Your Online Shopping Buddy: Virtual Credit Cards in the Philippines 

Credit cards are a popular payment method for online retail and business transactions. However, while online shopping offers unparalleled convenience, it's not without risks. Data breaches, hacking, and fraud abound on the other side of your computer or smartphone screen. 

As such, a virtual credit card in the Philippines should be every online shopper’s buddy. But what is it and how does it work? How does it protect you from online scammers? 

This guide covers all that and more. Let’s start! 

What is a Virtual Credit Card? 

A virtual credit card is a form of payment used for various online and over-the-phone transactions.

But what’s the difference between a virtual card and a regular credit card? 

A regular credit card is always in a physical form while a virtual card may be issued either in purely digital form or as a free physical companion card to a regular card. Either way, the virtual card is linked to the cardholder's credit card account. 

How Do Virtual Cards Work?

A virtual credit card uses a card number that’s different from the one printed on your physical credit card. That way, your physical credit card’s details remain hidden and safe while you transact online or over the phone. Depending on your provider, you’re allowed to generate random card numbers every time you make a purchase online. 

Virtual debit cards work the same way. The difference is that they’re connected to bank accounts instead of credit card accounts. 

How to Use a Virtual Credit Card in the Philippines

Use a virtual credit card to transact online the same way you would a physical credit card. Once you have the generated virtual credit card number and other pertinent details, such as validity date and security code, you can use them at an online payment gateway.^[1]

Proceed as usual with your payment transaction. Submit the OTP and confirm your purchase. 

Pros and Cons of Virtual Credit Cards

Planning to get a virtual credit card? Here are reasons that may convince you: 

👍 Enhanced Security 

Are virtual credit cards safe? Yes! Since your virtual card uses a different card number, your original credit card number remains private. Moreover, your virtual credit card can’t get stolen, as it doesn’t have a physical form. 

👍 Can be Used for a Wide Range of Online Transactions

While virtual cards are primarily marketed for online shopping, these credit cards are also useful for other types of online transactions, such as bills payment, booking hotels and accommodations, and booking on transport and food delivery apps.

👍 No Annual Fees 

Some banks issue virtual credit cards for free. This means one less expense to worry about.

Read more: Save Money With These No Annual Fee Credit Cards for 2023

👍 Flexible Spending Limit

If you have a high credit limit, you may be tempted to heavily rely on your credit card every time you spend. A virtual credit card usually comes with an adjustable sublimit. That way, you’ll be compelled to spend within your means. 

On the other hand, an adjustable spending limit also allows you to increase your credit limit. This comes in handy if you’re purchasing big-ticket items. 

👍 Exclusive Rewards 

Depending on your bank, your virtual credit card may earn you rewards points. The more you use your card, the more points you earn. You can exchange such points for special discounts, gift vouchers, shopping credits, and even airline miles.  

👍 May Qualify for Promos

Purchases made using your virtual card, if it's tied to your regular card, may help you qualify easily for your issuing bank's credit card promos with minimum spend requirements.

Because your physical and virtual cards are under the same account, transactions charged to the virtual card also get added to the qualifying spend, depending on the bank's promo terms and conditions.

However, looking into the disadvantages of virtual cards will ultimately help you decide if this payment option is right for you. Check out the following: 

👎 Limited to Online Transactions

You can use virtual credit cards only for online and over-the-phone transactions. Physical shops and retailers will always ask for your physical credit card. However, you should still check if an online store actually accepts virtual credit card payments. 

👎 Not Issued by All Banks 

Not all banks offer virtual credit cards. Smaller banks may not have the capability and facility to offer this kind of service. So if your provider doesn't issue a virtual card and you want to avail of one, you'll have to get a credit card from another bank that offers this product.

Top 10 Virtual Credit Cards in the Philippines

So what are the best virtual credit cards in the Philippines? Here are your options:  

Virtual Credit Card	Annual Fee	Key Features
UnionBank Rewards Visa Platinum	₱2,500	1 rewards point for every ₱30 spend  Up to 3x rewards points when you shop and dine locally and internationally
UnionBank Rewards Platinum Mastercard	₱2,500	1 rewards point for every ₱30 spend  Up to 3x rewards points when you shop and dine locally and internationally
UnionBank Cash Back Titanium Mastercard	₱4,500	6% cashback on supermarket purchases 2% cashback on Meralco bill payments through UnionBank Online 0.2% cashback on all other purchases
UnionBank Cash Back Visa Platinum Credit Card	₱4,500	6% cashback on supermarket purchases 2% cashback on Meralco bill payments through UnionBank Online 0.2% cashback on all other purchases
UnionBank Lazada Mastercard	₱3,000 (waived for the first year)	6 Lazada Credits for every ₱200 spend on Lazada purchases and bills payments ₱500 discount vouchers for five Lazada Sales all year round
Metrobank ON Virtual Mastercard	₱500 (waived for the first year)	1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend E-commerce protection  Free gifts, discounts, and deals at M Here partner establishments
BPI eCredit Card	Free	1 BPI point for every ₱35 spend Wide range of rewards, such as shopping credits, airline miles, gift vouchers, and more
RCBC Virtual Card	₱4,000 for ZALORA credit card	Can be used for online purchases from shopping platforms Can be used for mail order, and telephone order transactions
China Bank Virtual Credit Card	Free	Adjustable monthly spending limit (MSL)  Earns same rewards points/cash rebates as the principal credit card 3D Secure
PNB Cart Mastercard	Free for life	Purchase protection insurance Peso denomination for transactions abroad Conversion to installments of straight payments Up to ₱1 million travel insurance

But how do you get a free virtual credit card? Generally, you need to have a regular credit card before you can get a virtual one. Keep reading to learn more.

💳 UnionBank Credit Cards With Free Virtual Card

Here are some UnionBank credit cards that come with a free Visa or Mastercard companion card for online transactions.

UnionBank Rewards Visa Platinum Credit Card 

• Annual fee: ₱2,500
• Interest rate: 3%
• Key features:
  • 1 rewards point for every ₱30 spend 
  • Up to 3x rewards points when you shop and dine locally and internationally

The UnionBank Rewards Visa Platinum Credit Card is perfect for those who use their credit cards not only for online shopping but also for dining. Get up to 3x points when you dine and shop here and abroad. Earn 1 rewards point for every ₱30 spend on other categories. 

The best thing? This card doesn’t have a cap on earning points.

It comes with a virtual Visa card that you can use for safer online shopping. It’s readily available even if you haven’t received your physical principal card yet. 

UnionBank Lazada Mastercard

• Annual fee: ₱3,000 (waived for the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Key Features: 
  • 6 Lazada Credits for every ₱200 spend on Lazada purchases and bills payments
  • ₱500 discount vouchers for five Lazada Sales all year round
  • Exclusive discounts from select Lazada merchants 

Love shopping on Lazada? The UnionBank Lazada Mastercard is definitely for you.^[2] This card comes with a virtual Mastercard that you can use for shopping online. 

This credit card comes with a lot of Lazada-related perks. For instance, you can earn 6 Lazada Credits for every ₱200 spend on purchases and bills payments on Lazada. Meanwhile, other transactions can earn you 1 Lazada Credit. 

Your newly approved UnionBank Lazada Mastercard gives you free ₱5,000 Lazada Credits. Moreover, you also get to enjoy exclusive vouchers and discounts from select Lazada merchants. 

Read more: 11 Best Co-Branded Credit Cards to Check Out: Savings, Perks, and More

UnionBank Rewards Platinum Mastercard

• Annual fee: ₱2,500
• Interest rate: 3%
• Key Features: 
  • 1 rewards point for every ₱30 spend 
  • Up to 3x rewards points when you shop and dine locally and internationally

The UnionBank Rewards Platinum Mastercard has pretty much the same features as the Rewards Visa Platinum card. Every ₱30 spent earns 1 rewards point and up to 3x points when you dine and shop here and abroad. The points that you earn can be used to redeem cash credits, gadgets, merchandise, and more. 

With the Rewards Platinum Mastercard, you also get a virtual card that you can use for online shopping. 

UnionBank Cash Back Titanium Mastercard 

• Annual fee: ₱4,500
• Interest rate: 3%
• Key Features: 
  • 6% cashback on supermarket purchases
  • 2% cashback on Meralco bill payments through UnionBank Online
  • 0.2% cashback on all other purchases 

Looking for a virtual Mastercard? Check out the UnionBank Cash Back Titanium Mastercard. This card comes with a readily available virtual credit card that you can use for online transactions. 

The UnionBank Cash Back Titanium Mastercard is ideal for those who use their credit card for everyday expenses, such as groceries. You can get up to 6% cashback on your supermarket haul and up to 2% rebate on Meralco bills payment. 

For all your other spend, you can earn a 0.2% rebate. All in all, you can save as much as ₱15,000 per year!

The best thing about these cashbacks? They don’t expire, so you can use them anytime you want. 

UnionBank Cash Back Visa Platinum Credit Card

• Annual fee: ₱4,500
• Interest rate: 3%
• Key Features: 
  • 6% cashback on supermarket purchases
  • 2% cashback on Meralco bill payments through UnionBank Online
  • 0.2% cashback on all other purchases  

The UnionBank Cash Back Visa Platinum Credit Card works the same as the Cash Back Titanium Mastercard. Supermarket purchases earn you up to 6% cash back while Meralco bills payments give you up to a 2% rebate. Other daily expenses, on the other hand, come with 0.2% cash back. 

The Cash Back Visa Platinum’s scheme can save you up to ₱15,000 per year when you spend at least ₱10,000 on non-Meralco and non-supermarket purchases. These rebates don’t expire, which means you can use them anytime you want. 

The card also comes with a virtual Visa card that you can use for safer online shopping. 

Related reading: Cashback vs Rewards Credit Card: How to Choose the Better Option

💳 Metrobank ON Virtual Mastercard

• Annual fee: ₱500 (waived for the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%  
• Key Features: 
  • 1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend
  • E-commerce protection 
  • Free gifts, discounts, and deals at M Here partner establishments 

The Metrobank ON Virtual Mastercard offers a controlled limit for all your purchases online. This helps you avoid overspending and keep your credit records in good standing. 

Aside from its security features, the Metrobank ON Virtual Mastercard comes with e-commerce protection. This provides coverage for losses like incomplete delivery, damage to your purchases, and non-delivery of goods. 

Other features include interactive assistance for checking your balance, a rewards program where you can earn 1 point for every ₱20 spend, and 0% installment at select partners. And through M Here partner shops, you can enjoy exclusive deals and discounts. 

You can get this all-digital card in as fast as 48 hours once your application through secure digital channels has been approved. 

Use your virtual card as a companion to any of these Metrobank credit cards: 

Credit Card	Annual Fee	Minimum Annual Income Requirement	Key Features
Metrobank Titanium Mastercard®	₱2,500	₱180,000	1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend 2x points when you spend online, on dining, or at department stores
Metrobank Platinum Mastercard®	₱5,000	₱700,000	1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend  Up to 50% off on exclusive dining deals Up to US$200 eCommerce Purchase Protection
Metrobank World Mastercard®	₱6,000	₱1.5 million	1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend  2x rewards points for every ₱20 international spend 1 mile = ₱25 foreign currency spend Up to 50% off on dining deals Free airport lounge membership

💳 BPI eCredit Card

• Annual fee: Free 
• Interest rate: 3%
• Key Features: 
  • 1 BPI point for every ₱35 spend
  • Wide range of rewards, such as shopping credits, airline miles, gift vouchers, and more 

If you’re looking for a virtual credit card in the Philippines from a reputable bank, check out the BPI eCredit Card. This is a free companion card to a physical BPI credit card, designed for secure online transactions. The BPI eCredit Card comes with a lower and adjustable sublimit from the primary BPI card.

Every ₱35 spend earns you 1 BPI Point. It also unlocks a wide range of exclusive offers from select online stores. 

How to get an eCredit Card, you ask? If you already have a BPI credit card, you may apply for a virtual credit card by visiting any BPI branch or calling (+632) 889-10000. 

If you don't have one yet, check out these options: 

Credit Card	Minimum Annual Income Requirement	Annual Fee	Key Features
BPI Rewards Card	₱180,000	₱1,550	1 BPI Point for every ₱35 spend
Petron BPI Card	₱180,000	₱1,550	3% fuel rebate at Petron  ₱200 fuel voucher welcome gift
BPI Amore Cashback Card	₱180,000	₱2,050	4% cashback on supermarkets, 1% on drug stores and utilities, 0.3% on other local spend
BPI Edge Card	₱180,000	₱110 monthly	1 BPI Point for every ₱50 spend
BPI Gold Rewards Card	₱480,000	₱2,250	1 BPI Point for every ₱35 spend Up to ₱10 million free travel insurance
BPI Amore Platinum Cashback Card	₱1 million	₱5,000	4% cashback on restaurants, 1% on supermarkets and other shopping stores, 0.3% on everything else
BPI Platinum Rewards Card	₱1 million	₱4,000	2 BPI Points for every ₱30 local spend and ₱20 foreign currency spend online or abroad
BPI Signature Card	₱1.2 million	₱5,500	2 BPI Points for every ₱20 spend 50% off Signature Exclusives

💳 RCBC Virtual Card

• Annual fee: ₱4,000 for ZALORA credit card
• Interest rate: 3%
• Key Features: 
  • Can be used for online purchases from shopping platforms
  • Can be also used for mail order, and telephone order transactions

The RCBC virtual card^[3] is instantly issued to ZALORA credit cardholders. RCBC Visa or Mastercard cardholders can also apply for one. One of the best things about this card is that you can get it the next day after your request for a web shopper is approved. 

This card goes beyond online shopping. You can use it for bills payments, too. It also entitles you to exclusive online deals on shopping, food delivery, essentials, installment, and more. 

The RCBC virtual card is valid for 90 days, but cardholders have the option to keep it permanently to continue using it for online payments.

Read more: For Your Shopping Hauls: 12 Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping

💳 China Bank Virtual Credit Card

• Annual fee: Free 
• Interest rate: 3% 
• Key Features: 
  • Adjustable monthly spending limit (MSL) 
  • Earns same rewards points/cash rebates as the principal credit card
  • 3D Secure 

If you’re a China Bank cardholder who frequently shops online, you may want to use the China Bank Virtual Card, which is issued with a principal China Bank credit card. One advantage is that you get a flexible monthly spending limit or MSL. You can either increase or decrease it, depending on your spending demands and habits. 

The default limit is 50% of your principal credit card limit. But you can increase it to a maximum of 100% of your credit limit or decrease it to a minimum of ₱1,000. 

Your China Bank virtual credit card follows the same rewards points and cash rebates scheme as your principal credit card.

💳 PNB Cart Mastercard

• Annual fee: Free annual fee for life
• Interest rate: 3%
• Key Features: 
  • Purchase protection insurance
  • Peso denomination even for transactions abroad
  • Conversion to installments of straight payments
  • Up to ₱1 million travel insurance  

With its retail-centric features, the PNB Cart Mastercard is one of the best virtual credit cards in the Philippines for online shoppers.

For one, it entitles PNB cardholders to free purchase protection insurance with annual coverage of ₱250,000. If you’re buying big-ticket items, you can convert your straight payments into installments with low interest rates. 

Want to manage your credit card balances conveniently? You can do so with its balance transfer feature. 

Travelers can also benefit from the PNB Cart Mastercard. When you charge your entire round-trip land, air, and sea tickets to it, you’ll get up to ₱1 million in travel insurance. 

Read more: What is the Best Credit Card for Shopping? 16 Options for Shopaholics

Virtual Credit Card FAQs

1. How to activate a virtual UnionBank credit card?

You don’t have to wait for UnionBank to send you your approved principal credit card. As long as your card has been approved, you can already activate your virtual card. Just follow these steps: 

1. Launch your UnionBank mobile app. 
2. Tap Manage. 
3. Tap Account, then tap Add an Existing Account. 
4. Select the Card Reference Number option. 
5. Input the Card Reference Number that has been sent to your email. 

2. How to apply for a Metrobank ON Virtual Mastercard?

Take these steps to get a virtual Metrobank credit card online:

1. Go to the official Metrobankard website.^[4]  
2. Go to Online Services. 
3. Click Credit Card Application.
4. Fill out the forms and upload your documents. 

3. How do I get a free virtual credit card from RCBC?

Apply for a ZALORA credit card. Once your application is approved, you’ll be instantly issued a virtual card. 

If you’re an RCBC Visa or Mastercard cardholder, you can apply for a virtual card by calling 8888-1888 or sending an email to email@service.rcbcbankard.com.

4. How to apply for a PNB Cart Mastercard?

Getting a free virtual credit card from PNB can be conveniently done online. Follow these PNB virtual card application steps:

1. Visit the official PNB website and click Apply for a Credit Card. 
2. Look for PNB Cart Mastercard and click Apply Now. 
3. Click New Credit Card Application and follow the prompts. 

Note: All files should be compiled into one PDF file. You’re also required to include a selfie where you’re holding a government ID.

Final Thoughts 

If you’re an online shopaholic or someone who regularly pays their bills online, a virtual credit card in the Philippines is a must-have. It offers a layer of protection by keeping your real credit card details private. You actually have a lot of options, so choosing shouldn’t be a challenge. 

In case you don’t have a principal credit card yet, you'll love these options tailor-made for online shoppers. Compare cards and apply easily through Moneymax!

Credit Card	Online Shopping Perks
UnionBank Rewards Credit Card	3x rewards points when you shop and dine here and abroad 1 rewards point for every ₱30 spend
Metrobank Titanium Mastercard®	1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend 2x points for online, dining, and department store purchases Convenient 0% installment plans for up to 24 months
HSBC Platinum Visa Rebate	5% rebate on shopping (including online) and travel transactions 1% rebate on insurance, 0.50% rebate on all other spend 6% rebate on the first Caltex transaction and 3% on Caltex fuel purchases for the whole year
HSBC Red Mastercard	4x points on online, shopping, dining, and overseas spend 1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend 0% interest installment plans for up to 36 months
Security Bank Gold Mastercard	1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend eSecure feature for setting limits on online shopping 0% installment plans for up to 24 months
BPI Rewards Card	1 rewards point for every ₱35 spend Up to 100% of your credit limit for your installment purchases with the Bonus Madness Limit Special Installment Plan payments of up to 36 months at 0%
UnionBank Lazada Credit Card	6 Lazada credits for every ₱200 spend on Lazada 1 Lazada credit for every ₱200 spend elsewhere  ₱50 free shipping voucher each month at Lazada Free ₱500 discount vouchers for five Lazada sales in a year

Sources: 

• ^[1] What Is a Payment Gateway? How It Works and Example (Investopedia, 2023)
• ^[2] UnionBank Lazada Mastercard
• ^[3] RCBC Virtual Card
• ^[4] Metrobank Card website