{"id":17866,"date":"2020-10-22T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-10-22T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comparehero.my\/blog\/uncategorized\/how-to-use-american-express-card-in-malaysia.html"},"modified":"2026-03-26T16:02:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T08:02:08","slug":"how-to-use-american-express-card-in-malaysia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comparehero.my\/blog\/credit-cards\/how-to-use-american-express-card-in-malaysia.html","title":{"rendered":"American Express Cards Are Rare In Malaysia – Here Are Ways You Can Use It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What’s so great about American Express cards, and how do they actually work in Malaysia? If you have an Amex card but you\u2019re not sure where and how to use it, we\u2019ve got you covered! From the card usage to the benefits, here\u2019s everything you need to know about Amex, including the best Amex cards you can find in Malaysia. Read below to find out!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Though an American Express or Amex card may not be the easiest one to use due to its limitations, this small piece of plastic does come with its perks and benefits. <\/p>\n

The history of Amex goes pretty far back too – it gained popularity in the late 1800s in the United States when it issued its first financial product: traveler\u2019s checks; charge cards came a few decades later. Today, Amex is both a credit card issuer and a card network.<\/p>\n

Its duo-role means it serves both as a bank that offers credit cards to consumers and maintains the card accounts, and as a network, aids with card payment processing for merchants that take Amex payments. <\/p>\n

Why are American Express cards so rare in Malaysia?<\/h2>\n

The simple reason why Amex payments is not widely used in Malaysia by both retailers and merchants is due to its cost issues. When compared to MasterCard or Visa cards, Amex cards have a slightly higher payment processing fee.<\/p>\n

Additionally, American Express card acceptance outside of the U.S. is still relatively low when compared to Visa and Mastercard, but many merchants still carry and support Amex payments, as having multiple payment options is still a plus for any merchant as well as to cater to the loyal Amex-carrying customers. <\/p>\n

You\u2019ll typically find that many luxury brands and higher end stores often accept American Express.<\/p>\n

Who would be most suited to get an American Express card?<\/h2>\n

We\u2019ll be frank – American Express cards aren\u2019t for everyone. Applicants would typically need to have good – if not excellent – credit standing<\/a>. <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re big on cashback<\/a> and travel rewards<\/a>, then American Express cards are for you but remember to pay your balance in full each month to avoid hefty interest charges! It\u2019s also worth noting that reward cards tend to have higher interest rates than non-rewards cards.<\/p>\n

Though travelling abroad (and even interstate, temporarily) isn\u2019t allowed right now, that doesn\u2019t mean you should put your travelling plans completely on hold. If you are an avid traveller, an Amex card may be a suitable choice for you as it comes with some great travel rewards. <\/p>\n

Related:<\/strong> 5 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Credit Card<\/a><\/p>\n

How can you use your American Express card?<\/h2>\n

In case you didn\u2019t know, Maybank<\/a> is the exclusive acquirer<\/a> of American Express in Malaysia. Right now, five Maybank cards come with Amex features. So we decided to break down the features alongside the cards for a more comprehensive look at what you could get with Amex in Malaysia.<\/p>\n

Best American Express cards in Malaysia and their benefits<\/h2>\n

1. Maybank 2 Gold Card<\/h3>\n
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If you\u2019re just about to enter working life, but would like to get a hand on an Amex, then this card might be a good option for you. With a minimum montly income of RM2,500 and zero annual fee, it\u2019s a good entry level card for those who are just about to build up their credit score.<\/p>\n

Features and benefits:<\/strong><\/p>\n