How to Pay Bills Using a Credit Card in the Philippines: A Beginner’s Guide

Fed up with the seemingly endless cycle of paying bills and wish there was a more convenient way to do it? 

You’ve probably heard that credit cards can make your life easier, so when you first got your own, your priority was to find out how to pay bills using a credit card. If that’s the case, you’re in the right place!

It’s true—you can use your credit card to pay your monthly bills the same way you pay for online shopping sprees or late-night food cravings. This guide will walk you through all the steps you need to take and give you great tips on using your credit card for bills payment. 

So before you automate your monthly payments or apply for a credit card, check out everything you need to know here.

Pros and Cons of Using a Credit Card for Paying Bills

Using a credit card for paying bills is as convenient as it sounds, but it still has its own pros and cons. Consider these before you start your credit card comparison on the Moneymax website.

👍 Pro: Track Your Monthly Payments Easily

With a credit card, you don’t have to keep track of all the due dates for your bills or subscriptions. Just consolidate them all into a one-time payment scheme every month. This way, you can easily track your monthly spending and adjust your budget accordingly. 

👍 Pro: Automate Your Monthly Payments

Once you’ve consolidated all your bills into a single payment system, you can set up automated payments from your credit card provider’s website or smartphone app. With this setup, you won’t have to worry about keeping track of your bills’ due dates since each will be automatically charged to your credit card. 

👍Pro: Earn Reward Points from Your Bills Payments

Paying bills using your credit card is a quick and surefire way to earn reward points without spending on things you don’t need. You can even earn rebates on your monthly payments with some credit cards. You can also avail of credit card promos to save more money.

👎 Con: Some Billers Charge Unnecessary Fees

Because it’s so convenient, paying bills using a credit card can sometimes cost you. For example, Pag-IBIG charges a 1.75% convenience fee for housing loans and contribution payments made with credit cards via Virtual Pag-IBIG. That means additional hefty fees—e.g., if the amount to pay is ₱10,000, you'll be charged ₱175 more!

👎 Con: Not Advisable If You’re Already Deep in Debt

Setting up automatic payments every month is not advisable for anyone with a lot of credit card debt. You don’t want your debt to snowball unmonitored because you’ve set up automatic payments. Stick to paying your monthly bills with cash if you’re currently working on paying off your credit card debt.

How to Pay Bills Using a Credit Card in the Philippines

Nowadays, most bills payment transactions using a credit card are done online. Aside from auto-pay facilities, cardholders can use other methods to pay bills from the safety and comfort of their homes.

Paying bills online is similar to checking out on an online shopping site. Follow the steps below once you’ve chosen the best credit card to pay bills:

1. Choose credit card as your payment method.
2. Provide the required details as they appear on your card and billing statement.
3. Verify and submit your payment information. You might receive an OTP (one-time password) verification number to confirm your payment.

If you choose an auto-charge service to pay bills with a credit card, just enroll by calling your issuing bank's hotline. Provide details regarding your credit card account and the bills you wish to enroll. Once you've set your bills to be paid automatically with your card, the only thing you'll have to worry about is paying your credit card bill every month.

You can also pay your bills through the credit card provider's online banking app. Just download your credit card provider’s official smartphone app and take it from there. Here are the steps depending on the credit card you have:

How to Pay Bills Using a Credit Card from Citibank

1. Download the Citi Mobile App from your app store and log in to your account.
2. From the app dashboard, tap the Citi credit card you want to use, then tap Pay a Bill.
3. Select All Billing Organizations, then search for and select your biller.
4. Enter the payment details and tap Pay to complete the transaction.

How to Pay Bills Using a Credit Card from HSBC

1. Download the HSBC Mobile Banking App from your app store and log in to your account.
2. From the app home screen, tap Pay Bills/Make a Transfer.
3. Choose your HSBC credit card in the From field.
4. Tap Select Account, then go to the My Payees tab.
5. Tap Add a Company at the bottom of the screen.
6. On the Select a Company field, search for and select the biller.
7. Enter the payment details and the amount before tapping Confirm.

How to Pay Bills Using a Credit Card from RCBC

1. Download the RCBC Digital App from your app store and log in to your account.
2. From the app dashboard, tap Bills Payment, then tap Pay Bill.
3. Choose the RCBC credit card you’re going to use, then choose your biller from the list.
4. Enter the payment details, then tap Pay Now. Review your details before tapping Proceed.
5. A one-time password (OTP) will be sent to your mobile number. Enter the OTP then tap Submit to proceed with your transaction.

How to Pay Bills Using a Credit Card from UnionBank

1. Download the UnionBank Online App from your app store and log in to your account.
2. From the app dashboard, tap Pay Bills.
3. Tap Select Biller, then go to the Biller List tab. Choose your biller.
4. Enter your biller information, then tap Next.
5. Enter the payment amount, then choose your UnionBank credit card.
6. Review your payment details, then tap Pay to complete your transaction.

How to Pay Bills Using a Credit Card from BPI

1. Download the BPI Mobile App from your app store and log in to your account.
2. From the app dashboard, tap the Menu button on the top left, then go to Other Services.
3. Tap Manage Billers and Payees, then search for the biller you want to enroll.
4. Once you’re done enrolling, go back to the Menu button, then tap Pay Bill.
5. Select your BPI credit card, enter the payment amount, then select the biller you just enrolled before tapping Next.
6. Review your payment details, then tap Confirm to complete the transaction.

How to Pay Bills Using a Credit Card from Security Bank

1. Download the Security Bank Online App from your app store and log into your account.
2. From the app dashboard, tap Payments and Transfers, then select Pay Bills.
3. Tap New Biller, then select the biller you’re looking for.
4. Enter your customer details, then tap Next.
5. Enter the payment amount, then choose the Security Bank credit card you’re going to use to pay your bill. Tap Next.
6. Set the frequency of the bill, then tap Next.
7. Review your payment details before tapping Submit to complete your transaction.

How to Pay Bills Using a Credit Card Over the Counter

If you prefer paying your bills over the counter, you can also use your credit card to do so. Just go to any bills payment center near you. Pay using your credit card the way you would for your in-store shopping or groceries.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Credit Card for Paying Bills

Want to know how to pay bills using a credit card? First, make sure to get a credit card with perks that can help you maximize your monthly payments. Here are the credit card features to look for when choosing the best credit card to pay bills.

Cashback or Rewards for Bills Payment

Do I get cashback for paying bills? You might be wondering if you'll be rewarded for using a credit card to pay bills. Well, it depends on the card. Some credit cards earn cashback or rewards points on utility payments while others don't.

If you pay a lot of bills every month, it's best to get a cashback or rewards credit card that lets you collect rebates or points each time you charge utility payments to it. It’s better to rack up more rewards with bills you're going to pay for anyway than with non-essentials you’re overspending on.

Automatic Payment Feature

How does auto-pay work? Most credit card providers in the Philippines offer an auto-charge program that helps cardholders ensure all their bills are paid on time. This feature makes life easier for busy and forgetful people, especially parents dealing with multiple household expenses.

When you enroll in your issuing bank's auto-payment facility, your bills will be automatically charged to your credit card. All you have to do is pay the total amount due on your credit card billing statement. This way, you avoid missing due dates and paying penalty fees for late bills payment.

Auto-Pay vs Cashback/Rewards

However, some auto-charge facilities are exempted from cashback or rewards programs. This means the bills you pay through auto-charge won't earn rebates or points.

In such cases, you can choose to pay your bills through another channel (such as directly on the biller's website or app) if you still want to earn rebates or rewards. 

But if you prefer the convenience of auto-charging your bills to your card, you’ll have to give up the opportunity to earn points or rebates on your utility payments and just earn them through other credit card transactions.

Still want the best of both worlds? Choose a credit card for utility bill payments that allows you to earn rebates or points for bills paid through the bank's auto-charge program.

Lastly, most auto-charge facilities allow enrollment of certain billers only. Check the auto-pay program terms and conditions to see if your billers can be enrolled.

8 Best Credit Cards to Pay Bills in the Philippines

Below are some of the best credit cards you can use for bills payments in the Philippines:

Security Bank Complete Cashback Platinum Mastercard

If you want to find out how to pay bills using a credit card and save money in the process, get the Security Bank Complete Cashback Platinum Mastercard. 

Its name is a mouthful, but it certainly packs a lot in a tiny package. For one, you can earn a 3% rebate on bills payment and up to 5% rebate on other essential spend categories. Plus, you can enjoy Security Bank credit card promos all year round.

Security Bank has a new feature called SimplyPay^[1] that allows you to conveniently pay with your credit card for utilities and other expenses (e.g., rent, hospital bills, insurance, etc.) that require a bank deposit as the payment method.

Key Benefits and Features:

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱65,000
• Bills payment perk: 
  • 3% rebate on bills payment
  • SimplyPay – Use your credit card to pay for utilities that require a bank deposit.
  • Security Bank Bills Assist Program – Settle your monthly bills automatically.
• Other features: 
  • Up to 5% rebates on essential spend categories
  • Exclusive access to Marhaba Lounge at NAIA 1 and 3

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱3,000 (free for the first year)
• Interest rate: 2%
• Cash advance fee: ₱200
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower 
• Overlimit fee: ₱500

Citi Cash Back Card

If you’re looking for the best credit card for utilities, get the Citi Cash Back Card. Aside from the 6% cash back you get from groceries, you can also earn 2% cash back on your Meralco bills if you pay via the Citi Mobile App. Plus, all Citi credit cards allow you to use the Citi PayAll,^[2] a feature that enables you to conveniently pay bills that require bank deposits like rent, tuition fees, and others.

If you apply for a Citi credit card via the Moneymax website until September 30, 2022, you get a welcome gift: ₱5,000 GCash or a Nescafe Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS coffee machine. Just spend at least ₱10,000 (single or accumulated spend) within 60 days from the date of approval to get your gift. Apply now and enjoy more exclusive Citibank credit card promos.

Key Benefits and Features:

• Minimum monthly income requirement: 
  • ₱15,000 for existing cardholders
  • ₱20,833 for first-time cardholders
• Bills payment perk: 
  • 2% cash back on Meralco bills payment via Citi Mobile
  • Citi PayAll – use your credit card to pay for utilities that require a bank deposit
  • Citi One Bill – automate your monthly bill payments
• Other features: 
  • Up to 6% cash back on groceries
  • 0% interest installment up to 24 months with Citi PayLite
• Welcome gift: 
  • Get free ₱5,000 GCash or a Nescafe Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS coffee machine until September 30, 2022
  • Get free ₱5,000 eGift until November 30, 2022^[3]

Fees and Charges:

• Annual fee: ₱4,500
• Interest rate: 2%
• Cash advance fee: ₱200
• Late payment fee: ₱1,500 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: ₱1,500 or the highest overlimit amount during the billing period, 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.

HSBC Red Mastercard

The HSBC Red Mastercard is yet another entry for the best credit card for bills payment. With this card, you can ramp up your rewards just by paying your bills online. You can easily settle your utility payments for billers like Globe, PLDT, Sun, and SkyCable through the HSBC AutoCharge. Bills paid through AutoCharge earn bonus points, with a limit of up to ₱100,000 per transaction. You can also enjoy plenty of other HSBC credit card promos.

Key Benefits and Features:

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱16,667
• Bills payment perks:
  • 4x reward points on online subscriptions
  • HSBC AutoCharge – Pay multiple utility bills automatically.
• Other features:
  • 4x reward points on shopping, dining, and overseas spend
  • 1 reward point for every ₱20 spend
  • 6% fuel rebate on your first purchase and 3% rebate all year round at Caltex
  • 0% interest installments up to 36 months at participating merchants

Fees and Charges:

• Annual fee: Free when you apply today until December 31, 2022^[4]
• Interest rate: 2%
• Cash advance fee: ₱200
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: ₱800

Metrobank Rewards Plus Visa

Earn rewards fast on your monthly payments for mobile postpaid, landline, and home internet services using the Metrobank Rewards Plus Visa. The card also allows you to earn points on telecom payments enrolled in the Bills2Pay program. This is a great option to check out when you’re researching the best credit cards to pay utilities, especially with all of Metrobank’s credit card promos. 

Key Benefits and Features:

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱29,167
• Bills payment perk:
  • 2 rewards points per ₱20 spend on telecom bills
  • 1 rewards point per ₱20 spend on utilities charged to Bills2Pay
  • Bills2Pay Auto-Charge Program – charge your monthly utility bills automatically 
• Other features: 
  • 2x reward points on electronics, transportation, and online purchases
  • 0% interest installment plans up to 24 months

Fees and Charges:

• Annual fee: ₱2,500 (free for the first year)
• Interest rate: 2%
• Cash advance fee: ₱200
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower 
• Overlimit fee: ₱750

UnionBank Gold Mastercard

With the UnionBank Gold Mastercard, you earn a 1% rebate on all transactions, including your utility bills. The cashback doesn't expire, so you can redeem it anytime and get unlimited savings. With this feature and all of Unionbank’s exciting credit card promos, it just might be the best credit card for utilities. 

Note that bills enrolled in UnionBank's auto payment facility are exempted from earning rebates, though. If you want to earn cashback using the UnionBank Gold Mastercard, use other online services for bills payment.

Key Benefits and Features:

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱30,000
• Bills payment perk: 
  • 1% cash back on all purchases, including bills
  • Auto Bills Payment – Charge your utility bills automatically.  
•  Other features: 
• 0% interest installment payment plans
• Free life insurance coverage up to ₱400,000

Fees and Charges:

• Annual fee: ₱2,500
• Interest rate: 2%
• Cash advance fee: ₱200
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000
• Overlimit fee: ₱500

BPI Amore Cashback Card

Looking to find out how to pay bills using a credit card while enjoying exclusive perks at your nearest Ayala Mall? The BPI Amore Cashback Card is for you. Get 1% cash back on your bill payments, plus an additional 4% cash back on supermarket and department store expenses. You can also avail of exclusive BPI credit card promos at Ayala Malls and other partner merchants nationwide.

Key Benefits and Features:

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱30,000
• Bills payment perk:
  • 1% cash back on bills payments
  • Auto-Charge – Charge your utility bills automatically.  
• Other features:
  • 4% cashback on supermarkets and department store spend
  • Exclusive privileges at any Ayala Mall nationwide
  • One of the lowest forex conversion rates at 1.85%

Fees and Charges:

• Annual fee: ₱2,050
• Interest rate: 2%
• Cash advance fee: ₱200
• Late payment fee: ₱850

AUB Easy Mastercard

The AUB Easy Mastercard is also a great credit card for paying bills, precisely because you can decide how much, when, and how often you should pay your credit card bill.

Combine that with the AUB’s auto-charge feature, and you get one of the most convenient ways to pay bills. This credit card also comes with no annual fees for life, along with its own set of AUB credit card promos. 

Key Benefits and Features:

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱21,000
• Bills payment perk:
  • Choose when to pay your credit card bill
  • Choose how much to pay with a fixed payment amount
  • All-Ur-Bills – Instantly charge your utility bills 

• Other features:
  • 1 reward point for every ₱50 spend
  • No interest on new purchases

Fees and Charges:

• Annual fee: Free for life
• Interest rate: 2%
• Cash advance fee: ₱200
• Late payment fee:
• Monthly: ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Semi-monthly: ₱500 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Weekly: ₱250 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower

RCBC Flex Gold Visa

Apart from double rewards on three essential categories, you can earn points on utility bill payments with the RCBC Flex Gold Visa. You can even get rewards on payments for bills enrolled in the Fast BillsPay facility.

With the Fast BillsPay feature, you can make either a one-time or recurring bills payment. Billers include Manila Water, Meralco, Sky Cable, Globe, PLDT, and Smart. Lastly, you can make the most out of your money with all the RCBC credit card promos.

Key Benefits and Features:

• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱50,000
• Bills payment perks:
  • 1 reward point per ₱250 utility bill spend
  • RCBC Bankard Fast BillsPay – charge bills on demand or automatically
• Other perks:
  • 2x rewards points on three preferred categories: grocery, gas, travel, department store, or household appliances
  • 0% interest installments up to 36 months
  • Free travel insurance and purchase protection coverage

Fees and Charges:

• Annual fee: ₱3,000 (free for the first year)
• Interest rate: 2%
• Cash advance fee: ₱200
• Late payment fee: ₱850 or unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower 
• Overlimit fee: ₱600

Final Thoughts

By now, you should have a solid idea of how to pay bills using a credit card. Even so, make sure to research more and explore different bills payment options that can make your life easier. If you already have a credit card, unlock its maximum potential by using all the features available to you. 

On the other hand, if you don’t have a credit card yet but plan to get one soon, don’t forget that you have online comparison platforms like Moneymax, where you can easily compare options to make sure you make the right choice.

Discover Top Credit Cards in the Philippines

Looking for the best credit card for you? Below is a list of top credit card features with discounts and other perks. Compare your options with Moneymax!

Sources:

• ^[1] Security Bank - SimplyPay
• ^[2] Citibank - Citi PayAll
• ^[3] Greater Rewards for You with Citi Credit Cards
• ^[4] HSBC - Enjoy Waived Annual Fees