These Co-Branded Credit Cards Can Be Your Ticket To A Better Travel Experience (2025)

First dibs on being bumped up to business class or, if dreaming big, first class. Guaranteed cash back on every swipe. Or the simple pleasure of knowing that loyalty can earn you elite and exclusive services on top of airline miles and free hotel suites. As domestic and international travel rebounds, credit card issuers are doubling to appeal to both seasoned and young customers. India, in particular, is witnessing unprecedented growth in the co-branded credit card market, with an estimated 35-40 percent compound annual growth rate from FY 2024 to 2028. The travel sector, accounting for 8-10 percent of the market, is a major beneficiary of this trend.

But with numerous options available, choosing the right card can be overwhelming. Here’s a complete guide to some of Asia’s most widely recommended cards, along with key information on their fees and features to help you choose the best one.

Also, read our guide on everything you need to know about earning and redeeming airline miles.

What is a co-branded credit card?

A co-branded credit card is the result of a product and mutual partnership between a bank or credit union with a brand, airline, hotel chain or simply anyone who can be considered a service provider.

This niche card option can be traced back to the mid-1980s when an airline partnered with a bank to launch a gold Mastercard. Since then, companies across the world have teamed up with financial institutions to offer co-branded cards that reward something more valuable than profile — customer loyalty.

Benefits of co-branded credit cards

Co-branded credit cards offer specific rewards and benefits when you spend with the partner brand, but there’s more to them than triple cash back and mile-per-dollar promotions.

Bespoke reward programme: There is a reason why there’s an overwhelming number of options to choose from — co-branding narrows the rewards structure on how ‘you’ travel. It’s aspirational and where they will value a discount or service. Whether it’s airline miles for the future, shopping, or dining, co-branding credit cards provide a tailored programme, ensuring that every purchase earns you something important.

The financial award of loyalty: With a co-branded card, purchases with the partner brand help you earn better, faster rewards, which would take much longer and many more purchases to unlock with a normal credit card.

Leverage is everything: When a card is linked with a prominent brand, it can unlock exclusive perks — a 5-course dinner at the partner hotel’s restaurant, concierge service for the duration of a comped-off stay or even Uber cash.

Easing effortless travel: From a complimentary lounge space to priority check-in to ‘no fee’ on international transactions or even saving money on hotel bookings, any privilege that can bring an extra sense of comfort is often incomparable to financial returns.

Double-dipping: While the partner brand takes centre stage, co-branded credit cards allow you to earn rewards on a variety of purchases. Cardholders can use it to accumulate points from shopping, dining and spending on travel within the destination. This is tacked on top of the features made available by the partner client.

Top co-branded credit cards for travellers

India

Air India SBI Signature Credit Card

Joining fee: INR 4,999 (approximately RM 265)

Annual/renewal fee: INR 4,999 (approximately RM 265) from the second year onwards, with an anniversary gift of 5,000 points.

Welcome benefits: 20,000 SBI Reward points as a welcome gift; complimentary membership to Air India’s frequent flyer programme.

Lounge access: The co-branded credit card gives you access to eight complimentary Visa lounge visits per year (two per quarter) and access to over 600 international luxury lounges through Priority Pass, with a usage fee of up to approximately USD 27 (RM 120.60).

Kotak IndiGo 6E Rewards XL Credit Card

Joining fee: INR 2,500 (approximately RM 132)

Annual fee: INR 2,500 (approximately RM 132)

Introductory fee: INR 1,500 (approximately RM 79.40)

Welcome benefits: INR 3,000 (approximately RM 159)IndiGo ticket, and INR 1,099 (approximately RM 58) 6E Prime add-ons

Lounge access: The co-branded credit card offers 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year (2 per quarter).

Travel benefits: INR 150 (approximately RM 8) off on IndiGo convenience fees, priority check-in, preferred seating, complimentary meals, and assistance with 6E Prime.

Eligibility: Primary cardholders must be 21-65 years old, add-on cardholders 18+, and both must reside in India

MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card

Joining fee: INR 2,500 (approximately RM 132)

Annual fee: No annual fee

Welcome benefits: INR 1,500 My Cash (approximately RM 79.40), INR 2,500 MakeMyTrip holiday voucher (approximately RM 132), and MMTBLACK exclusive membership

Milestone benefits

Spend INR 2.5 lakh (approximately RM 13,229), earn 1,100 My Cash (approximately RM 58.20)

Spend INR 5 lakh (approximately RM 26,458), earn 4,000 My Cash (approximately RM 211.70)

Lounge access: One complimentary railway lounge access per quarter, two complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses by spending INR 5,000 (approximately RM 264.60) in the quarter, and one international lounge access and one spa session per year via Dreamfolks membership

Fuel surcharge waiver: 1 percent waiver on transactions up to INR 4,000 (approximately RM 211.70) at HPCL pumps

Eligibility: Primary cardholders must be 18-60 years old, salaried or self-employed, and reside in serviceable cities.

IRCTC SBI Card Premier

Joining fee: INR 1,499 + taxes (approximately RM 79.30)

Renewal fee: INR 1,499 (approximately RM 79.30)

Welcome benefits: 1,500 Reward Points (INR 1,500 equivalent, approximately RM 79.40) on the first annual fee payment

Insurance cover: Rail accident insurance of INR 10 lakh (approximately RM 52,917); air accident insurance of INR 50 lakh (approximately RM 2,64,586); fraud liability cover of INR 1 lakh (approximately RM 5,292)

Travel benefits: 1 percent transaction charge waiver on railway tickets via irctc.co.in, 1.8 percent transaction charge waiver on airline tickets via air.irctc.co.in

Railway lounge access: Eight complimentary railway lounge visits per year (Max two per quarter)

Eligibility: Add-on co-branded credit cards for family members above 18 years, accepted at over 24 million outlets globally.

Marriott Bonvoy® HDFC Bank Credit Card

Joining fee: INR 3,000, plus taxes (approximately RM 158.75)

Renewal fee: INR 3,000 (approximately RM 158.75)

Welcome benefits: Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status, One Free Night Award, and 10 Elite Night Credits on the first eligible spend transaction or fee levy.

Insurance cover: Delay/loss of checked-in baggage of up to USD 250 (RM 1,116.25); loss of travel documents of up to USD 250 (RM 1,116.25); flight delay cover of up to USD 250 (RM 1,116.25); air accidental cover of up to USD 12,500 (RM 55,812); emergency medical expenses of up to USD 18,750 (RM 83,718); credit shield of up to INR 1,00,000 (approximately RM 5,255); loss liability of up to INR 1,00,000 (approximately RM 5,255)

Travel benefits: 12 complimentary domestic lounge accesses and 12 international lounge accesses per year.

Foreign currency markup: 3.5 percent on all foreign currency spends

Eligibility: For salaried Indian nationals, age 21-60 years, monthly income > INR 1,00,000 (approximately RM 5,255); for self-employed, age 21-65 years, ITR > INR 15 lakh (approximately RM 79,349) annually.

Thailand

UOB Royal Orchid Plus Preferred Credit Card

Joining fee: THB 10,000 + VAT THB 700 (approximately RM 1,292 + RM 90.45 VAT)

Renewal fee: THB 10,000 + VAT THB 700 (approximately RM 1,292 + RM 90.45 VAT)

Welcome benefits: 25,000 Anniversary UOB Rewards Points upon spending THB 1 million (approximately RM 1,29,195) within one card membership year.

Travel benefits: Fast-track to Royal Orchid Plus Gold Status with spending and qualifying miles requirements.

Eligibility: Primary co-branded credit card for ages 20-60; supplementary card for ages 15-80; monthly income THB 50,000+ (approximately RM 6,460+) for Thai citizens or THB 100,000+ (approximately RM 12,919+) for foreigners; work experience of 4+ months for officers, 3+ years for business owners.

THAI American Express Platinum Credit Card

Joining fee: THB 4,280 inclusive of VAT included (approximately RM 623)

Welcome benefits: Up to 10,000 BONUS Royal Orchid Plus miles with 5,000 miles for the first purchase within 30 days and 5,000 miles for the first international flight with Thai Airways from Bangkok.

Insurance cover: Travel Accident Insurance of up to THB 10 million (approximately RM 12,91,847) for accidental death or injuries while travelling as a passenger in a commercial aircraft.

Travel benefits

• Fast Track to Royal Orchid Plus Gold status with 25,000 qualifying miles or 20 international sectors in Royal First or Silk class.
• One complimentary Royal First Class ticket for every 7.5 roundtrip or 15 international sector tickets purchased and flown (applicable for F/A/P class tickets only).
• Complimentary lounge access with two vouchers for the Miracle Lounge at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports for spending THB 100,000 (approximately RM 12,919) in 2024.
• Special dining privileges at top hotels (e.g., Mandarin Oriental, Capella Bangkok) from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

Bangkok Bank AirAsia Credit Card

Joining fee: Not stated but waived when you spend up to THB 5,000 per year (approximately RM 646)

Renewal fee: Not stated but waived when you spend up to THB 5,000 per year (approximately RM 646)

Welcome benefits

• There are complimentary vouchers for free checked baggage (2), hot seat upgrades (2), and in-flight hot or cold drinks (6) for the first year. There’s also a free checked baggage allowance for Thai AirAsia flights, which is 15 kg (domestic) and 20 kg (international).
• Free hot seat upgrades will be given for Thai AirAsia flights (subject to availability) with in-flight hot or cold drink vouchers, priority booking for promotional seats, complimentary Xpress check-in, boarding, and baggage collection at selected airports.

Milestone benefits: Two complimentary vouchers for free checked baggage, hot seat upgrades, and in-flight drinks once you spend THB 100,000 (approximately RM 12,919). Also, this co-branded credit card offers four complimentary vouchers for the same benefits once you spend THB 200,000 (approximately RM 25,839).

Insurance cover: Travel insurance coverage up to USD 200,000 (RM 25,839) for you, your spouse, and your children under 23 when using the credit card for travel-related expenses.

Travel benefits

• Xpress check-in, priority boarding, and baggage collection at selected airports in Thailand
• Exclusive offers on travel, dining, and entertainment through Mastercard Priceless Specials

AEON Royal Orchid Plus World Mastercard

Issue fee: Primary and supplementary cards are free

Annual fee: The annual fee is THB 5,000 (approximately RM 646), waived with spending of THB 600,000 (approximately RM 77,517) per year

Primary card: THB 12,000 (approximately RM 1,550), redeemable with 35,000 points for annual fee waiver

Supplementary card: THB 6,000 (approximately RM 775), redeemable with 17,500 points for annual fee waiver

Travel benefits

• With the co-branded AEON credit card, you can earn unlimited and faster miles: THB 15 (RM 1.95) = 1 Mile and a 50 percent discount on TG Business Class to anywhere
• Royal Silk Lounge access at Suvarnabhumi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket Airports (twice a year), plus AEON Lounge access
• Worldwide Concierge Service is available 24 hours, along with Roadside Assistance Service Travel Accident Insurance and World Mastercard® Dedicated Line available 24 hours

Cashback: Earn 5 percent cash back for every THB 10,000 (approximately RM 1,292) spent on in-flight Duty-Free shopping with Thai Airways, and 3 percent cash back at restaurants, hotels, and Thai Airways or Thai Smile ticket purchases worldwide.

Singapore

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer American Express® Gold Credit Card

Annual fee: RM 100 (approximately USD 21.10; SGD 29.93), waived for the first year

Travel benefits

• 3,000 bonus KrisFlyer miles on the first card spent
• 50 percent savings on access fee to Plaza Premium Lounge (Local & International*), 5X a year
• International Lounges in Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines
• Dining Privileges at Marriott Bonvoy Hotels and Resorts in Malaysia
• Up to 30 percent discount (excluding alcoholic beverages) at participating restaurants for a maximum of 10 diners

Insurance cover: Complimentary Travel Personal Accident coverage of up to RM 750,000 (approximately USD 157,650; SGD 47,182). Travel Inconvenience coverage for missed connections, luggage delay, and luggage loss when travel fares are charged to the card.

Car rental: Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® membership, offering priority service at Hertz counters.

Minimum annual income: RM 36,000 (approximately USD 80,483; SGD 10,774)

KrisFlyer UOB Credit Card

Annual fee: For the principal card, it is SGD 196.20 (approximately RM 655) annually and the first-year card fee is waived. For the supplementary card, the first card is free, and SGD 98.10 (approximately RM 327.50) for subsequent cards.

Welcome benefits: Apply between November 1, 2024, to November 30, 2024, and get up to 31,000 KrisFlyer miles + first-year annual fee waiver

Travel benefits: More miles with every spend on Singapore Airlines, Scoot, KrisShop, Kris+, dining, online shopping, and more. There are exclusive privileges on Scoot, KrisShop, Grab, and fast-track to KrisFlyer Elite Silver status.

Eligibility: Minimum Age: 21 years old.
For Singapore citizens and permanent residents: Minimum annual income of SGD 30,000 (approximately RM 1,00,151) or fixed deposit collateral of a minimum of SGD 10,000 (approximately RM 33,384).
For foreigners: Minimum annual income of SGD 40,000 (approximately RM 1,33,535) or fixed deposit collateral of minimum SGD 10,000 (approximately RM 33,384).

Hong Kong

Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard Priority Private

Annual fee: The annual fee of HKD 8,000 (approximately RM 4,590) is waived for Priority Private clients who maintain a minimum average daily balance of HKD 8,000,000 (approximately RM 45,90,330).

Welcome offer: New cardholders can earn up to 100,000 miles within the first two months of issuance.

Travel benefits: Cardholders gain access to Priority Private’s global concierge services, gourmet dining benefits, exclusive perks with luxury hotel partners, and the Airport Limousine Programme for a refined travel experience.

Cathay travel privileges: Cards issued from July 1, 2022, onward receive two shareable First Class lounge passes and eight shareable Business Class lounge passes per membership year. These passes can be used by travel companions or nominees. Additional privileges include priority check-in at Business Class counters and access to the priority boarding line for Business Class.

Priority Private welcome benefits: New clients with a Priority Private account and a deposit of HKD 8,000,000 (approximately RM 45,90,330) or more can earn up to 688,880 miles. Existing clients who upgrade to Priority Private and grow their balance to HKD 8,000,000 (approximately RM 45,90,330) or more are eligible for up to 410,000 miles.

BOC Hong Kong Airlines Visa Signature Card

Annual fee: The first two years are waived for the main card, and the perpetual waiver is for additional cards.

Travel benefits

• Cardholders earn an extra 1,500 FWC Points monthly on Hong Kong Airlines ticket purchases through the website or Mobile App.
• Priority services include access to a designated check-in counter and business class boarding line (with one companion) on Hong Kong Airlines flights departing from Hong Kong.
• Enjoy a 50 percent FWC Points discount on selected award tickets for limited destinations and travel periods, plus a 5 percent onboard duty-free discount for purchases over HKD 1,000 (approximately RM 574) in a single transaction.

Malaysia

AmBank Enrich Visa Infinite Credit Card

Joining fee: Not specified

Renewal fee: RM 500

Welcome benefits: Earn 1 Enrich Point for every RM 1spent overseas and airline purchases, RM 4 spent locally.

Insurance cover: Up to RM 2,000,000 in travel insurance.

Travel benefits: 10 percent off Malaysia Airlines flights, unlimited Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge access for cardholders and one guest, priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.

Foreign currency markup: 2 percent on all overseas transactions.

Eligibility: Minimum annual income of RM 100,000, aged 21 and above for principal cardholder, 18 and above for supplementary cardholder.

How to apply?

As these co-branded cards are offered in association with a partner company, you can ask for them from the credit card issuer. Visit the card issuer’s website or if the option is available, apply at the partner location like the hotel or airline website. Review card issuer requirements and fill out an online or offline application, which will generally require you to submit proof of income, residence, identity, and KYC. While the approval time varies, some issuers have a quick turnaround, while others can take more than a week to evaluate the application.

It is important to note if you are interested in a specific airline or service, it is key to research which financial institutions issue a co-branded card with that particular brand and even more importantly, read the fine print.

Is investing in a co-branded credit card a wise choice?

A co-branded credit card is an investment indeed, and to distil it down to a simple answer, it is only advisable to puff up the wallet if the benefit from the card matches your spending habit and outweighs the cost of using it. Depending on the issuer and the kind of card you are planning to apply for, you might have to pay annual fees, renewal fees or even unexpected add-on expenses on domestic and international transactions.

Here’s when you should apply

• The users plan to (or are already) frequently shop with the partner brand
• The user highly values inclusions like priority boarding, complimentary features, security or insurance and more associated with the card
• The card’s rewards fit the users’ spending style — and will stand valuable even with the annual and other fees

(Feature image credit: Anna Shvets/Pexels)

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Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.

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