Both in Thailand and abroad, credit cards have become a popular payment method. As a business owner, adapting to changing spending behavior by accepting credit card payments not only makes it easier for customers to pay, but also allows you to expand your customer base, potentially increasing your sales and building your business’s credibility.
In this article, we’ll explain how businesses can accept credit card payments in Thailand. We’ll also go over payment channels and the benefits of credit cards, as well as security measures and related laws to help business owners make effective decisions and be confident in using credit card payment systems.

What’s in this article?

• How long have businesses in Thailand accepted credit card payments?
  
• How can businesses in Thailand accept credit card payments?
  
• What channels can be used to accept credit card payments in Thailand?
  
• What are the security standards for credit card payments in Thailand?
  
• How to check for fake credit cards
  
• What laws and regulations does Thailand have regarding credit card payments?
  
• What to know about accepting credit card payments in Thailand
  

How long have businesses in Thailand accepted credit card payments?

Credit cards were first introduced in Thailand in the late 1980s, a time when the country’s economy was expanding and opening up to international trade and investment. Global credit card businesses, such as Visa and Mastercard, entered the Thai market during this period, offering both businesses and customers alike a secure and convenient way to make payments.

In the early days, credit card payments in Thailand were mostly processed through electronic data capture (EDC) machines found in department stores and large retailers. Since most cardholders at the time had strong financial profiles and steady incomes, businesses began to recognize the benefits of encouraging credit card spending—not just to boost sales, but also to modernize their brand images.

By the early 2000s, as technology and internet access became more integrated into everyday life, Thailand’s payment systems began to evolve to accept digital payments. Credit cards were increasingly being used for online purchases, allowing customers to shop at any time, from anywhere. This newfound convenience helped drive the growth of Thailand’s economy, especially in the emerging ecommerce sector. In response, banks and credit card providers began offering added perks—such as loyalty programs, exclusive discounts, and special promotions—to attract and retain customers, encourage spending, and build long-term customer relationships.

Today, credit cards play a major role in continuing to drive economic growth, serving as a cornerstone of Thailand’s evolving financial landscape. Whether through updated point-of-sale (POS) systems, in-app payments, or integrations with secure payment gateways, credit cards have become an important tool for businesses to meet the needs of customers in the digital age while promoting long-term financial sustainability.

How can businesses in Thailand accept credit card payments?

Offering credit cards as a payment method makes it much more convenient for customers to make purchases. This, in turn, can expand your market base and increase sales. In Thailand, there are multiple ways to accept credit card payments. Below, we’ll explore the process step by step.

Research payment channels

Look into a wide range of payment channels to find the one that is most appropriate for your business. Common payment channels include card readers, website payments via payment gateways, payment receipts via QR codes, and payment links, among others.

Compare payment provider fees

Fees vary by payment provider. Generally, providers charge a percentage of each purchase. Some also charge fees for withdrawals or for installing payment terminals. You must do research to identify the provider that makes the most sense for your business.

Apply for payment service

Once you’ve selected a payment channel and compared fees, contact a commercial bank in Thailand or a payment service provider (PSP) such as Stripe, to request activation of the credit card payment service. You should also prepare financial documents for the application, including a copy of your business’s certificate of incorporation, copies of the director’s or owner’s identification cards, bank account details, and so on.

Set up and test the system

If you’re using a card reader (EDC), the bank will install it and teach you how to use it. If you select an online system, you will need to install an application programming interface (API) or plug-in on your business’s website. Online payment systems require setting up and connecting to your site. Be sure to test the system to ensure that payments can be made smoothly and securely.

Activate and track results

Once you know your credit card payment system works, you can activate it. Transaction results should be tracked and analyzed to ensure that the credit card payment process is secure and efficient. The data can be used for marketing and management purposes, as well as to troubleshoot any problems that might arise.

What channels can be used to accept credit card payments in Thailand?

There are many channels for accepting credit card payments in Thailand, each with its own pros and cons. As a business owner, you need to consider factors such as fees, security, and ease of use for both your customers and business in order to choose the most suitable method for your business.

EDC credit card readers

An EDC is a device that primarily processes credit card or debit card payment data. It is used to extract data from cards and contact the banking system to perform financial transactions. EDC credit card readers are portable and easy to install.

Point-of-sale (POS) terminals

A POS terminal is a credit or debit card payment device that supports card insertion, card swiping, and contactless card tapping. Businesses use POS terminals to charge cards, record sales data, manage inventory, keep records, and perform business analysis.

Stripe Terminal offers the functionality of a POS terminal and is easy to set up. It can also be customized with specific functions for each business’s needs.

Phone payments

Businesses often accept payments over the phone if cardholders are unable to pay in person or online, such as when a customer calls a hotline to place an order. The customer provides credit card information to the business, which must then be verified and authorized by the bank, typically by the business entering the information into an online platform or POS terminal on the customer’s behalf.

Online stores

Online stores and ecommerce platforms accept credit card payments through online payment systems. Customers enter their credit card information to complete transactions directly. This option is suitable for businesses that sell products or services over the internet, including apps that support in-app purchases, such as 7-Eleven, Grab, or Shopee, which can use credit cards to link to user accounts and deduct money directly.

QR codes, digital wallets, and payment links

Customers can scan a QR code to pay using their banking app or a digital wallet that supports credit cards. In addition, businesses can send payment links to customers to easily transfer money by credit card. These payment channels help businesses eliminate the need for POS terminals, reducing the cost of selling online.

Automatic payments

Automatic payments are appropriate for monthly subscription services or recurring expenses, such as phone services, internet services, or streaming platforms. In these cases, the system automatically deducts money from the customer’s credit card on the due date of each billing cycle. This is convenient for customers, who don’t need to make the payments themselves each month.

Tap to pay

Contactless payments, commonly referred to as tap-to-pay payments, allow customers to tap their credit cards at NFC-enabled payment devices without inserting or swiping their cards. Transactions take only a few seconds, making this payment method ideal for businesses who want to provide fast, contactless service for security purposes.

SoftPOS

SoftPOS is a software that turns any NFC-enabled mobile or tablet device into a contactless payment terminal, without the need for a traditional POS terminal. It is ideal for small businesses or service providers who want the convenience of accepting credit cards anywhere.

Payment gateways

A payment gateway is an intermediary system that connects online businesses with banks or credit card providers to process payments securely. Payment gateways support credit cards, debit cards, and other digital payment channels. Data is usually encrypted for high security. Payment gateways are popular among ecommerce and subscription services.

Stripe Payments is a payment solution built to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. It has the highest security standards with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Level 1 for managing credit card information.

Accepting credit card payments in Thailand involves costs and fees that you must consider as a business owner. Service fees vary depending on the payment channel, service provider, and package you select, and can include installation fees, monthly fees, per-transaction fees, and more. You should contact your bank or service provider directly to inquire about fees, discounts, and benefits for the payment channel you are interested in.

What are the security standards for credit card payments in Thailand?

Businesses that accept credit card payments in Thailand must follow security standards established by local financial authorities, such as the Bank of Thailand, as well as international organizations. These standards are designed to protect sensitive information, minimize the risk of fraud, and ensure the security of both business systems and customer transactions. To remain compliant, businesses must implement proper safeguards and processes when handling credit card data.

Examples of these standards include:

3D Secure System

3D Secure is an added layer of security used by major credit card networks like Visa (via Verified by Visa) and Mastercard (via Mastercard SecureCode) to protect online transactions. It works by verifying the identity of the cardholder before a payment is approved, helping to reduce the risk of stolen card data and online fraud. A common method of verification involves sending a one-time password (OTP) to the cardholder’s mobile phone, which must be entered in order to complete the transaction.

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)

PCI DSS is an international standard designed to protect credit card data and related transactions through means such as data encryption, access restrictions, security assessments, and penetration testing. Risk assessments are conducted and security controls are implemented at every stage of the payment process.

Encryption

Encryption involves converting data from a readable and understandable format (i.e., plain text) to a format that cannot be read or understood (i.e., cipher text). This ensures highly secure data transmission, thereby reducing the risk of fraud or theft.

Multi-Factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication is a security mechanism used to protect against unauthorized access to data. Multiple pieces of information are required to authenticate a customer’s identity before access to a transaction is granted, such as a password, a code sent to their mobile phone or email, or biometric information, such as a fingerprint or facial scan.

Risky transaction review

Risky transaction review involves assessing, analyzing, and continuously monitoring transactions for signs of suspicious activity or potential fraud. An alert system is used to flag unusual transactions, such as unusually large amounts, abnormal transaction frequency, or discrepancies in user information compared to typical usage patterns. In such cases, the transaction in question can be temporarily held for review, triggering additional identity verification steps or inspection by a security officer before it is approved.

Chargeback and fraud prevention

To reduce the risk of chargebacks, a business must maintain proof of its transactions, such as receipts and customer signatures or electronic records. In addition, businesses should implement know-your-customer (KYC) systems or verify customer identities before providing services, such as with a national ID card or other relevant documents.

Verification via one-time passwords (OTPs) or using payment systems with two-factor authentication are other measures that can help prevent fraud and reduce the risk of false information being used online.

How to check for fake credit cards

For a transaction made at a POS, a business needs to verify the cardholder’s name, signature, card expiration date, and card verification value (CVV) number before proceeding with the payment. Businesses should also verify the card’s integrity by following these steps:

• Check whether the numbers on the card and the magnetic strip are in good condition.
  
• Compare the number on the card with the receipt. If they don’t match, it might be a fake card.
  
• Use a bank-standard credit card reader to prevent data tampering.
  
• Check for watermarks or holograms on the card, which should change color when viewed from different angles.
  
• Check the magnetic strip and note the signature on the back of the card.
  
• Request the cardholder’s ID in case of doubt.
  

What laws and regulations does Thailand have regarding credit card payments?

Credit card payments in Thailand are subject to a legal framework and regulations set by key regulatory bodies, such as the Bank of Thailand (BOT) and the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, to ensure fair and safe operations for both businesses and cardholders. The laws and regulations regarding credit card payments are as follows:

Consumer Protection Act, 1979

The Consumer Protection Act protects the rights of customers from manufacturers, distributors, and service providers, including credit card payment service providers (PSPs). Among other things, the law dictates that consumers must receive clear information about a credit card’s terms and conditions. The law puts measures in place to protect customers from unfair acts and the exploitative practices of service providers.

Electronic Transactions Act, 2001

The Electronic Transactions Act establishes guidelines to ensure that electronic transactions are legally equivalent to those that occur on paper. The law supports digital transactions such as credit card payments by ensuring the safety and reliability of electronic data in the transaction system.

Financial Service Control Act, 2022

The Financial Service Control Act regulates and supervises all kinds of financial service businesses, including credit card-related services. The policies and regulations stipulated in this law help build customer confidence in businesses by increasing the transparency and security of transactions.

Bank of Thailand (BOT) fee terms

Terms and conditions have been issued by BOT to regulate and control the collection of credit card fees in a fair and transparent manner. Service providers must adhere to the specified fee structure and cannot charge customers any additional fees for using credit cards, except as permitted by BOT.

Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA)

The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) sets out rules for the collection, maintenance, and use of customers’ personal data in digital systems, including financial data related to credit cards. Operators are required to obtain consent from data owners and manage data with appropriate security measures.

Additional cross-border transaction requirements

Acceptance of foreign credit card payments must comply with the standards of the card network (e.g., Visa, Mastercard) and the requirements of BOT. For example, for international transactions, it is necessary to check the exchange rate and comply with the regulations of each relevant country to ensure smooth and secure transactions.

Anti-Money Laundering Act

Businesses must comply with the Anti-Money Laundering Act and have strict cardholder identity verification processes. Money laundering and fraudulent activities in the finance sector must be monitored and prevented. Credit card providers must report suspicious transactions to identify and stop illegal activities in a timely and effective manner.

What to know about accepting credit card payments in Thailand

Accepting credit card payments can offer businesses major advantages, including increased sales, access to a broader market, and greater convenience for customers when purchasing products or services. However, along with the benefits come important considerations—such as the need to manage chargebacks, prevent fraud, and handle the fees associated with credit card processing.

It’s also important that businesses ensure compliance with security standards and legal requirements, such as proper tax invoicing and adherence to regulations set by BOT. By taking the time to understand how to accept credit card payments properly, businesses can operate more smoothly and securely, all while tapping into one of the most popular, revenue-generating payment methods available today.