How to Successfully Get a Thai Credit Card

If you think credit in Thailand works differently than in your home country, think again.

Some people come to Thailand thinking they can easily get a credit card. But Thailand credit cards are tricky business for foreigners in Thailand, because your credit rating from back home means nothing in Thailand.

Even if you work in Thailand, getting approved for a credit card is difficult.

In order to apply for a credit card, you need to have a work permit and show some proof of income.

Normally, you need at least THB50,000 to THB80,000 income per month. Not all foreigners make this much.

And even if you have THB80,000 income each month, your credit card application might still get rejected.

Many banks ask for the work permit to be valid for at least six months from when you apply, and you may need to show three to six months of salary slips or bank statements.

This means you have to wait at least three months after you start working to apply for a credit card, and sometimes longer.

If you don’t have a work permit, you might be able to get a credit card if you deposit THB100,000 to THB200,000 in a fixed-term deposit account.

If you’re the owner of a company, you have to show company documents, prove a longer work history, and show income as an entrepreneur.

Specific salary requirements vary from card to card and are higher for expats than for locals.

For example, the KTC Visa Platinum card requires foreign applicants to have a minimum income of THB50,000 per month, while Thai applicants need THB15,000.

Credit Cards with Low Minimum Required Salaries

Here are some banks that may approve credit cards for foreigners who have lower monthly salaries.

AEON

AEON, the Japanese consumer finance company, also has credit card options for foreigners making at least THB15,000 a month. The bad thing about AEON is that they only have a limited amount of branches, even in Bangkok.

KTC (Krungthai Card)

You can get a KTC Visa Platinum card with a THB50,000 monthly salary. However, staff might not be able to speak English. Bring a Thai friend or translator to help out.

You can apply for the KTC card by visiting their website.