Now that more Filipinos are turning to cashless payments, a credit card is no longer just a status symbol but a necessity.
Credit cards make payments more convenient, safe, and budget-friendly. They can also help you manage your finances, as long as you get the right one and use it responsibly.
If getting your finances in order is one of your goals, you must find the best credit card that suits your needs. Here's a comprehensive list of the best credit cards in the Philippines in 2024 for different spending categories.
There's no single credit card that works best for everyone. Your choice would depend on your budget, needs, lifestyle, spending habits, priorities, and preferences.
Moreover, each credit card is made for a specific type of cardholder.
Consider these important factors so you can easily trim down your choices and decide on the best credit card in the Philippines to get.
You should first check the eligibility and documentary requirements for the card you're considering. For example, if you're earning below the minimum income requirement of a particular card you like, chances are the bank won't approve your application.
Pay close attention to the annual fee, late payment fee, and overlimit fee. If you plan to use a credit card abroad, you must also look at the foreign currency transaction fee.
These credit card fees may seem small but they add up over time. To save money, compare the fees and charges of different credit cards and choose the one that offers the best features at the lowest fees. Ideally, get a no annual fee for life credit card in the Philippines—it can save you up to ₱6,000 a year.
Look for credit cards that offer the most attractive deals, such as rewards, rebates, discounts, and freebies for the categories you spend on the most, like dining, groceries, fuel, online purchases, and more gadgets.
Find out how much and how fast you can earn such perks. This way, you can fully enjoy the benefits of a credit card. Because aside from payment convenience, that's what credit cards are for, right?
Here's a quick look at some of the best credit cards in the Philippines:
UnionBank Rewards Credit Card
For more details and credit card options, keep reading!
Looking for a credit card with a low income requirement, a low annual fee, and flexible installment plans? The BPI Rewards Card is the sensible choice for beginners.
It’s also the best credit card in the Philippines this 2024 for newbies who want to earn rewards. For every ₱35 you spend, you earn 1 BPI point. You can redeem those points for air miles, gift vouchers, and shopping credits.
With a low monthly fee of ₱110, the BPI Edge Card is one of the best credit cards for beginners.
E arn 1 BPI Point for every ₱50 spend. You also have several installment options at your disposal: Real 0% installment, Buy Now Pay Later, and Bonus Madness Limit.
For a first credit card, you want one with a low income requirement and annual fee— but with excellent perks and benefits as well. You can get all that with the PNB Essentials Mastercard, which lets you earn rewards points. If you go shopping abroad, you also get billed in peso.
Moreover, all supplementary cards have no annual fees for life.
All AUB credit cards' annual fees are waived for life. Although the AUB Classic Mastercard has a relatively higher income requirement than most beginner credit cards, it's still one of the most flexible and beginner-friendly options out there in terms of monthly payment frequency, due date, and minimum amount due.
If you're looking for the best credit card to earn rewards, the UnionBank Rewards Credit Card is a foolproof option.
Love traveling, shopping, and exploring new cuisines? You can earn 3x non-expiring reward points when you shop and dine here and abroad. Plus, you earn 1 non-expiring reward point for every other spend.
Use your accumulated points to redeem merchandise, cash credits, points transfers, and other rewards.
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Eligible card: UnionBank credit cards
Promo period: Until September 30, 2024
Get Apple AirPods 2 worth ₱8,490; Nescafe Dolce Gusto Mini Me worth ₱6,699; Marshall Willen Speaker worth ₱6,590; JBL Tune 720BT Wireless Headphones worth ₱4,699; or Giftaway cash credits worth ₱4,000! Just apply for any eligible UnionBank credit card via Moneymax, get approved within the promo period, and then meet the ₱10,000 spend requirement within 60 days from your card approval date.
This Moneymax UnionBank welcome gift promo runs until September 30, 2024 only.
Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-199168 Series of 2024. Terms and conditions apply.
Note: The promo is exclusive to carded applicants who do not have an existing principal credit card issued by UnionBank and/or Citi.
If you frequently shop online, the Metrobank Titanium Mastercard ® will make the experience not just convenient but also secure. The card comes with e-commerce protection, which provides insurance coverage for your items—including international purchases—in case they get lost or damaged.
The Metrobank Titanium Mastercard ® is the best credit card in the Philippines for those who usually pay for big-ticket purchases, as it comes with 0% interest installment plans.
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Promo period: Until September 30, 2024
How do you get a Metrobank credit card welcome gift? Simple! Just apply and get approved for any eligible card through the Moneymax website.
Choose between a Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio S Basic worth ₱7,199; Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones worth ₱3,299; JBL Go 4 Ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker worth ₱2,599; or Xiaomi Redmi Bluetooth Soundbar worth ₱2,499; or Giftaway cash credits worth ₱2,500.
This Moneymax Metrobank eGift/Dolce Gusto/Sony/JBL/Xiaomi promo runs until September 30, 2024 only. Hurry and apply now!
Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-199163 Series of 2024. Terms and conditions apply.
Note: Applicant must be an existing credit cardholder in good standing for at least nine months.
Is Cebu Pacific your go-to airline? You might as well get the UnionBank Cebu Pacific Platinum credit card. Use it to earn 1 Go Rewards Point for every ₱100 spend at Cebu Pacific and get first dibs on seat sales!
Plus, you get travel insurance and lounge access at Marbaha or PAGSS.
Enjoy 50% off dining offers at participating merchants with the Metrobank Platinum Mastercard ® . This card also earns 1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend.
Getting your loved one a supplementary card? You’re in for a treat because your first supplementary card’s annual fees are waived forever.
Sources:
Venus has almost 20 years of combined experience in content marketing, SEO, corporate communications, and public relations. Most of her career was spent creating informative articles on personal finance and digital marketing. She also invests in stocks, mutual funds, VUL, and Pag-IBIG MP2. Venus graduated cum laude with a Journalism degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman. A hardcore Hallyu Tita, she loves bingeing Korean shows on Netflix while bonding with her cats. Follow Venus on LinkedIn.
