Credit Card Requirements in the Philippines: Updated List for 2023

Credit cards can help you build a good credit history and save money with numerous benefits and rewards. Despite these perks, only around 10 million credit cards are in circulation in 2022, which is significantly lower than the 126 million debit cards in the Philippines.^[1] Many may be discouraged by credit card requirements imposed by banks.

In addition, many individuals are deterred by the risk of incurring credit card debt—even if debt and credit cards don't actually come together.^[2] When used responsibly, credit cards can be great for your financial well-being.

Credit Card Requirements Per Bank in the Philippines

list of credit card requirements philippines

To ensure you get the best chance of approval, check if you meet the bank’s eligibility criteria and submit all the required documents. Here’s a list of the credit card requirements from some top banks in the Philippines, so you can get your application ready.

UnionBank Credit Card Requirements

Got your eye on a UnionBank Rewards Credit Card? You can own one or any UnionBank credit card of your choice if you meet the following eligibility requirements and provide the required documents.

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

18 to 70 years old
Filipino citizen or foreign resident

📝 Required Documents for UnionBank Credit Cards:

Valid ID
Accomplished application form
Proof of income (pay slips, latest BIR form 2316, Certificate of Employment, bank statements, etc.)
DTI/SEC Registration for self-employed applicants
Alien Certificate of Registration for foreign applicants

⏲️ Processing Time:

12 to 14 working days upon submission of complete requirements

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Metrobank Credit Card Requirements

Interested in getting a Metrobank credit card like the Titanium Mastercard^®, Platinum Mastercard^®, or World Mastercard^®? Check out the minimum eligibility and documentary requirements below.

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

18 to 70 years old
Landline number
Valid TIN, GSIS, or SSS number
Filipino citizen or resident foreigner
Gross annual income of at least ₱350,000

📝 Required Documents for Metrobank Credit Cards:

Proof of identification
Accomplished application form
Proof of income (pay slips, latest BIR form 2316, Certificate of Employment, etc.)
DTI/SEC Registration for self-employed applicants
Alien Certificate of Registration for foreign applicants

⏲️ Processing time:

Two to three weeks upon submission of complete requirements

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HSBC Credit Card Requirements

Take your pick from HSBC credit cards such as the HSBC Red Mastercard, Gold Visa Cash Back, and the Platinum Visa Rebate. To apply, meet the eligibility qualifications and submit the credit card requirements below.

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

18 to 70 years old
Filipino citizen or resident foreigner
Have a primary credit card for at least six months
Minimum annual income of ₱200,000

📝 Required Documents for HSBC Credit Cards:

A mobile number or a landline number
Two valid IDs
Accomplished application form
Proof of income (pay slips, latest ITR, Certificate of Employment, Audited Financial Statements, etc.)
Proof of residence (valid ID with the address of the applicant, utility bills, etc.)
DTI/SEC Registration for self-employed applicants
Alien Certificate of Registration for foreign applicants

⏲️ Processing Time:

Five to 10 working days upon submission of complete requirements

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Security Bank Credit Card Requirements

Ready to own a Security Bank credit like the Gold Mastercard, Platinum Mastercard, or World Mastercard? Make sure you qualify for the credit card of your choice and submit the documentary requirements for a hassle-free application.

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

21 to 65 years old
Filipino citizen or resident foreigner
Gross annual income of at least ₱480,000
For employed: must be a regular employee for at least a year
For self-employed: business must be operating for at least three years

📝 Required Documents for Security Bank Credit Cards:

A landline number
Government-issued ID
Proof of income (pay slips, latest BIR form 2316, Certificate of Employment, etc.)
DTI/SEC Registration for self-employed applicants
Alien Certificate of Registration for foreign applicants

⏲️ Processing time:

At least five working days upon submission of complete requirements

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BPI Credit Card Requirements

You, too, can be a BPI credit cardholder―if you meet the eligibility requirements and submit the following proof of identification and income. So if you plan on getting a rewards credit card like the BPI Gold Mastercard or one that earns cashback like the BPI Amore Cashback Card, take note of the following requirements:

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

At least 21 years old
Gross annual income of at least ₱180,000
Filipino citizen or foreigner with local residence
Have an active home phone or mobile number

📝 Required Documents for BPI Credit Cards:

Accomplished application form
One valid ID
Proof of income (latest two pay slips, latest BIR form 2316 or 1701, Certificate of Employment, latest audited financial statements)
DTI/SEC Registration for self-employed applicants
Alien Certificate of Registration for foreign applicants

⏲️ Processing Time:

One to two weeks upon submission of complete requirements

PNB Credit Card Requirements

Is a PNB credit card your preferred credit card? You can apply for one that fits your lifestyle. From the beginner-friendly PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard to the prestigious PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard, check out the requirements to qualify and apply.

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

21 to 65 years old
Filipino citizen or resident foreigner
Gross annual income of at least ₱120,000
For employed: must be a regular employee
For self-employed: business must be operating for at least two years

📝 Required Documents for PNB Credit Cards:

Valid ID
Accomplished application form
Proof of income (pay slips, latest BIR form 2316, Certificate of Employment, etc.)
DTI/SEC Registration for self-employed applicants
Alien Certificate of Registration for foreign applicants

⏲️ Processing Time:

Four to six weeks upon submission of requirements

RCBC Credit Card Requirements

You can choose from a variety of RCBC credit cards, like the Gold Mastercard, the Flex Gold Visa, or the Visa Infinite Card. Check out the minimum eligibility and documentary requirements below to kickstart your application.

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

18 to 65 years old
Filipino citizen or resident foreigner
Employed or self-employed: must be employed for at least a year
Should have an active landline or mobile phone number

📝 Required Documents for RCBC Credit Cards:

Accomplished application form
Valid ID
Proof of income (pay slips, latest BIR form 2316, Certificate of Employment, etc.)
Latest Audited Financial Statements and bank statement for self-employed applicants

⏲️ Processing time:

10 to 15 days upon submission of requirements

AUB Credit Card Requirements

Whether you’re getting an AUB Classic Mastercard or a Gold Mastercard, here are the eligibility and documentary requirements you need to meet and submit.

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

21 to 65 years old
Minimum gross annual income of ₱600,000
Filipino citizen or resident foreigner
Employed for at least a year as a regular employee or operating a business profitably for at least a year
For licensed professionals: must be practicing for at least a year
Have a mobile phone, office landline, and active email address

📝 Required Documents for AUB Credit Cards:

Valid ID
Accomplished application form
Proof of income (pay slips, latest BIR form 2316, Certificate of Employment, etc.)
ITR (Form 1701, 1701Q), latest Financial Statements, DTI/SEC Registration for self-employed applicants
Alien Certificate of Registration for foreign applicants

⏲️ Processing Time:

11 to 14 working days upon submission of complete requirements

Bank of Commerce Credit Card Requirements

Experience what it’s like to have a Bank of Commerce credit card, from the Classic Mastercard to the World Mastercard. Meet the eligibility requirements and submit your proof of identity and income to get started on your application.

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

21 to 65 years old
Filipino citizen or resident foreigner
Minimum annual income of ₱120,000
Should have an active landline or mobile phone number

📝 Required Documents for Bank of Commerce Credit Cards:

Accomplished application form
Valid ID
Proof of income (pay slips, latest BIR form 2316, Certificate of Employment, etc.)
DTI/SEC Registration for self-employed applicants
Alien Certificate of Registration for foreign applicants

Maybank Credit Card Requirements

One of Maybank’s eligibility requirements is an existing credit from other banks, and it should have a credit limit of at least ₱30,000. Check the other requirements below:

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

21 to 65 years old
Filipino citizen or resident foreigner
Existing credit cardholder of other banks for at least 10 months and with a credit limit of at least ₱30,000

📝 Required Documents for Maybank Credit Cards:

A mobile number or a landline number
One valid ID
Accomplished application form
Proof of income (pay slips, latest BIR form 2316, Certificate of Employment, etc.)
DTI/SEC Registration for self-employed applicants
Alien Certificate of Registration for foreign applicants
Active credit card

⏲️ Processing time:

10 to 15 working days upon submission of complete requirements

Robinsons Bank Credit Card Requirements

There’s a Robinsons Bank credit card that will fit your lifestyle. See if you can apply for the Robinsons Cashback or DOS Mastercard and prepare the following documentary requirements.

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

21 to 65 years old
Filipino citizen or resident foreigner
Minimum annual income of ₱180,000 (₱240,000 if married)
Should have an active landline, mobile phone number, and email address
Residing or working near a Robinsons Bank branch

📝 Required Documents for Robinsons Bank Credit Cards:

Accomplished application form
Valid ID
Proof of income (latest pay slip, bank statements, latest BIR form 2316, Certificate of Employment, etc.)
DTI/SEC Registration for self-employed applicants
Alien Certificate of Registration for foreign applicants

China Bank Credit Card Requirements

To be eligible for a China Bank credit card, you must be an existing principal credit cardholder of another bank. Here are the minimum eligibility and documentary requirements you must meet and submit along with your credit card application.

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

Filipino or foreigner working and residing permanently in the Philippines
21 to 65 years old
Gross annual income of at least ₱250,000
Have a valid landline and mobile phone number and email address

📝 Required Documents for China Bank Credit Cards:

Accomplished application form
One valid ID
Proof of income (pay slips, latest BIR form 2316, Certificate of Employment, Audited Financial Statement etc.)
DTI/SEC Registration for self-employed applicants

⏲️ Processing Time:

10 to 15 working days upon submission of complete requirements

Bonus: 5 Tips When Applying for a Credit Card

To have a smooth credit card application process, consider the following tips:

✔️ Get a Card That Fits Your Needs and Budget

Consider applying for a credit card that fits both your needs and budget. Ask yourself: Where will I use my credit card? How much can I afford for monthly payments? Will payments put a strain on my current budget? The answers to these questions may help you determine the best card.

✔️ Compare Credit Cards

Compare credit cards in the Philippines in terms of interest rates, features and benefits, minimum repayment amount, fees, and charges. Again, consider your finances when comparing credit cards to see which suits you best.

✔️ Limit Your Credit Card Applications

Don’t apply for too many credit cards simultaneously. Banks may inquire about your recent financial history, including existing credit card applications. It may appear that you’re having difficulty getting an application approved or taking on more debt, negatively affecting your chance of getting approval.

✔️ Prepare Your Documents in Advance

Getting all the required documents in order before sending your credit card application can save you a lot of time. Make a checklist of your bank’s application requirements and tick each one off once you get them ready.

✔️ Understand the Terms and Conditions

Read the conditions to know more about the credit card fees, interest rates, and other card details. It will help you use your credit card more responsibly. It will also help you maximize the benefits the credit card has to offer that you may not be aware of otherwise.

Read more:

Final Thoughts

Getting a card is exciting, but preparing all the credit card requirements beforehand is essential to ensure a smooth application process. Make sure to apply for a credit card you qualify for and can afford.

Furthermore, read the terms and conditions to know what you’re signing up for. And once you get approval, use your credit card responsibly.

Use Moneymax to compare credit cards in the Philippines and find the right one. Check out some of the best options below if you're applying for the first time:

Credit Card for First-Timers	Features and Benefits
UnionBank Rewards Credit Card	1 never-expiring point for every ₱30 spend 3x points when you shop and dine here and abroad Monthly income requirement: ₱15,000 Interest rate: 3%
Metrobank Titanium Mastercard^®	2x rewards points on dining, department store, and online purchases 1 point for every ₱20 spend Monthly income requirement: ₱15,000 Interest rate: 3%
Security Bank Gold Mastercard	1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend Secure online shopping with SecureCode Monthly income requirement: ₱30,000 Interest rate: 3%
BPI Blue Mastercard	1 BPI Point for every ₱35 spend Up to 36 months installment terms Up to ₱2 million travel insurance coverage Monthly income requirement: ₱15,000 Interest rate: 3%
BPI Edge Mastercard	1 BPI point for every ₱50 spend Flexible installment plans and payment options Low forex conversion rates at 1.85% Monthly income requirement: ₱15,000 Interest rate: 3%
PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard	Zero annual fees for life on principal and supplementary cards No late payment or overlimit fees Monthly income requirement: ₱10,000 Interest rate: 2.5%
AUB Classic Mastercard	No annual fee for life 0% interest on new purchases 1 rewards point for every ₱50 spend Monthly income requirement: ₱21,000 Interest rate: 3%
AUB Easy Mastercard	No annual fee for life 0% interest on new purchases Flexible credit card payment due date Monthly income requirement: ₱21,000 Interest rate: 3%