If you travel to Thailand, you need the right credit card – one that does not eat unnecessary fees, is accepted everywhere and, in the best case, brings a few extras.
Because while in Bangkok or Phuket almost every major dealer accepts card payments, things look very different on the islands or in rural areas. Cash is still ruled here. So: which card is ideal for Thailand? What should you pay attention to? And which providers really save costs?
In this credit card comparison, we show what matters-and which cards we can really recommend for Thailand.
We paid attention to this when comparing the credit card for Thailand
Thailand is a dream destination – but if you are traveling with the wrong credit card, you can quickly fall into expensive fees.
Because even if card payment in hotels, large restaurants or shopping malls is not a problem, everything about cash is still running in many smaller shops, street food stands and at markets. And that means: Without the right credit card, it can be really expensive.
So that this does not happen, we paid particular attention to the following points when comparing:
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No or low foreign currency fees: → Many cards require 1.75–2 % in payments in Thai baht (THB). That adds up quickly. The best cards have 0 % foreign currency fees.
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Free cash withdrawals worldwide: → In Thailand, cash withdrawals of machines are almost inevitable. While some cards require € 3–5 € per withdrawal, there are also cards that enable free withdrawal. Important: Many Thai banks require their own ATM fee (approx. 220 baht / € 6 per withdrawal).
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High acceptance: → Visa & MasterCard work almost everywherewhile American Express is often rejected in Thailand. That is why we preferred cards that are well accepted worldwide.
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Security features via app: → Skimming (card fraud by manipulated ATMs) is unfortunately a real problem in Thailand. Good cards make it possible Adjust limits, block payments or deactivate the card with one click.
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Travel insurance included: → If you are traveling longer, you should use a card with Travel insurance ponder. Are particularly practical Foreign health insurance or Rice cancellation insurancethat some premium credit cards offer.
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Free or cheap cards: → a good travel credit card does not have to be expensive. There are now free tickets with 0 € annual feethat offer all important features-but also premium cards with extras if you place more value on insurance protection or lounge access.
Credit cards in comparison: these are the best credit cards for Thailand
Anyone who travels to Thailand cannot avoid a good credit card.
Cash is still widespread there, but in hotels, larger restaurants and shopping malls you can easily pay with a card-at least if it is a visa or MasterCard. American Express has a significantly lower acceptance in Thailandand if you are traveling with a bad card, you pay yourself stupid and stupid.
Which credit card on Thailand vacation? (Image: Jakob Owens, Unsplash)
So that this does not happen, we have it Hanseatic GenialCard, the Barclays Visa, Bank Norwegian Visa and American Express tested for your Thailand suitability. Here are the results:
How good is the brilliant card?
Hanseatic AwittersCard: Free and flexible
The Hanseatic GenialCard is one of the best cards for Thailand because it has no foreign currency fees and enables cash withdrawals worldwide.
In Thailand, ATMS are often subject to charges (220–250 baht per withdrawal), but that is at the banks on site – and not at Hanseatic Bank. A clear advantage: the card has no hidden costs and works wherever visas are accepted.
The only disadvantage: No travel insurance. If you want to secure yourself, you need separate international health insurance.
- Annual fee: 0 €
- Foreign currency fee: 0 %
- Cash withdrawals: Free worldwide
- Travel insurance: No
- Acceptance: Very high (visa)
- Special features: Cashback options, flexible repayment
Barclays Visa: strong for larger withdrawals
The Barclays Visa is similar to the Hanseatic Awitters – with a small difference: cash withdrawals are only free of charge from 50 € (approx. 1,900 THB). This can be annoying in Thailand because sometimes you only want to take off small sums.
For that the card has Up to 59 days of interest -free repaymentwhat is financially flexible. So if you make big withdrawals in one fell swoop, you save the ATM fees of the Thai banks. Perfect for long -term travelers who don’t want to constantly trace cash.
- Annual fee: 0 €
- Foreign currency fee: 0 %
- Cash withdrawals: Free, but only from a minimum of € 50
- Travel insurance: No
- Acceptance: Very high (visa)
- Special features: Interest -free payment term up to 59 days
Bank Norwegian Visa: Free with insurance package
The Bank Norwegian Visa is one of the few free cards with an integrated insurance package. This is practical, especially for Thailand, because travel termination insurance is often underestimated.
The biggest disadvantage: Mastercard is not accepted in Thailand as often as Visa. It works without any problems in tourist areas, but it can be more difficult in more remote regions. If you use this card, you should definitely have a visa as a backup with you.
- Annual fee: 0 €
- Foreign currency fee: 0 %
- Cash withdrawals: Free worldwide
- Travel insurance: Yes (accident, travel and luggage insurance)
- Acceptance: Medium (Mastercard is less common than Visa)
- Special features: App-based administration, welcome bonus
American Express: Luxury card with high fees
American Express is a double -edged thing in Thailand. The cards offer many premium advantages-from travel insurance to lounge access to rental car extras. But: The high foreign currency fee and the expensive cash withdrawals make you impractical for everyday life.
Acceptance is another problem. In Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai you can pay with Amex, but it is often not accepted on the islands or more rural areas. If you travel to Thailand with an Amex, you need a visa or Mastercard as a backup.
- Annual fee: 144–720 € (depending on the model)
- Foreign currency fee: 2 % on all payments in THB
- Cash withdrawals: 4 % fee, at least € 5
- Travel insurance: Yes (comprehensive at Amex Platinum)
- Acceptance: Medium (only in larger cities and hotels can be used well)
- Special features: Lounge access, rental car upgrades, concierge service
Our experiences: This is the best credit card for Thailand
After several weeks in Thailand, it quickly became clear: one good credit card Makes one huge difference.
If you choose the wrong card, you pay unnecessary fees, have problems with acceptance or are annoyed about hidden costs. We have The Hanseatic Awitters Card put through its paces – at ATMs, in restaurants, in markets and in hotel bookings.
Our conclusion: The Hanseatic GenialCard is the best choice for Thailand – and we will explain why.
Free & flexible: This is how the GenialCard has been beaten
Whoever is traveling in Thailand either pays bar or with card – But cash remains king. Many restaurants, street food stands and even some hotels only take baht. So it was important to us to have a card that can withdraw cash for free.
- No foreign currency fee: In Thailand, Thai Baht (THB) is paid. Other cards require up to 2 % fees per payment – with the brilliant card? 0 %!
- Free withdrawals worldwide: At every machine with Visa logo we could easily pull money – Without hanSetic has charged us fees for this.
- ATM fees in Thailand: Unfortunately they demand Thai banks have their own fee of 220–250 baht (approx. € 6–7) per withdrawal. This cannot be bypassed. Tip: Better take a large amount instead of small amounts instead of several times!
Acceptance: Where does the Hanseatic GenialCard in Thailand work?
Visa is not a problem in Thailand. Whether in shopping malls, large restaurants or on hotel receptions-the card was accepted without hesitation.
Worked without any problems:
- Hotels & Resorts (e.g. Hilton, Marriott, local accommodations)
- Supermarkets (7-elves, Tesco Lotus, Big C)
- Online bookings (e.g. Grab, Airasia, Agoda)
- International chains (McDonald’s, Starbucks, Boots Pharmacy)
Rather difficult with:
- Street food stands (100 % cash)
- Local markets
- Small guest houses (often only cash)
Tip: If you want to pay with a card, you should use Visa or Mastercard. American Express is much less accepted in Thailand!
Interest -free payment term: perfect for longer trips
What we particularly liked: The Hanseatic GenialCard offers interest -free payment for up to 6 weeks.
That means:
Example: We paid € 500 for hotels, flights and food in mid -March. The calculation would only be Early May was due – Completely without interest!
As long as you have the card Punctually and completely compensates forarise No hidden costs.
Attention at partial payment: The brilliant card is one Revolving credit card – That means it allows installment payments. BUT: Who does not pay attention pays 18.45 % interest per year. For this reason: Be sure to switch to “full payment”!
Mobile Payment & Online Banking: Super practical
In Thailand we have almost all payments directly about Apple Pay & Google Pay processed. That worked fast and safeespecially with large chains or online bookings.
More highlights:
- Real-time notifications: See immediately when the card was used.
- Flexible installment adjustment: If you want to pay in installments, you can set this via the app.
- Fast online account management: Once logged in, everything can be controlled directly.
For us that was particularly practicalBecause we always had an eye on all the editions.
Comparison: Why is the awesome card better than other cards?
In Thailand we also had the Barclays Visa and the Bank Norwegian Visa There – but the brilliant card was best.
| Hanseatic GenialCard | Barclays Visa | Bank Norwegian Visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | 0 € | 0 € | 0 € |
| Foreign currency fee | 0 % | 0 % | 0 % |
| Cash withdrawals | 0 € worldwide | 0 € (from € 50) | 0 € worldwide |
| Travel insurance | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Acceptance in Thailand | High (visa) | High (visa) | Medium (Mastercard) |
Conclusion: Which credit card is the best for Thailand?
Depending on the travel type, there are different recommendations:
- For budget travelers: Hanseatic GenialCard or Bank Norwegian Visa – Both are free, have no foreign currency fees and enable free cash withdrawals worldwide.
- For long -term travelers and digital nomads: Barclays Visa – Perfect for larger cash withdrawals and very flexible with interest -free payment.
- For premium travelers: American Express Platinum -If you often travel and appreciate lounge access, travel insurance and premium service, you can benefit despite the high fees.
Our favorite: The Hanseatic GenialCard Has the best combination of freedom of fee, high acceptance and simple handling. But if you value travel insurance, you should Bank Norwegian Visa consider. No matter which card – always a second as a backup with you
Reviews of credit cards: