China Banking Corporation, more popularly known as China Bank, is one of the leading private universal banks in the Philippines, with over 100 years of banking experience and history.[1]
With so many other credit card options in the Philippines, China Bank’s products may not be on your radar. But China Bank has a robust line-up that offers various perks and privileges and suits different lifestyles and spending habits.
Check out this China Bank credit card application guide to learn more about its various credit card offerings, why you should get one, and how to apply for one.
Why You Should Apply for a China Bank Credit Card
They may not be as popular as other credit cards in the country, but China Bank credit cards still offer great perks:
✔️ Use It Anywhere in the World
Bring your China Bank credit card anywhere and enjoy worldwide acceptance in millions of Mastercard-affiliated merchants. Whether you swipe it for in-store purchases or use it for online shopping, its security features ensure safe and secure transactions.
✔️ Enjoy Exclusive Credit Card Deals
Unlock exclusive deals and exciting discounts with your China Bank credit card all year round at participating establishments. China Bank has ongoing promotions on shopping, dining, travel, hotel, and installment purchases. Check the website for new and ongoing online exclusives, birthday treats, anniversary deals, and welcome gifts.
✔️ Earn Rewards Points Easily
With every qualified spending, you earn rewards points easily. Every ₱20 you spend on your China Bank Freedom Mastercard earns you 1 rewards point. Meanwhile, every qualified spend worth ₱25 or ₱200 on your Prime, Platinum, or World Mastercard earns you 1 rewards point.
Read more: Time to Reap the Rewards: How to Use Your Credit Card Points
✔️ Pay in Light Monthly Installment Payments
China Bank offers installment programs for major credit card purchases. With 0% Merchant Installment, you can shop at participating merchants and pay for up to 36 months.
Meanwhile, with the China Bank Transaction Conversion, you can convert straight transactions at any non-installment merchant into installment payments with terms of up to 24 months.
You can also transfer your balances from other credit cards to your China Bank credit card and pay for up to 24 months at low interest rates.
Related: Is a Balance Transfer Credit Card a Good Idea? Here's How It Works
✔️ Shop Securely with Your Companion Virtual Card
For a worry-free and secure online shopping experience, all China Bank credit cards have a virtual card designed exclusively for internet shopping. You can also assign a sub-limit for your virtual card to stay in control of your spending.
✔️ Enjoy Other Credit Card Safety Features
All China Bank credit cards have an EMV Chip for improved payment security. To stay on top of your credit card activities, you’ll also receive transaction alerts via SMS and email for every purchase made on your China Bank credit card. With 3D Secure, you also enjoy an additional layer of security with One-Time Passwords.
✔️ Conveniently Make Credit Card Inquiries
You don’t need to speak to a China Bank Phone Banker to ask about your available credit limit or payment due date. Call the customer service hotline and select the Interactive Voice Response System option. Alternatively, log on to the China Bank mobile app for simple inquiries like outstanding balance, minimum amount due, or last payment information.
China Bank Credit Card Application Guide: How to Apply Online
Follow the steps below to start your China Bank credit card application.
Step 1: Check If You’re Eligible to Apply
Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for a China Bank credit card:
- 21 to 65 years old
- Filipino or foreigner employed and permanently residing in the Philippines
- Must have an existing/active credit card for at least 12 months
- Regular employee or has business operations for at least two years
- Must have a valid email address, mobile, and landline number
Note: All China Bank credit cards have a gross annual income requirement of at least ₱250,000.
Step 2: Prepare the Documentary Requirements
If you’re eligible to apply, prepare the following requirements:
- Valid government-issued, photo-bearing ID with signature
- For employed:
- Latest three months' payslips, original certificate of employment, or latest BIR Form 2316
- Details of other principal credit cards of at least one year
- For self-employed:
- Latest Audited Financial Statements and BIR Form 1701
- Details of other principal credit cards of at least one year
- For embassy employees/non-immigrants:
- Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) or I-Card (ICR)
- Photocopy of valid passport or visa
Step 3: Choose Your China Bank Credit Card
China Bank has a variety of credit cards to suit your spending needs. Depending on your chosen card, you can also earn rewards points or cashback.
💳 China Bank Prime Mastercard
- Annual fee: ₱1,500 (free for the first year) / waived for supplementary cards
- Interest rate: 3%
If you’re looking for an everyday credit card, the China Bank Prime Mastercard fits the bill. It’s perfect for all essential and lifestyle spending. You earn 1 rewards point for every ₱25 qualified spend (every ₱200 for service merchants).
You get a companion virtual card for worry-free online shopping. Plus, you can experience all the benefits of the SMAC Loyalty Program with the complimentary China Bank-SMAC membership.
💳 China Bank Freedom Mastercard
- Annual fee: None
- Interest rate: 3%
This China Bank credit card offers free annual fees, making it an excellent option to save money. With the Freedom Mastercard, you and your supplementary cardholders enjoy perpetually waived membership fees. It also comes with a companion virtual card.
Every ₱20 you spend also earns you 1 rewards point.
💳 China Bank Platinum Mastercard
- Annual fee: ₱3,500 / waived for supplementary cards
- Interest rate: 3%
Accepted in millions of merchants and establishments worldwide, the China Bank Platinum Mastercard is the ultimate travel companion. Earn 1 rewards point for every ₱25 or ₱200 spend. Enjoy exclusive deals and complimentary travel insurance coverage of up to ₱20 million when you book your travel with your China Bank Platinum credit card.
💳 China Bank Cash Rewards Mastercard
- Monthly membership fee: ₱299 / waived for supplementary cards
- Interest rate: 3%
For individuals who want to save as they spend, check out the China Bank Cash Rewards Mastercard. Earn a 6% cash reward for all your spending and a 1% cash reward for supermarket or grocery, gas, and drugstore purchases. A minimum transaction amount of ₱1,000 is required to earn cash rewards.
💳 China Bank World Mastercard
- Annual fee: ₱6,000 (waived for the first year) / waived for supplementary cards
- Interest rate: 3%
Last but not least is the China Bank World Mastercard, designed for individuals looking for world-class privileges and total luxury.
Enjoy 24/7 personalized World Concierge services (including VIP airport lounge access and dining and hotel reservations to car rental and golf course bookings) by calling +632 868-78-385.
You also get comprehensive travel insurance coverage of up to ₱20 million when you buy your travel tickets with your China Bank World Mastercard.
Read more: 7 Tipid Tips for Using Your Credit Card Abroad
Step 4: Accomplish the Credit Card Application Form
Ready to apply online for a China Bank credit card? Although the bank doesn’t have an online portal, you can easily download the China Bank credit card online application form[2] from the website.
Print and fill it out, making sure to affix your signature. Alternatively, you can get this application form at any China Bank branch and submit it there after filling it out.
Step 5: Submit Your China Bank Credit Card Application
Email the scanned copies of your completed application form, valid ID, and other documentary requirements to creditcards@chinabank.ph. Make sure all the scanned documents are clear.
China Bank Credit Card Application: FAQs
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1. How long does China Bank process credit card applications?
Allow 10 to 15 banking days for your application to be processed. Ensure that you correctly fill out the application and submit complete requirements to avoid delays in your application.
2. How do I check my China Bank credit card application status?
Please call the China Bank credit card customer service hotline at (+632) 8885-5888. Then press 2 for Credit Card Services. Press 4 for Credit Card Application Status. Make sure to have your valid ID ready.
3. How do I activate my China Bank credit card?
To activate your card, follow the instructions on the back of the card or call the China Bank credit card hotline at (+632) 8885-5888 or the domestic toll-free number at 1-800-1888-5888.
4. Where and how do I pay for my China Bank credit card?
There’s no need to go to the bank or payment center and queue, as you can pay your credit card bill anytime with just a few taps on your smartphone.
Simplify bill payments via the China Bank Mobile App or China Bank Online. You can also pay your credit card bill via China Bank TellerPhone, at any China Bank ATM, or over the counter at any China Bank Savings branch nationwide.
Moreover, you can even set up recurring payments via ADA, so your credit card and other bills get paid automatically.
Other payment channels include:
- BancNet Online and ATMs
- BPI (Phone Banking, ATM, and Online)
- Waltermart (select branches only)
- SM Payment Centers (including Savemore and SM Hypermarket)
- GCash
- Maya
Read more: Say Goodbye to Late Payments with These Credit Card Payment Methods
5. Can I request a China Bank credit card limit increase?
Yes. Contact China Bank customer service at (+632) 8885-5888 or the domestic toll-free number at 1-800-1888-5888. Note that any request to change the credit card limit is subject to review and approval by the bank.
6. How many supplementary credit cards can I apply for?
There’s no limit to the number of supplementary cards you can enroll.
Other Credit Cards You May Consider
If you still want other credit card options, explore rewards credit cards like the UnionBank Rewards Credit Card or the Security Bank Gold Mastercard.
Or check out the HSBC Gold Visa Cash Back, Security Bank Complete Cashback Platinum Mastercard, or BPI Amore Cashback Card for cashback credit cards.
For premium perks and privileges, make sure to check out the Metrobank World Mastercard®.
Final Thoughts
Convinced that a China Bank credit card is right for you? Now that you know the great perks and privileges that await, use this China Bank credit card application guide to help you.
Keen on getting a card from China Bank but still undecided on which to apply for? Here's a quick comparison to help you choose:
| Credit Card | Minimum Annual Income Requirement | Annual Fee | Key Features |
|
China Bank Prime Mastercard
  |
₱250,000
|
₱1,500
|
|
|
China Bank Freedom Mastercard
 |
₱250,000
|
None
|
|
|
China Bank Platinum Mastercard
 |
₱250,000
|
₱3,500
|
|
|
China Bank Cash Rewards Mastercard
 |
₱250,000
|
₱299 monthly
|
|
|
China Bank World Mastercard
 |
Inquire with China Bank
|
₱6,000
|
|
Sources:
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