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Credit cards, a high-powered card that almost all adults own. This card empowers users with the convenience of cashless transactions, high security along with appealing benefits. In the ever-evolving landscape of the financial industry, Filipinos are actively participating as the use of credit cards in the country develops, even though they are outnumbered by debit cards. However, with a multitude of credit card options available, finding the right one can be something that makes many people wonder. By exploring this comprehensive guide, you can explore the types of credit cards, how credit cards work in the Philippines, calculating monthly payments, discuss the main requirements for obtaining a credit card, weigh the profitability of taking a loan versus a credit card, and reveal which banks make it easier to secure a credit card. Whether you're a first-time credit card applicant or looking to switch to a better card, you should keep an eye on this article to make an informed decision.
In the Philippines, there are many types of credit cards, each designed to cater to the distinct requirements of users. Some cards are tailored for savvy shoppers, weaving seamless connections with e-commerce platforms to deliver convenience with every click. Others shine brightest when you book a flight or a hotel room. Let's take a closer look at the top credit cards in the Philippines:
Cashback and reward credit card
Cashback cards bring many benefits to users by allowing them to receive money back after spending. As we know the challenging economic situation, the importance of savings even permeates our everyday expenses. Some credit cards also have generous cashback programs in specific categories in terms of shopping or medical spending. Take the Security Bank's Cashback Platinum Mastercard as an instance, card owners can savor the delight of a 5% cashback on their grocery bills, or a 2% cashback on indulgent dining experiences.
Furthermore, some credit cards also integrate the feature of adding bonus points based on your spending habits. The accumulation of these bonus points corresponds directly to the amount spent on each transaction; in essence, the more you spend, the more substantial your bonus points become. Users can convert reward points into cash and use them directly on credit card spending when making consumer purchases or traveling. One of the top credit cards for this type of card in the Philippines is the Metrobank Reward Plus card, which offers a delightful double-point boost for every PHP 20 spent on utilities, groceries, and fuel.
Co-branded credit card
Co-branded credit cards have become a favored choice offering a unique fusion of banks and other businesses across diverse industries, with the purpose of giving compelling benefits for cardholders. Becoming the card owner, you can access exclusive membership privileges at a wide spectrum of affiliated businesses. For instance, with RCBC Mango Mastercard, card owners will get 0% installment of up to 6 months at Mango stores, or exclusive access to Mango VIP Sale events. Another example can be stated as Metrobank Toyota Mastercard when the card owners will get a 10% discount on accessories and services at all Toyota dealers.
Secured credit card
Secured credit card is a type of card in which the cardholder provides a deposit as a safeguard for their credit limit. This particular card enjoys popularity among freelancers for its minimal document requirements and straightforward application process. You just need to deposit funds into your preferred bank account and start registering to open a card.
Supplementary card
Supplementary cards are a form of expansion card, allowing secondary cards to enjoy the same privileges as the main one. This card variant is tailor-made for family members and close relatives, allowing them to share a common credit limit, receive cashback incentives or travel privileges such as accumulating airline miles or experiencing at airport lounges.
Travel credit card
Travel credit card is often referred to as an airline miles accumulation card. With this card in hand, you'll embark on a journey to accumulate flight miles, exchange reward points to receive perks when traveling, staying at hotels, checked baggage allowance or priority sitting in business class lounges. If your heart beats for adventure, or your profession entails traversing the globe, it might be time to consider the benefits of adding this type of card to your financial portfolio.
Credit cards play a pivotal role in the modern shopping area, whether it's online shopping or brick-and-mortar stores. Let's find out how credit cards work in the Philippines, demystifying the intricacies of this financial tool!
In-store transactions
When shopping directly at the store, instead of using cash, users can pay with a credit card. Today, many card issuers have established partnerships with retailers, providing card swiping machines, making it convenient for users to shop. Simply inform the cashier of your payment choice, and they will swipe your credit card, enter the amount, and complete the payment.
When making in-store purchases, instead of using cash, users prefer credit cards. Recently, numerous card issuers have established partnerships with retailers to ensure seamless shopping experiences. They provide swiping machines at checkout counters, making it exceptionally convenient for shoppers. Simply inform the cashier of your payment choice, and they will swipe your credit card, enter the amount, and complete the payment.
Online shopping
Similar to purchasing at a brick-and-mortar store by presenting your payment method, when shopping online or on e-commerce platforms, users can set up their payment using a credit card. Once you've picked out your desired item, all you need is to go to the payment step and choose to pay by credit card.
Post-purchase convenience
This is a very popular feature of credit cards: installment conversion. When a transaction meets the requirements, users can directly convert that transaction into installments with 0% interest for a term of 3 to 12 months. This form is suitable when you do not have enough financial resources to pay all the payments at once and divide the amount to pay over several months.
One widely acclaimed feature of credit cards is the installment conversion option. When a transaction aligns with the specified criteria, users can directly convert that transaction into installments with 0% interest for a term of 3 to 12 months. This is an ideal choice when you do not have enough financial resources to pay all the payments at once, allowing you to comfortably distribute the cost over several manageable months.
Borrowing money or using a credit card both entail borrowing funds from a financial institution to cover your expenses. When faced with the choice between borrowing money and wielding a credit card, it's essential to note the pros and cons of these financial avenues and conduct a thorough comparison before making your financial decision!
Advantages:
Diverse types of cards: Credit cards present many options for consumers, ranging from cashback and reward credit card to co-branded credit card cards, along with the option to explore additional card offerings.
Enjoy a 45-day interest-free window: Currently, most credit cards apply an interest-free policy up to 45 days, offering card holders the freedom to make purchases within this timeframe without the looming concern of interest accrual.
Many accompanying benefits: Cash back rewards, no annual fee for the first year, incentives for accumulating air miles, discounts when shopping, and even the prospect of card upgrades for travel flying are the benefits users enjoy when using credit cards.
Disadvantages
Higher interest rates: Credit cards often have higher interest rates than personal loans. If you don't pay your entire monthly balance, you will have to pay high interest rates on the remaining amount. If you don't manage debt carefully, it can lead to debt accumulating.
Costs and expenses: Credit cards can come with a variety of fees, including annual fees, overage fees, and fees related to international transactions. Failing to handle these costs can create financial pressure if not managed carefully.
Advantages
Streamlined application process: To apply for personal loan in the Philippines, borrowers only need to meet some basic requirements, in terms of age criteria, income requirements, Government-issued ID, residency and a mobile phone number.
No collateral required: Almost all personal loans are unsecured, or, negating the necessity for borrowers to furnish collateral, such as real estate or vehicles.
Fast approval: Many banks and financial institutions in the Philippines offer quick approval processes for personal loans. This can be especially advantageous when borrowers need funds urgently, in terms of medical emergencies or unexpected expenses.
Disadvantages
Lack of flexibility: When you secure a personal loan and receive the lump sum, you cannot borrow more until the loan is paid off.
Interest on the entire amount: With a personal loan, you pay interest on the entire loan amount from the beginning, while with a credit card, you only pay interest on the outstanding balance.
To get a deeper understanding of how credit cards work in the Philippines, let's delve into a practical scenario featuring a credit card with a limit of PHP 100,000. This card has a monthly interest rate of 3.5% and the cardholder must pay a minimum of 5% for outstanding balance each month.
In one month, this cardholder made the following transactions:
Supermarket fee: PHP 7,000
Shopping amount: PHP 4,000
Meals out: PHP 3,500
Travel allowance: PHP 5,000
Total amount incurred during the month: PHP 19,500
Here is how to calculate the minimum amount that this cardholder must pay monthly:
Minimum payment: 5% of PHP 19,500 = PHP 975
Interest charges: (3.5% of PHP 19,500) = PHP 682,5
From there we have the minimum amount to pay (interest included): PHP 975 (minimum payment) + PHP 682.5 (interest charges) = PHP 1,657.5
Take into account that paying only the minimum amount will result in a balance carried forward, causing ongoing interest to accumulate on the remaining amount. To avoid unnecessary interest charges, it's wise counsel to pay the full outstanding balance each month.
To find a precise credit card provider, the first and foremost question that users consider would be "Is this bank easy to apply for?". In addition to the basic requirements set when applying for personal loans in the Philippines, in terms of age, identification documents, phone number, several banks need to know more about employment situations, income or even credit history of the user to consider whether to approve the credit card. Below are the top banks that would be easier to open a credit card in the Philippines:
Metrobank: Metrobank stands out as a leading choice to open credit cards in the Philippines. The eligibility criteria are refreshingly straightforward, you only need to meet the following conditions: Age from 18 to 70 years old, proof of identification, have a landline number, valid TIN, SSS, or GSIS number and a minimum monthly income of PHP 350,000.
Robinson Bank: With a streamlined process and simplified documents, opening a credit card at Robinson Bank has never been simpler. Alongside the standard prerequisites like age (21 to 65 years old), a landline number, and valid TIN, SSS, or GSIS numbers, Robinson Bank requires applicants to have a minimum gross fixed annual income of PHP 180,000 if single and PHP 240,000 if married.
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