How to Maximize Credit Card Points & Cashback in Malaysia (2025)
Credit cards can be a powerful financial tool when used wisely. By strategically earning and redeeming points or cashback, you can enjoy significant savings, free travel, and other rewards. Here’s a complete guide on how to maximize your credit card benefits in Malaysia.
1. Understanding Credit Card Points & Cashback
🔹 Credit Card Points – Earned when you spend with your card and can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, shopping vouchers, or even cashback.
🔹 Cashback – A direct percentage rebate on your spending, usually credited to your card account to reduce your bill.
📌 Which is better?
- Points → Best for travelers and those who love rewards
- Cashback → Best for practical savings on everyday expenses
2. Choose the Right Credit Card for Maximum Benefits
Different credit cards specialize in different rewards. Here are the best options based on spending categories:
🏠 Everyday Spending (Groceries, Online Shopping, Utilities)
| Bank | Card Name | Cashback / Points | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maybank | Maybank Visa Signature | 5% cashback (groceries, petrol, utilities) | Household expenses |
| HSBC | HSBC Advance Visa Platinum | 8% cashback (e-wallet, online shopping) | Digital transactions |
| CIMB | CIMB Cash Rebate Platinum | Up to 10% cashback (groceries, dining) | Grocery shopping |
✈️ Travel & Hotel Stays
| Bank | Card Name | Points / Perks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CitiBank | Citi PremierMiles | 1.2 miles per RM1 spent | Air travel & lounge access |
| Maybank | Maybank 2 Cards Premier | 5x TreatsPoints on travel | Frequent flyers |
| Standard Chartered | SC WorldMiles Card | Lounge access + free travel insurance | Luxury travelers |
🚗 Petrol & Commuting
| Bank | Card Name | Cashback / Points | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIMB | CIMB PETRONAS Platinum | 5% cashback on fuel | Petrol savings |
| Shell | Shell-Citi Visa | 8% cashback on Shell petrol | Daily drivers |
| Maybank | Maybank Islamic MasterCard Petrol | 3x TreatsPoints on petrol | Frequent road users |
3. Smart Strategies to Earn More Points & Cashback
✅ Use Multiple Cards for Maximum Benefits
- Use one card for groceries, another for dining, and another for travel.
- Example:
- Maybank Visa Signature for 5% cashback on groceries
- Citi PremierMiles for air miles
- HSBC Advance Visa Platinum for online shopping
✅ Pay via E-Wallets for Extra Rewards
- Many banks offer extra cashback or points when you top up and spend using e-wallets like Touch ‘n Go, Boost, and GrabPay.
✅ Utilize Credit Card Promotions
- Banks regularly run seasonal offers for extra cashback, free gifts, or bonus points.
✅ Always Pay in Full & On Time
- Avoid late fees and interest charges to maximize your net cashback savings.
✅ Take Advantage of Referral Bonuses
- Some banks offer cash rewards for referring friends to sign up for their credit cards.
4. Best Redemption Options for Points & Cashback
🔹 For Cashback Cards: Cashback is automatically credited to your bill or can be redeemed once it reaches a certain amount (e.g., RM50).
🔹 For Points-Based Cards:
| Best Redemption Option | Why It’s Worth It? |
|---|---|
| Flight Tickets (Air Miles) | Get up to 5x value per point |
| Hotel Stays & Travel Packages | Save on vacations |
| Shopping Vouchers | Redeem at Lazada, Shopee, AEON |
| Bill Payments & Cash Rebate | Offset monthly expenses |
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using the Wrong Card for the Wrong Purchases – Not all cards offer cashback on every category. Example: A petrol cashback card won’t give you cashback on dining.
❌ Ignoring Expiry Dates on Points – Some points expire within 3 years. Always redeem before expiry!
❌ Spending More Just to Earn Cashback or Points – Avoid unnecessary spending just for rewards.
6. Final Tips for Maximizing Your Credit Card Rewards
✅ Pick the right credit card based on your spending habits.
✅ Use a combination of cashback & points-based cards for maximum benefits.
✅ Always check for promotions to get extra rewards.
✅ Redeem points before they expire for the best value.
✅ Set up auto-payment to avoid late fees & maximize savings.
By following these strategies, you can earn the most cashback and points, ultimately saving thousands of Ringgit per year! 🚀💰
