Living in Korea as an expat comes with amazing perks, from food delivery to high-speed trains, but choosing the right Korean credit card can make your daily life much cheaper and easier. Whether you want cashback, airline miles, or discounts at convenience stores and online shopping sites, the right card matters. Here are the top 10 Korean credit cards for expats, focusing on accessibility, English support, global usability, and real-life benefits.
1. Shinhan Card – Deep Dream Card
The Shinhan Deep Dream Card is one of the most popular Korean credit cards for expats because of its simple cashback structure and strong brand reliability. You earn points on everyday categories like convenience stores, supermarkets, cafes, and telecom bills. Many expats like it because Shinhan has relatively good English customer support compared to smaller banks. It’s widely accepted across Korea and works smoothly for online payments. If you want a straightforward rewards card without confusing tier systems, this is a solid starting option for foreigners living in Korea long-term.
2. KB Kookmin Card – Easy All Card
The KB Easy All Card is designed for everyday spending, making it ideal for expats adjusting to life in Korea. It offers discounts on transportation, convenience stores, and food delivery apps, essential categories for foreigners who rely on public transit and online ordering. KB Kookmin Bank is one of Korea’s largest banks, so branch access is convenient nationwide. While English service varies by branch, the brand is trusted and stable. If you want broad lifestyle discounts rather than complicated point systems, this card fits perfectly.
3. Hyundai Card – M Card
Hyundai Card’s M Card is famous for its stylish design and strong rewards ecosystem. You earn M Points that can be used for shopping, flights, and even car purchases. Expats who travel frequently appreciate the airline mile conversion options and overseas transaction usability. Hyundai Card also provides one of the better English-language websites among Korean issuers. The annual fee is slightly higher than that of entry-level cards, but if you value brand prestige and premium partnerships, this card offers impressive flexibility.
4. Samsung Card – taptap O Card
The Samsung taptap O Card is ideal for younger expats and digital nomads in Korea. It offers customizable benefits, letting you choose reward categories like streaming services, online shopping, cafes, or transport. This flexibility makes it great if your spending habits change over time. Samsung Card has strong mobile app functionality, which helps foreigners manage payments easily. It’s especially good for expats who prefer digital banking over branch visits. If convenience and customization are your priorities, this card stands out.
5. Woori Card – D-Point Card
The Woori D-Point Card offers generous point accumulation across everyday spending categories. Many expats choose Woori because it’s often easier to open an account here as a foreigner compared to smaller institutions. The points can be used at major Korean retailers and online platforms. It also works well for utility bill payments and public transportation charges. If you’re planning to stay in Korea for several years, this card’s long-term point value can be attractive.
6. Hana Card – 1Q Global Card
The Hana 1Q Global Card is particularly appealing to expats who travel internationally. It offers foreign transaction benefits, overseas spending rewards, and airport lounge discounts. Hana Bank is known for relatively strong foreigner services, especially in major cities like Seoul and Busan. If you send money abroad or frequently travel between Korea and your home country, this card can reduce fees and provide travel perks. It’s a practical choice for globally mobile professionals.
7. NH NongHyup Card – zgm Living Card
The NH zgm Living Card focuses on daily household savings, including supermarkets, gas stations, and public transport. For expats living outside Seoul, NongHyup’s extensive branch network can be a big advantage. The rewards are practical rather than flashy, making it ideal for families or long-term residents. While English service may not be as strong as Hana or Shinhan, the savings structure is easy to understand. If you want consistent everyday discounts, this card delivers.
8. Lotte Card – LOCA LIKIT Card
The LOCA LIKIT Card is designed for lifestyle spending, especially at Lotte Group stores, cinemas, and online malls. Expats who shop at Lotte Mart or watch movies at Lotte Cinema will find strong discount benefits. The card also offers decent cashback on dining and shopping categories. It’s especially useful if you frequently visit Lotte-affiliated brands. If your lifestyle revolves around major Korean retail chains, this card makes sense.
9. BC Card – Global Card
BC Global Card is widely accepted across Korea and is often easier to obtain through partner banks. It’s practical for expats who want a reliable credit card without complicated approval requirements. While rewards may not be as flashy as premium cards, the international usability makes it attractive for foreigners. If your priority is stable approval and smooth domestic transactions, BC’s network strength is a major plus.
10. Citi Korea – Citi PremierMiles Card
For expats who travel frequently, the Citi PremierMiles Card is one of the best mileage-focused credit cards in Korea. You earn airline miles on both domestic and overseas purchases, making it ideal for business travelers. Citi’s global brand reputation adds peace of mind for foreigners. While approval requirements can be stricter, the travel insurance and airport perks are strong advantages. If maximizing flight rewards is your main goal, this card is worth considering.
Choosing the Best Korean Credit Card for Expats
The best Korean credit card for expats depends on your lifestyle. If you travel often, prioritize mileage cards. If you’re settling long-term, focus on everyday cashback and utility discounts. Always check annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and eligibility requirements for foreigners before applying. With the right credit card, you can save money and enjoy a smoother financial life in Korea.