It appears Visa has cast off the pinstripes and donned a tailored silk kimono, quietly relaunching its top-shelf Visa Infinite card benefits across Asia Pacific. And not just with a fresh lick of paint, but with an entire wardrobe overhaul. From fine dining in Tokyo to fast-tracked security in Milan, Visa is courting the region’s affluent travellers with all the subtlety of a Cartier salesman in a private suite.
The move is no surprise. Asia Pacific is fast becoming a magnet for the monied set, with nearly half—47.5% to be precise—of the world’s new High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) expected to emerge from the region between now and 2028. That’s not just a swell in bank balances; it’s a tidal shift in what “luxury” means.
Gone are the days when a gold-plated watch and a business-class upgrade defined success. Today’s affluent consumer, particularly in Thailand, wants more than things. They want meaning. They want seamless experiences, curated travel, and—perhaps most of all—a credit card that does more than sit smugly in their wallet.
According to Visa’s regional figures, around 65% of these HNWIs—and a whopping 90% of Gen Z respondents—already tote a Visa Infinite or equivalent premium card. However, it’s not cash back or points that sway them. It’s a lifestyle. A full 36% of users said the card’s alignment with their daily needs mattered most. Cashback and rewards trailed behind like a concierge with the wrong bags.
“Visa is committed to offering affluent Thai consumers personalised and valuable benefits that extend beyond traditional rewards,” said Angsumalin Fordham, Visa Thailand’s Head of Product & Value-Added Services, slipping comfortably into the sort of reassuring tone usually reserved for spa therapists or bespoke tailors.
Fordham adds that today’s premium experience is about “seamless and meaningful interactions,” whether at home, abroad, or somewhere in between (most likely an airport lounge with sushi on the side).
And seamless it certainly is. Thailand’s cardholders, who are flying more frequently to hotspots like Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea, can now look forward to secure, borderless payments paired with the kind of curated experiences usually reserved for the pages of Condé Nast Traveller.
A New Breed of Spendthrifts (the Very, Very Careful Kind)
Visa’s data paints a picture of wealthy Thai consumers evolving into a newer, savvier species of spender—one who carefully weighs purpose and pleasure. Their everyday swipe habits still favour practicalities: transport, groceries, dining out (quick service or candlelit), and fuel. But for the bigger purchases? They’re placing bets on things with lasting impact—think education, insurance, professional services and airfare.
Outbound spending, however, shows their more playful side. On international getaways, dining continues to rule the roost (well, wouldn’t you, too?), followed by retail and good old-fashioned grocery runs. Entertainment made the top ten, suggesting these travellers are increasingly up for a show, a concert, or maybe even a bit of ballet if the champagne’s included.
Still, luxury doesn’t mean recklessness. High-ticket spending overseas is directed into well-insulated categories, including insurance, healthcare, vehicle rentals, and accessories, indicating a preference for not just indulgence but also security. The thinking seems to be: if you’re going to splash out on silk shirts in Milan, best have a good policy backing you up.
Infinite Style, Finite Fuss: Visa’s Luxe Revamp
So, what exactly has Visa Infinite rolled out to tempt the well-heeled? For starters, there’s up to 30% off with Agoda, and 20% discounts at IHG and Accor properties. It’s an elegantly crafted offering for those bouncing between boutique boltholes and five-star skyscrapers.
The Visa Luxury Hotel Collection is a headline act, giving cardholders access to more than 1,000 handpicked stays. GHA Discovery’s Titanium membership comes bundled in, unlocking perks like room upgrades and local experiences that make checking in feel less like admin and more like arrival theatre.
At the airport, cardholders enjoy 20% off F&B at key terminals—Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi, Hong Kong, Singapore, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Incheon. Europe-bound? There’s complimentary access to Global Blue VIP Lounges in Milan, Paris, Madrid and beyond. Plus, fast-track immigration at Milan Malpensa and Rome Fiumicino means less queue, more caviar.
Not Just Travel—But a Way of Life
Back home or abroad, Visa Infinite is quietly elbowing its way into everyday luxury, too. Members receive 10% off at Lotte Duty Free, and Harrods Gold Tier status—a golden ticket of sorts that includes a 10% dining discount (even if your wallet’s already full from Knightsbridge indulgences). Upgrades can be arranged through Visa Concierge, of course—what else?
And the crown jewel? Peace of mind. Infinite and Signature cardholders enjoy travel insurance covering up to THB 2 million, with policies eligible for Schengen Visa applications. Overseas purchases are protected up to THB 150,000 per item and THB 400,000 per incident—ideal for those rare moments when a Louis Vuitton suitcase mysteriously vanishes somewhere between Tokyo and Tullamarine.
Online shoppers are also covered, with e-commerce protection of up to USD 1,000 annually and an additional year of warranty on eligible goods. Even gifts get the royal treatment. It’s Visa’s way of whispering, “go ahead, spoil yourself—but responsibly.”
The Final Swipe
In an age where premium is often peddled as performance rather than privilege, Visa Infinite appears to be offering something refreshingly old-fashioned: considered, consistent, concierge-style service. It’s less about bling and more about polish. And that, dear reader, is a different kind of luxury altogether.
To explore the full suite of Infinite perks, you can visit: Visa Thailand.
By Kanda Limw
