just block the limit of your CC on your bank account.
Roberto *********
@Pascal **********
So it's not a credit card in that case. You're using your own money, so it's not credit is it?Pascal ***********
@Roberto ********
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.Jim ********
@Alex ******
An agent cannot get you a credit card. All they do is get a bank accountAlex *******
@Jim *******
with a Debit CreditcardJim ********
@Alex ******
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 cardAlex *******
@Jim *******
here for you. Paid online via stripe. 5 euro with my Debit creditcard ( master) I hope you trust me now - if not, come over and Try it
Jim ********
@Alex ******
If you get no credit it's not a credit card. It's a debit card ffs 🤣Alex *******
@Jim *******
where is your comment that I can’t get a debit card ?Jim ********
@Alex ******
I never said that. You open a bank account in Thailand, you get a debit card.Roberto *********
@Alex ******
It's not a debit credit card! It's EITHER a debit card OR a credit card! 😂😂😂Alex *******
@Roberto ********
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 usefulRoberto *********
@Alex ******
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 limitGigi ****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alex ******
can debit card earn points ??Alex *******
@Gigi ***
this one not, but with revolut you can earn pointsAlex *******
@Jim *******
🤣🤣 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.
Paul *******
@Jason *********
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.Pascal ***********
@Paul ******
I have a Thai bank account, debit card and credit card. Received all of them with Tourist Visa. But I have property in Thailand and they block the limit of the CC you want on your bank account.
So it’s possible, even on tourist visa, if you meet the criteria.
Paul *******
@Pascal **********
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.
Pascal ***********
@Paul ******
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.
Paul *******
@Pascal **********
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.
Paul *******
@Pascal **********
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.
Roberto ****
@Peter *******
how, where?Peter ********
@Roberto ***
My agent made an appointment with the bank and we went there together. Bangkok bankJim ********
@Peter *******
That's an ATM card not a credit card 🤣🤣🤣Peter ********
@Jim *******
Yes that’s why asked: I assume Thai atm card? Because why would you specifically want a Thai credit card.Luit *****************
@Peter *******
Because some shops in Thailand only accept Thai bank issued credit cards.Jim ********
@Peter *******
He's asking about credit card which can't be doneReply to
Jim ********
Reply
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