No Yearly Charges: No Annual Fee Credit Cards in the Philippines

There are many advantages to owning a credit card: ease of purchase, an emergency line of credit, and exclusive rewards and perks, among others. Many people, however, don't want to get a credit card because of the fees that come with it.

Credit card fees are indeed discouraging, but then again, convenience comes with a price. However, if you need a card, you can avoid additional charges by getting a credit card with no annual fee in the Philippines.

What is a No Annual Fee Credit Card?

A credit card annual fee is a convenience fee that providers charge to their clients. Essentially, it’s the amount you pay for the convenience of using your bank’s credit card services.

So when you see a bank offering no annual fee credit cards, it simply means that the bank has waived its yearly card membership fees.

Types of Credit Cards with No Annual Fee in the Philippines

Credit cards typically have two types of no annual fee arrangements:

👉 Limited Annual Fee Waiver

If your card provider offers this arrangement, it may mean that the annual fee is waived within a limited period, usually for a year. You can also find banks with a three-year waiver.

After the waiver period, the regular annual fee will apply. Alternatively, you might need to meet the required minimum spend for one year so you won’t have to pay the annual fee.

👉 No Annual Fee for Life

This simply means that your annual fee is waived forever, either automatically or through a no annual fee forever promo as a welcome gift. You won’t have to worry about paying your membership fee every year. This is common for most entry-level cards.

Why Choose a No Annual Fee Credit Card?

The benefit you’ll get from credit cards with no annual fee is plain and simple: you get to save money. Annual fees in the Philippines range from ₱1,000 to ₱5,000, or even more. Without an annual fee, you can save this money instead.

How to Choose a Credit Card with No Annual Fee

There are many credit cards with no annual fees out there, and the options may overwhelm you. Narrow it down by considering these two essential things:

Lifestyle - Where are you going to use your credit cards for? Are you going to use it for utilities, daily expenses, travel, or shopping? Not all credit cards are created equal, so make sure to choose one that suits your lifestyle.

Monthly income - A lot of credit cards with no annual fees usually have a minimum monthly income requirement. See to it that you meet this requirement.

At a Glance: Top 5 Credit Cards with No Annual Fee in the Philippines

8 Credit Cards with No Annual Fee for Life

Looking for the best credit cards with no annual fee for life? Check out these options:

📌 Citi Simplicity+ Card

 

• Ideal for: Regular credit card users
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱15,000 if you have another credit card, ₱20,833 if none

Compared to other credit cards with no annual fee in the market, the Citi Simplicity+ Card offers more flexible payment terms to their clients. Cardholders who pay at least the minimum due on or before their due date will get a 10% rebate on interest charges.

Key features and benefits:

• No annual fee for life
• No late fees and no overlimit fees
• Up to 50% discount on participating resorts and hotels^[1]
• Big discounts on participating restaurants^[2]

Fees and charges:

• Interest rate: 3%
• Cash advance fee: ₱200
• Foreign transaction fee: 3.525%

Note: This product is sold by Union Bank of the Philippines, using certain trademarks temporarily under license from Citigroup Inc. and related group entities.

📌 Metrobank M Free Mastercard

• Ideal for: Financially savvy millennials
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱72,250

If you’re the kind who uses a credit card to pay bills and utilities, Metrobank M Free Mastercard is the right credit card with no annual fee for you. With its Bills2Pay feature, you can enroll your bills online and automate monthly payments. You can also check your credit balance through SMS with MTXT.

Key features and benefits:

• No annual fee for life
• Comes with an embedded EMV chip
• 0% installment on a wide range of establishments

Fees and charges:

• Interest rate: 3%
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower

📌 AUB Classic Mastercard

• Ideal for: Individuals on a budget
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱21,000

AUB Classic Mastercard is one of the top credit cards without an annual fee in the Philippines. Other than having a low monthly income requirement, the AUB Classic Mastercard also allows its cardholders to choose how much they pay and when they can pay their credit card balances.

Key features and benefits:

• No annual fee for life (principal and two supplementary cardholders)
• Earn 1 rewards point for every ₱50 spent
• 0% interest on new purchases
• Payment flexibility allows you to choose how many times you want to pay per month

Fees and charges:

• Interest rate: 3%
• Card replacement fee: ₱500
• Late payment fee: For monthly payments, ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Foreign transaction fee: 1.5% service fee added to the sum of peso conversion and Mastercard fees

Related article: Moneymax Reviews: Comparing AUB’s Budget-Tier Credit Cards

📌 AUB Easy Mastercard

• Ideal for: Individuals who want more payment flexibility
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱21,000

Another AUB credit card with a free annual fee for life, the AUB Easy Mastercard is similar to the AUB Classic Mastercard except that it has more minimum amount due options. It’s perfect for those who find it difficult to keep up with credit card payments.

Key features and benefits:

• No annual fee for life
• Earn 1 rewards point for every ₱50 spent
• 0% interest on new purchases
• Payment flexibility allows you to choose how many times you want to pay per month

Fees and charges:

• Interest rate: 3%
• Card replacement fee: ₱500
• Late payment fee: For monthly payments, ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Foreign transaction fee: 1.5% service fee added to the sum of peso conversion and Mastercard fees

📌 PSBank Credit Mastercard

• Ideal for: Low income-earners who need to manage their expenses well
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱15,000

For credit card newbies to not be overwhelmed, they should go for straightforward and easy-to-use cards, such as the PSBank Credit Mastercard. Use this card for daily expenses, from groceries to bills. It also offers flexible payment schemes, exclusive privileges, and installment programs.

Key features and benefits:

• No annual fee for life
• Comes with an embedded EMV chip
• M TXT service for easy credit card balance monitoring

Fees and charges:

• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱850 or unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

📌 PNB The Travel Club Platinum Mastercard

• Ideal for: Frequent travelers and loyal The Travel Club (TTC) customers
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱10,000

Frequent fliers find a lot of convenience in using their credit cards―from booking tickets to purchasing souvenirs abroad. If you want a card you can maximize when it comes to discounts and rewards, go for the PNB Travel Platinum Mastercard.

Key features and benefits:

• No annual fee for life
• Earn 1 rewards point for every ₱40 spent at TTC and ₱70 elsewhere
• 20% birthday month discount on regular-priced TTC house brands
• 5% discount at all TTC branches
• 1% rebate on TTC installment transactions
• Waived repair service fee beyond the warranty period
• Up to ₱3 million travel insurance coverage
• Free purchase protection insurance
• Dual currency billing

Fees and charges:

• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or the unsettled minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.50%

📌 PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard

• Ideal for: First-time credit card users
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱10,000

Some people avoid credit cards like the plague because of the many fees to cover aside from the annual fee. These charges commonly include late payment and overlimit fees.

If it’s your first time using a credit card, you surely want to pay just the minimum amount of fees. Go for the PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard, as it lets you experience the convenience of a credit card without charging a lot.

Key features and benefits:

• No annual fee for life
• No late payment and overlimit fees
• Lower minimum amount due
• Globally accepted

Fees and charges:

• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: None
• Overlimit fee: None
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.5%

📌 Security Bank Next Mastercard

• Ideal for: Those who often shop online and in installments
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱45,000 (with an existing credit card) / ₱50,000 (no credit card)

The Next Mastercard is the only product with no annual fee forever in Security Bank's credit card lineup. This installment credit card lets you convert big purchases (₱5,000 and above) to three to 12 monthly installments.

If you love online shopping, this card is your friend, as it comes with Mastercard E-Commerce Purchase Protection coverage and SecureCode for secure online transactions.

Key features and benefits:

• No annual fee forever (principal and supplementary cardholders)
• Automatic conversion of big purchases to a three to 12-month installment plan (with a 1% monthly add-on rate)
• Pay for expenses requiring bank deposit payments (rent, tuition fee, etc.)
• Up to US$200 Online Purchase Protect Insurance coverage

Fees and charges:

• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: ₱500
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

Read more: Dine and More for Less: Security Bank Credit Card Promos to Avail Of

Credit Cards with No Annual Fee Promo (for a Limited Time Only)

Select Citi Credit Cards

Citibank's Greater Rewards for You Promo^[3] offers waived annual fees forever for first-time Citi credit card applicants. Three cards are eligible for this promo: the Citi Rewards Card, Shell Citi Card, and the Mercury Drug Citi Card.

To qualify for this Citibank promo, apply for any of these Citi credit cards until June 30, 2023 and get subsequently approved. You'll receive a confirmation of the no annual fee forever welcome gift as soon as you meet the ₱20,000 minimum spend requirement (single or accumulated purchases).

📌 Citi Rewards Card

• Ideal for: Shoppers and reward seekers
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱15,000 if you have another credit card, ₱20,833 if none

Looking for a card that lets you earn rewards points every time you shop and dine? Try the Citi Rewards Card! You get to earn 1 rewards point for every ₱30 spent on online shopping and food delivery.

What’s best about earning rewards through this card is that the points never expire. You can use them anytime you want!

Key features and benefits:

• 3x points on shopping and dining transactions
• 50% discount on partner hotels, resorts, and airlines
• Non-expiring points

Fees and charges:

• Annual fee: Waived when you join the No Annual Fee promo until June 30, 2023
• Interest rate: 3%
• Annual fee without the promo: ₱2,500
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

Read more: Moneymax Reviews: How Rewarding is a Citi Rewards Card?

Note: This product is sold by Union Bank of the Philippines, using certain trademarks temporarily under license from Citigroup Inc. and related group entities.

📌 Shell Citi Card

• Ideal for: Those who drive every day
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱15,000 if you have another credit card, ₱20,833 if none

Looking for a card that lets you save money on fuel? Try the Shell Citi Card. You get a 5% rebate on Shell fuel purchases, free roadside assistance service whenever you need it, and other car-related discounts! 

Key features and benefits:

• 5% rebate on fuel
• 0.5% rebate on non-fuel purchases
• 5 to 10% discount on change oil services

Fees and charges:

• Annual fee: Waived when you join the No Annual Fee promo until June 30, 2023
• Interest rate: 3%
• Annual fee without the promo: ₱2,500 (Gold), ₱2,500 (Platinum)
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

Note: This product is sold by Union Bank of the Philippines, using certain trademarks temporarily under license from Citigroup Inc. and related group entities.

📌 Mercury Drug Citi Card

• Ideal for: Loyal Mercury Drug customers and those who value health and wellness
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱15,000 if you have another credit card, ₱20,833 if none

If you're a health and fitness buff, this credit card is for you. Get points every time you shop at Mercury Drug. You also earn points for every health, beauty, and wellness spend.

Key features and benefits:

• 1 point per ₱200 spend anywhere
• 5x points on up to ₱320,000 spend on Mercury Drug per month
• 3x points on health, beauty, and wellness spend
• 3x points on foreign currency spend
• 24/7 ambulance service worth ₱10,000 within Metro Manila once a year

Fees and charges:

• Annual fee: Waived when you join the No Annual Fee promo until June 30, 2023
• Interest rate: 3%
• Annual fee without the promo: ₱2,000
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

Note: This product is sold by Union Bank of the Philippines, using certain trademarks temporarily under license from Citigroup Inc. and related group entities.

BPI Credit Cards

BPI also waives the annual fee for the first year for new cardholders. This applies to all BPI credit cards, including the following: 

📌 BPI Blue Mastercard

• Ideal for: Money-savvy shoppers looking to go cashless
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱15,000

Online shoppers, this one's for you! Use this card to earn points when you shop and get discounts on future purchases. You can also make use of flexible installment plans so you don't deplete your budget. 

Key features and benefits:

• 1 BPI Point for every ₱35 spend
• Installment plans with terms up to 36 months
• Free travel insurance of up to ₱2 million
• Year-round discounts and perks

Fees and charges:

• Annual fee: Waived for the first year; ₱1,550 afterward
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱850
• Cash advance fee: ₱200
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 1.85%

📌 BPI Gold Mastercard

• Ideal for: Cardholders looking for premium perks
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱40,000

If you put a premium on lifestyle privileges, get the BPI Gold Mastercard. Enjoy exclusive year-round discounts and rewards with this card.

It's perfect for frequent travelers since it offers free travel insurance worth up to ₱10 million. Like other BPI credit cards, it also offers one of the lowest foreign transaction fees. 

Key features and benefits:

• 1 BPI Point for every ₱35 spend
• Installment plans with terms up to 36 months
• Free travel insurance of up to ₱10 million
• Year-round discounts 

Fees and charges:

• Annual fee: Waived for the first year; ₱2,250 afterward
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱850
• Cash advance fee: ₱200
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 1.85%

📌 BPI Amore Cashback

• Ideal for: Cardholders who love saving while shopping
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱30,000

Love malling? If you frequent Ayala Malls, you might as well get this BPI credit card. Use it to avail of exclusive lounge access in Ayala Malls. You also get to save while shopping since you can earn up to 4% cash back with this card. 

Key features and benefits:

• Up to 4% cash back on supermarkets and department store spend
• Up to 1% cash back on drugstore and bills payment spend
• Up to 0.3% cash back on all other local retail spend
• Unlimited access to exclusive customer and family lounges in Ayala Malls

Fees and charges:

• Annual fee: Waived for the first year, ₱2,050 after
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱850
• Cash advance fee: ₱200
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 1.85%

📌 Metrobank Rewards Plus Visa

• Ideal for: Tech-savvy cardholders and online shoppers
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱29,167

If your purchases revolve around gizmos and gadgets, get the Metrobank Rewards Plus Visa credit card. You can earn points on electronics, transportation, and online purchases.

With Metrobank's No Annual Fees for Life^[4] promo, you can enjoy no annual fees forever with the Rewards Plus Visa card. That means you'll get to save ₱2,500 per year!

To qualify for this no annual fee credit card promo, newly approved and qualified Metrobank Rewards Plus Visa cardholders need to reach a minimum spend of ₱180,000 a year after approval. Promo runs until June 30, 2023.

Key features and benefits:

• 2x reward points on electronics, transportation, and online purchases
• 1 reward point for every ₱20 spend
• 0% interest installment plans for up to 24 months
• Exclusive credit card features from Metrobank

Fees and charges:

• Annual fee: Waived for life if you avail of the No Annual Fees for Life promo until June 30, 2023
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱850
• Cash advance fee: ₱200
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.5%

HSBC Credit Cards

HSBC offers free annual fees for the first year only for its lineup of credit cards. 

📌 HSBC Red Mastercard

• Ideal for: Online shoppers
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱16,666

Love shopping online? Make it more convenient and rewarding with HSBC’s Red Mastercard. When you shop online using this card, you get to earn 1 bonus point for every ₱20 you spend. 

Key features and benefits:

• 1 bonus point for every ₱20 spend
• Exclusive travel deals with over 27,000 establishments in 160 countries
• 6% rebate on your first fuel purchase at Caltex and 3% rebate all year round
• 0% interest installment deals of up to 36 months

Fees and charges

• Annual fee: Waived for the first year, ₱2,500 after
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: ₱800
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.5%
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

Read more: Moneymax Reviews: 4X the Fun with HSBC Red Mastercard

📌 HSBC Gold Visa Cash Back

• Ideal for: Those who love dining out
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱16,666

Dining out can be more rewarding when you use your HSBC Gold Visa Cash Back credit card. Each time you eat at an HSBC-accredited restaurant, you earn a 5% cashback. 

Key features and benefits:

• 5% cash back on dining transactions and 0.5% cash back on other transactions
• Exclusive travel deals with over 27,000 establishments in 160 countries
• 3% rebate on fuel purchases at Caltex

Fees and charges:

• Annual fee: Waived for the first year; ₱2,500 afterward
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: ₱800
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.5%
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

📌 HSBC Platinum Visa Rebate

• Ideal for: Frequent online shoppers and travelers
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱41,666

Want to save money on your shopping and travel expenses? Look no further with the HSBC Platinum Visa Rebate Credit Card. It offers a high cashback rate of 5% on shopping and essential travel spend, among other rebates.

Key features and benefits:

• 5% cash back on shopping transactions, including online purchases, and essential travel spend
• 1% cash back on insurance transactions
• 0.50% cash back on all other transactions, including groceries and food delivery
• 6% rebate on your first Caltex transaction and 3% rebate on Caltex fuel purchases year-round
• Free Purchase Protect insurance coverage

Fees and charges:

• Annual fee: Waived for the first year; ₱5,000 afterward
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: ₱800
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.5%
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

Read more: Moneymax Reviews: Is HSBC Platinum Visa Rebate the Most Rewarding Travel Credit Card?

📌 PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles NOW Mastercard

• Ideal for: Loyal PAL clients
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱10,000

Who says earning travel miles is only for executives and jet-setters? If you’re a frequent flyer with Philippine Airlines, you can earn Mabuhay Miles even if you have a low monthly income, thanks to the PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles NOW Mastercard. And when you charge your entire round trip―whether it’s land, air, or sea―to your card, you get free travel insurance.

PNB's PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles NOW Mastercard also waives the annual fee for the first three years for principal cardholders.

Key features and benefits:

• 1,000 Mabuhay Miles welcome gift for new cardholders
• 1 rewards point = 1 Mabuhay Mile
• Exclusive year-round PAL online discount
• Card Protect for secure shopping
• Accepted globally

Fees and charges:

• Annual fee: Waived for the first three years for the principal card; waived for life for supplementary cards
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or US$20 or the unpaid minimum amount due,
  whichever is lower
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 or US$4
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.50%

Final Thoughts

Owning a credit card comes with multiple kinds of convenience, but that convenience comes with a price.

You only have to cover the credit card’s annual fee once a year, but the privilege of not having to settle it is a big deal. You get to save a bit of extra money. 

When choosing the right credit card with no annual fee, consider two important things: your lifestyle and your budget. However, finding the right card can be challenging―that’s why we recommend that you use Moneymax’s credit card comparison tool. Our free and easy-to-use platform not only lets you compare the features and rates of different credit cards but also allows you to apply for a card right away.

Sources:

• ^[1] Citibank Travel Offers
• ^[2] Citibank Dining Offers
• ^[3] Greater rewards for you with Citi
• ^[4] Metrobank No Annual Fees for Life