Using an Australian credit card in Thailand

Want to take your Australian credit card with you on a trip to Thailand?

Australian credit cards work in Thailand, but there are fees to be aware of. The information below will help you to understand how they might apply.

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Credit cards with no Thailand currency conversion fee

Not available for application via this website

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard

Highlights

Get 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for 24 months, with a 3% balance transfer fee (then 12.99% p.a. thereafter).
No foreign transaction fees.
Plus, complimentary overseas travel insurance for you and your family.

Pros

0% p.a. on balance transfers for 24 months.
Low ongoing interest rate of 12.99% p.a. on purchases.
Low annual fee of $59 p.a.
Add up to 3 additional cardholders at no extra cost.
Up to 55 interest-free days on purchases.
As low as a $6,000 credit limit.
Temporarily lock your card anytime using the Bankwest App.
Easy Instalment Plans let you spread up to 5 purchases over four monthly payments at 0% p.a.
Compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

Cons

No rewards program on this card.
There is a 3% BT fee.
Cash advance rate is 21.99% p.a.

Not available for application via this website

Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard

Highlights

0% p.a. for 6 months on purchases and balance transfers, with a 3% balance transfer fee. (Reverts to 18.99% p.a. thereafter.)
No foreign transaction fees, including when you're shopping at an overseas online store.
No annual fee to pay for the life of the card.
Put up to five eligible purchases on an interest-free payment plan with Easy Instalments.
Credit limits start from a minimum of $6,000.

Pros

No annual fee makes this an option for occasional or backup use.
Interest-free purchases and balance transfers for 6 months.
No foreign transaction fees for foreign currency or overseas purchases.
Interest-free repayments for up to five eligible purchases with Easy Instalments.
Credit limits start from a minimum of $6,000.
Up to 55 days interest-free when you pay the statement balance in full.
Balance transfers revert to the purchase rate instead of the higher cash advance rate.
Use up to 95% of your credit limit for balance transfers.

Cons

There is a 3% fee on balance transfers, which can be added to the balance if desired.
You can't earn rewards points, but that's not unusual for a no annual fee card like this.
There is a $500 minimum balance transfer amount, although most people transfer more.

Thinking of hitting the shops?

Potential fees when shopping with a credit card in Thailand

When shopping in Thailand with an Australian credit card, remember that there may be conversion and transaction fees on top of the price paid.

Currency conversion fee. Due to the conversion from Thai baht to Australian dollars, you could be charged up to $9 in currency conversion fees if you spend the equivalent of $300 on your credit card in Thailand.
Merchant’s currency conversion fee. Choosing to pay in Australian dollars means you may be charged an additional fee for dynamic currency conversion. This makes paying in Australian dollars more expensive than paying in Thai baht.

Need to pay with cash?

Using a credit card to get cash in Thailand

Credit cards are widely accepted in Thailand. However, it can be quite expensive to withdraw cash from an ATM with a credit card. Here's a breakdown of the costs you can expect.

Overseas ATM withdrawal fee. The local ATM network may charge you a fee if you use your Australian credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM in Thailand.
Cash advance fee. You'll typically be charged a one-time fee of between 1%-3% when you withdraw money from an ATM or bank overseas with your credit card.
Cash advance rate. If you withdraw cash from your credit card, you’ll be charged interest at the rate for cash advances, which is usually higher than the purchase interest rate. Most cards have no interest-free period on cash advances either.

Want more help?

FAQs

Do I need to notify my credit card issuer about taking my card to Thailand?

Although it is not mandatory, many credit card issuers prefer to know in advance that you will be taking your card with you. If you do not notify them, it is more likely that your card will be blocked for suspected fraudulent activity until you do notify them.

Is it safe to use a credit card in Thailand?

Yes, it is safe to use a credit card in Thailand. However, you should take the same precautions as you would when at home.

What credit cards are accepted in Thailand?

Credit cards from American Express, Mastercard, and Visa are widely accepted, although acceptance varies depending on the merchant.

Is it better to pay in Thai baht or Australian dollars in Thailand?

It is generally cheaper to pay in the local currency. If offered the choice between paying in Thai baht or Australian dollars, choose to pay in Thai baht.

Do contactless credit card payments work in Thailand?

Yes. You can use contactless cards to pay wherever contactless payments are accepted.

Can you earn points on what you spend with a credit card in Thailand?

Yes. Depending on your card, you may even earn reward points at a higher rate per dollar spent while in Thailand.

What do I do if I lose my credit card in Thailand?

If you lose your credit card, call your bank and report it as lost. They can issue a replacement card and deliver it to your address in Thailand.

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