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 annual income requirement: ₱250,000
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction 
• Cash advance monthly effective interest rate: 3.04%
• Late payment fee: None
• Overlimit fee: None 
• Foreign transaction fee: 2.525% 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

❓ What are the Minimum Qualifications and Requirements for the UnionBank U Visa Platinum Credit Card?

If you plan to apply for the UnionBank U Visa Platinum credit card, take note of the following qualifications and requirements:

Qualifications

• You must be at least 21 years old.
• You must be a resident of the Philippines and have a valid Philippine billing address.
• You must have a postpaid line or mobile phone. 
• If you have a credit card account with other banks, it must be current and in good standing.
• You must have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and SSS/GSIS/UMID number. 

Documentary Requirements

• Fully accomplished application form 
• One government-issued ID with date of birth and identification number (e.g., passport, driver’s license, etc.)
• Proof of income (e.g., payslip, BIR Form 2316, Original Certificate of Employment, Latest ITR (1700 or 1701) with BIR or bank stamp
• If you’re a foreign applicant: 
  • Valid passport or Alien Certificate of registration (ACR)
  • Any of the following that proves your local residency: 
    • ACR I-Card with “Permanent” visa status or valid for more than one year
    • Immigrant Certificate of Residency (ICR)
    • Visa and Work Permit/Alien Employment Permit (AEP), valid for more than one year
    • Special Resident Retirement Visa (SRRV)
    • Special Resident Investors Visa (SRIV)
    • For top 2,000 companies, letter from the company or employment contract; must be printed with company letterhead and must bear your name position and confirmation of term 

❓ What are the Other Features of the UnionBank U Visa Platinum Credit Card? 

The UnionBank U Visa Platinum has a host of features that will make spending worthwhile. Check out the following: 

In-House Installment

The UnionBank U Visa Platinum allows you to pay in fixed monthly installments when you do the following: 

• Withdraw cash from your credit limit
• Convert your billed statement balance or straight retail transactions
• Transfer balance from your non-UnionBank credit cards

Note that your request for this installment scheme is subject to approval. 

Supplementary Cards

You can share your credit limit with your family members and friends. Take note that UnionBank approves supplementary card applications for those who are at least 14 years old. 

Credit Insurance

This feature allows you to financially protect you and your family. With this UnionBank U Visa Platinum feature, your outstanding balance will be covered in case something happens to you. Coverage is up to ₱2.5 million. 

Life Insurance

Use your UnionBank U Visa Platinum to get an affordable insurance policy via U-Life. This 4-in-1 insurance has a rate of ₱33 per day. 

Car Insurance

Protect yourself financially while you’re on the road. The UnionBank U Visa Platinum gives you access to Car Secure Insurance Plan. 

PayBill

With this feature, you can automate your payments for monthly utility bills. This ensures that you don’t forget your due dates. 

PayEasy

PayEasy is UnionBank credit card’s installment program. With it, you can enjoy easy payment plans at 0% interest for up to 36 months. To avail of it, use your UnionBank U Visa Platinum at more than 7,000 in-store merchants nationwide. 

Cash Advance 

If you’re dealing with an emergency and you need quick cash, you can use your UnionBank U Visa Platinum to withdraw cash. Just keep in mind that certain fees apply.

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. 

👍 Offers Longer Credit Terms 

If your balance is fully paid, your UnionBank U Visa Platinum credit card lets you enjoy up to 53 days credit, with 0% interest from cut-off date to payment due date. 

👍 Offers Flexible Monthly Payments

With the UnionBank U Visa Platinum credit card, you can easily manage your monthly payments. It allows you to pay only 4% of your total outstanding balance or ₱400, whichever is higher. Nevertheless, you can pay any amount in between. 

👍 Globally Accepted

Spending during your vacations or business trips abroad is much easier with the UnionBank U Visa Platinum. Over a million establishments around the world can accept your credit card for payments.

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

So, Should You Get the UnionBank U Visa Platinum?

After reading through this card’s features, pros, and cons, you may wonder if it’s the best card for you. Consider getting this card if you’re: 

• A credit card newbie who wants to explore the world of credit spending
• An experienced credit cardholder who wants a second or back-up credit card and doesn’t want to be bothered by extra fees and charges
• Someone who wants to get their family members supplementary cards and doesn’t want to be bothered by extra fees and charges
• Someone who wants a reliable credit card for online shopping and shopping trips abroad

Don’t get this card if you’re:

• A credit spender who’s always hunting for points, rebates, or miles.
• A traveler who wants extra features out of their credit card like travel insurance or lounge access
• A businessperson who needs a flexible credit card that their employees can also use

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. 

This card also comes with a virtual card for your online shopping. If you’re wondering about the UnionBank Rewards Visa Platinum’s credit limit, that will depend on a host of factors, such as your credit history, income, and debt-to-income ratio. The good news is that you can increase your credit limit when you use your credit card responsibly.  

💳 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 December 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. And if you’re doing a lot of road trips, the card entitles you to a 6% rebate on your first Caltext fuel purchase and a 3% rebate all year round.

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. This gives you a chance to give the card a try before committing to it.

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 Rewards 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

💳 RCBC Flex Gold Visa 

If you want to earn points fast, the RCBC Flex Gold Visa may offer you just that. With this card, you can get 2x rewards in your three preferred categories. Pick from the following categories: grocery, travel, gas, department store, and household appliances. After that, you can switch categories by giving RCBC a call. 

You can exchange the earned points for shopping vouchers, use them as cash credit to your deposit account, or receive them as cash rebates. You may also choose to donate them to select charities. 

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