Standard Chartered Raises AUM Requirement for Key Priority Banking Visa Infinite Benefits

Standard Chartered Malaysia has recently announced yet another change, this time to its Priority Banking Visa Infinite credit card—one that many would rightly consider a devaluation.

Starting 1 May 2025, certain benefits tied to the card will now require a minimum Assets Under Management (AUM) of RM350,000, a 40% increase from the previous RM250,000 threshold.

This update may not come as a shock to long-time industry observers. The Standard Chartered Priority Banking Visa Infinite (SCB PBVI) has largely fallen out of favour among savvy miles chasers, trailing far behind competitors like CIMB and UOB, who have consistently led the way in offering compelling value within the affluent segment.

What’s notable is that, as of 11 April 2025, the SCB PBVI’s product page still displays RM250,000 AUM as the qualifying threshold to apply for the card. However, with the tightening of benefit access criteria, it seems increasingly likely that an across-the-board revision to RM350,000 is imminent.

Lounge Access

Lounge access remains one of the headline perks of the SCB PBVI. Under the current system, Priority Banking customers receive 8 complimentary visits annually through the LoungeKey network, although these do not extend to guests or supplementary cardholders. Meanwhile, Priority Private customers enjoy unlimited access and the ability to bring one guest.

The increase to RM350,000 AUM isn’t likely to disrupt the bank’s core Priority Banking customer base. Standard Chartered has long held a solid reputation for its wealth propositions, especially in asset management and diversified investment offerings. For loyal clients already entrusting significant AUM with the bank, this new threshold will hardly register as a hurdle.

However, for customers maintaining the RM250,000 minimum solely to enjoy credit card-linked perks—especially lounge access—this change serves as a clear signal: the bar is rising.

To recap, while the Standard Chartered Priority Banking Visa Infinite does offer decent lounge access for the money, it misses crucial access to some of the best lounges in Malaysia.

With the ongoing dispute at KLIA and the shortage of lounge space, personalized and exclusive areas—such as the UOB Private Lounge and Plaza Premium First—are more important than ever.

This is where cards like the CIMB Preferred Visa Infinite (which only requires RM250K AUM) shine, offering 8 annual entries to Plaza Premium First lounges worldwide with no additional complications.

It’s also worth mentioning that pledging RM3 million in AUM just to unlock unlimited LoungeKey access with a single guest is, frankly, baffling. At that level of wealth, one would reasonably expect a much more inclusive benefit structure.

By comparison, the UOB Privilege Banking Visa Infinite offers 12 annual DragonPass entries globally—with guest access included—and requires only RM500,000 in AUM to qualify. That’s a far more reasonable ask for a card targeting the affluent segment.

Let’s be honest—if I had RM3 million parked with a bank, the last thing I’d want is to leave my family standing outside while I bring one guest into a crowded lounge. This is precisely why the CIMB Travel World Elite continues to be relevant in 2025. Despite having no AUM requirement, it offers supplementary lounge access benefits that cater to how real families travel.

At the end of the day, value isn’t just about quantity—it’s about usability. And Standard Chartered’s increasingly gated access to its SCB PBVI lounge perks seems to be drifting further from that principle.

Airport Transfer Cashback Program

The SCB PBVI also features a modest airport transfer benefit: RM80 cashback when you make at least three overseas transactions with the card. The rebate is valid for Airport Limo services from KLIA Terminal 1 and for KLIA Express at both terminals, and is credited automatically within 60 days.

While functional, this benefit feels dated. Airport Limo fares frequently exceed RM130—far above the RM80 rebate. Worse still, many seasoned travellers would argue that the quality of these so-called “limos” leaves much to be desired.

In fact, ride-hailing services like Grab typically offer cheaper, cleaner, and more convenient airport transfers. Some users of competing cards like the UOB PRVI Miles Elite have voiced similar complaints, noting how these outdated transfer perks don’t align with the expectations of premium cardholders.

Meanwhile, even entry-level travel cards like the CIMB Travel Platinum Mastercard (with a mere RM24,000 annual income requirement) offer complimentary Grab airport transfers—a far more relevant and practical option today.

To make things simple, it absolutely baffles me how bank executives would think that offering airport transfer services from an "Airport Limo" company would be more luxurious or convenient rather than simply partnering with Grab for these services.

Final Thoughts

Standard Chartered’s decision to raise the AUM requirement for key SCB PBVI benefits to RM350,000 seems like another nail in the coffin for what was once a promising premium credit card.

While the bank continues to offer decent asset management services, the card’s lack of competitiveness in the perks department—especially compared to more modern and flexible offerings from CIMB and UOB—makes it a tough sell in 2025.

The real question isn’t whether SCB is tightening benefits, but why they haven’t revamped the card entirely. In a world where even mass-level credit cards offer airport lounge access, and airport transfer perks are evolving rapidly, customers expect more than recycled cashback and limited lounge entries.

If you’re someone maintaining RM250,000 in assets solely for SCB PBVI benefits, this might be the wake-up call you needed. It may be time to consider alternatives that deliver greater value—not just on paper, but in real-life travel experiences.