Can an expat get a credit card in thailand?

[magsandbilly]

Can an expat get a credit card in thailand?

[Big Boy]

Yes, but you have to tie up a considerable amount of cash in the bank for 5 years. That cash can not be touched under any circumstance within that 5 years. So unless you can tie up that cash for 5 years, no.

[europtimiste]

Just the amount you need for your credit card. Must tie up as long as you keep your card. Depends on banks. No time limit.

[Ratsima]

Can an expat get a credit card in thailand?

Do you need the credit, or just the plastic?

[limbu]

I have never had to tie up money to secure a Thai credit card, and I have three of them. Probably due to having had a work permit for a few years.

[Big Boy]

Just the amount you need for your credit card. Must tie up as long as you keep your card. Depends on banks. No time limit.

OK, I'm sure you're right. However, when I asked Kasikorn, I had to deposit £5K (approx) with them for a minimum of 5 years for a £5K credit limit. I was considering it, but when I asked if I had something like a medical emergency, and needed that cash sooner, they insisted I could not touch it until the 5 years was up. I simply continue with my UK credit card. Stupid thing is, Mrs BB (Thai) could have one, and is regularly asked.

I needed the card for travel reservations, not the credit.

[buksida]

Have been told by a number of banks that you need to deposit 250k to get a credit card as a farang which effectively becomes a debit card (as you're borrowing your own money). Also have had work permit for many years though as we know here things differ wildly from place to place.

Maybe you could try the web card which works well for online purchases but you dont have the physical plastic.

[squire]

I have never had to tie up money to secure a Thai credit card, and I have three of them. Probably due to having had a work permit for a few years.

Correct. I got my Thai credit cards some years ago. Back then, the requirement was a minimum 2 years with a work permit, and the maximum credit limit then was twice monthly salary although some will initially approve a limit based 0.5 months salary. It was possible to get a waiver on the minimum 2 years work permit for me (I had my WP for only 1 month when I applied) based on credit references provided by my existing credit card issuers in Singapore (that had representation in Thailand).

[StevePIraq]

Kasikorn Bank are now offering a credit card to foreigners, of course there are constraints but also some benefits.

Constraints are you have to deposit 660,000 per year for four years into a fixed account.

Many benefits some good some not
Free safe deposit box
Travel insurance
free car wash once per month
Royal orchid lounge access
Priority Pass Lounge access
Annual health check
Roadside assist
Home assistance?

It may not suit everyone but for some it may be ok.

[Big Boy]

From what i can see, the answer is a definite YES, but some may have to meet more requirements than others. I guess you need to ask at a bank, and see what they say. As buksi says, it often depends on the clerks mood on the day, and 'local' regulations.

[Blacky]

At SCB I received my credit card 6 month after opening my account. Reason is they wanted to see my monthly salary being transferred regularly.

However I suppose it might differ depending on the visa you are staying here in Thailand and of course depending on the income.

Cheers,
B.

[StevePIraq]

It would seem that with a Work Permit it is possible to get a CC, however I only know of Kasikorn who offer a CC to expats on a retirement visa.

[perfectvolley]

If you dont have a monthly income weather from pension or work or whatever it is not so easy to get a CC. I am trying to got one for more than a year from TMB. They told me the head office in Bangkok have to give their go but still nothing is happining.

[Big Boy]

Coincidentally, I was at Kasikorn Bank this morning getting my annual letter for visa extension. The girl who did my letter, also tried to get me to take a Credit Card, which was on special officer.

The offer said that for only 200,000 Baht annually, I could have their Credit Card.

I didn't ask what the credit limit would be, because I'm not prepared to pay 200,000 Baht annually for the pleasure of having one of the bank's pieces of plastic in my wallet.

[StevePIraq]

It seems just like the post office everything is up for interpretation.

However to be fair even my Thai wife has to have 30k locked away in a fixed deposit for her to have a CC