Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards In Malaysia 2025
Think all credit cards come with hidden costs? Think again.
Yes, there are credit cards in Malaysia that come with no annual fees, and they offer great perks too.
Take the Public Bank Quantum Visa or the Alliance Bank Visa Virtual Credit Card, for example. These are among the best no-annual-fee credit cards in Malaysia, giving you value without the yearly charge.
What Is a No-Annual-Fee Credit Card?
A no-annual-fee credit card means you don’t have to pay a yearly maintenance fee to keep your card active. Most banks usually charge between RM50 and RM600 annually to cover benefits, but no-fee cards let you enjoy essential features at zero yearly cost.
Let's check out some of the best credit cards with no annual fee in Malaysia below, so you can compare which suits you better based on your personal preference.
Best Free-for-Life Credit Cards (Zero Fee, Zero Conditions)
These cards require absolutely no minimum spend or transaction count to avoid the annual fee forever. They are the easiest and lowest-maintenance cards to hold.
| Card Name | Top Feature |
 AmBank Cash Rebate Visa Platinum |
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 BSN Gold Visa Credit Card-i |
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 Maybank Islamic myimpact Ikhwan Mastercard Platinum Credit Card-i |
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| 8x Points on Online/E-Wallet (Safest for Digital) |
Best Low-Maintenance Credit Cards (Waivers Apply)
These cards have a fantastic reward structure but require you to meet an easy annual condition to waive the fee.
| Card Name | Fee Waiver Condition | Top Benefit/Rate |
 AEON BiG Visa Gold |
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 AFFIN Duo Mastercard Rewards |
| 3x Rewards Points on Dining, Groceries, Petrol |
 CIMB e Credit Card |
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 Public Islamic Bank Visa Platinum Credit Card-i |
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 RHB Shell Visa Credit Card |
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 UOB EVOL Card |
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 Alliance Bank Visa Signature |
| Up to 5% Cashback (Online, Groceries, Dining, etc.) |
 OCBC 365 Mastercard |
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 HSBC TravelOne Credit Card |
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 Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card |
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What’s the Difference Between Free-for-life And an Annual Fee Waiver?
While both options help you save, understanding the difference prevents unexpected charges:
| Feature | Free For Life (FFL) | Annual Fee Waiver |
| Condition | NO CONDITIONS. The fee is permanently RM0. | Fee is waived only if you meet specific criteria. |
| Risk | Zero Risk. You will never be charged the annual fee. | Risk of Fee. If you miss the annual spending or transaction count, the full fee is charged. |
| Ideal For | First-time cardholders, low spenders, and those who want zero maintenance. | Regular spenders who want higher cashback/rewards and know they will easily meet the condition (e.g., 12 swipes/year). |
If you prefer a hassle-free option, free-for-life cards are ideal. But if you’re a regular spender, waiver cards often provide better rewards and may be worth considering.
How to Choose the Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Card
Start by reviewing your monthly expenses. Do you shop online often? Spend more on groceries or petrol? Choose a card that rewards your everyday lifestyle.
- Your monthly income
- Whether you prefer cashback, points, or travel rewards
- Added perks like travel insurance or e-wallet compatibility
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Let's read further on mostly asked questions regarding no annual fee credit cards in Malaysia:
1. Is "no annual fee" truly free for life?
Some cards are genuinely "Free for Life" (FFL) for both principal and supplementary cards, requiring no maintenance. Others offer a conditional waiver, requiring minimum annual spend or transactions to avoid the fee in subsequent years. Always check the card's specific Product Disclosure Sheet (PDS).
2. Are virtual cards valid and secure?
Yes, virtual cards are legitimate and fully functional. They are designed for secure online and e-wallet transactions, limiting exposure of your physical card details.
3. How do I apply for a no-annual-fee credit card?
You can apply online via RinggitPlus or just hit the "Apply Now" button above, and we'll assist you along the way! You can also apply at a bank branch. Prepare your MyKad and proof of income.
4. Can foreigners apply for these cards in Malaysia?
Yes, foreigners may be eligible, usually with stricter criteria. This often includes higher income requirements (e.g., RM10,000/month) and specific documents like a valid work permit and employment confirmation.
5. What other fees should I know about?
Beyond the annual fee waiver, common charges include interest (15% - 18% p.a.) if you don't pay in full, cash advance fees, late payment penalties, and an annual RM25 Sales and Service Tax (SST).
6. Can I have multiple no-annual-fee credit cards?
Yes, many Malaysians hold multiple cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories like separate cards for petrol, groceries, online. Responsible management is key.
7. What happens if I forget to meet the annual fee waiver requirement?
If you fail to meet the required annual spending (e.g., RM10,000) or the minimum transaction count (e.g., 12 swipes), the bank will automatically charge the full annual fee to your credit card statement. This fee is typically subject to the annual RM25 SST charge as well. You must then pay this fee by the due date to avoid interest charges and a negative mark on your payment history.
8. Can I negotiate annual fee waivers with my bank?
Yes, often you can. If the fee is charged, you should call your bank's customer service or credit card hotline immediately.
- Best Time to Negotiate: Call before the due date.
- The Negotiation: Politely state that you value the card but missed the waiver condition. Banks often prefer to keep you as a customer, so they may offer a one-time, conditional waiver (e.g., you must spend RMX amount within the next 30 days) or waive it outright if you have a perfect payment record.
9. Do no-annual-fee cards offer fewer benefits than paid cards?
Not necessarily. Many no-annual-fee cards still provide cashback, reward points, complimentary e-wallet reloads, and basic travel perks. However, premium features such as airport lounge access, concierge services, and higher cashback caps are usually reserved for cards with annual fees.
10. Will cancelling a no-annual-fee credit card affect my credit score?
Yes, it can. Cancelling a card may reduce your total available credit limit, which could increase your credit utilisation ratio. This may negatively affect your credit score, especially if you have multiple loans or high monthly spending. Consider keeping long-held cards active for a stable credit history, particularly if they are free to maintain.
Apply for no annual fee credit cards online!
Apply for no annual fee credit cards online with ease. With RinggitPlus, you can compare and apply for free-for-life credit cards directly on our platform, and our credit card recommendation service can help you find the best card for your income and spending needs.
While browsing, remember to check out our weekly sign-up offers for a chance to take home exciting rewards.
