Compare Credit Cards in Philippines

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22 live offers compared from 9 providers, from ₱1200 /year. Updated daily.

What is a credit card in the Philippines?

A credit card lets you borrow up to an approved limit to pay for purchases, then either settle the full balance by the due date interest-free or carry it over and pay interest on what remains. Philippine banks issue Visa, Mastercard and JCB cards that also earn rewards, cashback, air miles or discounts, and many come with instalment plans that let you split big purchases over several months. Cards are widely used for online shopping, travel, dining and emergencies, and building a good repayment record can help when you later apply for a home or car loan. Used carelessly, though, the high interest on unpaid balances can quickly become expensive.

How the Philippine market works

The market is led by major banks including BDO Unibank, BPI, Metrobank, RCBC, PNB, Security Bank, UnionBank and HSBC Philippines, each offering a ladder of cards from no-annual-fee starters to premium travel and rewards cards. Approval depends on income, employment and credit history, with minimum income requirements rising for higher-tier cards. Interest on revolving balances is capped by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, which has set a monthly ceiling on finance charges to protect borrowers. Cards commonly bundle instalment conversion, balance transfer offers, and reward points. Applications are made online or in branch, and issuers report repayment behaviour to the Credit Information Corporation.

Benefits

Interest-free period — pay your statement balance in full by the due date and you borrow at no cost for up to around 45 days.

Rewards and cashback — cards from BPI, RCBC, Metrobank and others return points, miles or cash on everyday spending.

Instalment plans — big-ticket purchases can be split into fixed monthly payments, sometimes at zero interest through partner merchants.

Convenience and security — cards work online and abroad and offer fraud protection and dispute rights that cash does not.

Credit history — responsible use builds a record with the Credit Information Corporation that supports future loan applications.

How to choose

Start with the annual fee, which ranges from ₱0 on entry cards to ₱5,000 or more on premium ones, and check whether it is waived for the first year or on meeting a spend threshold. Match the rewards to how you actually spend, since a miles card only pays off if you travel and a cashback card suits everyday purchases. Confirm you meet the minimum income requirement and understand the interest rate on carried balances, which is capped but still high. Look at foreign-transaction fees if you shop or travel abroad, and at instalment and balance-transfer terms if you plan to use them.

Leading providers in the Philippines

BDO Unibank and BPI have the largest cardholder bases and broad reward line-ups, while Metrobank and RCBC are known for strong rewards, cashback and frequent promotions. Security Bank and UnionBank compete with cashback and lifestyle perks, PNB serves a wide mainstream market, and HSBC Philippines targets higher-income customers with travel and premium cards. Several issuers run no-annual-fee-for-life starter cards to attract first-time applicants. Because sign-up bonuses and reward rates shift often, comparing two or three issuers' current offers before applying usually yields a better fit than sticking with your existing bank by default.

What it costs

The main costs are the annual fee, ranging from ₱0 to about ₱5,000, and interest on any balance you carry, charged monthly up to the BSP-mandated ceiling. Other charges include late-payment fees, over-limit fees, cash-advance fees and interest, and a foreign-transaction fee, often a few percent, on overseas or foreign-currency purchases. If you always pay in full by the due date you avoid interest entirely and effectively use the card for free, minus any annual fee. The expensive trap is paying only the minimum, which lets interest compound on the remaining balance and can take years to clear.

Protections and regulation

Credit card issuers are banks supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Credit Card Industry Regulation Law (Republic Act 10870) sets rules on disclosure, billing, and fair collection practices. The BSP caps the monthly interest and finance charges issuers may impose, and the Truth in Lending Act requires clear disclosure of fees and effective rates. You have the right to dispute unauthorised or erroneous charges and to fair treatment in collections. Protect yourself by monitoring statements, enabling transaction alerts, never sharing your OTP or CVV, and reporting a lost or compromised card to your bank immediately.

Common questions

How do I avoid interest? Pay the full statement balance by the due date every month rather than just the minimum. What income do I need? It varies by card tier, from modest requirements on starter cards to higher thresholds for premium travel cards. Is the interest rate regulated? Yes, the BSP caps the monthly interest and finance charges credit card issuers can apply. Does using a card help my credit? Yes, on-time repayment builds a positive record with the Credit Information Corporation that supports future loan applications.

Credit Cards in Philippines — FAQ