Cards for Thailand

The best credit cards for a trip to Thailand.

Thailand is a Star Alliance market — ANA transfers unlock Bangkok in business, and Priority Pass has strong coverage at BKK.

Reviewed by destination.com editorial·Updated August 3, 2026·How we rate cards

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Thailand from the U.S. typically routes through Tokyo (Star Alliance, ANA/JAL) or Doha/Dubai (oneworld/Emirates). Star Alliance connections via Tokyo have the best mileage rates, making Amex MR → ANA the key path.

Hyatt has a solid Thailand footprint — Park Hyatt Bangkok, Hyatt Regency Phuket, Andaz Bangkok — all bookable via Chase transfers.

Regional context: Thailand is a Star Alliance destination (Thai Airways, ANA, Singapore, EVA via TPE). oneworld via Cathay (HKG) and Qatar (DOH).

The three cards we'd take to Thailand

Best for Thailand

American Express Gold Card

MR → ANA for business class · 4x on Thai food

Fee

$325/yr

MR → ANA business round-trip to Southeast Asia from U.S. West Coast: 90,000 miles. 4x on dining captures Thailand's food-heavy travel pattern.

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Pick #2

Chase Sapphire Preferred

UR → Hyatt for Bangkok properties · trip protection

Fee

$95/yr

UR to Hyatt at 1:1 — Andaz Bangkok at 20,000/night, Park Hyatt Bangkok at 30,000/night. Trip protection critical for long-haul Asia.

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Pick #3

The Platinum Card from American Express

Priority Pass at BKK · FHR at Mandarin Oriental

Fee

$895/yr

Priority Pass at BKK, Centurion Studio at HKG on the connection. FHR at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and Rosewood Bangkok.

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Sweet spots we'd target

USA-Bangkok in ANA business: 90,000 miles round-trip (from Amex MR)
Park Hyatt Bangkok: 30,000 Hyatt points/night (from Chase UR)
Andaz Bangkok: 20,000 Hyatt points/night (from Chase UR)

Tips for maximizing points in Thailand

ANA award space to Southeast Asia bookable 355 days out; also opens up 2 weeks pre-flight.
Cash is still king for street food, tuk-tuks. Foreign-fee card matters at hotels, malls, Grab rides.
BKK has strong Priority Pass footprint at both terminals — Miracle Lounge chain has 3+ locations.