With the growing shift towards cashless payments among Filipinos, credit cards have evolved from being symbols of financial status to essential tools for everyday transactions. More than just a convenient way to pay, credit cards offer advantages such as added security, ease of budgeting, and even opportunities for financial growth through perks and rewards. For many, credit cards now play a critical role in simplifying and streamlining expenses, especially in an increasingly digital world.

The right credit card can be a powerful financial management tool, offering benefits like cash-back rewards, travel points, and purchase protection, among others. By selecting a card that aligns with your lifestyle and using it responsibly, you can make payments more manageable, while also potentially enhancing your savings.

If improving your financial well-being is a priority, finding a credit card that matches your needs and spending habits is essential. To help with this, here’s an extensive guide to the best credit cards available in the Philippines in 2024, categorized to suit a variety of spending preferences and financial goals.

What is the Best Credit Card in the Philippines?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all credit card that suits everyone’s needs perfectly. The best credit card for you will largely depend on a variety of personal factors such as your budget, financial needs, lifestyle, spending patterns, priorities, and individual preferences. It’s essential to take these aspects into account when choosing a credit card, as each card is designed to cater to specific types of cardholders.

Different credit cards offer unique benefits and features aimed at particular segments of consumers. For example, some cards may be best for frequent travelers, while others may be more suited for those focused on cashback or rewards. By understanding your own financial habits and objectives, you’ll be able to narrow down the options and find the ideal credit card for your situation.

To make an informed decision and select the best credit card for you in the Philippines, it’s crucial to consider the following key factors. Doing so will help you choose wisely and ensure that the credit card you pick aligns with your needs and financial goals.

3 Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Credit Card 

Minimum Income and Other Requirements

Start by reviewing the eligibility criteria and required documents for the credit card you’re interested in. For instance, if your income falls below the minimum requirement for a specific card, it’s likely that the bank won’t approve your application.

Fees and Charges

Carefully review fees such as the annual fee, late payment fee, and over-limit fee. If you intend to use your credit card overseas, be sure to check the foreign currency transaction fee as well.

Although these fees may appear minor, they can accumulate over time. To maximize your savings, compare the fees and charges of various credit cards and select one that provides the best features with the lowest costs. Ideally, look for a credit card with no annual fee for life in the Philippines, which could save you up to ₱6,000 per year.

Rewards, Cashback, and Other Perks

Seek out credit cards that offer appealing perks such as rewards, rebates, discounts, and freebies in the spending categories that matter most to you, like dining, groceries, fuel, online shopping, and electronics.

Check how quickly and easily you can earn these benefits so you can make the most of your credit card. After all, beyond payment convenience, these rewards are one of the main reasons for having a credit card, right?

Credit cards can be powerful financial tools for everyday expenses, travel, and even emergencies. With a variety of credit cards available in the Philippines, each offering distinct benefits, it’s essential to find one that aligns with your spending habits and financial goals. Here’s a guide to the 25 best credit cards in the Philippines, plus factors to consider when choosing the best card for you.

1. BDO ShopMore Mastercard

• Best For: SM mall shopping

• Key Benefits: Rewards and discounts at SM stores, access to exclusive sales.

• Annual Fee: PHP 1,200 (waived on certain spend levels)

• Interest Rate: 3.5% per month

• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 15,000

• Eligibility: Filipino resident aged 21–70 with proof of income

2. Metrobank M Free Mastercard

• Best For: No annual fee

• Key Benefits: Lifetime waiver on annual fees and rewards for every purchase.

• Annual Fee: Free for life

• Interest Rate: 3.54% per month

• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 15,000

• Eligibility: Age 21 and above, stable income source

3. BPI Amore Cashback Card

• Best For: Ayala Mall perks

• Key Benefits: Cashback and exclusive discounts at Ayala Malls.

• Annual Fee: PHP 2,050

• Interest Rate: 3.50% per month

• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 15,000

• Eligibility: Filipino citizen or resident aged 21–60

4. RCBC Bankard Gold

• Best For: Flexible rewards
• Key Benefits: Earn points on all purchases, with travel and lifestyle perks.

• Annual Fee: PHP 3,000

• Interest Rate: 3.5% per month

• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 15,000

• Eligibility: 21–65 years old, regular income

5. Security Bank Fast Track Visa

• Best For: Quick application process
• Key Benefits: Fast-track application with minimal requirements.
• Annual Fee: PHP 2,000
• Interest Rate: 3.5% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 15,000
• Eligibility: Filipino or resident alien aged 21+

6. UnionBank Classic Visa

• Best For: Simple rewards
• Key Benefits: Easy-to-earn rewards and points on all transactions.
• Annual Fee: PHP 1,500
• Interest Rate: 3.5% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 10,000
• Eligibility: Employed/self-employed, Filipino aged 21+

7. Citi Simplicity+ Card

• Best For: Fee waivers
• Key Benefits: No annual or late fees and a 10% interest rebate for on-time payments.
• Annual Fee: None
• Interest Rate: 3.50% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 15,000
• Eligibility: Filipino resident, 21–65, stable income

8. HSBC Gold Visa Cashback

• Best For: Cashback on essentials
• Key Benefits: Cashback on groceries, fuel, and utility bills.
• Annual Fee: PHP 2,500
• Interest Rate: 3.5% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 16,000
• Eligibility: Age 21+, Filipino or resident alien

9. PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard

• Best For: Zero fees
• Key Benefits: No annual fee and low finance charges.
• Annual Fee: Free for life
• Interest Rate: 3.5% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 10,000
• Eligibility: Filipino citizen, aged 21–65

10. Maybank Platinum Visa

• Best For: Travel rewards
• Key Benefits: Travel points and exclusive perks for international use.
• Annual Fee: PHP 2,500
• Interest Rate: 3.5% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 12,000
• Eligibility: Filipino or resident alien aged 21–65

11. BPI Blue Mastercard

• Best For: General rewards
• Key Benefits: Rewards points on every purchase.
• Annual Fee: PHP 1,550
• Interest Rate: 3.50% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 15,000
• Eligibility: Employed/self-employed, Filipino aged 21+

12. EastWest EveryDay Mastercard

• Best For: Cashback on essentials
• Key Benefits: Cashback on groceries, fuel, and drugstore purchases.
• Annual Fee: PHP 2,500
• Interest Rate: 3.50% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 12,000
• Eligibility: Filipino citizen or resident aged 21–65

13. AUB Easy Mastercard

• Best For: Flexible payments
• Key Benefits: Flexible payment options and waived fees for on-time payments.
• Annual Fee: None if paid on time
• Interest Rate: 3.5% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 10,000
• Eligibility: Age 21+, Filipino resident

14. RCBC Bankard JCB Platinum

• Best For: Dining rewards
• Key Benefits: Rewards points for dining, shopping, and travel.
• Annual Fee: PHP 3,600
• Interest Rate: 3.5% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 20,000
• Eligibility: Filipino resident aged 21+

15. BDO Visa Classic

• Best For: Entry-level rewards
• Key Benefits: Points for every purchase, with a low income requirement.
• Annual Fee: PHP 1,200
• Interest Rate: 3.5% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 10,000
• Eligibility: Filipino aged 21+

16. Metrobank Femme Visa

 

• Best For: Women-focused perks
• Key Benefits: Rewards on beauty, fashion, and travel, plus exclusive lifestyle perks.
• Annual Fee: PHP 2,000
• Interest Rate: 3.54% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 12,000
• Eligibility: Age 21+, Filipino resident

17. UnionBank PlayEveryday Visa

• Best For: Gaming and entertainment
• Key Benefits: Earn points on entertainment, dining, and digital purchases.
• Annual Fee: PHP 1,500
• Interest Rate: 3.54% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 15,000
• Eligibility: Filipino or resident alien, 21+

18. Citi Rewards Card

• Best For: Shopping rewards
• Key Benefits: Earn points on dining, shopping, and entertainment.
• Annual Fee: PHP 2,500
• Interest Rate: 3.5% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 20,000
• Eligibility: Age 21+, Filipino resident

19. HSBC Red Mastercard

• Best For: Shopping and dining rewards
• Key Benefits: Higher rewards points on selected categories.
• Annual Fee: PHP 2,500
• Interest Rate: 3.5% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 16,000
• Eligibility: Filipino citizen or resident aged 21+

20. Security Bank Platinum Mastercard

• Best For: High earners
• Key Benefits: Comprehensive travel insurance, rewards, and concierge services.
• Annual Fee: PHP 4,000
• Interest Rate: 3.5% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 20,000
• Eligibility: Filipino or resident alien aged 21+

21. BPI eCredit Mastercard

• Best For: Online shopping
• Key Benefits: Great for e-commerce with secure online shopping features.
• Annual Fee: PHP 1,500
• Interest Rate: 3.50% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 15,000
• Eligibility: Filipino citizen aged 21+

22. EastWest Platinum Mastercard

• Best For: High earners seeking perks
• Key Benefits: Higher credit limits and premium rewards.
• Annual Fee: PHP 3,500
• Interest Rate: 3.50% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 20,000
• Eligibility: Age 21+, Filipino resident

23. Metrobank ON Virtual Mastercard 

• Best For: Online purchases
• Key Benefits: Secure and convenient online shopping.
• Annual Fee: PHP 500
• Interest Rate: 3.5% per month
• Minimum Requirement: Metrobank account holder
• Eligibility: Age 21+

24. Maybank Gold Visa

• Best For: Lifestyle rewards
• Key Benefits: Points on shopping, dining, and travel.
• Annual Fee: PHP 2,000
• Interest Rate: 3.5% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 12,000
• Eligibility: Filipino citizen aged 21+

25. BDO Gold Mastercard

• Best For: Travel rewards
• Key Benefits: Travel perks and points for every purchase.
• Annual Fee: PHP 2,500
• Interest Rate: 3.5% per month
• Minimum Income Requirement: PHP 15,000
• Eligibility: Filipino citizen aged 21+

 

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Credit Card

When choosing the best credit card for your needs, consider the following factors:

1. Annual Fees

• Some cards come with no annual fee, making them ideal for budget-conscious users. However, premium cards may have higher annual fees that are justified by their rewards and perks.

2. Interest Rates

• If you tend to carry a balance, opt for a card with a low-interest rate to avoid high finance charges. Paying off the full balance monthly helps avoid interest altogether.

3. Rewards Program

• Different cards offer various reward structures, such as cashback, points, or miles. Choose one that aligns with your spending habits, whether it’s for shopping, travel, or essentials.

4. Income Requirements

• Cards have different minimum income requirements. Make sure you meet the income criteria before applying, as this can improve your chances of approval.

5. Credit Limit

• Consider your spending needs and choose a card with a credit limit that suits your budget. Beginners may start with a lower limit, which can increase as you build a good credit history. There are a lot of credit cards for beginners to choose from.

6. Foreign Transaction Fees

• If you travel frequently or shop online internationally, consider a card with low or waived foreign transaction fees for overseas purchases.

7. Introductory Offers and Signup Bonuses

• Many cards offer sign-up bonuses or zero-interest introductory periods. These perks can provide added value but typically require you to meet certain spending thresholds.

8. Lifestyle Perks

• Some cards offer benefits like travel insurance, airport lounge access, or shopping discounts. Choose a card that enhances your lifestyle or matches your interests, whether it’s travel, dining, or shopping.

Each of these credit cards offers unique perks to meet a range of needs, from everyday rewards to premium travel benefits. Be sure to assess the factors that matter most to you, including annual fees, rewards, and lifestyle perks, to make the best choice for your financial goals. You may also check some of the easiest credit cards to get in the Philippines if you are just planning to get one.