If a real CC, then it is what it is, they just taking precautions they don't get stiffed, and will probably extend credit to amounted deposited, or % over that. Reality, no different than a debit card, but a CC, when a vendor, like car rentals & such, won't accept a debit card. If VISA, then comes with bonuses of VISA provisions, if any. My USA VISA comes with no ATM fees, ever, anywhere, along with travel insurance, if using to book travel. So CC does have it's advantages, depending which financial institution is issuing them. Thai institutions, well, good luck with that one, but if needing a Thai CC, then that may be your only option. Not just expats, as Thais run into the same issue, as wife had problem finding bank to issure CC without frozen account, since not working. We needed one originally for EV charging station apps, though not so much any more, as policies and payment options change, expanded to multiple pay options.