Find your credit card

What's The Difference Between A Credit Card And A Debit Card?

A simple and straightforward description would be 'pay now' or 'pay later', the former pertaining to debit whereas the latter for credit cards. A debit card is linked to your bank account so that every transaction is automatically deducted from your account. As for credit cards, the issuer or the bank, provides a credit limit which is the maximum amount that you can 'borrow' for your purchases.

What Credit Cards Are Accepted In The Philippines?

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in the Philippines. It doesn't matter where the credit card was issued, as long as the bank that issued the card allows international transaction. A Visa or Mastercard will easily work with all credit card terminals in the Philippines.

How Do Credit Cards Work In The Philippines?

Credit cards work similarly to personal loans. When you make a payment using a credit card, you are essentially 'borrowing' money from the card issuer. By the end of each month, you are expected to repay the amount you've 'borrowed'. If you don't pay it in full, you'll be charged interest on the unpaid amount.

How Can I Get A Credit Card In The Philippines?

The most direct way to get a credit card is to apply for one. Banks don't easily approve credit card applications, though. You must at least meet the minimum qualifications to apply for an entry level credit card. To learn more about the minimum requirements of each card along with relevant details, you can view our list of credit cards above and select the one that interests you.

How Can I Get A Credit Card Fast?

The fastest way to get a credit card is to apply for a secured credit card. Unlike regular credit cards, secured credit cards requires a cash bond which the cardholder must deposit to bank and will be held for a certain period (usually 1 year). The credit limit granted will be at least 80% of the withheld amount by the bank.

Most banks in the Philippines offer this and customers who are interested will need to have a savings account first in their chosen bank.

What Is A Good Credit Card To Apply For?

A good credit card can vary from person-to-person, depending on the needs and spending habits.

If a good credit card for you means:

1. No annual fees - you should consider the Citi Simplicity+ Card which offers the least credit card fees in the market.
2. Getting rewarded for every peso spent - try a rewards centered credit card such as the Citi Rewards Card.
3. Provides rebates and cash backs ' get cash back credit cards such as the Citi Cashback Card.
4. More incentive for international purchases ' checkout travel credit cards such as Citi Premier Miles Credit Card.
5. Rewards that convert to miles ' consider rewards or travel credit cards such as Citi Rewards Card or Citi Premier Miles Card.

What Is The Credit Card That I Can Easily Get Approved For?

As a rule of thumb, apply for a credit card that has a minimum income requirement lower than your current income. Generally, credit cards such as the following are the easiest ones to apply for:

Citi Simplicity+ Card
No annual fee, no late fees but provides incentive for paying on time, rewards points for spending.

AUB Easy Mastercard
Flexible payment terms as it allows you to choose how much and when to pay. No annual fees and low minimum income requirement too.

Metrobank M Free Mastercard
Low income requirement and no annual fees.

How Do You Get A Credit Card For The First Time?

There are various ways a bank can grant their customers a credit card. Some banks will offer credit cards to account holders who have stellar financial records; some banks also offer a certain credit card to a specific account holder who leads a certain lifestyle based on their current credit card spending; some are simply offered by banks to customers according to their income; most are applied for by bank account holders. Make sure that you find the credit card that matches your lifestyle and income and apply for one through iMoney.

What Is The Best Credit Card For First Timers?

First time credit cardholders are better off using lower tier credit cards to help them manage their spending better while showing them how interest rates work. While it doesn't necessarily apply to everyone, having all the bells and whistles of premium credit cards can throw a more complex learning curve on first time credit card users.

The best credit cards for first timers in the Philippines are the following:

Citibank Simplicity+ Card
No annual fee, no late fees but provides incentive for paying on time, rewards points for spending.

AUB Easy Mastercard
Flexible payment terms as it allows you to choose how much and when to pay. No annual fees and low-income requirement too.

Metrobank M Free Mastercard
Splits your transactions in 2 equal monthly installments at 0% interest.

Different Categories Of Credit Cards Available In The Philippines

There are a variety of credit card categories, each with their own corresponding benefits and privileges. In the Philippines, here are the major classification of credit cards you can consider:

1. Shopping Credit Cards: If you love to shop, then these are the right cards for you. Centered on shopping purchases, you get reward points and exclusive discounts when purchasing from distinct merchants using the specified card.
2. Travel Miles Credit Cards: Get to receive mile points on select transactions and redeem them for free flights. You also enjoy travel-related privileges such as exclusive access to VIP lounges, free travel insurance and seats upgrades with participating airlines.
3. Gas Credit Cards: For those who drive and travel a lot, these cards offer gas discounts and other related benefits such as discount on car services, free roadside assistance, and up to 5% rebate on fuel purchases.
4. Cashback Credit Cards: If you want to get your money back as you spend, then cashback credit cards are for you. Using these cards let's you receive cash rebates of up to 6% on what you spend on the most.
5. Groceries Credit Cards: Using these cards to purchase your groceries can give you better reward points and higher cashback of up to 6%.
6. Dining Credit Cards: Is eating out your thing? Unleash the foodie in you while you enjoy exclusive discounts and privileges from your favorite restaurants.
7. Rewards Credit Cards: Most cards offer reward points for every purchase made using your credit card. You can redeem your reward points for gift items, vouchers and other freebies as indicated in the bank's reward catalogue.
8. Entertainment Credit Cards: Enjoy your night out with friends or family as you get exclusive mall privileges, free movie tickets, special discounts and more.
9. Low Interest Credit Cards: These cards offer lower interest rates compared to conventional credit cards.
10. Premium Credit Cards: Premium credit cards have promotions and privileges that cater to offer higher-end products and services such as overseas spending perks, access to select clubs and golf courses, as well as exclusive dining and shopping privileges.

What Are The Best Credit Cards To Apply For?

The best credit card can vary from person to person, depending on their spending pattern and lifestyle. If you're looking for a credit card that best matches with your current financial landscape, here are our suggestions:

• If you shop a lot using a debit card, then the best card for you to apply for would be a Citi Rewards Credit Card.
• Are you a travel junkie? If so, you can get a travel credit card that rewards you with miles which you can later convert to airfares such as the RCBC Bankard AirAsia Card.
• And if you just want a credit card as a contingency plan on your monthly budget, then the AUB Easy Mastercard would be great as it lets you choose when and how much to pay without worrying about the annual membership fees.

How To Choose The Best Credit Card For You?

We aim to help you find the best card for your lifestyle. With the SmartSearch feature, we can easily provide a list of featured cards that fit your specific need. You just need to go through a simple process via our online tool and our system will automatically show a list of recommended credit cards specifically for you.

Alternatively, you can also use the features on top of this page where you can select which category suits you or use the filter to narrow down your search via salary range, features, or specific bank.

Which Credit Card Is Best In The Philippines Today?

Premium credit cards that come with a wide array of perks and features are the best credit cards to have. They may come with a hefty annual fee but their features can more than make up for it if you just know how to use the card efficiently.

With that being said, the best credit cards are the most rewarding ones. These credit cards top the list:

Citi Prestige Card
5x ThankYou points on shopping spends, free airport lounge access, and more.

BPI Delta Sky Miles
get 1 mile for every ₱45.00 spent, ₱20 million travel insurance coverage for free.

Metrobank World Mastercard
Double points for international transactions, 1 point for every ₱20.00 you spend, Premium Perks across the globe.

BPI Ayala Malls Amore Platinum Card
3% rebate for every ₱1,000.00 spent at partner merchants in Ayala Malls, maximum of ₱15,000.00 rebates per calendar year.

How To Apply For A Credit Card Online?

You will find that both our SmartSearch tool and Credit Card Comparison page lets you compare credit cards conveniently by showcasing their main features and benefits. You can then select your preferred card and apply online directly in just a few clicks!

Credit Card Application Process And Required Documents

After selecting your preferred credit card and applying directly online, you need to prepare the specific documents needed in processing your application. The documents needed for a credit card application differ from card issuer to card issuer, but commonly include:

• Driver's License
• Passport
• SSS UMID
• PhilHealth ID
• TIN Card
• Postal, Voter's ID
• PRC ID, and other valid government-issued IDs

• Income Tax Return
• Pay Slips
• Certificate Of Employment
• Bank Statement

Credit Card Interest Rates In The Philippines

In the Philippines, banks usually charge interest of around 3.5% per month on the unpaid outstanding portion of your credit card bill. This may vary depending on the particular card of the issuing bank. Some card issuers may also have higher or lower interest rates depending on their operating policies. In general, the higher your unpaid outstanding balance, the greater interest charge you'll have to pay.

Minimum Monthly Repayments Of Credit Cards In The Philippines

In the Philippines, credit card holders are generally required to make a minimum payment of 5% of the credit card bills on the due date every month. Failure to do so may result in penalties, which differ from bank to bank.

Will I Go to Jail If I Don't Pay My Credit Card Debt In The Philippines?

Not paying credit card debt is not a criminal case under the Philippine Law. However, the creditor may file a civil case against you to collect the money. Also, be aware that banks share information with each other; you may find it difficult to apply for loans or other financial products with other banks once one of them tags you as a delinquent payer.

What Credit Card Can I Get With A Bad Credit?

No banks will issue a credit card to anyone with bad credit. Upon application, bank will do a thorough investigation of the applicant's financial standing, including their payment and spending habits. However, there is a way for you to get a credit card without having to go through such tedious screening.

Simply open an account in the bank and deposit a good amount of money (At least PHP30,000) in the account. Then ask the bank for a secured credit card where they will withhold your funds in your account for at least a year in return for a credit card with a credit limit of at least 80% of the withheld amount.

If you're able to pay your credit card promptly and not accumulate debts, the bank will release your money after 1 year and at the same time allow you to continue using the credit card. This is a good way to build credibility and trust with your bank.

List Of Banks Providing Credit Cards In The Philippines

AUB

AUB Easy Mastercard is the only card that lets you enjoy payment flexibility like no other. Get to choose how many times to pay per month, when to pay, and how much. With low minimum monthly income requirement and free for life annual membership fee, you cannot go wrong with AUB.

Bank of Commerce

Bank of Commerce Philippines have been serving the Filipino people since 1963 and is one of the more progressive financial institutions in the country. In 2008, they have successfully partnered with San Miguel Group, further strengthening their operations in providing a variety of products and services across 125 branches nationwide.

BPI

Being one of the premier banks in the Philippines, BPI offers a wide range of credit cards that showcase shopping, travel, and gas privileges. Get free travel insurance package of up to ?20 million, use your points for free plane tickets, plus enjoy entertainment, gas, and dining discounts up to 5%.

Chinabank

Chinabank has a card for every lifestyle. From basic to a more premium way of life, there are perks, discounts, and promotions lined up for your shopping and leisure needs nationwide.

Citibank

As a world renowned bank, Citibank has a credit card that fits every lifestyle. Whether it's for reward points, cashback, travel, or gas benefits, you won't run out of exclusive perks and privileges. Get up to 6% rebate on groceries spending and 3x non-expiring rewards points.

EastWest Bank

With a variety of credit cards to choose from, EastWest Bank has one that caters to your way of life. You can enjoy up to 65% savings on premium perks and privileges, as well as 5% cash rebate on your regular everyday purchases.

HSBC

Apply now for an HSBC credit card and start to enjoy up to 4x accelerated reward points. You can also get 3% rebate plus rewards on Caltex gas stations and 0% installment plan with select merchants nationwide.

Maybank

Maybank credit cards offers first class convenience that's beneficial for everyone with their 'EzyPlans'. Get flexible installment plans from 3 to 24 months with EzyPay, consolidate your other card balances for a lower interest using EzyTransfer, and optimize payment of your outstanding balances with EzyConvert.

Metrobank

As one of the largest banks in the Philippines, Metrobank features credit cards that have a wide range of exclusive privileges and promotions. Featuring a non-platinum card with the lowest monthly interest rate of 2.49% with free annual fee for life, the M Free/Lite MasterCard is one of the best cards in the market to date.

PNB

When it comes to dining, travelling, or shopping payment convenience, PNB offers the ultimate rewards program as you earn rebates while you spend, as well as Mabuhay Miles points with a very low conversion of only ?33. Whether you're enjoying various perks and discounts or paying for basic necessities, PNB credit cards provide reliability you can count on.

RCBC

Enjoy the convenience as you apply online for an RCBC credit card. Choose from a wide array of benefits and exclusive privileges that caters to your specific lifestyle. If you like dining out, or reading a book, RCBC has the card that is perfect for you. From groceries and shopping, to travel and dining, they have your needs covered.

Robinsons Bank

As one of the more recent banks in the industry, Robinsons Bank doesn't shy away from offering innovative financial products to the benefit of the consumers. As a subsidiary of JG Summit Holdings, your are guaranteed to receive efficient banking services and forward-looking products starting with their credit card that offers a unique 2-gives payment scheme.

Security Bank

If you need quick cash, Security Bank offers cash advance of up to 50% of your credit limit. You can also enjoy up to 5% rebate on your everyday, essential expenses, while taking advantage of exclusive benefits such as worldwide airport lounge access, ?10M worth of free travel insurance, and international coverage with non-expiring reward points that can be exchanged for air miles, hotel loyalty points, shoppings GCs and more!

Standard Chartered Bank

As one of the world's top multinational banking and financial services provider with outlets in more than 70 countries worldwide, get instant recognition on your commercial transactions whether local or abroad. You can also avail of a multi-purpose cash loan of up to 90% of your credit limit with Smart Cash program plus, you can use your points to redeem air miles, gift certificates, pay off annual fees, or even get cash rebates with their 360° Rewards programme.

UCPB

UCPB offers 2 credit cards, choose from either Classic or Gold MasterCard. Enjoy an extensive rewards program where you earn 1 point for every ₱30 spent, plus a low monthly interest rate of 3.25%.

Union Bank

With a huge list of cards that offers travel, leisure, shopping, groceries, dining privileges and more, you will never have a problem finding the right one for you. Get free birthday treats, exclusive perks and special discounts that's perfect for your lifestyle. Aside from the wide variety of cards you can choose from, UnionBank offers a unique feature of getting an unlimited number of supplementary cards whether for your immediate family, relatives, or friends.