15 Best Credit Cards for Beginners in the Philippines 2023

Adulting is both a scary and exciting journey, especially for those who plan to start building their credit history and achieve financial independence. For this, credit cards for beginners are among the best financial tools you can use. 

Applying for a credit card sounds intimidating and complicated, but there are cards for beginners who don’t have a credit history yet. These starter credit cards may have low credit limits or limited perks, but they serve their purpose of helping you manage your finances better and build your credit. 

To help you choose your best budgeting and spending partner, here’s what you need to know about credit cards for beginners in the Philippines.

How to Choose a Credit Cards for Beginners: 4 Features to Look for

Most credit cards for first-timers come with a lot of benefits, including discounts, privileges, and even welcome gifts for new cardholders. Since this is your first time applying for one, let’s trim down your options.

But first, here are the things you should look for when choosing the best credit card for beginners in the Philippines.

🔎 Low Annual Fee

Consider credit cards with annual fees not exceeding ₱2,000 to save money. Ideally, choose one with no annual fee for life. If you get approved for a card that doesn’t waive the annual membership fee, then find out how you can waive the fees. 

Most credit card issuers set conditions for waiving the annual fees. For example, you may need to meet a minimum spend requirement, enroll a biller, or get a supplementary card. It’s good to ask your credit card issuer first before submitting your credit card application.

🔎 Low Credit Card Fees

If you're looking for the best credit card for first-timers, focus on the two most common fees: the late payment fee and the overlimit fee.

You get charged an overlimit fee when you spend more than your credit limit, while a late payment fee is charged when your payment is not posted on time. To avoid these fees, pay all your credit card dues on time and keep your credit card usage low. 

Other fees you should keep note of include foreign transaction fees (if you’re traveling abroad), annual percentage rates, and balance transfer fees.

🔎 Your Preferred Credit Card Perks

Most credit cards for beginners in the Philippines don't offer as many privileges as premium cards. Still, you can find the best credit cards for starters with perks that appeal to you, whether you want a card with rewards on shopping, travel, dining, or any other spending category.

Online personal finance platforms like Moneymax can also help you assess credit cards based on your need, according to HSBC Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing Anya Katigbak-Cajucom.

"If you're a beginner, they can provide you with the list of where you can apply for first-timer cards," Anya said.

"Having a good relationship with the bank would also weigh in, and it's a big difference when you do have a relationship with the bank. Each bank, depending on the relationship, can provide you with your new card."

🔎 Security Features

When choosing the best credit card for first-timers, find out which bank implements the best security measures. This way, you're assured that there won't be any unauthorized transactions by hackers and scammers using your credit card account.

Some crucial security features to look for include the following:

• Chip technology - An embedded microcomputer technology that stores information and can’t be counterfeited
• Zero Liability Policy - Available in both Mastercard and Visa credit cards. It ensures cardholders will not be responsible for paying fraudulent charges made with their credit card
• Anti-phishing initiatives - Visa's anti-phishing measures encourage cardholders to report emails and websites posing to be connected with Visa
• Identity theft resolution - A measure through which cardholders can easily cancel a compromised credit card
• Account Information Security Program - A program that eliminates unnecessary information and data storage in compliance with the PCI Security Standards Council^[1]
• SecureCode - An added security feature at the end of every online transaction that asks for a code to be sent to your mobile number
• Verified by Visa - A global authentication program that lets Visa verify the card user's identity in real-time
• Tokenization - This replaces your Mastercard account number with a token that can be used safely for all contactless payments. 

Best Credit Cards for Beginners in the Philippines

Know more about the best credit cards for starters below.

Citi Simplicity+ Card

Citibank's Simplicity+ Card is a no-frills credit card that first-timers can qualify for and is affordable to own. First-time cardholders are less likely to incur high credit card fees, as the Simplicity+ credit card doesn't come with an annual fee, late payment fee, and overlimit fee.

Plus, they get 10% back on interest charges when making timely payments of at least the minimum amount due. It's definitely one of the top recommended credit cards for beginners.

📌 Citi Simplicity+ Features and Benefits

• 10% back on interest charges if you pay at least the minimum balance on or before the due date
• 0% installment on purchases for up to 24 months
• Deals and discounts in the Philippines and in 90 other countries

💳 Citi Simplicity+ Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: No annual fee for life
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: None
• Over credit limit fee: None (Transactions are declined once the credit limit is exceeded.)

✅ Citi Simplicity+ Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• At least 21 years old
• Active landline or mobile number
• Valid ID
• Valid TIN/SSS/GSIS/UMID number
• Latest one-month pay slip/Latest ITR (BIR Form 2316)/Certificate of Employment
• Bank statement of payroll account showing the applicant's one-month salary

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

Citi Rewards Card

This Citibank credit card is the best choice for first-time cardholders who want a basic card that lets them earn rewards on their transactions. With a Citi Rewards Card, you can rack up more points when you use it for shopping or dining transactions.

On top of that, you'll enjoy no annual fees for life with this Citibank credit card promo: apply for a Citi Rewards Card until June 30, 2023, get approved, and meet the minimum spend requirement.^[2]

📌 Citi Rewards Features and Benefits

• Earn 3x non-expiring reward points for every shopping and dining spend
• Earn 1 point for every ₱30 spend
• Redeem your points for gadgets, cash credits, or merchandise

💳 Citi Rewards Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱2,500 (waived when you join the No Annual Fee promo until June 30, 2023)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,500 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Over credit limit fee: ₱1,500 or the highest overlimit amount during the billing period, whichever is lower
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

✅ Citi Rewards Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• At least 21 years old
• Active landline or mobile number
• Valid ID
• Valid TIN/SSS/GSIS/UMID number
• Latest one-month pay slip/Latest ITR (BIR Form 2316)/Certificate of Employment
• Bank statement of payroll account showing the applicant's one-month salary

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: How Rewarding is a Citi Rewards Card?
• Exciting Credit Card Welcome Gifts: Gadgets, Miles, Rewards, and More

BPI Blue Mastercard

If you're looking for a straightforward entry-level credit card, check out the BPI Blue Mastercard. Use it for your daily needs while getting discounts and earning rewards points in the process. You can then use these points to redeem airline miles, shopping credits, and gift vouchers.

📌 BPI Blue Mastercard Features and Benefits

• 1 BPI point for every ₱35 spend
• Year-round perks from a variety of stores
• Low forex conversion rate of just 1.85%
• Real 0% installment
• Buy Now Pay Later
• Option to convert your credit limit to cash and pay it in installments up to 36 months
• Travel insurance of up to ₱2 million 

💳 BPI Blue Mastercard Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱1,550 (free for the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱850 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower

✅ BPI Blue Mastercard Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• At least 21 years old
• Valid ID
• Proof of income

BPI Edge Mastercard

The BPI Edge Mastercard is perfect for young professionals who want to get the most out of their purchases. Earn one rewards point for every ₱50 spend and enjoy exclusive deals all year round. You can also enjoy shopping online or abroad, thanks to one of BPI's forex conversion rates, one of the lowest in the market.

📌 BPI Edge Mastercard Features and Benefits

• 1 BPI Point for every ₱50 spend
• Low forex conversion rate of just 1.85%
• Real 0% installment
• Buy Now Pay Later
• Option to convert your credit limit to cash and pay it in installments up to 36 months

💳 BPI Edge Mastercard Fees and Charges

• Monthly fee: ₱110 (free for the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱850 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower

✅ BPI Edge Mastercard Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• 21 to 70 years old
• Valid ID
• Proof of income

Metrobank M Free Mastercard

If you want the best credit card for beginners, the M Free Mastercard makes the ideal choice. Metrobank doesn't charge an annual fee on this card, so you can save money in the process.

📌 Metrobank M Free Mastercard Features and Benefits

• Discounts, freebies, and other deals at M Here partner merchants
• 0% interest on installment purchases for up to 24 months

💳 Metrobank M Free Mastercard Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: No annual fee for life
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Over credit limit fee: ₱750 per occurrence

✅ Metrobank M Free Mastercard Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱72,250
• 18 to 70 years old
• Valid TIN/SSS/GSIS/UMID number
• Home or office landline number and mobile number
• At least six-month regular employment/At least two years in the current business
• Valid ID
• Latest ITR/Latest three-month pay slips/Certificate of Employment (for employed)
• Latest audited financial statement/Latest ITR (for self-employed)
• Proof of income or employment and Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR)/Immigration’s Certificate of Residence (ICR)/visa (for foreign residents)

Metrobank ON Virtual Mastercard

Are you a frequent online shopper? If yes, then the Metrobank ON Virtual Mastercard is a good choice for you. Apart from the low monthly income requirement, this credit card for beginners has a low annual fee, making it ideal for those who want to spend less on their credit card bills.

📌 Metrobank On Virtual Mastercard Features and Benefits

• Earn 1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend
• All-virtual card that you can use right away for online purchases
• Get approved and receive your virtual card in as fast as 48 hours
• 0% interest on installment purchases for up to 24 months

💳 Metrobank On Virtual Mastercard Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱500 (free for the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Over credit limit fee: ₱750 per occurrence

✅ Metrobank On Virtual Mastercard Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• 18 to 70 years old
• Valid TIN/SSS/GSIS/UMID number
• Home or office landline number and mobile number
• At least six-month regular employment/At least two years in the current business
• Valid ID
• Latest ITR/Latest three-month pay slips/Certificate of Employment (for employed)
• Latest audited financial statement/Latest ITR (for self-employed)
• Proof of income or employment and Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR)/Immigration’s Certificate of Residence (ICR)/visa (for foreign residents)

PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard

PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard lets you enjoy numerous perks for fewer fees. It's the perfect credit card for beginners—you won't have to pay a single centavo for late payments, annual fees, and overlimit occurrences with the PNB Ze-Lo. 

📌 PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard Mastercard Features and Benefits

• No late payment fees, annual fees, and overlimit fees
• Low finance charge
• No annual fee for life for all supplementary cardholders

💳 PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: No annual fee for life
• Interest rate: 2.5%
• Late payment fee: None
• Over credit limit fee: None

✅ PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱10,000
• 21 to 65 years old
• Employed: Certificate of Employment or ITR, two valid IDs with signature, proof of billing (for those who don’t have an account with PNB) 
• Self-employed: Latest ITR, audited financial statements, valid IDs, and proof of billing
• Foreign nationals: Alien Certificate of Residence, valid passport, and proof of billing, etc. 

PNB Visa Classic

This PNB credit card is one of the ideal credit cards for beginners because of its low annual fee and required monthly income of only ₱10,000. It's also a good credit card for travelers, as the card comes with travel insurance and purchase protection insurance.

📌 PNB Classic Visa Features and Benefits

• Up to ₱1 million travel insurance
• Up to ₱250,000 purchase protection insurance
• 0% interest on installment purchases for up to 24 months

💳 PNB Classic Visa Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱300 (free for the first year)
• Interest rate: 2%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Over credit limit fee: ₱500

✅ PNB Classic Visa Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱10,000
• 21 to 65 years old
• Filipino citizen or foreign resident in the Philippines
• At least one-year regular employment status/two-year profitable self-employment status
• Valid ID
• Latest three-month pay slips/Latest ITR/Certificate of Employment (for employed)
• Latest ITR/Latest audited financial statements/DTI or SEC registration papers (for self-employed)

RCBC Flex Visa

Ideal for traveling millennials, the RCBC Flex Visa card comes with usual perks like travel insurance and airport lounge access. It allows users to earn rewards points faster in two out of four spending categories (dining/clothing/transportation/travel).

You can choose to double your credit card rewards in different categories per billing cycle. This is a convenient option to consider when looking at the best credit cards for beginners.

📌 RCBC Flex Visa Features and Benefits

• 2x rewards in two preferred spending categories
• Travel insurance
• Free Skyview Airport Lounge access
• 0% interest on installment purchases for up to 36 months

💳 RCBC Flex Visa Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱1,500 (free for the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱850 or the minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Over credit limit fee: ₱600

✅ RCBC Flex Visa Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• 21 to 65 years old
• Mobile number and office landline number
• Valid ID
• Latest ITR/Latest one-month payslip/Certificate of Employment issued within the last six months (for employed)
• Latest ITR/audited financial statement (for self-employed)

See also: Save Big on Your Travels with These Agoda Credit Card Promos

UnionBank Classic Visa

If you want a simple first credit card for your day-to-day purchases, this UnionBank credit card might be just what you need.

A notable feature of the UnionBank Classic Visa card is its free life insurance, which pays up to ₱400,000 for the cardholder's outstanding balance upon his/her death or permanent disability. This eases the burden on the cardholder's family should any unfortunate event happen.

📌 UnionBank Classic Visa Features and Benefits

• 1 rewards point per ₱35 spend
• Exclusive discounts, freebies, and other perks on shopping, dining, leisure, and services nationwide
• 0% interest on installment purchases for up to 36 months
• Up to ₱400,000 life insurance

💳 UnionBank Classic Visa Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱1,500
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000
• Over credit limit fee: ₱500

✅ UnionBank Classic Visa Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱30,000
• 18 to 60 years old
• Filipino citizen or foreign resident in the Philippines
• At least one-year employment/profitable business operation
• Two valid IDs
• Latest ITR/Latest pay slips/Certificate of Employment (for employed)
• Latest ITR/audited financial statement (for self-employed)
• ACR (for foreign residents)

Security Bank Classic Mastercard

If you want to enjoy perks and rewards even as a first-time cardholder, check out Security Bank Classic Mastercard. Use your card to pay for purchases and earn one point for every ₱20 spend. The best part? These points don't expire! 

📌 Security Bank Classic Mastercard Features and Benefits

• 1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend
• A wide rewards catalog
• Exclusive Mastercards promos
• Access to the Marhaba Lounges at NAIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 3

💳 Security Bank Classic Mastercard Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱2,000 (free for the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Over credit limit fee: ₱500 per occurrence

✅ Security Bank Classic Mastercard Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• 21 to 65 years old
• Must have a landline number
• Employed for at least a year profitably self-employed for at least 3 years

Security Bank Next Mastercard

A credit card with no annual fee for life, Security Bank Next Mastercard is your way to budget-friendly installment plans. You can automatically convert your big purchases into installment plans with an add-on monthly interest rate of 1%. 

📌 Security Bank Next Mastercard Features and Benefits

• Access to the Marhaba Lounges at NAIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
• Up to US$200 coverage with Mastercard E-Commerce Purchase Protection
• Waived annual fees

💳 Security Bank Next Mastercard Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: No annual fee for life
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Over credit limit fee: ₱500 per occurrence

✅ Security Bank Next Mastercard Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱45,000 (for existing credit cardholders)
• 21 to 65 years old
• Must have a home and/or office landline number, mobile number, and email address
• Should have a good credit standing

AUB Easy Mastercard and Classic Mastercard

AUB's Easy Mastercard is exactly what its name implies: it's easy on the pocket with its no annual fee for life offer and flexible payment due date options.

Another AUB credit card with waived annual fees for life is the AUB Classic Mastercard. Compared to the AUB Easy Mastercard, this credit card's only difference is that it has more minimum amount due options.

📌 AUB Easy and Classic Mastercard Features and Benefits

• Choose your preferred payment frequency, due date, and minimum payment due
• 1 rewards point per ₱50 spend

💳 AUB Easy and Classic Mastercard Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: No annual fee for life
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱187.50 (weekly payment option) / ₱375 (semi-monthly payment option) / ₱700 (monthly payment option) or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Over credit limit fee: None (Transactions are declined once the credit limit is exceeded.)

✅ AUB Easy and Classic Mastercard Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱21,000
• 21 to 65 years old
• At least one-year regular employment status/profitable business operation/professional practice
• At least one home or office landline number and mobile number
• Valid ID
• Latest ITR/Certificate of Employment/one-month pay slip (for employed)
• Latest ITR (BIR Forms 1701 and 1701Q)/financial statements/DTI business name registration (for self-employed)

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

Maybank Standard Mastercard

Make hassle-free transactions wherever you are in the world with Maybank Standard Mastercard. This entry-level credit card is accepted in 270 countries and 20 million locations.

Secured with EMV-compliant chips and one-time password security measures, Maybank Standard Mastercard is your safe payment partner for online transactions.

📌 Maybank Standard Mastercard Features and Benefits

• 0% interest on installment terms with EzyPlans
• Installment plan options for retail transactions and outstanding balances

💳 Maybank Standard Mastercard Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱2,000 (free for the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱850 or unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Over credit limit fee: ₱750

✅ Maybank Standard Mastercard Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱16,250
• 21 to 65 years old
• Filipino citizen or foreign resident in the Philippines
• At least two years of employment/profitable business operation
• Two valid IDs
• Employed: Latest ITR/Latest pay slips/Certificate of Employment
• Self-employed: Latest ITR/audited financial statements

Final Thoughts

Credit cards are useful tools and are not as bad as you think. These credit cards for beginners in the Philippines will enable you to build your credit, which will help you in applying for loans and mortgages in the future.

As long as you pay the full balance each month and avoid hidden charges, you’re on the right track to getting your first credit card. More importantly, always compare credit cards to get the best card for your spending needs.

Sources:

• ^[1] PCI SECURITY (PCI Security Standards Council, 2021)
• ^[2] Citibank Ready for What’s Next Promo