Last updated: January 2024
Memories can never be replaced, especially when you are traveling across the country or even across the world! Many of us dream to have every bucket list checked on all the beautiful tourist spots that we would love to go to and it will surely be very convenient to have the best Philippines credit card for travel to go with you!
Millennials love traveling and enjoying every moment, and these credit cards would be very useful when going to new places. There are a lot of benefits and perks that you can enjoy, and you are even eligible for VIP access if you’re a cardholder of a certain bank!
Just make sure that you would be financially responsible while keeping these cards, so you can have a relaxed and worry-less travel every time Let’s take a look at these awesome travel credit cards below.
Recommended 7 Credit Cards for Traveling in Philippines
HSBC Platinum Visa
If you are planning to travel across the world, the HSBC Platinum Visa is the best choice that you could ever have. This Visa card can make traveling more enjoyable because of the traveling benefits that it offer. It requires very low spend to earn your miles. Here is a quick look of what you can enjoy from the HSBC Platinum Bisa:
Benefits:
- 1 air mile for as low as ₱20.00 of purchases
- 4x points when you spend on other countries
- Comes with free travel accident and inconvenience coverage
- With exclusive deals when you spend more than ₱27,000 on dining, shopping, traveling, health, and beauty shops on 160 accredited countries around the globe
- 3x points for every ₱20.00 spent in the Philippines
- With 6% rebate on the first purchase at Caltex stores, and 3% rebate on Calte fuel
- Contactless transaction
Fees and charges:
- Minimum monthly income requirement: PHP 41,666.67
- Annual fee: PHP 5,000 (free for the first year)
- Interest rate: 2%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 3.50%
Apply for this card here.
UnionBank Cebu Pacific GetGo
Cebu Pacific is one of the most popular and affordable airlines in the Philippines, and Cebu Pacific travelers would surely love having the UnionBank Cebu Pacific GetGo. The GetGo card lets you earn precious GetGo points, especially if you’re a frequent CebuPac flyer. Take a look at the benefits that you can have with this card:
Benefits:
- Get 1 GetGo point for every ₱30.00 that you spend
- Enjoy priority check-in on your flights with Cebu Pacific
- With automatic transfer of points to the card every month
- Enjoy exclusive access to Cebu Pacific seat sales
- With life insurance benefits that can cover up to ₱400,000 of outstanding balance
Fees and charges:
- Minimum monthly income requirement: PHP 50,000
- Annual fee: PHP 3,000
- Interest rate: 2%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 3% will be added to the cost of processing transactions in foreign currencies.
Apply for this card here.
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Security Bank Platinum Mastercard
The dual currency billing feature of the Security Bank Platinum Mastercard and the airport lounge benefits are the most enticing features that make you want to have this card. If you’re aiming for a more relaxed journey overseas, this card would never let you down.
You can pay in USD when you use this card overseas, and you can also enjoy unlimited access at NAIA Terminal 3 Sky View Lounge. There’s no better way to wait for your flight than having a nice cup of coffee at the Sky View Lounge!
Benefits:
- Dual currency billing that allows customers to pay in USD and PHP
- With two complimentary lounge access for cardholder and guest in more than 1,000 lounges in 500 airports across the globe
- Unlimited access to NAIA T3 Sky Lounge
- With 200 USD coverage through the Mastercard E-Commerce Purchase Protection for shopping online
- With free travel insurance
- 1 reward point per ₱20.00 spent
Fees and Charges:
- Minimum monthly income requirement: PHP 108,333.33
- Annual fee: PHP 4,000 (free for the first year)
- Interest rate: 2%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 1% Mastercard assessment fee + 1.5% service fee
Apply for this card here.
PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard
If you are a frequent flyer of Philippine Airlines, you should have the PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard in every bucket list travel that you take. You can choose to have a dual currency feature especially when you always travel overseas, so you won’t have so much trouble when purchasing and shopping abroad.
Benefits:
- Offers a welcome gift of 2,000 PAL Mabuhay Miles after the card is activated
- Additional 10,000 Mabuhay Miles for every Php 100,000 worth of Philippines Airlines transaction within 1 year
- Earn 1 Mabuhay Mile for every ₱33.00 spent
- Enjoy priority check in at PAL Business counters
- Has 5% discount on international flights booked on Philippine Airlines website
- Free insurance coverage of up to ₱10M
- Free purchase protection feature of up to ₱10M
Fees and Charges:
- Minimum monthly income requirement: PHP 200,000
- Annual fee: PHP 6,000
- Interest rate: 2%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.50%
Apply for this card here.
Learn more: Credit Cards with No Annual Fee in Philippines
BPI Signature Visa
Enjoy every flight that you take whether it’s domestic or international when you have the BPI Signature Visa Card. The SIgnature Visa is one of the best cards that BPI has to offer. Aside from the dual currency feature, you are also entitled to low foreign currency transaction fees every time you shop or dine in other countries.
Benefits:
- 1.85% forex conversion rate
- Has PhP 20 million travel insurance
- Offers complimentary access to Pacific Club Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3
- Offers special exchange rates when buying in foreign currency at any BPI branch
- 24/7 Visa Worldwide Conciergeand other Visa global services
- Earn 1 reward point for every ₱20.00 spend
- 50% discount on dining, accommodations, resorts, gyms, and wellness cernters
Fees and Charges:
- Minimum monthly income requirement: PHP 80,000
- Annual fee: PHP 5,500 (free for the first year)
- Interest rate: 1.82%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 0.85% of the converted amount plus an assessment fee of 1%
Apply for this card here.
RCBC Bankard AirAsia Credit Card
Usually, travel credit cards have annual fees that are quite expensive, but not the RCBC Bankard AirAsia Credit Card. The best part is that you get to have exclusive deals and discounts when you fly with AirAsia, and your annual fee is waived for life!
This card is definitely perfect for first-time credit card users, and millennials who are looking to save up on their travel expenses. If you spend ₱20,000 within 60 days after your card was activated, you can enjoy 8,000 BIG Points for redeeming a free flight!
You’ll also feel like a VIP since you get to have first access when checking in, boarding the plane, and even while picking up your baggage.
Benefits:
- Welcome gift of 8,000 AirAsia BIG Points
- Earn BIG Point for every PHP 22 spent
- AirAsia BIG Points can also be used to redeem flights and vouchers from Lazada, SM, Grab, etc.
- Offers 0% installment on purchases from other countries
- Straight purchases can be converted into installments for up to 36 months
Fees and Charges:
- Minimum monthly income requirement: PHP 20,833
- Annual fee: PHP 2,400 or PHP 200 monthly
- Interest rate: 2%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.25% to 3.50%
Apply for this card here.
Citi PremierMiles Card
Are you looking for the fastest way to earn air miles? The Citi PremierMiles Card has got you! You can use your air miles to redeem free flights for over 60 airlines. You can also book free rooms from over 5,000 hotels and inns across the world.
You don’t even have to worry if you’re not traveling yet because the Air Miled from your Citi PremierMiles Card would never expire! You can also use the miles to pay for your annual fee, or redeem gifts from selected stores.
Benefits:
- 1 PremierMile per PHP 30 spend
- 1.6 PremierMile = 1 mile. Use your miles to redeem cash credits
- Offers VIP lounge access locally and internationally
- Free travel insurance coverage of up to 1M
- With a 30-day purchase protection feature
- Straight purchases can be converted into smaller installment plans
Fees and Charges:
- Minimum monthly income requirement: PHP 30,000
- Annual fee: PHP 5,000 (free for the first year)
- Interest rate: 2%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: Up to 3.525%
Apply for this card here.
What is the best credit card to use while traveling in Philippines?
Is it good to have a credit card when Travelling?
Having a credit card when traveling can be a good idea, as it can provide a number of benefits and protections. Here are some reasons why having a credit card can be useful when traveling:
- Convenience: A credit card can be a convenient way to make purchases while traveling, as it is widely accepted and can be used in many countries around the world.
- Security: Using a credit card can be more secure than carrying cash, as it can be easily canceled if lost or stolen. Many credit cards also offer fraud protection and other security features.
- Rewards: Many credit cards offer rewards programs that can be especially useful for travelers, such as cash back, points, or miles that can be redeemed for travel-related expenses like flights or hotels.
- Travel insurance: Some credit cards offer travel insurance and other travel-related benefits, such as baggage protection, trip cancellation coverage, and emergency assistance services.
- Exchange rates: When using a credit card for purchases in a foreign currency, the exchange rate is often more favorable than exchanging cash or using traveler's checks.
However, it's important to use credit cards responsibly and to avoid overspending while traveling. It's also a good idea to notify your credit card company before traveling to ensure that your card is not flagged for fraud protection and to avoid any unexpected issues while making purchases abroad.
Is it better to travel with a debit or credit card?
When it comes to traveling, it is essential to have a reliable payment method to ensure that your trip goes smoothly. The question of whether it is better to travel with a debit or credit card is a common concern for travelers. While both options have their advantages and disadvantages, ultimately, it depends on personal preference and financial habits.
Credit cards offer more protection and benefits, such as travel rewards and purchase protection, but carry the risk of overspending and accruing debt.
Debit cards are more suitable for those who prefer to stick to a budget but offer less protection against fraud and fewer travel perks.
Regardless of which option you choose, it is essential to inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans to prevent any sudden account freezes or transaction denials while overseas.
Credit Card for Travel in the Philippines
MOst of the time, using a credit card can be very beneficial especially for frequent flyers. It saves you the hassle of paying upfront in cash, and you can even turn your payments into monthly installments.
When getting a credit card for travel, you can pick a card that suits your lifestyle. Consider which airline are you usually flying at, and check for low air miles conversion. Spend every vacation without any hassle and apply for any of these cards today!
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