Save More: 16 Credit Cards with No or the Lowest Interest Rates

Some traditional financial advisers will tell you to avoid credit cards like the plague. Countless credit card horror stories also serve as cautionary tales.

However, when used responsibly, a credit card unlocks features other payment methods don’t offer. Moreover, you get to build your credit history, which is necessary when applying for home or car loans. 

But perhaps the most attractive feature of credit cards is that they help finance big-ticket purchases. For instance, some credit cards offer low and even 0% interest^[1] with flexible payment terms.

Want to know which credit cards offer no interest or the lowest interest rates? We’ve listed down some of the best options out there.  

How do Credit Cards with No Interest or the Lowest Interest Rates Work?

With this card, you can finance high-ticket purchases without shelling out a large amount of money. You can use your card to buy appliances and gadgets, and even book flights and hotel accommodations.

As the name suggests, credit cards with no interest or the lowest interest rates either don’t charge interest or charge a minimal rate on purchases made within a specific period. This period is typically between six to 36 months, depending on the bank. 

Once this period ends, your card’s regular interest rate^[2] will take over. You'll also pay interest on other types of credit card transactions and fees such as cash advances, overlimit fees, late payment fees, and balance transfers, unless stated in the terms and conditions.

Such zero and low-interest rates also apply to balance transfers,^[3] which work by transferring your existing credit card balance to a new credit card with zero or low interest. It's a good option for those trying to manage their credit card debt. This way, you can consolidate your credit card balances and pay in fixed monthly installments.

How to Choose the Right Credit Card with No Interest or the Lowest Interest Rate

A credit card, even with a 0% installment plan, isn’t one-size-fits-all. To know which card may suit you and your needs, consider the following factors:

👉 Installment Period

A credit card with 0 interest on installment plans allows you to fund a high-ticket purchase or an emergency expense. You can divide the amount into monthly payments.

Determine how long you need to pay off your credit card debt and compare it with the 0% interest installment period offered by the bank. Choose a credit card that offers a zero-interest installment plan that fits your finances. Otherwise, you may have to pay interest charges once the installment period ends.

For example, you need 12 months to pay the debt in full, but the credit card only offers a six-month 0% installment plan. You may have to pay the monthly interest rate for the remaining six months.

👉 Monthly Interest Rate

Once the 0% installment period is up, you have to pay for your credit card’s monthly interest charge. Currently, the maximum credit card interest rate in the Philippines is 3%.

Determine the card’s interest rate and crunch the numbers to know how much you have to pay, including the monthly interest charge. This way, you can better manage your credit card payments.

👉 Added Benefits

You can maximize a credit card with a low interest rate if it has additional money-saving features. Some of these benefits include rewards programs, waived annual fees, free balance transfers, and even travel insurance.

Best Low-Interest Credit Card in the Philippines: PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard

If you’re scouting for a credit card with the lowest interest rate in the Philippines, look no further:

PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard

📌 Features and Benefits

• 0% installment for up to 24 months at select PNB-affiliated merchants with the Zero % Affordable Payment Plan (ZAPP)
• Straight payment to installment conversion
• No overlimit fees
• Convert-to-cash feature 
• Lower minimum amount due

💸 Fees and Charges

• Interest rate: 2.5%
• Annual fee: Waived forever (no annual fee for life for all supplementary cards as well)
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

15 Best Credit Cards with Zero Interest Installment Programs in the Philippines

Looking for an HSBC, BPI, or Metrobank credit card with zero interest? Here are some of the best 0-interest credit cards to help finance your big-ticket purchases:

Credit Card	Installment Perks
UnionBank Rewards Credit Card	0% installment terms of up to 36 months with UnionBank PayEasy
UnionBank U Visa Platinum	0% installment terms of up to 36 months with UnionBank PayEasy
Metrobank Titanium Mastercard®	0% interest installment plans of up to 36 months at partner merchants
Metrobank Platinum Mastercard®	0% interest installment plans of up to 36 months at partner merchants
HSBC Red Mastercard	0% interest for up to 36 months with the Card Instalment Plan
BPI Edge Card	BPI Real 0% Special Installment Plan

Read on for more details and credit card options.

UnionBank Rewards Credit Card

📌 Features and Benefits

• 0% installment terms of up to 36 months with UnionBank PayEasy
• 3x rewards points at shopping boutiques, department stores, and restaurants here and abroad
• 1 rewards point for every ₱30 spend

💸 Fees and Charges

• Interest rate: 3%
• Annual fee: ₱2,500 (free for life if you apply until September 30, 2024, get approved, and meet the minimum spend) 
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

UnionBank U Visa Platinum

📌 Features and Benefits

• 0% installment terms of up to 36 months with UnionBank PayEasy
• 10% interest rebates
• No late payment and overlimit fees

💸 Fees and Charges

• Interest rate: 3% per month
• Annual fee: No annual fees for life
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

Read more: 17 UnionBank Credit Card Promos for New Cardholders, Travelers, More

Metrobank Titanium Mastercard^® 

📌 Features and Benefits

• 0% interest installment plans of up to 36 months at partner merchants
• 2x rewards points on department store, dining, and online transactions
• 1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend

💸 Fees and Charges

• Interest rate: 3%
• Annual fee: ₱2,500
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

Metrobank Platinum Mastercard^®

📌 Features and Benefits

• 0% interest installment plans of up to 36 months at partner merchants
• 1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend
• 50% off on dining deals at participating merchants
• E-commerce purchase protection

💸 Fees and Charges

• Interest rate: 3%
• Annual fee: ₱5,000
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

Related reading: Heads Up, Foodies: Top 14 Credit Card Dining Promos in 2024

HSBC Red Mastercard

📌 Features and Benefits

• 0% interest for up to 36 months with the Card Instalment Plan
• 4x rewards points on online, shopping, dining, and overseas transactions
• 1 bonus point for every ₱20 spend
• 6% on your first Caltex fuel purchase, 3% rebate all year round

💸 Fees and Charges

• Interest rate: 3%
• Annual fee: ₱2,500 (waived in the first year)
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

Read more: Steals and Deals: Best HSBC Credit Card Promos This 2024

HSBC Premier Mastercard

📌 Features and Benefits

• 0% interest for up to 36 months with the Card Instalment Plan
• 1 air mile for spend as low as ₱25
• Membership to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with Mastercard Airport Experiences
• Free travel insurance coverage

💸 Fees and Charges

• Interest rate: 3%
• Annual fee: Waived forever
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

BPI Edge Card

📌 Features and Benefits

• BPI Real 0% Special Installment Plan
• 1 rewards point for every ₱50 spend
• Discounts and rewards in select shops, restaurants, and clubs
• Low forex rates at 1.85%

💸 Fees and Charges

• Interest rate: 3%
• Monthly fee: ₱110
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

Metrobank M Free Mastercard®

📌 Features and Benefits

• 0% interest installment programs
• Discounts and deals at partner establishments 

💸 Fees and Charges

• Interest rate: 3%
• Annual fee: Waived forever
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

RCBC Visa Infinite Card

📌 Features and Benefits

• 0% interest with terms of up to 36 months with RCBC Credit Card Easyterms Installment
• 5x Rewards Points on overseas in-store and online purchases
• 3x Rewards Points on local online purchases
• 100,000 rewards points as a welcome gift when you spend at least ₱60,000 with your card within 60 days from card delivery
• Complimentary Priority Pass™ membership

💸 Fees and Charges

• Interest rate: 3%
• Annual fee: ₱6,000 
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

RCBC Gold Mastercard

📌 Features and Benefits

• 0% interest with terms of up to 36 months with RCBC Credit Card Easyterms Installment
• Non-expiring rewards points
• Free travel insurance and purchase protection
• Access to PAGSS Lounge in Terminals 1 & 3

💸 Fees and Charges

• Interest rate: 3%
• Annual fee: ₱3,000
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

AUB Gold Mastercard

📌 Features and Benefits

• 0% interest on new purchases made after the statement cut-off
• Rewards points can be transferred to Mabuhay Miles Frequent Flyer Program
• Freedom to choose your due date

💸 Fees and Charges

• Interest rate: 3% per month
• Annual fee: Waived for life (no annual fees for life for supplementary cards as well)

AUB Platinum Mastercard

📌 Features and Benefits

• 0% interest on new purchases made after the statement cut-off
• Rewards points can be transferred to Mabuhay Miles Frequent Flyer Program
• Freedom to choose your due date
• Complimentary airport lounge access

💸 Fees and Charges

• Interest rate: 3%
• Annual fee: Waived for life (no annual fee for life for supplementary cards as well)

PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard

📌 Features and Benefits

• 0% installment for up to 24 months at select PNB-affiliated merchants with the Zero % Affordable Payment Plan (ZAPP)
• 2,000 Mabuhay Miles as a welcome gift 
• Exclusive year-round online discount at Philippine Airlines (PAL)
• Priority check-in at PAL Business Class counters
• World Assist (travel and medical concierge service)

💸 Fees and Charges

• Interest rate: 2.5% (Dollar account) / 3% (Peso account)
• Annual fee: ₱6,000 
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 

PNB Visa Classic 

📌 Features and Benefits

• 0% installment for up to 24 months at select PNB-affiliated merchants with the Zero % Affordable Payment Plan (ZAPP)
• 1% rebate on revolved interest
• Bills payments in peso for transactions abroad

💸 Fees and Charges

• Interest rate: 2.5% (Dollar account) / 3% (Peso account)
• Annual fee: ₱300 
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 

Read more: Discounts, Deals, and More: 16 PNB Credit Card Promos for 2024

Maybank Standard Mastercard

📌 Features and Benefits

• 0% installment terms of up to 24 months in select Maybank-accredited merchant partners
• Flexible payment plans with EzyPlans
• 1 TreatsPoint for every ₱25 spend

💸 Fees and Charges

• Interest rate: 3%
• Annual fee: ₱2,000 (waived in the first year)
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

Final Thoughts

If you use it wisely, you save money with a credit card. This is especially true for credit cards with no interest or the lowest interest rates.

But don’t go for the first zero-interest credit card you come across. There are many options out there. Studying each one’s features and benefits will help you pick the right card.

Lastly, make sure you read the fine print before signing anything. Credit cards with low to zero interest usually come with certain conditions. If something in the terms and conditions is not clear to you, don’t hesitate to ask the issuing bank.

Sources: 

• ^[1] Zero Percent: What It Is, How It Works, Example (Investopedia, 2021)
• ^[2] Understanding Credit Card Interest (Investopedia, 2024)
• ^[3] What is a balance transfer — and is it a good idea for debt? (Bankrate, 2024)