KUALA LUMPUR - RHB Banking Group plans to introduce at least two or three additional foreign currencies to its multi-currency debit card by the second quarter of 2026, as it responds to changing customer travel patterns.

Its head of consumer finance, Sien Vee Loc, said the bank is reviewing potential additions based on emerging destinations for both business and leisure travel, Bernama reported.

"We are assessing opportunities to introduce additional currencies while closely monitoring evolving customer travel behaviour and emerging destinations for both business and personal travel.

"At least two or three additional currencies are in the pipeline. We are finalising the details and hope to announce them by the second quarter of next year," he said.

Launched in 2019, the RHB Multi Currency Debit Card was designed for customers with frequent overseas needs such as salary crediting, education, investments and business remittances.

Sien said the card initially supported fewer than 20 currencies but has since been expanded to 34, including the Korean won, Saudi riyal and Indonesian rupiah.

RHB continues to focus on strengthening its travel ecosystem, particularly for the Muslim-friendly market, with key customer segments including travellers, parents and students pursuing overseas education, as well as investors in gold, silver and term deposits.

"We offer the RHB Multi Currency Debit Card and the RHB Premier Multi Currency Debit Card, both with no currency conversion fees, although overseas ATM withdrawals incur a RM12 fee.

"Even so, customers still save on conversion costs. For example, when withdrawing money abroad, the card uses the currency already funded, making it highly convenient," he added.

Available under both conventional and Islamic banking, the cards allow users to transact seamlessly in multiple currencies, offering cost efficiency for frequent travellers, students and business customers.

Sien also said customers can lock in exchange rates at any time through the cards.

"For instance, given current market conditions, the Japanese yen is at a favourable level, allowing customers to secure it now if they are planning a future trip to Japan or for investment purposes," he said.

On security, he said the cards are equipped with Europay, Mastercard and Visa (EMV) chip technology and can be linked to digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay, which require biometric or passcode authentication for each transaction.

Customers can also immediately block their cards via the RHB Mobile Banking app in cases of loss, theft or suspected misuse.

"These are among the measures we provide to help customers protect their transactions. However, the most important step is for customers not to share their PIN with anyone," he added.

The RHB Multi Currency Debit Card recorded a 70 per cent year-on-year growth in customer acquisition, with more than 130,000 cards issued as of October 2025.

RHB is targeting further expansion next year, aiming for up to 80 per cent penetration among its premier customer segment, and is also exploring the introduction of a virtual card.

The supported currencies include the US dollar, euro, British pound, Swiss franc, Japanese yen, Chinese yuan, Singapore dollar, Australian dollar, New Zealand dollar, Canadian dollar, South African rand, Hong Kong dollar and several Middle Eastern and Asian currencies.

Applications for both the RHB Multi Currency Debit Card and the RHB Premier Multi Currency Debit Card can be made online or at any RHB branch.

Online applications typically take about a week for delivery, while branch applicants may receive the card immediately or opt for home delivery for personalised cards.