A few months ago, CIMB unveiled its brand new CIMB Visa Debit Card to much fanfare. There wasn't anything particularly different with this debit card compared with market offerings, other than its sustainability and charity-related taglines.
However, it appears that this debit card now comes with a compelling offer: 20% cashback on public transportation worldwide.
While I typically don’t cover cashback credit cards—let alone debit cards—this offer is certainly worth highlighting.
The only catch?
You’ll need to maintain a minimum balance of RM2,000 in your CIMB bank account to qualify.
Besides that, whether you have CIMB@Work or not will also factor in and play a part in this promotion, which ultimately decides your monthly cashback capping.
For avoidance of doubt, those with CIMB@Work will get RM20/month, while those without will obtain RM10/month in capping.
What makes this offer even more intriguing is its global applicability. According to CIMB, the cashback extends to public transportation services around the world, including iconic systems such as the London Underground (Tube) and Sydney’s toll network. A closer look at the terms and conditions reveals that Singapore’s MRT system is also eligible, making this a truly versatile benefit for frequent travelers and commuters alike.
Last but not least, in typical CIMB fashion, there is indeed an overall monthly capping imposed. Interestingly, the cap increases in amount all the way up to December 2025.
The Mechanics
It’s rare to see a cashback offer like this on a debit card in Malaysia, let alone one that applies to public transportation globally.
As someone currently based in London, I find this especially appealing. For instance, an off-peak single fare within Zone 1 on the Tube costs £2.70. Since I also have a railcard that gives me 1/3 off peak fares, the base cost drops to around £1.78.
Unfortunately, I doubt that I'll be able to double dip, as I'll need to use my Oyster to take advantage of the off-peak fares, but in the case where I'll be travelling during peak hours, the 20% cashback would essentially bring my cost from £2.70 to £2.16 per trip—an impressive saving.
Even when factoring in foreign exchange (FX) fees, the final cost would still land between £2.23 and £2.28, which is a fantastic deal. For those who regularly commute in cities with high public transport costs, this could translate to significant savings over time.
This offer also opens up exciting possibilities for Malaysians traveling abroad, especially to cities with well-established public transport networks like Tokyo and even Singapore.
The combination of cashback and ease of use on a debit card creates a strong incentive for users to rely on their CIMB Visa Debit Card for everyday commuting and travel-related expenses.
Final Thoughts
Overall, CIMB’s initiative stands out as an innovative move in the Malaysian banking scene, and I’m curious to see how it resonates with the market. If you frequently rely on public transportation, whether locally or internationally, this card might be worth considering.
