Best credit card Philippines

Often, when many people opt to go for a credit card, the big decision is hardly making up their mind about whether they want a credit card or not. Usually, it is the confusion that lurks in when trying to choose one that will suit their financial needs.

Credit card comes in all kinds of features and benefits. You will come across no annual fee cards, low-interest cards, zero-percent monthly installment cards, rewards cards, balance transfer cards, travel cards, dining and shopping cards – the list goes on and on. With innumerable options available in the Philippines market, choosing the best credit card in Philippines can be confusing.

Pause. While you may have huge desire to get this shiny plastic card soonest, you don’t want to pick your option without deliberate thinking. You want to do your research and analyze the characteristics of every card you come across. Evaluate whether it would suit your lifestyle, if you can keep up with the repayments, and if you meet the necessary requirements.

And that's why you are here; to simplify things for you. Let's get right into it now.

To begin with...

Which is the Best credit card in Philippines?

It’s hard to answer this question in a straightforward way. That's because there are variety of credit cards in the Philippines market. Each credit card comes with different perks, privileges, and features. For you to find what would suit you, your budget, lifestyle, and spending choices will significantly influence your choices.

Apart from that, instinctively, you will want to go for the most rewarding credit cards. Credit cards that come with the huge rewards and perks, incentives, bonuses, an extended 0% interest period, cash advances and cash rebates.

Here are the top 5 credit cards in the Philippines we’ve hand-picked for you. You can’t go wrong with any of the following products:

Citi Rewards Credit Card

Minimum monthly income: PHP 20800.

Interest rate: 3.5% p.m.

Annual fee: PHP 2500.

If you shop, and dine on the go, Citi Rewards Credit from Citibank, is one of the credit cards in the Philippines to pick. It is one of the top credit cards in the Philippines. You will love this credit card because of its generous rewarding system. Plus, with a starting salary as low as PHP 20800, many Filipinos are eligible to apply for this credit card.

Apart from shopping and dining, you can use your Citi Rewards card to book flights, refuel your tank, or buy groceries.

Features and benefits:

Earn 3x reward points for every P30 spent on your card.

• Redeem points for shopping, hotel, and flights.
• Rewards points have no expiration date.
• Citi cardholders have access to exclusive privileges.
• Annual fee waived for the first year.
• Redeem your points to waive annual fees or get cash credit.

What you need:

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Earn a minimum of annual income of:

(a) P180,000 if you already own another card.

(b) P250,000 if you are applying for the first time.

• Active mobile phone or landline.
• A valid SSS, GUS, UMID, TIN number.

Documents needed:

Principal cardholders: A valid government ID.

Non principal cardholders:

1. Government ID.
2. Proof of income; ITR or payslip.
3. bank statement.
4. certificate of employment.

2. Metrobank World Mastercard

Minimum monthly income: PHP 416700.

Interest rate: 3.5%

Annual fee: PHP 6000 (zero fees for first year).

Live it the way you like it – that first-class lifestyle with the Metrobank World credit card. With this exclusive card, you can experience exclusive deals, discounts, and incentives being offered by premium brands, either locally or abroad. This card hands it all to you – spend on entertainment, dining, shopping, fuel, and travel – while earning reward points.

Features and benefits:

• For principal cardholders, you don’t pay the annual fee for the first membership year.
• Transfer your balances to Metrobank Card; interest rate charged at 0.68% p/m.
• Get 0% interest installment plan. Pick from flexible periods: three, six, nine, 12, 18 and 24 months.
• For each Php20 you spend, earn 1 reward point.
• Conveniently pay bills thanks to integrated payment features.
• Enjoy exciting deals like 50% OFF, premium perks, extended warranty, purchase protection, 24-hour VIP customer service, free gifts, and specials – all in one card.

What you need to apply:

• Be above 21 years old for primary applicants.
• Submit relevant documents: Valid IDs, ITR, BIR FORM, payslip, certificate of employment.

3. RCBC Bankard Black Card Platinum Mastercard

Monthly income requirement: PHP 41,667.

Interest rate: 3.5%.

Annual fee: PHP 3600.

RCBC bank offers a wide range of credit cards. Each comes with different perks, and features. While the choice of a card will all come down to your preferences and financial needs, we think you would like the RCBC bankard platinum credit card.

Features and benefits:

• Access exclusive deals on Shopping, dining, travel and gas.
• Earn 1 reward for every Php36 you charge to your card (For shopping and dining).
• Get free travel insurances and purchase protection. You are eligible up to Php.1000000.
• If you are principal card holder, you have access rights to Miascor and Skyview Lounges. Plus, you can bring a friend with you.
• Annual fee is waived for first 3 years.
• Get 3 supplementary cards; free for life.
• Get rewarded in diverse ways: shopping vouchers, cash credit, cash rebate, AIRMILES.
• Reward points have no expiry.

What you need to apply:

1. Minimum monthly income requirement: Php41,667.
2. Minimum age: 21 years of age.
3. Valid ID and documents: government-issued ID; COE; payslip, proof of billing.

4. HSBC Red Mastercard

Min monthly income: Php 16,667

Interest rate: 3.5%.

Annual fee: Php 1,500

The HSBC Red Mastercard lets you shop, travel, buy groceries, and even re-fill your gas tank at participating Caltex stations. As an avid shopper, you will enjoy the exclusive deals and bonus this credit card offers. If you choose to go Red, the fees charged are friendly. You don’t get to pay the annual fee for the first year. The annual fee, interest rate, and the late payment charges are quite friendly.

Features and benefits:

• Get 4X rewards when you shop overseas.
• HSBC Red Mastercard gives access to hot deals.
• Earn Cash rebate for gas refill at Caltex stations. First transaction attracts a 6% rebate.
• Enjoy 4X rewards on overseas transactions.
• Earn 1 bonus for every Php20 you spend on groceries or travel.
• Earn accelerated Rewards. No minimum monthly spending limit in place.
• 0% interest installment plan.
• As a HSBC cardholder, enjoy exclusive discounts and freebies
• Shop with peace of mind with HSBC secured pay.

What you need:

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Have a postpaid account.
• Be a principle cardholder with another card provider. HCBC requires that own this card for not less than 12 months; its credit limit should be a minimum Php 20000.
• You should not have another existing HSBC credit card or a pending application
• Documents: driver’s license passport, UMID no, payslip, proof of billing, etc.

5. Security bank Gold Mastercard

Minimum monthly income: PHP 36,666.67

Interest rate: 3.5%.

Annual fee: PHP 2,500 after the first year.

The Gold Mastercard from Security Bank is meant to pay for shopping, dining, entertainment, groceries, utility bills, and travel. This card offers cash advance. You can get up to 30-50% cash advance of existing credit limit. The bank charges a fee of 5% or PHP500.

Features and benefits:

• Earn 1 for every PHP 20 you spend.
• Get 0% installment (ranges between 3 and 12 months).
• Set shopping limits thanks to the eSecure feature.
• Earned rewards have no expiration.
• No annual fee for the first year.
• Take advantage of promotions and exciting discouts.
• Transfer your card balances at low interest rate of 1.9%; plus, pay it within 3-24 months.
• Convert your rewards into fly miles. For every 7,840 rewards points earned, you get an equivalent of 1,000 Mabuhay Miles.

What you need:

• Be at least 21 years old but not older than 65 years.
• Be employed, self-employed or a professional.
• Own a valid landline or/and a landline.
• A valid SSS, GSIS, TIN or UMID number.

6. EastWest Bank Platinum Card

Minimum monthly requirement: 150,0000

Annual Fee: Free for life.

Interest rate: 2.75%.

The EastWest Platinum credit card is an all purpose credit card: Pay for air travel tickets, shopping, dining, and groceries – on top of that, you get insurance coverage for spending on travel tickets.

Features and benefits:

• Enjoy premium deals and privileges.
• Enjoy special discounts; up to 20% annually when you shop in Philippines and abroad.
• Receive insurance coverage when you use this card to purchase travel tickets; this insurance coverage is worth up to PHP 20 million.
• Every PHP 40 you spend on this card earns you 1 platinum point.
• Receive Cash Advance equivalent to 70% your credit limit; the fee charged is 3% or PHP 600. Of the two you pay the higher amount.
• Balance transfer is available at 0.9%; payable in 12 months.
• Receive 0% interest installment payment plan.
• Quick Bills features makes it convenient to pay your utility bills.
• Maintain up to 9 supplementary cards.
• Access over 600 VIP Air Lounges globally with the Priority Pass membership.
• 24/7 concierge service, available worldwide.

Eligibility requirements:

• Be at least 21 years old not older than 65 years.

Documents: TIN, SSS, GSIS No.

7. AUB Easy Mastercard

Minimum monthly salary: Php 50,000.

Interest rate: 2.25%

Annual fee: Free for life.

The AUB Gold mastercard is yet another low-interest credit card. It’s an around credit card. With this specific card, you can shop, dine, buy groceries, travel and fill up your car. Wherever you fall on this scale, the AUB Gold Mastercard got you covered. The AUB credit card gives you the freedom to choose when to pay for your card bills and how much you want to

Features and benefits:

• Spend Php 20 and earn 1 reward for gas, groceries, dining and shopping.
• New purchases attract no interest.
• No annual fee for life for both supplementary and principal cards.
• Be flexible with your payments with unique payment features.
• Conveniently pay your bills using the “All-Ur-Bills”.
• Link your card to Paypal.
• Access diverse payment channels.
• Dedicated, 24/7 customer service.
• Earn 2x reward on abroad purchases.

What you need:

• Be at least 21 years and not older than 65 years (principal cardholder).
• Documents: Tax Indentification Number (TIN). SSS/GSIS No.
• A valid email address.
• A valid mobile phone, plus at least 1 landline number (work/home address).

Which bank is best for credit card?

It is hard to give a direct answer to this question. Your choice would depend on your exact needs. Your interest could be a rewards cards, air miles cards, or fuel rebate. We have many banks in the Philippines offering credit card services. Every product is unique to the bank offering it. The requirements, perks, and interest charges offered by one credit card provider may widely vary from bank to bank.

Even so, it is correct to say that getting a credit card in the Philippines can be simpler with some banks than others.

That said, while there are many banks in the Philippines offering credit cards services, it is easier to get a card with the following banks:

1. Citi Bank

If you are an avid shopper, Citibank is the place to look. At Citi Bank, you can get credit cards for travel, shopping, rewards, and cash back.

There is so much to enjoy at Citibank, depending on your credit card preferences. You get to enjoy discounts, cash backs, air miles, VIP lounges, and earn reward points. Among their top credit cards include Citi Rewards card, Citi Simplicity+ card, Citi PremierMiles card,and Citi Cash Back Card.

Citi bank is one of the places to get a credit card with less hassle. The application process is quite straightforward.

Benefits:

• You don’t need a deposit account.
• Apply for the credit card online.
• Compared to other credit cards providers, Citi bank is among the banks that you can get a card with even if you are a low income earner.

Cons:

• High foreign exchange fee.
• Not flexible at waiving annual fee.

2. Bank of Commerce

If you want to go with a bank that has established reputation in the industry, the Bank of Commerce is one institutions to get check out it. It is one of the oldest banks in the country with experience spanning decades of years – the bank has offered financial services since 1963. It is possible almost every city you will travel in the Philippines, you will find a Bank of Commerce branch. It has around 125 branches worldwide.

Benefits:

• Earn 5x rewards points.
• Spend P25 and earn 1 reward points.
• Enjoy exciting perks on dining, shopping and entertainment.
• Earn air miles and enjoy travel insurance benefits.
• Customers can access service through Online banking portal.

3. HSBC

HSBC bank is yet another leading credit card provider in the Philippines. With their collection of cards, you get to enjoy exciting rewards and privileges. Apart from offering credit card services, the bank offers loans, investing, and insurances to Filipinos. The bank offers five different types of credit cards.

Benefits:

• Balance transfer.
• Cash-advance plan.
• Balance conversion plan.
• Receive e-statements.
• Use your credit card overseas.
• Withdraw at various ATM centers.
• Pay bills using auto charge.

4. RCBC

RCBC is among the largest banks in the Philippines with over 332 branches and 1117 ATMs in operation. For three consecutive years, AsiaMoney has picked RCBC as the best domestic private bank in Ph. And World Finance has rated RCBC as the “Best Commercial Bank”. RCBC offers a wide range of credit cards, including premium cards, Gold and Classic cards, Co-branded cards, and Secured Card.

Benefits:

• Earn reward points, airmiles, and cash rebates.
• Enjoy car fuel reward at all particular gas stations.
• Take delight in shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment cards.
• Online portal.

5. Eastwest

EastWest Bank is one of the largest financial institutions in the Philippines. It was among the first banks in the Philippines to integrate an online banking system to help serve Filipinos. Over the years, the bank has received several awards, best website award. Although research highlights that many Filipinos don’t have access to a bank account, EastWest bank is one of the banks with a wide-coverage. It has over 100 branches across the country with 145 ATMs.

EastWest offers around eight types of cards. Apply for cards dedicated to shopping and dining, entertainment and event, fuel rebates, travel. On top that, all the cards are affiliated with Mastercard except for one.

What is the best card for beginners?

The best credit card for beginners is probably a card with minimal requirements, a low APR, and minimal costs. Of course, such a card would come with exciting rewards, plus it is likely you will not require a credit history for you to qualify. Here are five best credit cards you can check out:

1. Citi Simplicity+ Card

Minimum monthly requirements: PHP 15,000

Interest rate: 2.5% p/m.

Annual fee: Free for life.

You don’t need to have a deposit account to get the city simplicity card.

Features and benefit:

• No fees charge for late payments.
• No over-limit fees.
• Receive 10% back interest charges.
• No annual fees for life.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Be earning a minimum of annual income of:

(a). P180,000 if you already own another card.

(b). P250,000 if you are applying for the first time.

• Active mobile phone or landline.
• A valid SSS, GUS, UMID, TIN number.

Documents needed:

A valid government ID (For principal cardholders).

Non principal cardholders:

1. Government ID.
2. Proof of income; ITR or payslip.
3. bank statement.
4. certificate of employment.

2. Metrobank M Free Mastercard

Overview:

Month income requirement: Php15000.

Interest rate: 3.54%.

Annual fee: Free for life.

Metrobank M free credit card is one of the cards that will enable you to save as there is no payment of annual membership fees. Channel your savings to cover extra expenses without having to worry about end-of-year card.

For dining, shopping, travel, and other utilities like money management. With this credit card, you pay no annual fees as the provider has waived the fees for life.

Apart from waived fees, you are also eligible for exclusive discounts, deals, and freebies.

Features and benefits:

Enjoy no annual for life.

Transfer your balances to Metrobank credit card at a low interest rate, 0.68% p.m.

• Offers 0% interest installment plan.
• Get up to 4 supplementary cards.
• Convenient payment features.
• An embedded chip secures your card from fraud.
• Get 0% installment plan (up to 24 months).
• Redeem your reward points for cash.
• Enjoy discounts on travels deals.

What you need:

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Own a postpaid account.

Documents needed:

• Tax Identification Number (TIN); SSS/GSIS No. |

3. EastWest Bank Classic Visa

Minimum monthly requirements: PHP 15,000

Interest rates: 3.5% p.m.

Annual fee: PHP 1,500

Another credit card that is easy to apply for is the EastWest Bank Classic Card – the “No Frills credit card”.

• Features and benefits:
• Earn 1 reward point for every PHP 100 you spend on the card.
• Cash advance option available; up to 50% your credit limit. The fee are low; whichever the higher amount between 3% and PHP 600.
• Balance transfer option; tenure goes for 12 months at an interest rate of 0.9%.
• Take advantage of the 0% interest installment plan.
• EastWest card is accepted both in the Philippines and hundreds of other outlets worldwide.
• Conveniently pay your bills using the Quick Bills Facility.

Eligibility requirements:

• Be a Filipino Citizen or a local resident foreigner.
• Own a mobile phone, or a residence/business landline.
• Be at least 21 years for principal card applicants.

Documents required:

• A valid ID photocopy: passpassport, driver’s license, or company ID.
• Lastest BIR Form
• Certificate of employment.
• Monthly payslip; latest three months.
• Statement of account; reflecting latest month.

4. Metrobank classic visa

Overview:

Minimum monthly requirement: PHP 1,500

Interest rate: 3.54% p/m.

Annual fee: PHP 1,500. Annual fee waived for the first year.

Metrobank offers a vast assortment of credit cards. The Classic visa is one of them. However

Features and benefits:

• Enjoy exclusive deals, discounts, and special privileges.
• Spend P20 on your card, earn 1 reward point.
• Get Medical insurance and personal accident cover with AXA credit protect and ACCI Shield.
• Access a variety of payment channels.
• Take advantage of 0% installment plan.
• Balance transfer option; 0.68% p/m stipulated over 12, 18, 24 months.
• Earn 0.3% on fuel rebate.
• Spend PHP 100, and earn 1 mile.
• Redeem points to earn mileage. Every 5 rewards earn you a mile.
• Borrow cash against your credit limit.

Requirements:

• Be at least 21 years old and not older than 70 years.

5. RCBC bankard myDream JCB

Overview:

Minimum monthly salary: PHP 15,000.

Interest rate: 2.9% p/m.

Annual fee: PHP 800.

RCBC bankard myDream JCB is yet another standard credit card that is easy to get approved. This card, offered by It charges a low interest at 2.9% per month, and the annual fee is waived for the first year.

Features and benefits:

• Annual fee waived for first year.
• Earn mileage for airmiles. Earn 1 mile for every PHP 36 spent.
• Earn 0.69% cashback.
• Earn 0.2% fuel rebate.
• Earn rewards points, which you can exchange for Airmiles, shopping vouchers. 1 point = p36 spent.
• Free travel insurance cover anywhere you travel.
• Get VIP access to JCB Plaza Lounges.
• Take charge of the 0% interest installment plan. Structured in 3,6, or 12 months.

Requirements:

• Be at least

Documents needed:

• None

Who has the lowest interest rate credit card?

In the Philippines, credit card can charge an interest rate ranging between 2%, and 3.5% per month. Low interest rate cards can have a variable rate starting as low as 1.6% per month. Some cards provide customers with introductory 0% interest rates for purchases made/ balance transfers. The 0% interest rate expires after a limited time, after which you are likely to start paying the standard interest rate.

Some cards can charge an interest rate as high as 3.5%. but if you look harder, you will find low interest rate credit cards. A low interest rate card will enable you to save money “on your credit card bills”.

A low interest card rate could enable you to save a few hundred pesos on your credit card debt. That’s because a lower percentage means only a small percentage goes into servicing your debt. Every new purchase you incur with your credit card, you pay lower payments to service the debt compared to what you would spend with standard credit cards.

“Interest payable towards your balance is lower compared to credit cards charging a high interest rate”.

Advantages: easier to manage your credit debt as your new purchases attract a less interest rate. Low annual fees for most credit cards.

Now, to answer the question, “who has the lowest interest rate card” – there is no specific answer to question. That’s because there many credit card providers offering low interest rates in the Philippines. Not only that, each individual card comes with different features. Best is relative. Your circumstances will determine which card you choose.

Here are five credit card providers with the lowest rates:

1. EastWest Priority Visa Infinite

Overview:

Minimum monthly requirement: You must meet the bank's "Total Relationship Balance".

Interest rate: 1.99%

Annual fee: Annual fee waived perpetually.

The major downside to this credit card is that only Exclusive clients can apply it. The credit card targets high-income clients. For you to qualify as a priority client, you need to meet the bank’s minimum “Total Relationship Balance”. That means: your combined deposits and investments with the bank should have a minimum value of PHP 2.5 million.

Features and benefits:

• Enjoy travel privileges like access to VIP airport lounges around the globe.
• All your travel is insured with against accidents and inconveniences; you are eligible for an insurance cover of up to PHP 20 million.
• Enjoy lifestyle privileges like shopping, dining, golf, hotel, and a concierge service.
• Earn infinite rewards, which you can convert into eGifts, Vouchers, Miles, or Cash rebates.
• Many outlets across the globe accept Infinite cards.
• Secured payment purchases thanks to a secured 3D security.
• Get your loved up 9 supplementary cards.
• Zero annual fee for life.
• The card offers flexible repayment terms and installment plans.
• Take advantage of 0% interest installment plan.
• Balance transfer option available in flexible repayment terms.
• Cash advance service; up to 70% your credit limit.
• Conveniently pay your bills using the Quick Bills feature.
• Access EastWest service anytime, anywhere.

Requirements:

For you to get this credit card, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old (primary cardholder applicants).
• Be either local resident foreigner or a Filipino Citizen.
• Be earning a minimum monthly requirement of PHP 120000.
• Own a residence landline, business landline or mobile phone.
• Meet the bank’s balance threshold in investments + deposits.

Documents you need:

• Duly filled application form.
• A valid ID:
• Copies of your BIR Form 2316.
• A copy of your Certificate of Employment.
• A copy of your pay slip; reflecting last three months.

2. Bank of Commerce Platinum Mastercard

Overview:

Minimum monthly requirement: PHP 100,000.

Interest rate: 2.95% p.m.

Annual fee: Free for life.

Bank of Commerce Platinum Mastercard is yet another low interest card. With this particular card, you get to shop and dine at select dining and shopping outlets. Apart from shopping and dining, you can also use this card to spend on groceries, gas, and Air travel.

Features and benefits:

• Earn up to 5x reward points on shopping and dining.
• Earn 1 point for every PHP 25 you spend on travel, gas and groceries.
• Take advantage of the 0% installment plan, spread across flexible timelines.

Requirements:

Documents:

3. Security Bank World Mastercard

Minimum monthly requirement: Php 250,0000.

Interest rate: 2.95%

Annual Fee: Php 5000.

There is so much you can do this low-interest credit card from Security Bank. From shopping, travel, dining, entertainment, shopping for groceries, and even ease of payment when it comes to utility bills. Although we did not mention this product in the best credit card list, this yet another you ought to review. The catch: it’s a low interest card.

Features and benefits:

• Enjoy exclusive deals and privileges on entertainment, travel, and shopping.
• Earn 1 reward for every Php20 you charge on Security Bank Mastercard.
• Transfer your existing balances at an interest rate of 1.9%.
• Enjoy 0% installment payment plan.
• Receive up to 50% your credit limit.
• Dedicated customer service, plus personalized Concierge Service.

Requirements:

Documents:

4. AUB GOLD mastercard

Overview:

Minimum monthly salary: Php 50,000.

Interest rate: 2.25%

Annual fee: Free for life.

The AUB Gold mastercard is yet another low-interest credit card. It’s an around credit card. With this specific card, you can shop, dine, buy groceries, travel and fill up your car. Wherever you fall on this scale, the AUB Gold Mastercard got you covered. The AUB credit card gives you the freedom to choose when to pay for your card bills and how much you want to

Features and benefits:

• Spend Php 20 and earn 1 reward for gas, groceries, dining and shopping.
• New purchases attract no interest.
• No annual fee for life for both supplementary and principal cards.
• Be flexible with your payments with unique payment features.
• Conveniently pay your bills using the “All-Ur-Bills”.
• Link your card to Paypal.
• Access diverse payment channels.
• Dedicated, 24/7 customer service.
• Earn 2x reward on abroad purchases.

What you need:

• Be at least 21 years and not older than 65 years (principal cardholder).
• A valid email address.
• A valid mobile phone, plus at least 1 landline number (work/home address).

Documents:

• Tax Indentification Number (TIN). SSS/GSIS No.

5. Metrobank M Lite Mastercard

Overview:

Minimum monthly salary: PHP 16700

Interest rate: 2.49% p.m.

Annual fee: PHP 1500.

With the Meterobank M Lite Mastercard you can shop and dine in many spot across the globe. That because

Metrobank M lite Mastercard lets you save on your balances as the card charges a low interest rate. As a cardholder, you will get to enjoy exclusive deals, gifts, and discounts.

Cash2Go feature allows to access fast cash “even when your credit limit is maxed out”.

Features and benefits:

1. Enjoy 0% monthly installment with a flexible payment scheme.

2. Enjoy multiple payment options.

3. Enjoy cool deals, special privileges, and discounts.

4. Card is integrated with EMV chip to secure it from fraud and being cloned.

5. Card comes with exclusive discounts, freebies, deals.

6. Conveniently pay bills using the Bill2Pay feature.

7. Balance transfer available at low interest rate; 0.68% p.m.

8. Free Accident and Medical insurance covers available.

9. Customer service hotline open 24 hours.

Requirements:

• Minimum monthly income: PHP16,700.
• Age: 21 years and over.
• Stable income source.

Documents:

• Tax Identification No (TIN), driver license, passport, PRC ID.
• Proof of income.
• Income Tax Return (ITR) or BIR FORM 2316.
• Certificate of employment.