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⚡ Quick Answer
BigPay is a multi-currency e-wallet backed by AirAsia — great for frequent travellers who want to avoid foreign transaction fees and earn AirAsia Rewards points on everyday spending. It’s not the cheapest option for large international transfers (that’s where Wise wins), but as an all-in-one Malaysian e-wallet with overseas card capability, it’s hard to beat.
What Is BigPay?
BigPay is a Malaysian e-money app licensed by Bank Negara Malaysia, originally launched in 2017 as AirAsia’s fintech arm. What started as a convenient way to pay for flights has evolved into a full-featured multi-currency financial app used by over 1.5 million Malaysians.
In 2026, BigPay offers a Visa debit card, 30+ currency wallets, international money transfers, micro-insurance, BNPL via BigPay Later, and standard e-wallet features like DuitNow QR and bill payments. It sits in an interesting niche — more internationally capable than MAE or GrabPay, but more locally integrated than Wise.
Your BigPay balance is safeguarded under Bank Negara’s e-money framework, with funds held in a trust account separate from BigPay’s operating capital. PIDM protection applies for up to RM250,000.
BigPay Key Features in 2026
Multi-Currency Visa Card
This is BigPay’s headline feature. The physical Visa card lets you spend in any country where Visa is accepted — which is essentially everywhere. When you spend overseas, BigPay converts your ringgit at the Visa exchange rate, which is close to the mid-market rate. Crucially, BigPay charges 0% foreign transaction fee, unlike most Malaysian bank debit cards which layer on a 1.5–3% surcharge.
In practice, this saves real money. A RM5,000 overseas spend with a traditional bank card might cost you RM75–RM150 in foreign transaction fees alone. With BigPay, that’s avoided entirely.
International Money Transfers
BigPay supports transfers to 30+ countries from within the app, covering major remittance corridors like Malaysia to Indonesia, Philippines, Bangladesh, and India. Transfers are processed via the Visa network and typically land within 1–3 business days.
Fees vary by corridor but are generally a flat RM5–RM15 plus a small exchange rate spread. For small, frequent transfers this is competitive. For large one-off transfers, it’s worth checking Wise — their mid-market rate with a percentage-based fee often works out cheaper above RM5,000, and you get a fee-free first transfer when you sign up via our link.
AirAsia Rewards Integration
Every ringgit you spend on your BigPay card earns AirAsia Rewards points — whether you’re buying groceries in Bangsar or paying for a hotel in Bangkok. These points accumulate and can be redeemed for AirAsia flights, upgrades, or products in the AirAsia online store.
If you fly AirAsia at least a few times a year, this is genuinely valuable. Everyday spending becomes a quiet flight fund — without any annual fee.
BigPay Later (BNPL)
BigPay Later lets you split purchases into 3 or 6 monthly instalments. Eligible users can access it without a formal credit check, though BigPay reviews your spending history on the platform to assess creditworthiness. The first few cycles often come with 0% interest, but rates can reach up to 18% p.a. if you miss payments — so treat this like any other BNPL product.
BigCover Travel & Accident Insurance
BigPay sells micro-insurance through BigCover, including travel insurance from RM1/day and personal accident coverage. It’s underwritten by licensed insurers and approved by Bank Negara. Not the most comprehensive policy available, but very convenient for last-minute trips booked via AirAsia — and much better than flying uninsured.
BigPay Fees and Limits (2026)
| Feature | Fee / Limit |
|---|---|
| Card issuance | Free |
| Top-up (FPX / bank transfer) | Free |
| Overseas card spending | 0% foreign transaction fee (Visa rate applies) |
| ATM withdrawal overseas | 1 free/month; RM10 per withdrawal after |
| International transfer fee | RM5–RM15 flat + exchange rate spread (varies by corridor) |
| BigPay Later interest | 0% promo period; up to 18% p.a. if overdue |
| Monthly wallet limit | RM20,000 standard; up to RM50,000 for premium tier |
One thing BigPay doesn’t always make obvious: the exchange rate spread on international transfers. Always use the in-app rate calculator before you send — the effective rate shown is what you’ll actually get.
BigPay vs Wise: Which Is Better for International Transfers?
The most common question Malaysians ask when looking at BigPay. Here’s an honest comparison:
| Feature | BigPay | Wise |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | Visa rate (small hidden spread) | Real mid-market rate |
| Transfer fee structure | Flat RM5–RM15 per transfer | ~0.4–0.8% of amount sent |
| Better for small transfers | ✅ (flat fee favours small amounts) | ❌ (% fee) |
| Better for large transfers | ❌ (spread adds up) | ✅ (mid-market rate saves more) |
| Overseas card spending | ✅ 0% foreign fee | ✅ 0% up to limit then small fee |
| Malaysian QR payments | ✅ DuitNow QR | ❌ Not supported |
| AirAsia Rewards | ✅ On every spend | ❌ |
| Countries supported | 30+ | 80+ |
The verdict: For transfers under RM3,000, BigPay’s flat fee structure is often cheaper. Above RM5,000, Wise’s mid-market rate wins. For overseas card spending and everyday Malaysian use, BigPay has the edge because it’s fully integrated into the local ecosystem.
BigPay vs MAE vs GrabPay: Daily Use Comparison
For Malaysians who want to understand how BigPay fits into the broader e-wallet landscape:
| Feature | BigPay | MAE | GrabPay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overseas card spending | ✅ Yes (Visa card) | ✅ Yes (Maybank debit card) | ❌ Malaysia only |
| DuitNow QR | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cashback / loyalty | AirAsia Rewards points | Maybank Treats points | GrabRewards |
| International transfers | ✅ 30+ countries | ❌ | ❌ |
| BNPL | ✅ BigPay Later | ❌ | ✅ GrabPayLater |
| Best suited for | Travellers, remittance users | Maybank customers | Frequent Grab users |
If you don’t travel or send money abroad, MAE or GrabPay will likely serve you better for daily Malaysian spending — the promotions and ecosystem integrations are stronger. BigPay’s unique value is its dual role as both a local e-wallet and an international financial tool.
Who Should Use BigPay in 2026?
BigPay is a great fit if you:
- Travel internationally at least a few times a year and want to ditch expensive bank card fees
- Fly AirAsia and want to passively earn Rewards points through daily spending
- Send money abroad regularly — especially smaller amounts to family or workers
- Want one app that handles both Malaysian QR payments and overseas transactions
BigPay is less ideal if you:
- Rarely or never travel internationally
- Need to send large sums overseas (use Wise for amounts above RM5,000)
- Are heavily embedded in the Grab or Maybank ecosystem and want maximised rewards there
Is BigPay Safe?
Yes. BigPay is a Bank Negara Malaysia-licensed e-money issuer operating under strict regulatory requirements. Your balance is held in a ring-fenced trust account — meaning even if BigPay as a company ran into trouble, your funds are protected. PIDM coverage applies for e-money up to RM250,000.
Security-wise, the app uses 256-bit SSL encryption. You can freeze your card instantly from the app if it’s lost or stolen, and card transactions require in-app confirmation for suspicious activity.
Our Recommendation
BigPay earns its place in the Malaysian fintech landscape. For travellers, it’s one of the most practical multi-currency cards available — the 0% foreign transaction fee alone pays for itself on the first overseas trip. The AirAsia Rewards integration adds ongoing value for frequent flyers.
Our recommended approach: use BigPay as your everyday card for Malaysian and overseas spending, and pair it with Wise (use our link for a fee-free first transfer) when you need to send larger amounts internationally. Together, they cover virtually every international money scenario a Malaysian would face in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BigPay free to sign up?
Yes. Signing up for BigPay and getting a card is completely free. There are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.
Can I use BigPay to pay for overseas hotels and flights?
Yes. The BigPay Visa card is accepted anywhere Visa is accepted worldwide — including hotels, airlines, and online bookings in foreign currencies. The transaction is converted at the Visa exchange rate with no extra fee from BigPay.
How long does it take to receive the BigPay card?
After completing verification and requesting your card, delivery typically takes 5–10 business days by post. In 2026, you can also use BigPay’s virtual card number instantly for online purchases while waiting for the physical card.
Does BigPay support Apple Pay or Google Pay?
BigPay supports Google Pay for Android users. Apple Pay support availability varies — check the BigPay app for the most current status as this has been rolled out progressively in Malaysia.
What happens to my money if BigPay shuts down?
Your funds are held in a trust account under Bank Negara Malaysia’s e-money safeguarding rules. Even if BigPay ceased operations, those funds would be returned to users — they cannot be used by BigPay to pay its own bills or creditors.
