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THAILAND CREDIT CARD FOR FOREIGNER NON-RESIDENT

THAILAND CREDIT CARD FOR FOREIGNER NON-RESIDENT

What is in Thailand a credit card for foreigne non-resident ?

In Thailand credit card for a foreigner non-resident is defined as a payment card issued by a Thai financial institution to an foreign individual who does not hold Thai residency status which makes obtaining a credit card more challenging, as issuers place significant emphasis on risk assessment and the borrower’s ability to repay while living abroad.

The role of a credit card for foreign non-residents in Thailand is to facilitate convenient local transactions, while Thailand is a highly cash-oriented society, but urban areas, hotels, online services, and international merchants increasingly rely on card payments.

For a foreigner who spends extended time in Thailand without formal residency, a local credit card can help avoid foreign exchange fees, enable online purchases with Thai businesses, and provide financial flexibility without needing to rely solely on international cards.

Can I get in Thailand a credit card as foreigner and non-resident ?

Yes for foreigners who are resident, probably no as non-resident. 👇

✅ Credit Cards in Thailand for Foreigners

1. Resident vs. Non-Resident

  • Foreign residents (expats) with a valid work permit, long-term visa, and proof of income in Thailand can usually apply for a Thai credit card. Banks often require:
    • Work permit valid for at least 1 year.
    • Monthly income (typically from THB 30,000 – THB 100,000, depending on the bank and card type).
    • Local Thai bank account with salary credited.
  • Non-residents (tourists or short-term visitors) generally cannot get a Thai credit card. Thai banks view short-term foreigners as high risk because they lack stable income in Thailand, no long-term visa, and no strong credit history.

2. Possible Alternatives for Non-Residents

If you’re a non-resident foreigner in Thailand, you usually won’t qualify for a standard Thai-issued credit card. But you still have options:

  • International Credit Cards: Use cards from your home country (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) – widely accepted in Thailand.
  • Prepaid Travel Cards: Available from international providers (Wise, Revolut, YouTrip) and can be topped up in multiple currencies, including THB.
  • Secured Credit Cards: Some Thai banks may issue a secured credit card if you open a fixed-deposit account (e.g., deposit THB 50,000–100,000 as collateral). This is rare for non-residents but sometimes possible.
  • Virtual Cards / Fintech Apps: Digital cards from fintechs like Wise or Revolut can be used for online purchases and ATM withdrawals in Thailand.

3. Thai Bank Practices

  • Bangkok Bank, Kasikornbank (KBank), SCB (Siam Commercial Bank), Krungsri, and Citi Thailand: Usually require residency, a work permit, and income proof.
  • AEON Thailand: Sometimes easier, but still requires local income and residency.
  • Secured cards: Some banks (Bangkok Bank, Krungsri) have historically issued secured credit cards against a term deposit, even to some foreigners.

4. Summary

  • As a foreigner non-resident, you cannot normally get a Thai-issued credit card.
  • Your best practical options are:
    1. Use your home-country credit card in Thailand.
    2. Open a multi-currency prepaid/travel card (like Wise or Revolut).
    3. Ask about secured credit cards at Thai banks if you plan to deposit funds locally.
Which Thai credit card companies issue cards for foreigner and for non-residents ?

Here’s a refined and well-sourced list of Thai banks and card issuers that typically provide credit cards to foreigners (non-residents or expats)—without specifically naming individual card products:

Primary Issuers of Credit Cards for Foreigners
  • Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) – Actively issues credit cards to expats with the proper documentation.
  • Kasikornbank (KBank) – Known to provide cards to foreign residents, often requiring proof of income and employment.
  • Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya) – Expats have successfully obtained credit cards here, including unsecured ones with strong credit stories.
  • Krungthai Card (KTC) – Offers options suitable for foreigners, though exact criteria may vary.
  • UOB Thailand – Offers credit cards to foreigners, generally with higher income requirements.
  • American Express (Thailand) – Accepts well-documented foreign applicants who meet income and residency criteria.
  • AEON Thailand – Known for being expat-friendly in certain cases.
Withdrawn or Limited Issuers
  • Bangkok Bank – While widely used by foreigners for basic banking, does not generally issue unsecured credit cards to expats. They do, however, offer secured credit card options, where a fixed deposit is required as collateral.
Application Essentials for Expat Credit Cards

To be considered for a credit card, foreigners typically must provide:

  • Valid passport and work permit (preferably valid for at least six months)
  • Proof of steady income (e.g., salary slips for 3–6 months, often with thresholds like 50,000 THB/month)
  • Bank statements from a Thai account showing income deposits and stability
  • In lieu of standard approval, some banks will accept a secured model, where a deposit of 100,000–200,000 THB in a fixed account serves as collateral for the credit limit