Credit Term
Minimum Payment
The smallest amount you must pay on your credit card each month to keep the account in good standing — typically 5% of the outstanding balance or RM50, whichever is higher. Paying only this keeps you current but is very expensive over time.
Paying at least the minimum by the due date avoids a late mark on your CCRIS record and late-payment charges. But the minimum is designed to keep the account ticking over, not to clear the debt: the rest of the balance rolls over and is charged interest, so paying only the minimum on a large balance can stretch repayment over years and cost far more than the original spend.
The key distinction is 'current' versus 'paid off'. Paying the minimum keeps you current; paying the full statement balance clears the debt and, on purchases, means you pay no interest at all thanks to the grace period. Whenever you can, pay the full balance — and if you cannot, pay as much above the minimum as possible to shrink the interest you are charged.
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This definition is drafted against primary sources (Bank Negara Malaysia, AKPK and the relevant Acts) and is pending editorial fact-check. If you find an error, tell us and we will correct it with a dated note.