Best Credit Cards for Supplementary Lounge Access in Malaysia for 2025
- Refined Points
- Jul 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 6
As we head into the second half of 2025, the topic of supplementary lounge access is hotter than ever—largely thanks to UOB Malaysia's recent and sudden decision to axe supplementary lounge access across all their credit cards. Social media channels lit up with backlash, and let's just say Refined Points saw one of its highest traffic spikes ever.
But as with all things in life, we move on. And while UOB's Private Lounge gimmick—essentially an enclosed section within Plaza Premium Lounge KLIA T1—drew some attention, it was never the gold standard.
In fact, with the growing number of UOB cardholders crowding the space, it began to feel more like a waiting room than a sanctuary. The truth is, better options exist—and they always have.
So, as always, this article focuses solely on airmiles-earning credit cards. Cashback cards, regardless of any lounge access they may offer, are not covered here. Do your due diligence if you’re hunting for cashback benefits.
I've also continuously emphasized that a credit card which offers supplementary lounge access is far more valuable than a credit card which allows you to bring in one guest. It's not rocket science: A guest policy requires the principal cardholder to actually fly together, while a supplementary cardholder can simply fly on his/her own.
With that clear, let’s dive into the best supplementary lounge access credit cards in Malaysia.
CIMB Continues to Lead the Lounge Game
Without question, CIMB is still the undisputed king of lounge access in Malaysia. And unless you're willing to fork out RM3,250 for the American Express Platinum Charge Card, nothing else really comes close.
Despite the CIMB Visa Infinite gaining plenty of traction recently, the true value in CIMB’s lineup lies in the CIMB Travel card series, all of which offer access to Plaza Premium First lounges globally—and yes, that includes access for supplementary cardholders too.
The CIMB Travel Platinum Mastercard and CIMB Travel World Mastercard both come with spend conditions, but these are relatively fair. Expecting unlimited lounge access without any commitment is unrealistic and unsustainable from a business perspective.
The quarterly access system, although restrictive to some, can work in your favour if planned wisely. For example, if you’re travelling in December and have met the spend conditions earlier, you could easily bring 5–6 guests via supplementary access without issue.
More importantly, CIMB now grants a full 12-month validity on lounge entitlements after each quarter’s spend is met—an excellent upgrade from their earlier model.
Of course, for those who qualify, the CIMB Travel World Elite Mastercard is a no-brainer.
With zero spend conditions, complimentary access to Plaza Premium First lounges, and even the new Intervals Sky Bar at Hong Kong International Airport, it delivers exceptional value. The RM1,215 annual fee is well justified if you're maximising the card’s travel benefits.
HSBC's White Knight Moment
Ironically, just by doing absolutely nothing, the HSBC TravelOne Mastercard is now in the spotlight. Despite offering one of the weakest airmiles conversion rates in the country, it quietly includes 6X lounge visits per year—supplementary access included.
That said, the catch lies in the limited lounge network. You only get access to six lounges worldwide and one restaurant. Still, they do include key regional hubs like Plaza Premium Lounge KLIA T1, Singapore Changi T1, and all three lounges at Hong Kong International Airport.
The card has a first-year annual fee waiver, with RM300 charged from the second year onwards. Supplementary cardholders are charged RM150 annually, so technically, you’re paying for that lounge access upfront. Either way, cardholders can take comfort in knowing they made a decent choice—especially in light of UOB’s latest move.
RHB’s Lounge Access Dilemma
Talking about RHB feels like opening an old wound. Not long ago, the RHB Premier Visa Infinite was a serious contender in the miles and lounge game. Today, thanks to an absurd new points system, its value has plummeted.
Still, both the RHB Visa Infinite and RHB Premier Visa Infinite continue to offer supplementary lounge access. But getting your hands on these cards isn’t easy—RM150K annual income for the former, and RM250K AUM for the latter.
Once eligible, you get 3X lounge visits per card upon activation, plus 1X for every month you spend RM1,000 or more. If you hit RM100,000 spend within a calendar year, you unlock unlimited access. Sounds great? Wait until you read the fine print—20 different lines of terms and conditions.
These include bizarre limitations such as not being able to access more than one lounge within a 24-hour window across time zones.
Use a lounge at KLIA at 6pm Tuesday? You’re blocked until Wednesday. Enter a lounge in Melbourne at 5am Wednesday? Blocked again until Thursday.
This lack of technical refinement makes the overall experience frustrating and outdated.
In short, yes, RHB offers supplementary lounge access—but with so much red tape and little else of value, you’re far better off with CIMB.
Other Supplementary Lounge Access Cards
Let’s wrap things up with a few cards that do technically offer supplementary lounge access, but come with significant limitations.
First, AmBank’s range of cards—including the Signature Priority Banking variants—do offer supplementary lounge access. However, the supplementary cardholder must individually meet the RM200K AUM requirement. This policy is bafflingly rigid and lacks the inclusivity we’ve seen from other banks. If your bank is making it this hard, it might be time to walk away.
Next up is the Public Bank World Mastercard, which offers 3X lounge visits per year that include supplementary users. The condition? You need a combined RM1,000 spend between principal and supplementary cards in a 30-day window before or after lounge access.
While the spend requirement is manageable, Public Bank simply isn’t relevant in the miles game anymore. You’d basically be getting this card *just* for the lounge visits—not a strategy we’d recommend.
Finally, the American Express Platinum Charge Card deserves a mention.
While not technically a credit card, it offers unparalleled lounge access: AMEX Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium First (KLIA only), Travel Club Lounges, Delta Sky Lounges, Priority Pass (for one supplementary user), and global Plaza Premium Lounges. But it comes with a hefty RM3,250 price tag.
Realistically, most AMEX Platinum users are probably already flying Business Class or hold elite status, so the lounge perk is more of a bonus than a necessity.
Final Thoughts
UOB Malaysia’s decision to completely eliminate supplementary lounge access across the board was both abrupt and shortsighted. Rather than adopting a structured, spend-based model like CIMB—where benefits are tied to usage and cardholder engagement—UOB chose a scorched-earth approach that alienates its customer base.
CIMB’s model stands out because it strikes the right balance. While it does require spending to unlock lounge access, the conditions are clearly communicated, achievable, and fair. More importantly, CIMB still recognises the importance of rewarding supplementary cardholders—something no longer true with UOB.
Funny enough, despite being on the UOB credit card strategy for my 2025 Airmiles Strategy, I'm still keeping my CIMB Travel World Elite just for the lounge access. I even managed to enter the spectacular newly opened Plaza Premium First at Jakarta just last month!
For those looking to secure supplementary lounge access in 2025 without compromising on value, CIMB remains the best option in Malaysia. Other cards may offer lounge access perks, but none combine accessibility, flexibility, and value like CIMB's travel card portfolio.
As always, choose wisely—because in the miles game, every perk counts.
