Answered6 years ago
Can I apply for a credit card in Thailand without a work permit if I have an Elite visa?
Is there a way I can apply for a credit card in Thailand? I have a Thai Citibank account and a Krungsri account. The problem is my Thai Citibank debit card doesn't work with Lazada or Grab so I always have to use an American credit card which has foreign transaction fees. I called Citibank Thailand and asked if I can apply for a credit card and they said no because I don't have a work permit, but what about with other Thai banks? Is this a federal law or what? I have an elite visa if that makes any difference. Thanks!
Answer summary
The user is seeking guidance on applying for a credit card in Thailand despite being told by Citibank that a work permit is necessary. They express issues using their existing Citibank debit card for services like Lazada and Grab, leading to high fees with their American credit card. Commenters share their experiences, suggesting that some Thai banks like KBank and Krungsri may approve credit cards without a work permit and discuss alternatives like debit cards and secured credit cards.
71 repliesnewest first
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Ben ********
Get a Us capital one card. They are fee free worldwide
Brian **********
Kasikorn Bank is the best one for using the debit card online. Many of the debit cards you must personally activate it for online use first. It can be done at an atm.
Dan ********
Krungsri debit czed pworks with lazada, but it not work in 7-11
Phil ******
If you have Elite ask them to assist
Anton **************
You don’t need a credit card to pay online. At least BKK bank has some debit ones that works for that according to their website
Steve **********
Steve **********
Go to BBK ask for MC, they will try to push Union Pay, but if politely insistant eill give you Master Card. For some reason Visa not avail. You have yo keep account balance at credit level, but mai pen rai
James **********
I only use Lazada when I can pay upon delivery. Refused a few things that weren’t even close to what I ordered
Anton **************
@James *********
how? Shouldn’t you pay before opening the package? I use COD too but seems it won’t protect you if the item will be different from what was ordered James **********
@Anton *************
I open the pkg and check it. Not right I send the kid packing after a tip
Lee **********
Don't need a card too get into debt there
Michael *******
Try this
*********************
Janne **********
Have Same problem with Citi, since Citi is going to exit Thailand, I’m migrating to Kasikorn, seems to be the easiest and most modern bank to work with.
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*****
/citibank-announces-sale-of-thailand-operations-and-other-regional-assets/
Jake *******
OP@Janne *********
So what does that mean exactly? They will close my Thai Citibank savings account on a certain date, or transfer it to the new owner's company? Or will it continue to be managed by Citi because I am an existing customer? I'm confused...Janne **********
@Jake ******
I’m not sure, I’m with Citi too, I think they will sell the retail to another bank and we will be transferred. I think I will jump out before, it probably will take some time but it seems like a mess, they are not telling customers anything concrete. Jake *******
OP@Janne *********
Man, I'm planning to jump ship next month. I'm having tons of problems with my Citi cards right now and the customer service is and always has been abysmal...
Frank *******
Sorry if it's already been suggested because I didn't read all of the comments. But just apply on-line for an American credit card with no international fees. There are several of them, even the card you have the bank probably offers a fee free card which you can trade.
Canice ******
COD.. cash is king 😁
Wayne *******
I pay cash for grab. COD
Greg *********
Is Grab just for food delivery?
Rogerio ******
@Gregory ********
Grab has food delivery, Uber like car/taxi service, groceries, etc.Greg *********
@Rogerio *****
Thx :)
G*
Krungsri works fine for me! Lazada doesn't need the card though, just use paybill tab inside the mobile banking app
Paul ********
Get a Fidelity account, no transaction fees! Sign up online, hassle free!
Daniel **********
I have an Air Asia credit card through BBL. But I got it 14 years ago when things were much easier. Now, it would be very difficult without a work permit.
Bob **********
Cash on delivery
Darren *********
John ********
Pay cash for lazada or grab
Darren *********
Jeff **********
Why not just upgrade to a credit card from USA with no foreign transaction fees? Then you get the points and other benefits. And the benefits are probably better than a tie card.
Rogerio ******
@Jeff *********
capitalone doesn't.Jeff **********
@Rogerio *****
@Rogerio *****
well to hell with them thenJake *******
OP@Jeff *********
Which ones don't have foreign transaction fees?Jeff **********
@Jake ******
Chase Amazon Visa is oneJeff **********
@Jake ******
@Jake ******
that's a question Google can answer better than I can. Some cards from Chase Bank don't have a foreign transaction fee. I'm sure there are many others. One good place to check is ****************
Ken ********
Sent you a Personal message
Yaniv *******
You can open a credit card at any bank as long as you deposit the credit limit you want so close in a savings account 50k get credit card with 50k credit
Chris **********
@Yaniv ******
have you done this ? Which bank ? Yaniv *******
@Chris *********
krungsri bank Rob ******
Any of the japanese cards should be able to get a credit card .
Brooke ******
Use. COD... Safest
Niclas ***********
TransferWise and Wise issued a card I use that abroad. Marginal loss on exchange rate. Have to go really high amounts to be painful.
Andy *********
I usually pay by bank transfer for lazada items - the option is there for each purchase along with debit / credit card - I only use it if cod not available on
Paulie ********
Just set it up for online shopping go into bank 5 minit job then can use, it worldwide
Garrett ***********
Jake have you tried talking to the bank? Some debit cards you need to turn on online purchases for whatever reason.
Terary **********
I have never used my KTB debit card for online purchases. I tried once before and wouldn't work, something to do with going down and talking to the bank. There seems to be different levels of 'open'. I am able to pull funds from the ATM internationally with my KTB debit card, I remember telling them I needed to use it internationally, but I guess online is a different thing.
My US credit cards mostly work locally. Often times the original charge will decline, I will get a text to my US number asking me to verify then the vendor has to try the transaction again.
Sometimes it just does work. The mastercard will but the AMEX wont and visa versa.
My US credit cards mostly work locally. Often times the original charge will decline, I will get a text to my US number asking me to verify then the vendor has to try the transaction again.
Sometimes it just does work. The mastercard will but the AMEX wont and visa versa.
Jake *******
OP@Garrett **********
I called Citibank and they said it's a problem with Lazada and Grab. They made it sound like they don't accept Thai debit cards. I'm going to try my Krungsri debit card later today.
Rick *****************
@Garrett **********
Yes. The KBank debit card, at least, won’t work for purchases until go to the bank with passport and bankbook and request the card be “opened for shopping.”
Ray *****
My Krungsri debit card 2orks fine with grab and lazada, though on lazada i mainly use cod
Joe ***********
I have had instances where my Bangkok Bank Debit Card would not work for online purchases. I had to consult with B.B. customer service. Then the B.B. Debit Card began working with Lazada and others. I suspect Grab is seen as an online purchase.
Joe ***********
I have heard of Credit Cards being issued if there is a pledge of some sort of collateral similar to a Certificate of Deposit (CD)
Garrett ***********
@Joe **
That's a secured credit card. Joe ***********
@Garrett **********
Yes thanks for the added definition - I just didn't remember to use the word 'Secured'. It would be a pain to have to use collateral/security to have this credit card - but he would have one that works.Rob ******
@Garrett **********
Its still a credit card . Rob ******
@Garrett **********
Yes . Lucky we have you to repeat important things . What depth of knowledge . Garrett ***********
@R**
You see how my comment is under his, I tagged him and started my sentence off with his first name? Is this your first day on Facebook? Rob ******
@Garrett **********
Okay , when is a secured credit card not a credit card , please . Not understanding why it doesn't fit the posters request or are you just impressing it .Garrett ***********
@R**
And?
Xander **********
No way without WP, even with WP "noo galantee mistee" )))
Garrett ***********
@Xan***
That's not entirely correct. You can still get a credit card without a WP. 
Jennifer ******
Odd that your debit card doesn't work with them. I have a SCB debit card and it works perfectly. Has the bank let you know what the problem with the card would be? Hope you can get it sorted.
Jake *******
OP@Jennifer *****
I called Citibank and they said it's a problem with Grab and Lazada. I'll try using my Krungsri debit card later today.Jennifer ******
How odd. Do they have an app? I can also use bank transfer that works just as well. Hope you can avoid dam bank fees.
Mark ******
Does it have to be a credit card? You should be able to get a debit card on a Thai bank account.
Jake *******
OP@Mark *****
I have debit cards with each bank but the Citibank debit card doesn't work with either Lazada or Grab. I called Citibank and they said it's a problem with Grab and Lazada. I'm assuming the Krungsri debit card doesn't work either. Or maybe I should try it?
Shea *******
@Jake ******
I just assume it wouldn't work? Kbank is thai citi bank isn't, even if it is citibank in Thailand. Bangkok bank, Kbank, are all east to link to grab and get autopay, as for lazda I always just end up doing bank transfer, there are instructions after you buy something.
Antonio ***********
@Jake ******
put the right mame, same as card privileged member or read on it debit card works and credit are useless, or pay with bank transfer😂💳
Andy ********
@Jake ******
I have a TMB debit card that is backed by Visa. Have been able to use it everywhere I have wanted. It definitely works with Lazada and Grab. Rick *****************
KBank issued me a platinum card on a non-imm O. Came with access to the Thai Airways Royal Orchid Club and a very hiso gym in Bangkok. Terrible APR, but I just pay the balance in full every month.
Do NOT let them sell you the life insurance/savings plan package—it is a complete scam.
Do NOT let them sell you the life insurance/savings plan package—it is a complete scam.
Chris **********
Don’t you have access to elite support ?
Jake *******
OP@Chris *********
I asked them as well. I haven't received a response yet.Activity
42 joined42
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