Will the BPI-Robinsons Bank merger affect my credit card application?

Robinsons Bank hasn’t announced anything yet regarding changes in their client intake. The two banks are still in the process of finalizing the merger, so as of now, no major changes are applied across consumer-related procedures like credit card applications.

Robinsons Credit Card Application: Requirements, Steps, and More

Q: How can I enroll in RBank Digital using my credit card?

Launch your RBank Digital app, tap Register Existing Bank Account, choose I Have an RBank Credit Card, and follow the instructions from there.

Robinsons Bank may not be as widely known or as accessible as the larger commercial banks in the country. But it’s definitely a strong bank that offers a suite of reliable financial services and products, such as credit cards.

There are only three Robinsons Bank credit cards. But what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. This is attested by the bank’s various recognitions, such as the Most Innovative Banking Credit Card Program (World Economic Magazine Awards 2021) and Best Banking Credit Card Program (International Business Magazine Awards 2021).^[1]

So if you’re looking for a credit card, include this bank in your list. This article lists down all you need to know about the Robinsons credit card application process.

Why Apply for a Robinsons Credit Card?

Below are some of the reasons you should get a Robinsons Bank credit card:

✅ Easy Online Application

With the Robinsons Bank credit card online application process, you don’t have to visit a branch and make a beeline for the counter. You can complete your application within 10 minutes via the official Robinsons Bank website as long as you have all the requirements.

✅ Practical Features

Depending on your credit card, you get to enjoy the following features:

Automatic conversion of your purchases into two-month installments
Electronic statement of account
Contactless payment
Priority access to airport lounges
Free travel insurance

✅ Waived Annual Fee for Pru-Life UK Credit Card

If you decide to get a Robinsons Bank Pru Life UK credit card, you enjoy a free annual fee. To activate this perk, all you need to do is enroll your policy to the auto-payment facility.

✅ Exciting Rewards Scheme

Depending on the card of your choice, every purchase made earns rewards points that you can exchange for exciting items. For instance, your Robinsons Bank DOS Mastercard earns 1 rewards point for every ₱50 spent.

✅ Outstanding Reputation

Owned by JG Summit Holdings, one of the largest conglomerates in the country, Robinsons Bank boasts a stable footing in both business and consumer communities. Its reputation got a massive boost as it completed its merger with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), another institution in the finance industry, in January 2024.^[2]

Robinsons Credit Card Application: How to Get a Card in 5 Steps

Convinced? Fortunately, the Robinsons credit card application process is not complicated. All you need to do is follow the five steps below:

Step 1: Check the Eligibility Requirements

First and foremost, determine if you’re eligible to apply for a Robinsons credit card. Here are the criteria you need to tick off:

21 to 65 years old (16 years old for supplementary card applicants)
Filipino citizen
If a foreign applicant, must be a permanent resident in the Philippines for the last two years
Employed or have a profitable business for the past two years
Minimum gross annual income of ₱180,000 (for single applicants) or ₱240,000 (for married applicants)
Have a working landline number, a postpaid mobile phone, and a valid email address
Working or living within a Robinsons Bank serviceable area
Pru Life UK policyholder, agent, or employee (for Pru Life UK credit card)

Step 2: Pick the Right Robinsons Credit Card for You

Robinsons credit cards are designed for different consumers with different priorities. The list below will help you decide which card is best for your lifestyle.

💳 Robinsons Cashback

Features and benefits:

Up to 3% rebate at Robinsons stores and up to 1% rebate at other shops
Exclusive discounts and promos on select Robinsons Retail brands
Flexible installment plans for managing credit card bills
EMV chip for security
Electronic statements of account
Contactless payment with Mastercard PayPass

Fees and charges:

Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱15,000 for single cardholders / ₱20,000 for married cardholders
Interest rate: 3%
Annual fee: ₱2,500 (principal) / ₱1,250 (supplementary)
Late payment fee: ₱750
Overlimit fee: ₱750

If you’re looking for a credit card for your daily expenses, the Robinsons Cashback credit card makes a practical choice. This card makes shopping at Robinsons stores and other merchants more rewarding because of its generous rebate system.

💳 Robinsons Bank DOS Mastercard

Features and benefits:

Automatic conversion of purchases to two-month installments
Flexible installment plans for managing credit card bills
1 rewards point for every ₱50 spent
EMV chip for security
Electronic statements of account
Contactless payment with Mastercard PayPass

Fees and charges:

Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱15,000 for single cardholders / ₱20,000 for married cardholders
Interest rate: 3%
Membership fee:
- DOS Classic: ₱100 per month (primary) / ₱50 per month (supplementary)
- DOS Platinum: ₱3,000 per year (primary) / ₱1,500 per year (supplementary)
Late payment fee: ₱750
Overlimit fee: ₱750

The Robinsons DOS credit card is a unique card as it automatically converts your purchases to two-month installments. What makes this card more enticing is that its installment plan doesn’t come with additional interest and a required minimum amount.

💳 Pru Life UK Credit Card

Features and benefits:

Free annual fee if you enroll your policy to auto-payment facility
5 rewards points for Pru Life UK transactions (₱50 = 5 rewards points)
1 rewards point for all other transactions (₱50 = 1 rewards point)
Automatic conversion of qualified hospital or pharmacy bills to a 0% three-month installment
Access to over 1,200 lounges globally and more than 900 offers from their partner merchants (for Pru Life UK Platinum Mastercard)
Free travel insurance upon purchase of international travel tickets (for Pru Life UK Platinum Mastercard)

Fees and charges:

Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱15,000 for single cardholders / ₱20,000 for married cardholders
Interest rate: 3%
Annual fee: ₱1,200 (Classic) / ₱3,000 (Platinum)
Late payment fee: ₱750
Overlimit fee: ₱750

This co-branded card offers payment facility benefits exclusive to Pru Life UK policyholders. Every transaction with Pru Life UK also comes with rewards points.^[3]

Step 3: Collate Robinsons Bank Credit Card Requirements

Once you pick your Robinsons credit card, gather all the documents needed for the application. Here are the Robinsons Bank credit card requirements:

For employed applicants:

Latest copy of ITR that has been duly stamped and signed
Latest one-month payslip
Original copy of Certificate of Employment (COE) detailing your status, tenure, and compensation
One valid and unexpired proof of identification (with picture)

For self-employed applicants:

Latest copy of ITR for the last two years that has been duly stamped and signed
Copy of Registration of Business Name
Bank statements for the last three months
One valid and unexpired proof of identification (with picture)

For foreign applicants:

One valid and unexpired proof of identification (with picture)
Any of the following documents:
- Valid visa or work permit
- Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) or Immigration Certificate of Registration (ICR) or Alien Certificate of Registration Identification Card (ACR-1)
- Valid passport with any of the following:
  - Visa with Executive Order No. 226
  - Special Investors Resident Visa
  - Special Non-Immigrant Visa for PEZA investors and employees

Step 4: File Your Robinsons Credit Card Application

How to apply for a Robinsons Bank credit card? There are two methods to choose from:

👉 Robinsons Bank Credit Card Online Application

Visit the Robinsons Bank website.
Click the Personal tab.
On the dropdown menu, click Online Forms.
On the next page, click Apply for a Credit Card Online.
Fill out the form and follow the application instructions.

Note: The details you input will be used to evaluate your compatibility with the card that you’re applying for. As such, you may receive a credit card other than your first choice.

Also, the documents you’ll submit with the form will no longer be returned.

👉 Robinsons Bank Credit Card Walk-In Application

You may also choose to file your application in person. But to be on the safe side, contact the bank first to see if your branch accepts walk-in applications. Get in touch with the bank via the RBank customer care channels:

Customer Care Center (C3): (+632) 8637-CARE (2273)
Toll-free number: 1-800-10-86372273
Email: C3@robinsonsbank.com.ph

Step 5: Activate Your Robinsons Credit Card

Wait to receive a notification about your Robinsons credit card application. Note that applications take a few days to process.

Once you get your Robinsons credit card, here’s how to activate it:

SMS: Send RBANKACT<space> FIRST NAME / LAST NAME / LAST FOUR DIGITS OF YOUR CREDIT CARD NUMBER to 22565009.
Robinsons credit card hotline: Just call (+632) 8637-CARE (2273).
Email: Type in the subject line RBANK <space> ACTIVATE_CC <space> FIRST NAME / LAST NAME / LAST FOUR DIGITS OF YOUR CREDIT CARD NUMBER and send to c3_quickassist@robinsonsbank.com.ph.

Robinsons Credit Card Application: FAQs

Want to learn more about the Robinsons Bank credit card application process? This section may provide the answers you need.

1. Are there any changes to the features of Robinsons credit cards due to the merger?

Currently, there are none. You'll receive an advisory regarding any changes moving forward.^[4]

2. Can I still apply for a Robinsons Bank credit card despite the BPI-Robinsons Bank merger?

As of this writing, you can still apply for a Robinsons credit card. Note, however, that you can only apply for a Robinsons credit card via the two methods specified above. You can't apply for a Robinsons credit card at a BPI branch.

3. How to check my Robinsons credit card application status?

If you want to know the status of your credit card application, you may contact Robinsons Bank via the following channels:

Customer Care Center (C3): (+632) 8637-CARE (2273)
Toll-free number: 1-800-10-86372273
Email: C3@robinsonsbank.com.ph

4. What are the acceptable valid IDs for my Robinsons credit card application?

Robinsons Bank lists the following as valid proof of identification for credit card applications:

Company ID (if the company is registered with or supervised by SEC, BSP, and IC)
Driver’s license
Passport
Social Security System (SSS) ID (plastic card with signature)
Tax Identification (TIN) card (plastic card)
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) card
PhilHealth card
Voter’s ID
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
All other IDs issued by the government

5. What is the best Robinsons Bank credit card for me?

If you can’t figure out which Robinsons Bank credit card to apply for, consider these simple guidelines:

Robinsons Cashback: This adaptable card is perfect for breadwinners, household managers, Robinsons store/establishment shoppers, and students (as supplementary cards).
Robinsons Bank DOS Mastercard: This card is ideal for those who frequently buy big-ticket items or want to collect rewards points.
Robinsons Pru Life UK Credit Card: This is designed for Pru Life UK policyholders. Nevertheless, it’s also perfect for frequent travelers since it comes with the Platinum Mastercard’s priority pass and free travel insurance.

You should also take into account certain fees when choosing a card. After all, owning a credit card is a financial obligation. Here are some of the charges to check:

Annual fee: Robinsons Bank’s annual fees range from ₱1,200 to ₱3,000. Keep in mind that cards with higher annual fees usually have more features.
Interest rate: A lower interest rate may mean lower monthly fees.

6. Where can I pay my Robinsons credit card bills?

Thankfully, there are many facilities, shops, and banks that accept payments for your Robinsons Bank credit card bill. Here are some of them:

Any Robinsons Bank branches and ATMs
RBank mobile app or Robinsons Bank Online
Robinsons Department Store
7-Eleven
Instapay
GCash
ECPay
BancNet (ATM and online)
SM Bills Payment counters (SM Department Store, SM Hypermarket, Savemore, SM Cherry, Waltermart)
Auto-debit arrangement (ADA) facility with Robinsons Bank if you’re a client

7. I also have a BPI account. Can I pay for my Robinsons credit card through BPI?

No. For payments, course them through Robinsons' payment channels. Should there be any changes, Robinsons will send cardholders an advisory.

8. Does the Robinsons Cashback credit card have a cap on rebates?

Yes. The maximum rebate is ₱20,000 per year.

9. How can I enroll in RBank Digital using my credit card?

If you want to enroll in RBank Digital, Robinsons Bank’s mobile app, you can use your credit card to do so. Once you add your credit card to your mobile app, you can easily monitor your balance and transactions.

Here’s how the enrollment process goes:

Launch your RBank Digital app.
Tap Register Existing Bank Account.
Tap I Have an RBank Credit Card.
Agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Consent and Notice (PCN). Tap Continue.
Enter your credit card number. Tap Submit.
Fill out the form.
Review your details. Then, click Confirm. You’ll receive an acknowledgment receipt.
Click Go to Log-in Page and input your credentials to start online banking.

10. How to add a credit card account to RBank Digital?

Got an additional credit card to enroll in your RBank Digital account? Here are the steps to follow:

Launch your RBank Digital app.
On the home screen, tap Manage.
Tap Add Account.
Input your 16-digit credit card number.
Input your preferred display name and tap Add Credit Card.
Tap Yes to confirm.

Explore Other Credit Card Options in the Philippines

Still looking for other credit cards that could be right for you?

If you're after more rewards, make sure to check the UnionBank Rewards Credit Card and the Metrobank Titanium Mastercard^®.

If you're looking for savings with your spending, check out the HSBC Gold Visa Cash Back , Security Bank Complete Cashback Platinum Mastercard, and BPI Amore Cashback Card to earn rebates with your purchases.

Make sure to also explore the PNB Mabuhay Miles Platinum Mastercard, the RCBC Black Platinum Mastercard, and the RCBC Diamond Platinum Card for exclusive perks and benefits.

Final Thoughts

Robinsons Bank may have only three credit cards, but all of them are unique in their own right. Overall, these credit cards are a cut above their competitors because of their generous rewards system and exclusive features.

Don't worry—as of the moment, you won't have to worry about the BPI merger affecting your Robinsons credit card application.

Want more credit card options? Use the Moneymax credit comparison platform to quickly find the right credit card for you. Click the banner to get started.

Sources:

^[1] Robinsons Bank Awards and Recognitions
^[2] BPI enters 2024 with bank takeover (Inquirer, 2023)
^[3] Pru Life UK Credit Card
^[4] BPI and Robinsons Bank Merger FAQs: Credit Cards

Robinsons Credit Card Application in 5 Quick and Easy Steps

Jay Pagkatotohan