Going Cashless in Malaysia: Which eWallet Should You Use?
Carrying a thick wallet is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Today, most people in Malaysia can buy food, take the train, or shop online with just a tap on their phones. Digital payments are growing fast, especially with big sales happening all year round.
But with so many eWallets available, how do you know which one suits your lifestyle best? Here is a closer look at the most popular eWallets in Malaysia and what makes each one useful in different ways.
Touch ‘n Go eWallet
This is one of the most common eWallets you will see in daily life. From paying tolls and train fares to buying snacks at your favourite convenience store, Touch ‘n Go is everywhere. It also lets you pay bills, reload prepaid credit, and earn rewards through the GOrewards programme. Many users appreciate its wide coverage and reliability.
GrabPay
If you use Grab for rides or food delivery, GrabPay is a smart choice. It gives you points each time you spend, which can be used to redeem vouchers and discounts. Many cafes, bubble tea shops, and retail stores also accept GrabPay.
ShopeePay
Frequent Shopee shoppers will find ShopeePay helpful, especially during sales like 7.7 and 11.11. You can enjoy cashback, fast checkouts, and special app-only vouchers. It also works at selected stores like FamilyMart and Tealive.
MAE by Maybank
MAE is more than just an eWallet. It helps you plan your budget, track your spending, and even save money. Linked to your Maybank account, it offers good tools for those who want to manage their money better. You can also pay using DuitNow QR at stores and restaurants.
Boost
Boost is popular for its small rewards called Boost Coins. You can earn these coins with each purchase and redeem them later. Boost is also useful for paying bills, buying insurance, and topping up prepaid credit. It is accepted at many small businesses and food stalls too.
Samsung Wallet
Samsung users can enjoy fast tap-to-pay features by linking their cards to Samsung Wallet. Just unlock your phone and pay at shops with card terminals. It is safe and simple, with the extra layer of fingerprint or face recognition.
Apple Wallet
iPhone and Apple Watch users will find Apple Wallet just as smooth. With a quick tap, you can make payments locally and abroad. It does not require opening an app or scanning any code, which makes it very convenient.
Still Deciding? Here Is a Quick Comparison
| eWallet | Best For | Rewards or Cashback | Can Use at Physical Stores | Budget Tracking Tools | Tap to Pay (No Scanning) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touch ‘n Go | Transport, bills, general use | Yes (GOrewards) | Yes | No | No |
| GrabPay | Food delivery, rides, cafés | Yes (GrabRewards) | Yes | No | No |
| ShopeePay | Online shopping and quick deals | Yes (vouchers) | Some | No | No |
| MAE by Maybank | Budget planning and money control | No direct rewards | Yes | Yes | No |
| Boost | Everyday use and small purchases | Yes (Boost Coins) | Yes | Limited | No |
| Samsung Wallet | Fast payments in shops | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Apple Wallet | Contactless payments | No | Yes | No | Yes |
What to Remember
Each eWallet has its strengths. Some give you points and discounts, others help you budget your money, and a few let you tap and go without even opening an app. Many Malaysians find that using two or three eWallets together gives them more flexibility and savings.
As more shops, food stalls, and services accept digital payments, now is a good time to explore what works best for you. The most rewarding eWallet is the one that makes your life easier and helps you spend smarter.
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