It can be difficult for an expat to get a Thai credit card. A credit card company usually requires applicants to earn a high salary. Depending on the bank and card type, many banks ask foreign applicants to earn at least THB50,000 a month, while some ask for THB80,000 or more. Even if you’re a business owner, it’s still difficult for you to get one.
In the case that you’re unable to get a Thai credit card, there are alternative options you can explore.
Supplementary Cards
The first option is to find a person who has a credit card and who trusts you. It can be your close friend, partner, or family. Ask him or her to issue you a supplementary card.
Banks aren’t that strict when it comes to issuing supplementary cards, but approval depends on the card issuer and the primary cardholder’s credit limit and account status.
Debit Cards
You can get a debit card after you open a bank account. Debit cards in Thailand nowadays can be used in many of the same places as credit cards, but they spend money directly from your bank account instead of giving you a credit line.
You might not get many benefits with a debit card. But at least you can use it to pay for things in Thailand and overseas, depending on the card network and whether overseas use is enabled.
If you’re concerned about security, you can open a new bank account and deposit an amount that covers your debit card spending habits.
This way you don’t have to deposit all your money in the account and risk someone spending it if they find your debit card.
You can also use a debit card to shop online. But you may need to activate online transactions first. You can usually do that through your bank’s app, ATM, branch, or at the same time you get the debit card.
Other
Thailand is turning into a cashless society. There are mobile wallet and card providers developing their own apps and cards. And you can use them to pay at more places every day.
The TrueMoney app is becoming big in Thailand. It’s a mobile wallet app. To pay for something, you use your cell phone and scan a QR code. You can also use it to pay for some apps and online services, depending on the merchant.
The best part about using TrueMoney is that it’s easy to apply. You normally need a Thai mobile number and identity verification, such as passport verification for foreigners, to use the wallet’s full services. You can apply through their app or at a TrueMoney service point, and then top up money.
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