Bank card in thai baht (THB): how to apply, use, and refill
The thai baht (THB) is the official currency of Thailand and is among the top 30 most traded currencies in the world.
Bank cards in thai baht (THB) are issued based on payment systems like Visa and Mastercard and are one of the most common payment methods in retail stores and online services in the country.
Although cashless payments in thai baht (THB) are available in many places in large cities, as of 2026, local residents prefer cash payments, accounting for about 70% of all transactions in the country.
However, the popularity of cashless payments using bank cards in thai baht (THB) is growing due to mobile payments and payments through the PromptPay service: in 2025 alone, their number increased by more than 7%.
How to apply for a bank card in thai baht (THB)
Credit and debit cards in thai baht (THB) can be issued at about 30 banks in Thailand, including:
- Bangkok Bank
- Kasikornbank (KBank)
- Siam Commercial Bank (SCB)
- Krungthai Bank
- TMBThanachart Bank (TTB)
- Krungsri Bank
- Bank of Ayudhy
To obtain a card in thai baht (THB), you will need to visit the bank office in person and provide a set of necessary documents, which may vary depending on the bank. The following documents may be required to issue a card supporting thai baht (THB):
- Passport
- Tourist, student, immigration, or long-term visa
- Work permit
- Lease contract
Additionally, some banks, such as Krungthai Bank and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), require a minimum deposit of 500 thai baht (THB) to open an account. In other banks, the minimum amount may be as high as 6000 or more thai baht (THB).
Recommendations for using a bank card in thai baht (THB)
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations, and tourism is one of the main sources of income for Thailand's budget.
If you plan to use non-local cards in thai baht (THB) during your tourist trip to Thailand, you should inform your bank to avoid potential blocks due to suspicious transactions in an unusual geographic location. It is also recommended to carry cards from different payment systems to avoid issues with currency conversion when paying with your card in thai baht (THB) during your trip.
Additionally, it is advisable to have a small reserve of cash in thai baht (THB), as cashless payments in thai baht (THB) may not be available at some local shops, hotels, restaurants, taxis, and public transport, especially in remote regions of the country. However, keep in mind that when bringing foreign currency exceeding 50,000 thai baht (THB) into the country, you may need to declare the funds.
To pay with cards in Thailand, it is better to purchase thai baht (THB) in advance, as the commission for currency conversion on your card may be quite high. Currency exchange to thai baht (THB) can be done through trusted exchange services, and their list can be found on the BestChange website.
How to top up and withdraw funds from a card in thai baht (THB)
Top-up and withdrawal of thai baht (THB) from bank cards in Thailand is available through several methods:
- Cash through ATMs
- Money transfer to a bank account or via payment code using PromptPay
- At bank branches and offices
- Through exchange offices, where you can convert currencies and digital assets into thai baht (THB).
It should be noted that when topping up and withdrawing thai baht (THB), a commission may be charged, which will vary depending on the selected method and bank and on average is around 200 thai baht (THB).