Do you have a Visa credit card/Mastercard from a Thai bank?

[Spitfire]

Had a look back a few pages and doesn't seem to be anything much on this recently but am posting this thread as some things might have changed in the last year or so. It used to be that it was very hard to get a real credit card from one of the big main Thai banks and in many cases they would simply refuse automatically, unless you were loaded.

Last time I applied was a fair few years ago and was told that I hadn't been working here in Thailand long enough....OK, fair enough. Left it for many years and never really thought about it as could get along with what I had. Then, recently, bumped into an old friend and he said that it is now much easier for foreigners to get one from certain companies and he'd got one. Seems that First Choice, which is the Krungsri/Ayuthaya bank, is now doing so for foreigners that work here.

Fine I thought, suppose it would be useful to have one then wouldn't have to use my UK one much. Turns out, all you need is a years previous work permit stamps and blue book, last six months statement from your Thai bank, passport and letter of confirmation from where you work about how much you earn and how long you've worked there. After filling in the form at the First Choice office in the local mall they told me I'd get a text message within a week to inform me whether successful or not and the card would come in the post within 10 working days after that.

Sceptical I was......but hey....might as well apply. To my surprise, got the text within a week and got the card through the post a week after that......well, never say never.

Not sure how it works for those not on a work permit, but if you are on a WP and have been so for longer than a year, check it out if interested.

[buksida]

I tried years ago and was told that I could only have a credit card if I left the amount I wanted credit for in the account at all times. Couldn't really see the point.

[Spitfire]

I've had similar experiences to that as well but things might well be loosening up at some places. Check out First Choice Buks...bet there is an office in HH in MV or somewhere.

I was cynical too, but they will give foreigners one on a WP......just got one man and I'm just a university lecturer.

[dundrillin]

Sounds like the easing of credit restrictions and look where that got the US and UK

[Big Boy]

I tried years ago and was told that I could only have a credit card if I left the amount I wanted credit for in the account at all times. Couldn't really see the point.

I'm here on a Retirement Extension, and enquired at Kasikorn. Yes, I could have a card if I deposited £5K, which would be untouchable for five years - I didn't bother.

[lomuamart]

I've never seen the point of a credit card which just puts you into debt eventually.

[Big Boy]

It's great for buying online. I still retain my UK card. Absolutely no need to go into debt - just pay off the balance each month. However, I have seen the mess some people have got into with Credit Cards also.

I think you have to be focused on what you need it for, and very disciplined when paying your monthly bill.

[dundrillin]

Agreed,my bank allows me to set up a direct debit from my current account so that the balance is automatically paid off each month meaning I don't have to think about it. I was considering dumping my credit card but some hotels and car hire firms will not accept a debit card when you present it at reception. One of the many things I don't understand.

[Spitfire]

Another good reason to have one, so long as you can control it properly, is that if some problem suddenly presents itself.....from suddenly needing a new tire or two for the motor to buying a airline ticket or whatever, it's good to be able to just nail it and then square it away later, either monthly or when the bill comes and there's no interest.

The big thing is whether you can control it and not let the 'drip-drip' process lead to what Mr L said. The problem is that you need to be responsible with these cards. Unfortunately, due to modern life pressures, living beyond one's means or living in denial etc. many fail to exercise restraint and diligent management of these things.

They certainly can make problems for folks.

[STEVE G]

....but some hotels and car hire firms will not accept a debit card when you present it at reception. One of the many things I don't understand.

I never understood this either until a manager at a Hertz depot explained to me that when you use a credit card as a deposit, they make some kind of a transaction which is then refunded when you return the car. Credit cards don't charge for the refund where as some debit cards do which is why they don't accept them.
I've found recently that some UK hire car companies, (National/Budget) do now accept debit cards so perhaps this is changing.

[hhfarang]

I've never seen the point of a credit card which just puts you into debt eventually.

It's hard to travel without one as the are required by most hotels and car rental agencies.

[HHTel]

I've been chased for the last 5 years to get a Thai credit card from Bangkok Bank. I've always declined as I already have 2 cards from the UK. I'm only on a retirement visa and the bank knows that. I got into trouble years ago when I had gold and platinum cards. Too easy to buy very expensive things.
Although I have credit cards, I only use them when absolutely necessary.

The trouble with credit cards is that the issuer keeps raising your credit limit even when you obviously don't need it and the temptation becomes real. Suddenly, you have a 10,000 pound limit which you know you can't realistically handle. You spend it on a whim then you're in trouble. The banks really need to get a conscience.

Too easy and very high interest rates. Use them only when necessary and pay the whole sum at the end of the month.

[Phil Scammed]

Can you get one on a retirement visa?