Rewards, Rebates, and More: Here are the Best Credit Cards for Parents

Raising a family isn't cheap, and it’s bound to get more expensive the older your children get. Aside from rearing your children, you also need to take care of household expenses such as childcare, groceries, bills, rent, home upkeep, and so much more. 

The financial aspect of parenting is challenging. But thankfully, you can better manage your household spending through your credit card. A credit card can also help you stretch your budget and save money through rewards or cashback.

If you’re looking for a credit card that will help you keep your family finances in shape, there are many options to choose from. Here are a few of the best credit cards for parents to help you manage your household finances.

What is the Best Credit Card for Parents? Consider These Features

The best credit card for parents comes with family-friendly features that maximize your savings and make it easier to monitor your card spending. Look for these features when choosing a credit card for parents:

1. Money-Saving Benefits

Some credit cards waive annual fees, late payment fees, and overlimit fees, which can lead to significant yearly savings. A low-interest credit card also helps, as you won't be burdened as much if you fail to fully pay your bill for a particular month.

2. Perks for Your Biggest Expenses

Which categories do you spend on the most? Pick a credit card that offers the best deals for your spending categories. A few rewards credit cards in the Philippines offer bonus points for certain types of purchases, so you might want to look into them.

For example, there are cashback credit cards with high rebate rates for categories parents spend most frequently on, like groceries and fuel purchases. If you want a rewards credit card, choose one that allows you to earn and redeem points quickly and efficiently.

3. Automatic Charging of Recurring Bills

Are you struggling to keep up with all your due dates? An automatic bills payment facility is a handy credit card feature for parents. If your credit card has it, you can charge all your utility bills instantly to your card. Once enrolled, there's no need to settle different bills and worry about all your due dates. All you have to do is to remember to pay your credit card bill.

4. Installment Plan

A credit card for parents comes in handy when purchasing big-ticket items like home appliances, gadgets, and furniture. You don't have to pay a large sum upfront.

Credit cards with installment plans allow you to convert your straight purchases into more affordable installments of three to 36 months, usually at 0% interest. This feature helps you manage your monthly expenses, as you'll have more wiggle room for other equally essential household costs.

Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards for Parents

AUB Classic Mastercard

👍 Best for grocery shopping and bills payment

The best credit card for parents allows you to save money, stretch your budget, and manage your household expenses. The AUB Classic Mastercard fits the bill.

This AUB credit card offers waived annual fees for life, applicable to both principal and supplementary cardholders. You can add as many supplementary credit cards as you want, which is convenient if you're enrolling your spouse and kids.

Unlike other credit cards with no annual fees, you can earn rewards points quickly. Use these points to redeem cash rebates, shopping and dining GCs, and more.

Moreover, settling your AUB credit card bill is easy on the budget. Depending on your household cash flow, you can choose when, how often, and how much you want to pay.

Key Features and Benefits

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱21,000
• Rewards: 1 point per ₱50 spend
• Credit card payment flexibility: Choose your due date, payment frequency, and minimum amount due
  
• All-Ur-Bills: On-demand bills payment facility for instant charging of utility bills to your AUB credit card

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: No annual fee for life
• Interest rate: 2%
• Late payment fee: ₱250 to ₱1,000 depending on the payment option, or the unpaid minimum balance, whichever is lower

Read more: Moneymax Reviews: Comparing AUB’s Budget-Tier Credit Cards

Citi Simplicity+ Card

👍 Best for daily spending and bills payment

The Citi Simplicity+ is a practical credit card for parents who just need to stick to the essentials without getting burdened with too many fees. The annual fee is free for life, both for principal and supplementary cards. 

Also, there's no fee for exceeding your credit limit or paying your bills late. If you pay on time (at least the minimum amount due), Citibank will also give you 10% back on your interest.

Key Features and Benefits

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱15,000 (for existing cardholders) / ₱20,833.33 (for first-time cardholders)
• Citi One Bill payment facility: Automatically charge utility bills to your Citibank credit card
• 10% Interest Back: Get 10% back on interest charges when you pay at least the minimum balance on or before the due date
• Exclusive deals for online shopping and dining

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: No annual fee for life
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: None
• Overlimit fee: None

Note: This product is sold by Union Bank of the Philippines, using certain trademarks temporarily under license from Citigroup Inc. and related group entities. 

Read more: Moneymax Reviews: Keeping it Simple with a Citi Simplicity Card

PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard

👍 Best for supermarket and big-ticket purchases 

This PNB credit card helps parents save money with its waivers on annual fees, late payment fee, and overlimit fee. It also offers one of the lowest finance charges at 1.88%. 

The Ze-Lo Mastercard is a great credit card to use when you need to buy household essentials like appliances, gadgets, and furniture. With this card, you can pay in monthly installments without interest.

Key Features and Benefits

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱10,000
• Meralco Automated Billing facility: Settle your electricity bills automatically by charging them to your PNB credit card
• Zero % Affordable Payment Plan: 0% interest on installment for big-ticket items of up to 24 months

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: No annual fee for life
• Interest rate: 2% 
• Late payment fee: None
• Overlimit fee: None

Read more: PNB Credit Card Promos for 2022: Exclusive Deals and Privileges You Can Enjoy

Security Bank Next Mastercard

👍 Best for installment purchases 

The Security Bank Next Mastercard is one of the best credit cards for a family. You can easily pay for big purchases such as appliances, gadgets, and furniture with its 12-month installment plan at just a 1% monthly add-on rate. 

You can also use this credit card to pay expenses that generally require a bank payment, like tuition fees, rent, business suppliers, professional service fees, and more. This is a convenient feature, especially for busy parents who want to keep track of and pay for their expenses efficiently.  

The Next Mastercard is also one of the best credit cards for multiple users, as you can get up to five supplementary cards. Furthermore, it offers excellent travel perks that you can avail of on your next family trip!

Key Features and Benefits

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱50,000
• Auto-convert to installment feature for single purchases worth at least ₱5,000 
• Exclusive lounge access to Marhaba Lounge at NAIA 1 and 3 
• Online purchase protection insurance of up to $200

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: No annual fee for life
• Interest rate: 2% 
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000
• Overlimit fee: ₱500

Mercury Drug Citi Card

👍 Best for hospital transactions and purchases at Mercury Drug 

Your family’s health is always a priority. So if you’re looking for a credit card that offers discounts and rewards for your medicines, hospital expenses, and health and wellness purchases, check out the Mercury Drug Citi Card. 

You earn one point for every ₱200 you spend using your Mercury Drug Citi Card and 3x points on health, beauty, and wellness transactions at all clinics and hospitals. If you frequent Mercury Drug, you can also earn 5x points on up to ₱320,000 worth of purchases.  

Key Features and Benefits

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱15,000
• 5x points on up to ₱320,000 spend at Mercury Drug
• 3x points on health and wellness purchases
• 24/7 ambulance service within Metro Manila worth ₱10,000

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: 
• Principal: ₱2,000
• Supplementary: ₱900
• Interest rate: 3% 
• Late payment fee: ₱1,500 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: ₱1,500

Note: This product is sold by Union Bank of the Philippines, using certain trademarks temporarily under license from Citigroup Inc. and related group entities.

Best Cashback Credit Cards for Parents

Citi Cash Back Card

👍 Best for grocery shopping and bills payment

The Citi Cash Back Card is a must-have for your supermarket purchases and electricity bill payments since it lets you save as much as ₱15,000 yearly.

An excellent cash back credit card for parents, it offers the highest maximum rebate rate on groceries at 6% and up to 2% rebate on Meralco bills when you pay via Citibank Online. Rebates earned with this Citibank credit card don't expire, so you can easily redeem them anytime.

Key features and benefits:

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱15,000 (for existing cardholders) / ₱ 20,833.33 (for first-time cardholders)
• Cashback: Up to 6% on groceries, up to 2% on Meralco bills, and 0.20% on all other purchases
• Maximum rebate: ₱15,000 per year
• Citi One Bill payment facility: Automatically charge utility bills to your Citibank credit card
• Exclusive deals for online shopping and dining

Fees and charges:

• Annual fee: (Free for the first year)
• Principal: ₱4,500
• Supplementary: ₱2,250
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,500 or the unpaid minimum balance, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: ₱1,500 or the highest overlimit amount, whichever is lower

Note: This product is sold by Union Bank of the Philippines, using certain trademarks temporarily under license from Citigroup Inc. and related group entities.

Read more: Moneymax Reviews: Save on Essentials with a Citi Cash Back Card

Security Bank Complete Cashback Platinum Mastercard

👍 Best for grocery shopping, fuel purchases, and bills payment

Security Bank offers rebates on multiple spending categories through its Complete Cashback credit card. Consider this credit card for parents if the bulk of your expenses consists of groceries, gas, utility payments, dining, and shopping.

Key Features and Benefits

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱30,000
• Cashback: 5% on groceries, 4% on fuel, 3% on utilities, 2% on dining, and 1% on shopping
• Maximum rebate: ₱12,000 per year

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: (Free for the first year)
• Primary: ₱3,000
• Supplementary: ₱1,500
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee:  ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: ₱500

Read more: Enjoy Life’s Little Luxuries with These 12 Security Bank Credit Card Promos

BPI Amore Cashback Card

👍 Best for essentials-shopping and earning cashback

The BPI Amore Cashback Card is an ideal parent credit card as it lets you earn cash back when you shop for essentials in-store or online. Use this whenever you go shopping at supermarkets to automatically get 4% cashback. Use it to pay for drugstore purchases and utility bills to get 1% cashback. 

With this card, you can also convert your credit limit to cash and pay it in up to 36 monthly installments. Another of its most notable features is the Real 0% installment, Buy Now Pay Later feature where you can pay in installments up to three months later. 

Key Features and Benefits

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱30,000
• Cashback: 4% on supermarket purchases, 1% on drugstore and utilities, 0.3% on everything else
• Maximum rebate: ₱15,000 per year

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: (Free for the first year)
• Primary: ₱2,050
• Supplementary: Free for life for the first supplementary card / ₱1,025 (for 2nd to 6th cards)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee:  ₱850 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower

Read more: BPI Credit Card Promo 2023: 12 Exciting Deals on Shopping, Lifestyle, Travel, and More

HSBC Gold Visa Cash Back 

👍 Best for earning cash back 

Every wise parent wants more savings for their growing family. Get more savings and cashback with the HSBC Gold Visa Cash Back card. This card lets you earn 5% on your dining transactions and 0.50% on all other purchases. 

It’s a great card to have during school opening season, too. Enjoy 1% cashback on your back-to-school purchases at department stores every May, June, July, and August. 

You can also avail of installment deals at 0% interest for up to 36 months. Its Card Balance Conversion Plan also allows you to pay for your most recent purchases in up to 24 affordable installments. 

Key Features and Benefits

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱16,667
• Cashback: 5% on dining transactions, 0.50% on everything else
• 3% rebate on Caltex purchases
• Maximum rebate: ₱1,200 per month

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: (Free for the first year)
• Primary: ₱2,500
• Supplementary: ₱1,250
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee:  ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: ₱800

Best Rewards Credit Cards for Parents

HSBC Red Mastercard

👍 Best for all-around spending

Parents who use this HSBC rewards credit card can enjoy lots of rewards. The HSBC Red Mastercard makes it quick and easy to rack up points that can be redeemed for gift certificates, home appliances, air miles, and more.

Key Features and Benefits

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱16,666.67
• Rewards:
• 1 point per ₱20 spend
• 4x bonus points on online, dining, shopping, and overseas transactions^[1]
• Cashback: 6% on the first Caltex fuel purchase plus 3% all year round
• HSBC AutoCharge: Automatically settle multiple utility bills and earn bonus points
• HSBC Card Instalment Plan: 0% interest on installments of up to 36 months

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: (Free for the first year)
  • Primary: ₱2,500
  • Supplementary: ₱1,250
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: ₱800

👍 RCBC Flex Gold Visa

Best for grocery shopping, bills payment, big-ticket purchases, and travel expenses 

Although mainly targeted at young professionals, the RCBC Flex Gold card has many features that make it an ideal credit card for parents.

You can earn 2x points in three categories of your choice. For example, you can choose to double your points for groceries, household appliances, and department store purchases (baby care essentials, school supplies, etc.) if you often spend on them. This makes the RCBC Bankard Flex Gold Visa one of the best credit cards for new parents.

You can also switch your preferred categories once a month to other categories such as gas and travel. So if you’re also looking for the best credit cards for family travel, check this one out. 

Its budgeting tools are also noteworthy. With the Spend Monitor and Analyzer feature, you can better track and manage your household spending.

Key Features and Benefits

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱50,000
• Rewards: 2x points in any three spending categories (grocery/gas/household appliances/department store/travel)
• RCBC Bankard Easyterms: 0% installment on big-ticket items for up to 36 months
• RCBC Bankard Fast BillsPay: Pay your bills on demand or have them auto-charged to your RCBC credit card
• Spend Monitor: Track your own and your supplementary card's spending via SMS
• Spend Analyzer: A budgeting tool that helps plan your family expenses

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: (Free for the first year)
• Principal: ₱3,000
• Supplementary: ₱1,500
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱850 or the minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: ₱600

UnionBank Lazada Credit Card

👍 Best for filling up your online shopping cart at Lazada 

Do you often buy your household essentials from Lazada? Shop online for groceries, clothing for babies and kids, appliances, and more while enjoying generous rewards, discounts, and deals using the UnionBank Lazada credit card.

Apart from its money-saving perks, the UnionBank Lazada credit card also comes with a free virtual card for convenient online transactions.

Key Features and Benefits

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱30,000
• Rewards:
  • ₱6 Lazada Credits per ₱200 spend at Lazada
  • ₱1 Lazada Credit per ₱200 spend elsewhere
• Welcome gift: ₱5,000 Lazada Wallet Credits for new cardholders
• Exclusive Lazada deals and privileges:
  • ₱50 monthly shipping vouchers at Lazada
  • ₱250 discount vouchers for five Lazada Mega Sales all year round
• Access to Lazada Mega Sales
• Discounts from selected LazMall merchants

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: (Free for the first year)
• Principal: ₱3,000
• Supplementary: ₱1,500
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000
• Overlimit fee: ₱500

Read more: What’s in It for Me? Credit Card Welcome Gifts for New Cardholders in 2023

Final Thoughts

With plenty of expenses to cover and manage, owning the best credit card for parents can be a big help. You can easily make big and important purchases and work them into your budget, all without disrupting your cash flow. More importantly, you can pay for them in manageable and affordable terms. 

Now that you know the best credit cards for parents or families, compare these cards online for free through Moneymax. Should you wish to apply for one, you can even receive exclusive rewards for your successful credit card application.

Source: ^[1] HSBC Accelerated Rewards Program