Applying for a Credit Card? Prepare These Credit Card Requirements First

Credit cards can help you build a good credit history and save money with numerous benefits and rewards. Despite these perks, only less than 10% of Filipinos own a credit card.^[1] Perhaps, many are discouraged by credit card requirements imposed by banks.

In addition, many individuals are deterred by credit card debt—even if debt and credit cards don’t come together.^[2] Credit cards, when used responsibly, can be great for your financial well-being.

Preparing for the application is vital to ensure that you’re getting the best chance of approval. To help you get your application ready, we listed down the credit card requirements from some of the top banks in the country.

Credit Card Requirements in the Philippines

Are you curious to know what the credit requirements of banks in the Philippines are? Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to prepare for that credit card application.

AUB Credit Card Requirements

✅ Eligibility Requirements:

• 21 to 65 years old
• Filipino citizen or local 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

📝 Basic Credit Card Requirements for AUB:

• 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

BPI Credit Card Requirements

✅ Eligibility Requirements:

• At least 21 years old
• Gross annual income of at least PHP 15,000
• Filipino citizen or foreigner with local residence
• Have an active home phone or mobile number

📝 Basic Credit Card Requirements for BPI:

• 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

China Bank Credit Card Requirements

✅ Eligibility Requirements:

• Filipino or foreigner working and residing permanently in the Philippines
• 21 to 55 years old
• Gross annual income of at least PHP 250,000
• Have a valid landline and mobile phone number and email address

📝 Basic Credit Card Requirements for China Bank:

• 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

Citibank Credit Card Requirements

✅ Eligibility Requirements:

• At least 21 years old
• Filipino or foreigner with local residence
• Gross annual income of at least PHP 180,000
• Have a mobile number or a landline number

📝 Basic Credit Card Requirements for Citibank:

• Accomplished application form
• Have a valid TIN, SSS, GSIS, or UMID number
• Proof of income (pay slips, latest BIR form 2316, Certificate of Employment, etc.)
• Payroll account bank statement, stating your one-month salary

⏲️ Processing Time:

One to two weeks upon submission of complete requirements

Read more:

• 8 Credit Cards with Easy Application Requirements
• Citi Credit Card Application: An Easy 5-Step Guide

EastWest Bank Credit Card Requirements

✅ Eligibility Requirements:

• At least 21 years old
• Filipino citizen or local resident foreigner
• Gross annual income of at least PHP 120,000

📝 Basic Credit Card Requirements for EastWest Bank:

• One valid ID
• Landline or mobile phone number
• Accomplished application form
• Proof of income (pay slips, latest BIR form 2316, Certificate of Employment, etc.)

⏲️ Processing Time:

10 to 15 working days upon submission of complete requirements

Read more: Getting an EastWest Credit Card? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

HSBC Credit Card Requirements

✅ Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be 18 to 70 years old
• Must be a Filipino citizen or local resident foreigner
• Have a primary credit card for at least one year

📝 Basic Credit Card Requirements for HSBC:

• 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 address of 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

Read more: HSBC Credit Card Application: A Guide for First-Timers

Maybank Credit Card Requirements

✅ Eligibility Requirements:

• 21 to 65 years old
• Filipino citizen or local resident foreigner
• Gross annual income of at least PHP 260,000

📝 Basic Credit Card Requirements for Maybank:

• 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

Metrobank Credit Card Requirements

✅ Eligibility Requirements:

• At least 21 years old
• Filipino citizen or local resident foreigner
• Gross annual income of at least PHP 180,000

📝 Basic Credit Card Requirements for Metrobank:

• 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

⏲️ Processing time:

Two to three weeks upon submission of complete requirements

PNB Credit Card Requirements

✅ Eligibility Requirements:

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

📝 Basic Credit Card Requirements for PNB:

• 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

✅ Eligibility Requirements:

• At least 21 years old
• Filipino citizen or local resident foreigner
• For employed: must be employed for at least a year
• Should have an active landline or mobile phone number

📝 Basic Credit Card Requirements for Metrobank:

• 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

⏲️ Processing time:

As fast as one hour upon submission of complete requirements, depending on the eligibility of the client.

Read more: Quick and Easy RCBC Credit Card Application Guide

Security Bank Credit Card Requirements

✅ Eligibility Requirements:

• 21 to 65 years old
• Filipino citizen or local resident foreigner
• Gross annual income of at least PHP 180,000
• For employed: must be a regular employee for at least a year
• For self-employed: business must be operating for at least three years

📝 Basic Credit Card Requirements for Security Bank:

• 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

Related article: Security Bank Credit Card Application Guide: How to Get One in 5 Easy Steps

UnionBank Credit Card Requirements

✅ Eligibility Requirements:

• 18 to 70 years old
• Filipino citizen or foreign resident
• Employed for at least a year or operating a profitable business for at least a year

📝 Basic Credit Card Requirements for UnionBank:

• 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:

12 to 14 working days upon submission of complete requirements

CREDIT CARDS	FEATURES AND BENEFITS
	MAYBANK PLATINUM VISA Monthly income requirement: PHP 54,167 Interest rate: 2% 1% cashback for overseas purchases 1 Treats Point for every PHP 25 spend
	AUB GOLD MASTERCARD Monthly income requirement: PHP 50,000 Interest rate: 2% No annual fees forever 1 reward point for every PHP 50 spend
	RCBC GOLD MASTERCARD Monthly income requirement: PHP 50,000 Interest rate: 2% Reward points for every PHP 36 spend Free travel insurance and purchase protection
	SECURITY BANK GOLD MASTERCARD Monthly income requirement: PHP 36,667 Interest rate: 2% 1 rewards point for every PHP 20 spend No annual fee on the first year
	UNIONBANK GOLD VISA Monthly income requirement: PHP 30,000 Interest rate: 2% 1 rewards point for every PHP 35 spend Up to PHP 400,000 free insurance coverage
	ROBINSONS CASHBACK Monthly income requirement: PHP 15,000 Interest rate: 2% 3% cashback on purchases at Robinsons stores Exclusive Robinsons deals and promos
	METROBANK M FREE MASTERCARD Monthly income requirement: PHP 15,000 Interest rate: 2% No annual fees 0% interest installment plans
	BPI BLUE MASTERCARD Monthly income requirement: PHP 15,000 Interest rate: 1.82% 1 reward point for every PHP 35 spend Free travel insurance of up to PHP 2 million
	PNB ESSENTIALS MASTERCARD Monthly income requirement: PHP 10,000 Interest rate: 2% Earn rewards points to redeem miles or cash credits Global acceptance
	EASTWEST PRACTICAL MASTERCARD Monthly income requirement: PHP 10,000 Interest rate: 2% Exclusive perks on shopping, dining, and travel  Flexible payment options

5 Tips When Applying for a Credit Card

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

1. Get a Card That Fits Your 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 for you.

2. 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 one suits you best.

3. Limit Your Credit Card Applications

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

4. Prepare Your Documents Beforehand

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.

5. Understand the Terms and Conditions

Read the conditions to know more about the credit card fees, interest rates, and other details of the card. This 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: How to Apply for a Credit Card: What Beginners Need to Know

Final Thoughts

Getting a card is exciting, but it’s important to prepare the credit card requirements beforehand to ensure a smooth-sailing application process. Make sure to apply for a credit card that you qualify for and can afford. Furthermore, read the terms and conditions, so you’re aware of what you’re signing up for. And once you get approval, use your credit card responsibly.

Make sure to use Moneymax to compare credit cards in the Philippines and find the right one for you.  

Sources:

• ^[1] Credit card usage remains low in the Philippines (The Freeman, 2019)
• ^[2] Avoiding credit card default amid pandemic (Leyco, Manila Bulletin, 2020)

Moneymax

With a goal to help Filipinos lead healthier financial lives, Moneymax regularly publishes tips and tricks on personal finance and lifestyle, among many other topics. For more finance-related news and articles, follow Moneymax on Linkedin.