This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Why can't foreigners use TrueMoney with non-Thai bank cards in Thailand?
TrueMoneyPayment MethodsExpats in ThailandThai Visa RegulationsForeigners Banking in ThailandE-WalletsVisa Issues
Feb 12, 2026
3 months ago
Claire ********
ORIGINAL POSTERTrueMoney
Finally approved info to upgrade account.
Add bank cards....accepts Thai cards only.
What's the point then! Isn't this meant to be for an easy way for foreigners to use scan? If I had a Thai bank card, I'd have a Thai bank account.
Anyone with non-thai cards actually able to use it.
Finally approved info to upgrade account.
Add bank cards....accepts Thai cards only.
What's the point then! Isn't this meant to be for an easy way for foreigners to use scan? If I had a Thai bank card, I'd have a Thai bank account.
Anyone with non-thai cards actually able to use it.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the challenges foreigners face using TrueMoney, primarily due to the restriction of accepting only Thai bank cards for account funding. Many users express frustration about this limitation, questioning the convenience of the service intended for cash-free transactions. Various alternatives, such as TagThai, Moreta, and suggestions for using cash at kiosks or for QR code payments, are mentioned. Some participants note that TrueMoney may serve better for smaller payments rather than as a complete banking solution for expats.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Fish **********
I have tried all possible known option , Tagthai , Moreta, TrueMoney. There is no way out for foreigners actually as not allowed to get a Thai bank account on tourist visa. No equivalent e-wallets such as Touch N Go for some SEA countries.
Don’t bother with TT or Moreta , it’s does not work with personal QR code and exchange rate is …… . TrueMoney also does not allow QR code scanning but I see the advantage of doing a larger top up of maybe 1500B then slowly draw down whenever you pay in
Don’t bother with TT or Moreta , it’s does not work with personal QR code and exchange rate is …… . TrueMoney also does not allow QR code scanning but I see the advantage of doing a larger top up of maybe 1500B then slowly draw down whenever you pay in
****
. You don’t need to get coins changes if you do this. TM can be used in other selected shops I recall. The only way to scan and pay a Thai QR code is a Thai bank accountResilient*********
One thing TrueMoney is great for: I have it linked to my DTAC prepaid (pretty sure this would work with True SIM as well obviously) and every time I buy a large data package from DTAC I get a cashback bonus in my TrueMoney account.
When I use that within 5 days I get more data and those 4-5 days package validity.
For example: when I buy a 100 GB / 30 day package I can get an extra 50 GB package + 5 days validity (when using cashback bonus just before 5 days are up).
So altogether I'm getting 150 GB / 35 days for the same price 😉
Other than that I don't use TrueMoney much, sometimes for 7-eleven delivery.
When I use that within 5 days I get more data and those 4-5 days package validity.
For example: when I buy a 100 GB / 30 day package I can get an extra 50 GB package + 5 days validity (when using cashback bonus just before 5 days are up).
So altogether I'm getting 150 GB / 35 days for the same price 😉
Other than that I don't use TrueMoney much, sometimes for 7-eleven delivery.
Adrian **********
I can top up my TrueMoney account using my foreign Visa credit card.
However, linking a credit card or bank account appears to be available only to Thai nationals.
However, linking a credit card or bank account appears to be available only to Thai nationals.
Luit *****************
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Nongluk *************
Just get a Thai Drivers License girl
Luit *****************
You even cannot send money from your TrueH mobil phone account to TrueMoney, the other way around is working.
I don't understand this kind of implementation of a paying system.
Also I did not find anywhere in the world that a Visa or Mastercard logo does not mean all Visa and Mastercards are accepted.
In that aspect Thailand is a weird country...
Just a good reason to pay with cash, other payment options just not guaranteed to work.
I don't understand this kind of implementation of a paying system.
Also I did not find anywhere in the world that a Visa or Mastercard logo does not mean all Visa and Mastercards are accepted.
In that aspect Thailand is a weird country...
Just a good reason to pay with cash, other payment options just not guaranteed to work.
Anonymous ******************
Thailand never hep Themselves withTourism They can never grasp modern people won't ease and stability in everything
Andrew ********
Load cash at 711
Stella ******
Yeah, it’s quite annoying!!! I’ve submitted my documents twice and it’s still not approved 😅
SoftLy******
It’s worthless i rarely use it, I try to pay with my Mastercard as possible as I can when I’m buying things , Tops daily and Food Mart for example , 7-11 ab 200 Baht.
Michael **********
come to thailand with cash, when needed I just go to superrich, exchange a thousand $, go to the kiosk and add it to my true money account. Why I just don't keep the cash? I can pay for every platform online (grab, shopee, lazada), I can transfer cash to any bank account, I can get cash transferred to my true money wallet, I can get a virtual debit card for online payment, I can top up just little cash so I won't be afraid of being scammed my whole bank account, I can top up my mrt card online, I can easily pay pretty much at every big store. That's why it's very popular among thais as well.
Anonymous ******************
Yep, can't top-up with foreign debit/credit cards and can't top-up with the orange Boonterm machines you see in front of
****
either. Kind of defeats the purpose of it being more convenient than cash.Michael **********
Anonymous participant 432 Well, you can bring cash from your country, get a better rate here while exchange it for baht and top up your true money wallet. Been using it for almost a year and I do 95% of all payments with it. The only thing I pay cash are the <50baht stuff at the local market.
Luit *****************
@Michael *********
I did not see better rates to exchange cash than the rates of Wise and Revolut.Michael **********
@Luit ****************
correct, but a lot of places add ***
% when you pay with those cards which don't make them convenient either. If u got no Thai bank, I don't see those many options for doing everything I mentioned above, besides of true moneyLuit *****************
@Michael *********
The different treating of crds of the same brand is something that wonders me very much, I don't understand why the card companies allow this.I know years ago IKEA in Netherlands did not accept creditcard payment, then they issued a Visa card themselves and wanted to accept only that card.
This lasted a few weeks and then Visa demanded IKEA to accept ALL Visa cards.
For online transactions a lot of time creditcards just work OK, but sometimes you indeed need QR payment.
All physical transactions cash just is the most accepted payment method.
Michael **********
@Luit ****************
got cash and true money, honestly it has been enough to do 99.9% of things here in Thailand. I have 2 debits cards in case of emergency,.never used. Never had a credit cardReply to
Michael **********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
@Michael *********
yes, but you're not allowed the convenience of topping up your wallet with a foreign bank card or with the Boonterm machinesMichael **********
Anonymous participant 432 true, but since u can bring up to 10k $ cash into the country, I don't think that's a HUGE issue.
Reply to
Michael **********
Reply
Steffen ********
I totally understand what you mean! After three attempts, I finally got into advanced mode, but I was very disappointed that I couldn't top up with my credit card.
True Money doesn't solve the problem of having to withdraw cash from ATMs. Unfortunately. BUT: it's very convenient to be able to pay with QR almost everywhere and not always have to carry cash. So it's a win in some ways, even if not quite as hoped.
True Money doesn't solve the problem of having to withdraw cash from ATMs. Unfortunately. BUT: it's very convenient to be able to pay with QR almost everywhere and not always have to carry cash. So it's a win in some ways, even if not quite as hoped.
Tomasz ********
Top it up in true kiosks. This is the only sensible way. But generally works fine and is a fair replacement for bank account for everyday payments
Claire ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tomasz *******
I don't think we have a True Kiosk here. I'll check. But I'd still need to take out cashDavid ***********
@Claire *******
every ****
will top up cashReply to
David ***********
Reply
Petrov ********
With True Money can pay in seven eleven. I have bank account but still use TrueMoney. Can top up in TrueMoney cash machine up to 50 000 bat per mount. Can receive money only on QR code. I do not know working or not to send money by card number by paysend.com.
Anonymous ******************
Wise or Revolut
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 905 Be careful. Both of these are risky in the long term, especially if they discover that you’re a resident in Thailand. I had both frozen for this very reason. And you can’t open accounts while resident in Thailand.
Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer 810 With DTV you are not a Thai resident, so showing your visa should be enough for Revolut/Wise😉
Jonas *************
Anonymous participant 810 banking and payments have become a joke.
They are chasing our small payment for buying a t-shirts and paying for food saying that it's all money laundering... Lol
And we know where the money launderer are; they are the Big corporations!
They are chasing our small payment for buying a t-shirts and paying for food saying that it's all money laundering... Lol
And we know where the money launderer are; they are the Big corporations!
Anonymous ******************
@Jonas ************
Yeah, that’s frustrating. They want you to move away from cash but do everything to freeze and block your accounts.Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer 810 I am not so sure somebody is wanting us to move away from cash.
As long asshops don't accept international credit cards without any extra fee, they show they like cash more.
I never had any problems with Wise or Revolut blocking accounts, I wonder what will trigger them to block.
As long asshops don't accept international credit cards without any extra fee, they show they like cash more.
I never had any problems with Wise or Revolut blocking accounts, I wonder what will trigger them to block.
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Claire ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 905 I have a Revolt account, it didn't work
Reply to
Claire ********
Reply
Elky *****************
Lmao yeah I was so pissed off after waiting 😂😂😂
Claire ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Elky ****************
me too, raging 🤣Reply to
Claire ********
Reply
Lee ********
Moreta pay too but hardly worth it now with huge fees. Works out about the same cost as using cash
Claire ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lee *******
they are meant to be changing that howeverClaire ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lee *******
doesn't work with personal bank accounts which most businesses use where I am.Dany ********
@Claire *******
apparently moreta already has the personal qr code payments nowReply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Dany ********
you need to top up with cash.
Claire ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dany *******
where I'll get charges taking out if atm. May as well still use cashJolyn ******
@Claire *******
exactly! I spent weeks to get the TrueMoney approved and realize I can’t add foreign credit card. Now I just top up some money inside, in case some vendors don’t accept cash/credit.Dany ********
@Claire *******
yes. TrueMoney is just a gimmick for people that sometimes want to pay by QR… you can just use cash or alternatively there is Moreta Pay which is easier but comes with fees.i personally pay bigger sums like rent directly via swift transfer over Revolut. rates are okay and 0,45€ per transaction. Wise is also an option but a little more expensive. this way i dont need as much cash and the 30k that i take in one go from the atm go a long way.
Reply to
Dany ********
Reply
Kevinko *******
You can get TagThai at K-bank. Bring your passport and the cash you wanna top up with.
Or deeppocket. Everything online. Link card to top up but 4.5% fee on top-up amount.
Both can be used to scan qr but can NOT be used at 7-eleven.
Or deeppocket. Everything online. Link card to top up but 4.5% fee on top-up amount.
Both can be used to scan qr but can NOT be used at 7-eleven.
Kurt *************
@Kevinko ******
but whats the point when you need to take out cash to top up? Still have to take the atm fee, pay fee to use tagthai. Why pay extra just to scan?Kevinko *******
@Kurt ************
i know but when I don't have cash on me and can only scan.. it s a lifesaverReply to
Kevinko *******
Reply
Jonas *************
@Kevinko ******
basically any 7-Eleven when you pay for more than 200 Thai baht you can use the credit card to pay with no fee added by 711.Kevinko *******
@Jonas ************
i know but sometimes I just need 1 thing. In any case, we can't scan then either :) cash is the only thing but with high ATM fees.Luit *****************
@Kevinko ******
When you just get the maximum amount tou can get from ATM the fee is not that bad, but not having the ability to scan sometimes indeed is annoying.I just made a hotel reservation online, and then they ask to pay with QR.
For me the problem is not a big problem since my GF is Thai and she can pay.
Kevinko *******
@Luit ****************
same. Thai gf is a help :)Jonas *************
@Kevinko ******
well any ATM allows you to withdraw at least 20,000 Thai baht. The fee is 220. That is just above 1%. Most likely your home bank has between 1 and 2% fees on foreign transactions..
So it's comparable.
I'm not saying it's good that they hold your money hostage....
In any case my bank reimburses all my ATM fees.
But I am impressed that on Bali no ATM seems to charge any fees anymore...
Also you may consider that Thailand it's about 3 to 5% less cost for the Steelers, for smaller businesses, if they don't take credit card because that is the Visa fee!
And you're paying that even with cash transaction you do in big businesses.
Kevinko *******
@Jonas ************
I was just helping people who wanna scan :) I m not complaining. I m ok with all. But taking out cash isn't my favourite as I tend to lose them on the street :))Reply to
Kevinko *******
Reply
Claire ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kevinko ******
we don't have K Bank where I am.Klaus *********
@Kevinko ******
High fee and bad exchange rate.Dany ********
@Kevinko ******
those are trash, more inconvenient and expensiveReply to
Dany ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Yes, it’s annoying. But TrueMoney hasn’t been designed for foreigners.
Claire ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 810 so why are people suggesting it then.
Robert *********
@Claire *******
it’s by far the best option if you want to scan qr codes for payments…Jon **********
@Claire *******
Because you can top up your true wallet with cash at 7-11 or True kiosks and then use it for scan. But it’s by no means as convenient as having a Thai bank account. Except for 7-11, you can’t scan with Thai bank there only true.Anonymous ******************
@Claire *******
You may need to ask these people. TrueMoney has existed for a very long time. The need for QR payments by foreigners is quite new since the DTV is new, and bank accounts were still relatively accessible until a few months ago. Things change quickly here.Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
37 comments
4 months ago
41 comments
4 months ago
32 comments
4 months ago
24 comments
4 months ago
111 comments
7 months ago
29 comments
7 months ago
48 comments
7 months ago
21 comments
7 months ago
10 comments
8 months ago
34 comments
8 months ago
25 comments
9 months ago
24 comments
9 months ago
14 comments
9 months ago
54 comments
9 months ago
63 comments
a year ago
2 comments
a year ago
9 comments
a year ago
49 comments
a year ago
52 comments
a year ago
32 comments
a year ago
69 comments
a year ago
13 comments
a year ago
22 comments
2 years ago
1 comments
2 years ago
18 comments
6 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.