UnionBank U Visa Platinum Credit Card Review for Card Newbies

For newbies, a credit card can be intimidating. After all, it requires you to be responsible and mindful of your spending. Moreover, its fees and charges take a share of your budget. 

If you’re new to credit cards, consider the UnionBank U Visa Platinum credit card. While basic, it does the job and rewards you for being a responsible cardholder. 

Keep reading to learn more about the UnionBank U Visa Platinum credit card.  

UnionBank U Visa Platinum Credit Card: Key Features 

Here’s the UnionBank U Platinum credit card at a glance:  

• Annual fee: None
• Interest rate: 3%
• Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱15,000
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction 
• Cash advance monthly effective interest rate: 3.04%
• Late payment fee: None
• Overlimit fee: None 
• Foreign transaction fee: 2.25% service from UnionBank and 1% assessment fee from Visa 
• Card replacement fee: ₱400 per replacement card

❓ Who is the UnionBank U Visa Platinum Credit Card Ideal for? 

The UnionBank U Visa Platinum credit card is perfect for credit card newbies. Its basic features get the job done—from everyday shopping to recurring bill payments. It suits those who want to explore credit cards without the burden of certain fees and charges. 

Read more: How to Apply for a UnionBank Credit Card in 3 Easy Steps

UnionBank U Visa Platinum Review: Advantages 

Below are some reasons that will convince you to get a UnionBank U Visa Platinum credit card:  

👍 No Annual Fees 

Credit card annual fees are usually expensive, with some amounting up to ₱6,000, depending on the card’s tier. But with the UnionBank U Visa Platinum, you don’t have to worry about annual fees forever. That’s one less expense to worry about!  

👍 Zero Late Payment and Overlimit Fees

Usually, if you go beyond your credit limit or settle your bills late, you need to cover penalties, such as overlimit and late payment fees. 

But with the UnionBank U Visa Platinum, you don’t have to stress about these charges. This feature saves a few bucks that you can use for other important expenses. 

👍 10% Interest Rebates

The UnionBank U Visa Platinum rewards responsible cardholders with rebates. When you pay at least the minimum due on or before the due date, you receive a 10% rebate on interest charges. 

👍 Access to Exclusive Discounts and Promos

The UnionBank U Visa Platinum lets you enjoy exclusive discounts and promos on travel, shopping, dining, and installments.^[1] The bank partners with popular retailers such as ZALORA, Beyond the Box, and Astoria. 

👍 Virtual Card 

Love online shopping? Enjoy safe transactions with a virtual card. You can activate it once you receive it—you don’t have to wait for the physical card to be delivered to your doorstep. 

Ready to apply? Get started:

💳 UnionBank U Visa Platinum

UnionBank U Visa Platinum Review: Disadvantages 

This section of the UnionBank U Visa Platinum review shows its drawbacks to give you a balanced picture of the product. 

👎 No Rewards Points 

Unfortunately, the U Visa Platinum credit card doesn’t earn rewards points. This card may not be the best option for those who want to earn points to exchange for gift vouchers, airline miles, and more. 

👎 Rebates Only Applicable to Payments

While the UnionBank U Platinum credit card earns rebates, it’s not exactly a cashback card. That’s because the rebate only applies to the payment of your credit card bill. You won’t earn a rebate if you use the card in certain spending categories like groceries, gas, and utilities, among others. 

👎 Rebates Come with Strict Conditions 

According to UnionBank, you won’t receive the rebate if your credit card account is in default. You also won’t get it when you convert your UnionBank U Visa Platinum to another UnionBank credit card.^[2]

👎 No Travel Perks 

Unlike other UnionBank credit cards, the UnionBank U Visa Platinum doesn’t come with travel-related privileges like free lounge access or free travel insurance. This may not be the best card for those who travel a lot. 

Related: How to Deal With a Declined Credit Card Application in the Philippines

Top Alternatives to UnionBank U Visa Platinum Credit Card

Are there alternatives to the UnionBank U Platinum credit card for newbies? Thankfully, yes. Here are your options:

💳 UnionBank Rewards Credit Card

If you want a basic credit card that comes with rewards, the UnionBank Rewards credit card may be what you’re looking for. Earn 1 rewards point for every ₱30 spend. Get 3x points when you shop and dine locally or abroad. 

💳 Metrobank Titanium Mastercard^®

The Metrobank Titanium Mastercard^® earns 1 non-expiring point for every ₱20 spend. For online, department store, and dining transactions, enjoy up to 2x rewards points.  

With its low income requirement, you can easily apply for this card. Plus, get waived annual fees if you apply until August 31, 2024 and meet the minimum annual spend of ₱180,000. 

Read more: How to Apply for a Metrobank Credit Card Online: Requirements and More

💳 HSBC Red Mastercard

The HSBC Red Mastercard is designed for credit cardholders who want to enjoy rewards and exclusive privileges. Earn 1 bonus point for every ₱20 spend and 4x bonus points on online, dining, shopping, and overseas transactions. 

The Red Mastercard is also for international jet setters. With its home&Away Privilege Programme, access exclusive deals at more than 27,000 establishments in 160 countries and territories. 

Enjoy waived annual fees on the first year. 

💳 Security Bank Gold Mastercard

The Security Bank Gold Mastercard is for credit card newbies who want to experience the thrill of earning rewards points. Every ₱20 spend earns 1 non-expiring rewards point. 

With this card, you also get access to local airport lounges at exclusive rates. Participating lounges include A Lounge, Marhaba Lounge, and PAGSS Lounge. 

The bank also waives the card’s annual fee for the first year. 

Read more: Security Bank Credit Card Application in 5 Quick Steps

💳 BPI Rewards Card

Looking for a credit card you can use for everyday transactions? The BPI Rewards Card is one of your best bets. 

Earn 1 BPI Point for every ₱35 spend. When you have enough points, you can exchange them for gift vouchers, airline miles, shopping credits, and more. 

Book your flights with your card to get travel insurance worth up to ₱2 million. Meanwhile, enjoy a low forex conversion rate of 1.85% when you use your card abroad and online.^[3] 

Read more: BPI Credit Card Application: Requirements, Process, and More

Final Thoughts

The UnionBank U Visa Platinum credit card lets you explore the world of credit spending without the burden of annual fees, overlimit charges, and late payment penalties. While basic and no-frills, it still rewards you with rebates for being a responsible cardholder and even helps you build a favorable credit history. 

Looking for other cards from UnionBank? Compare your options below and apply via Moneymax:

Credit Card	Annual Fee	Minimum Annual Income Requirement	Key Features
	Free for life	₱180,000	Zero late payment and overlimit fees 10% interest rebates
UnionBank Rewards Credit Card	₱2,500	₱180,000	1 point per ₱30 spend 3x points for shopping and dining locally and overseas Non-expiring points can be redeemed for cash credits, gadgets, merchandise, and more
UnionBank PlayEveryday	₱1,500	₱360,000	Gamified points system 1 PlayPoint for every ₱10 spend
UnionBank Lazada Credit Card	₱3,000	₱360,000	6x Lazada Credits for every ₱200 spent on the app 1x Lazada Credit for every ₱200 spent on other transactions  Free shipping and sale vouchers
UnionBank Go Rewards Gold Credit Card	₱3,000	₱360,000	1 Go Rewards points for every ₱200 spend Complimentary Go Rewards Black Membership Exclusive Go Rewards deals
UnionBank Cebu Pacific Gold Credit Card	₱3,000	₱360,000	1 Go Rewards point for every ₱100 spend at Cebu Pacific 1 Go Rewards point for every ₱200 spend
UnionBank Cash Back Platinum Visa	₱4,500	₱180,000	6% rebate on supermarket purchases 2% cash back on Meralco payments  0.20% cash back on all other purchases

Sources: 

• ^[1] UnionBank Credit Card Discounts and Promos
• ^[2] UnionBank U Credit Card Terms and Conditions
• ^[3] BPI Rewards Card Features