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PNB Travel Credit Cards: 7 Underrated Gems for Global Travelers

Written by Tim Alcantara | Aug 13, 2025 11:11:16 PM

For many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), frequent flyers, and even casual vacationers, a reliable travel credit card can unlock smoother, more rewarding journeys. Yet, while many flock to mainstream offerings, PNB (Philippine National Bank) provides an underrated lineup of travel credit cards worth a closer look.

If you haven’t considered a PNB travel credit card before, this guide might just change your mind. Whether you’re after PNB air miles, cashback, or travel perks like lounge access, these cards quietly pack powerful benefits — often at a lower annual fee than flashier competitors.

✈️ Why Consider a PNB Travel Credit Card?

PNB travel cards aren’t always top-of-mind, but they offer key advantages for global travelers:

Benefit

Why It Matters

PNB Air Miles

Earn miles on every overseas or local transaction to redeem for future flights.

International Acceptance

Cards are powered by Visa or Mastercard — accepted globally.

Travel Perks

Some cards offer free travel insurance or concierge services.

Flexible Rewards

Earn points and convert them to miles, vouchers, or rebates.

Low Forex Conversion Rates

Ideal for OFWs sending money home or managing finances abroad.

Related: Top Credit Cards for OFWs and Frequent Flyers

7 PNB Travel Credit Cards Worth Considering in 2025

Here’s a rundown of seven cards built for different traveler types — from practical spenders to luxury-seeking jetsetters.

1. PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles Platinum Mastercard

Best for: Loyal Philippine Airlines flyers

  • Miles Earning Rate: ₱33 = 1 Mabuhay Mile

  • Sign-up Bonus: Up to 2,000 Mabuhay Miles

  • Annual Fee: ₱3,000 (waived for 1st year)

  • Key Perk: Earn more when booking directly with PAL

Great for OFWs or frequent PAL passengers who want to earn free flights faster.

2. PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard

Best for: Luxury travelers

  • Miles Earning Rate: ₱33 = 1 Mabuhay Mile

  • Annual Fee: ₱6,000

  • Perks: Higher credit limit, complimentary travel insurance, and concierge services

  • Special Feature: Complimentary Priority Pass lounge access

This is PNB’s premium travel card for seasoned jetsetters.

3. PNB Diamond UnionPay Platinum

Best for: Travelers to China or East Asia

  • Network: UnionPay (widely accepted in China)

  • Rewards: Up to 0.5% cashback on international spending

  • Annual Fee: ₱1,200

  • Perk: Exclusive discounts in UnionPay’s global network

Useful for OFWs or businesses operating in East Asia.

4. PNB Platinum Mastercard

Best for: Flexible travelers who want rewards and insurance

  • Rewards: 1 point for every ₱70 spend

  • Perks: Free travel insurance, installment options for bookings

  • Annual Fee: ₱3,000

  • Other Benefits: Easy points conversion to airline miles

Offers a solid balance between rewards and security.

5. PNB Essentials Mastercard

Best for: Occasional travelers on a budget

  • Annual Fee: Only ₱300

  • Rewards: Basic rewards with low monthly spend requirement

  • Use Case: Local and occasional international trips

Ideal for beginners looking to build credit and earn some perks.

6. PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard

Best for: Zero-interest installment and savings

  • Annual Fee: Free for life

  • Perks: 0% interest installment plans, waived fees

  • Rewards: Basic, but designed for low-maintenance users

Great secondary card for booking travel with flexible payments.

7. PNB Classic Mastercard

Best for: Entry-level international spenders

  • Annual Fee: ₱1,200

  • Rewards: Earn points for everyday spend, including travel essentials

  • Perk: Easy application requirements for OFWs

Simple and straightforward — suitable for first-time cardholders who travel occasionally.

 Tips to Maximize Your PNB Travel Card

Want to get the most out of your PNB rewards card or PNB miles credit card? Use these tips:

  1. Book Flights with Your PNB Card
    Get more miles or rewards by purchasing directly from airlines using your card.

  2. Monitor Forex Fees
    PNB cards often have lower foreign transaction fees — use them instead of debit cards abroad.

  3. Convert Points to Miles Strategically
    Accumulate enough points before converting to maximize conversion ratios.

  4. Use Travel Insurance Perks
    Activate travel insurance by using your card to book flights and accommodations.

  5. Track Promos on PNB’s Website
    Stay updated on airline, hotel, and shopping deals exclusive to cardholders.

Read More: How to Use Your Credit Card Abroad Without Overspending

How to Apply for a PNB Travel Credit Card

You don’t need to be a full-time traveler to qualify. Here are typical requirements:

Requirement

Details

Valid ID

Government-issued (UMID, passport, driver’s license)

Proof of Income

Payslip, ITR, or remittance record (for OFWs)

Minimum Monthly Income

₱15,000 – ₱50,000, depending on the card

Application Form

Available on the PNB website or at any branch

Prefer a simpler way to apply?
Apply for a PNB credit card online via Moneymax

PNB vs. Other Travel Credit Cards

Feature

PNB Travel Cards

Other Banks (e.g., BPI, RCBC)

Miles Conversion

PAL Mabuhay Miles

PAL Mabuhay, KrisFlyer, Asia Miles

Annual Fees

₱300 – ₱6,000

₱1,500 – ₱6,000+

Forex Rates

Competitive

Varies

Perks

Travel insurance, UnionPay benefits

Airport lounge access, concierge

Best For

Practical and regional travelers

Premium frequent flyers

Final Thoughts: Should You Get a PNB Travel Credit Card?

Yes — especially if you're an OFW, budget-conscious traveler, or someone who prefers Philippine Airlines. While PNB travel cards don’t always make the headlines, they offer hidden value, solid perks, and flexibility that rivals more expensive options.

From waived annual fees to PNB air miles and flexible installment programs, they’re excellent companions for both casual and frequent flyers.

Ready to Explore More Credit Cards?

Compare PNB and other travel cards side by side on Moneymax and apply in just a few clicks.

👉 Compare top travel credit cards in the Philippines

References