Thinking of traveling soon? While you’re at it, start planning how you can save money using the best travel credit cards in the Philippines.
In this article, discover the best credit cards for travel and how they can benefit your upcoming local or international trip.
Why Get a Travel Credit Card?
A travel credit card is worth it if you often travel for work or leisure and can afford to spend the card’s minimum requirement for air miles and rewards points.
The best travel credit cards in the Philippines allow you to enjoy perks such as free airport lounge access, hotel and fuel discounts, and exclusive shopping and dining deals from merchants worldwide. Travel credit cards also offer free travel and accident insurance coverage.
Features to Look for in a Travel Credit Card in the Philippines
If you travel a lot, you need to maximize your spending. Go for credit cards that offer these benefits:
🔎 Low Spend-per-Mile Requirement
By using your credit card to make travel-related transactions such as purchasing flight tickets or booking accommodations, you earn points. You can thereafter convert these points to airline miles, which you can use to fund your next flight or hotel stay.
Check your credit card's points program to know the spend-to-points and the points-to-miles requirement. A great travel credit card should make it quick for a cardholder to accumulate air miles.
🔎 Travel Insurance and Travel Assistance
Although it’s better to not actually need them, these benefits do provide peace of mind. With travel insurance, you get financial protection in case of medical emergencies; plus reimbursement for expenses incurred in case your trip gets delayed or canceled, or your luggage gets lost, delayed, or damaged.
Travel assistance, on the other hand, provides support during emergencies.
🔎 Low Foreign Transaction Fee and/or Dual Currency Billing
When you use your credit card abroad, you're charged a foreign currency transaction fee and currency conversion fee. Check if your credit card offers low currency transaction fees and dual currency billing so you can save money on your overseas travels.
🔎 Free Airport Lounge Access
This may seem like a nice-to-have feature, but if you're a frequent flyer, it's a must-have. Unfortunately, delayed flights are unavoidable. You might as well get comfortable while waiting for your flight.
To help you choose the perfect travel credit card, we’ve narrowed down your choices to 20 of the best travel credit cards in the Philippines that meet all or most of the criteria above.
20 Best Travel Credit Cards in the Philippines
Here's a glance at some of the best credit cards for travel:
Credit Card | Travel Benefits |
UnionBank Rewards Card
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Metrobank Platinum Mastercard®
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Metrobank World Mastercard®
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BPI Platinum Rewards Card
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BPI Signature Card
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Learn more and discover more options below:
UnionBank Rewards Card
✈️ Best travel credit card for: Earning rewards from travel and shopping spend
With the UnionBank Rewards Card, you can get 3x points when you shop and dine here and abroad, plus 1 non-expiring point for every ₱30 spend.
📌 UnionBank Rewards Card Travel Benefit
- 3x non-expiring rewards points when you shop and dine here and abroad
- Worldwide acceptance
- Rewards at participating restaurants, shopping outlets, and leisure establishments nationwide
📌 Other Features and Benefits
- 1 non-expiring rewards point for every ₱30 spend
- Cash advance
- In-house installment programs
💸 Fees and Charges
- Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱15,000
- Annual fee: ₱2,500
- Interest rate: 3%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 3.525%
🎁 Free Gift from Moneymax: Apple AirPods 2, Dolce Gusto Mini Me, Marshall Willen, JBL Tune 720BT, or Giftaway Cash Credits
Eligible card: UnionBank credit cards
Promo period: Until September 30, 2024
Get Apple AirPods 2 worth ₱8,490; Nescafe Dolce Gusto Mini Me worth ₱6,699; Marshall Willen Speaker worth ₱6,590; JBL Tune 720BT Wireless Headphones worth ₱4,699; or Giftaway cash credits worth ₱4,000! Just apply for any eligible UnionBank credit card via Moneymax, get approved within the promo period, and then meet the ₱10,000 spend requirement within 60 days from your card approval date.
This Moneymax UnionBank welcome gift promo runs until September 30, 2024 only.
Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-199168 Series of 2024. Terms and conditions apply.
Note: The promo is exclusive to carded applicants who do not have an existing principal credit card issued by UnionBank and/or Citi.
UnionBank Platinum Mastercard
✈️ Best travel credit card for: Earning cashback
If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to save, the UnionBank Platinum Mastercard[1] is perfect for you. It lets you earn cashback on all your daily purchases.
The best thing about it? There’s no limit to how much cashback you can earn, and the bank doesn’t implement spending categories. Moreover, the cashback doesn’t expire.
📌 UnionBank Platinum Mastercard Travel Benefits
- Cashback when you spend during travels
- Unlimited lounge access to Marhaba and PAGSS
- Worldwide acceptance
📌 Other Features and Benefits
- In-house installment programs
- Cash advance
- 24/7 banking
💸 Fees and Charges
- Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱50,000
- Annual fee: ₱3,000
- Interest rate: 3%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 3.525%
UnionBank Cebu Pacific Gold
✈️ Best travel credit card for: Enjoying exclusive access to Cebu Pacific sales
This is one of the best travel credit cards for frequent Cebu Pacific flyers. Use this card to earn miles and exclusive perks with the low-cost airline.
📌 UnionBank Cebu Pacific Gold Travel Benefits
- 1 Go Rewards Point per ₱200 spend
- 1 Go Rewards point for every ₱100 spent at Cebu Pacific
- Automatic transfer of points to your Go Rewards number
- Exclusive access to Cebu Pacific seat sales
- Worldwide acceptance
📌 Other Features and Benefits
- 1 Go Rewards Point = ₱1
- 24/7 banking
- Cash advance
- In-house installment programs
💸 Fees and Charges
- Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱30,000
- Annual fee: ₱3,000
- Interest rate: 3%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 3%
UnionBank Cebu Pacific Platinum
✈️ Best travel credit card for: Enjoying exclusive access to Cebu Pacific sales and availing of airport lounge access
If you consistently fly with Cebu Pacific, you might as well get this credit card. Like the card above, it earns Go Rewards points and offers access to exclusive Cebu Pacific perks and benefits. You also get travel insurance and unlimited lounge access to Marhaba and PAGSS.
📌 UnionBank Cebu Pacific Platinum Travel Benefits
- 1 Go Rewards point for every ₱100 spend at Cebu Pacific
- Unlimited lounge access to Marhaba and PAGSS
- Travel insurance worth up to ₱10 million
- Early notifications on Cebu Pacific seat sales
📌 Other Features and Benefits
- 1 Go Rewards point for every ₱200 spend
- 1 Go Rewards point = ₱1
- Automatic crediting of points
- 24/7 banking
💸 Fees and Charges
- Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱50,000
- Annual fee: ₱5,000
- Interest rate: 3%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 2%
Read more: UnionBank Credit Card Promos for New Cardholders, Travelers, and More
Metrobank Platinum Mastercard®
✈️ Best travel credit card for: Dining at premium restaurants around the world
With the Metrobank Platinum Mastercard®, earn 1 point for every ₱20 spend. Use the points to redeem air miles and other rewards. If you're into gastronomic adventures, you can also enjoy up to 50% off on premium dining offers.
📌 Metrobank Platinum Mastercard® Travel Benefits
- 1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend, redeemable for air miles
- Up to 50% off on premium dining offers
📌 Other Features and Benefits
- E-commerce purchase protection of up to US$200
- Free first supplementary card
💸 Fees and Charges
- Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱58,333
- Annual fee: ₱5,000 (waived for the first year)
- Interest rate: 3%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: Mastercard assessment fee plus 2.5% processing fee
Metrobank World Mastercard®
✈️ Best travel credit card for: Enjoying premium perks while traveling
If you love traveling luxuriously, consider the Metrobank World Mastercard®. Get 2x rewards points for international purchases and enjoy exclusive access to airport deals.
📌 Metrobank World Mastercard® Travel Benefits
- 1 air mile per ₱17 foreign currency spend
- 1 air mile per ₱50 in other spending categories
📌 Other Features and Benefits
- 1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend
- Up to 50% off on luxury dining deals
💸 Fees and Charges
- Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱125,000
- Annual fee: ₱6,000 (waived for the first year)
- Interest rate: 3%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: Mastercard assessment fee plus 2.5% processing fee
🎁 Free Gift from Moneymax: Cash Credits, Dolce Gusto Genio S Basic, Sony WH-CH520, JBL Go 4, or Xiaomi Redmi Bluetooth Soundbar
Eligible cards: Metrobank Titanium Mastercard®, Platinum Mastercard®, and World Mastercard®
Promo period: Until September 30, 2024
How do you get a Metrobank credit card welcome gift? Simple! Just apply and get approved for any eligible card through the Moneymax website.
Choose between a Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio S Basic worth ₱7,199; Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones worth ₱3,299; JBL Go 4 Ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker worth ₱2,599; or Xiaomi Redmi Bluetooth Soundbar worth ₱2,499; or Giftaway cash credits worth ₱2,500.
This Moneymax Metrobank eGift/Dolce Gusto/Sony/JBL/Xiaomi promo runs until September 30, 2024 only. Hurry and apply now!
Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-199163 Series of 2024. Terms and conditions apply.
Note: Applicant must be an existing credit cardholder in good standing for at least six months.
🎁 Free Gift from Moneymax: Giftaway Cash Credits, JBL Flip 6, or Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS
Eligible cards: HSBC Red Mastercard, Live+ Credit Card
Promo period: Until September 30, 2024
Not an HSBC credit cardholder yet? Apply for an eligible HSBC card through Moneymax during the promo period (and get approved subsequently) to receive an exciting welcome gift! Choose from free Giftaway cash credits worth ₱3,000, a JBL Flip 6 worth ₱7,499, or a Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS worth ₱5,199.
This Moneymax HSBC Giftaway/JBL/Dolce Gusto promo runs until September 30, 2024 only. Hurry and apply now!
Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-201324 Series of 2024. Terms and conditions apply.
Security Bank Platinum Mastercard
Security Bank World Mastercard
✈️ Best travel credit card for: Traveling and shopping safely and conveniently
Enjoy peace of mind with the Security Bank World Mastercard,[2] which comes with free travel insurance and e-commerce purchase protection. Relax and enjoy access to more than 1,300 lounges in over 500 airports worldwide and exclusive dining, spa, and retail offers from select airport merchants.
📌 Security Bank World Mastercard Travel Benefits
- Free travel medical insurance worth up to US$100,000 with COVID-19 coverage
- Unlimited access to A Lounge, Marhaba Lounge, and PAGSS Lounge
- Six complimentary lounge access annually (for cardholders and guests combined) in more than 1,300 lounges in 500 airports worldwide
- Exclusive automatic cashback offers from participating stores overseas
📌 Other Features and Benefits
- 3x non-expiring rewards points for every ₱20 spend
- Up to US$200 coverage with Mastercard E-Commerce Purchase Protection
- Exclusive discounts from participating shops and restaurants
💸 Fees and Charges
- Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱250,000
- Annual fee: ₱5,000 (waived for the first year)
- Interest rate: 3%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 1% Mastercard assessment fee plus 1.5% service fee
Read more: Credit Card Battle: Security Bank Platinum vs World Mastercard Review
BPI Platinum Rewards Card
✈️ Best travel credit card for: Looking for an affordable way to fly
Do you travel abroad at least once or twice a year? Get the best of both worlds—premium perks and affordability—when you book your trips with a BPI Platinum Rewards Card.
It offers loads of exclusive travel deals on top of a fast rewards earn rate. That means you can easily accumulate airline miles for free flights.
📌 BPI Platinum Rewards Card Travel Benefits
- 2 BPI Points for every spend on foreign transactions abroad or online worth ₱20
- Low forex conversion rate of just 1.85%
- Up to ₱10 million in travel insurance coverage
- 0% interest on airline installment all year round
- Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide; up to four free lounge access annually
📌 Other Features and Benefits
- 2 BPI Points for every local spend worth ₱30
- Up to 180 days of purchase protection insurance
💸 Fees and Charges
- Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱83,333.33
- Annual fee: ₱4,000
- Interest rate: 3%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 1.85%
BPI Signature Card
Petron BPI Card
🚗 Best travel credit card for: Going on road trips
With constantly increasing fuel prices, weekend warriors who conquer dirt roads and surf the waves of local beaches need the Petron BPI Card. Enjoy a 3% rebate every time you gas up at any participating Petron gasoline station nationwide.
📌Petron BPI Card Travel Benefits
- 3% rebate at participating Petron stations in the Philippines
- Maximum fuel rebate of ₱15,000 per year
- ₱200 fuel voucher as a welcome gift
- Credit limit convertible to cash
📌 Other Features and Benefits
- Buy Now, Pay Later program
- Additional Bonus Madness limit for installment
💸 Fees and Charges
- Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱15,000
- Annual fee: ₱1,550
- Interest rate: 3%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 1.85%
UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa
✈️ Best travel credit card for: Earning miles and redeeming points easily
With a fully loaded travel program, UnionBank Miles + Platinum Visa holders can earn points for every travel expense. You can also opt to redeem your miles points to waive credit card fees or pay for your next trip.
📌 UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa Travel Benefits
- 1 point for every ₱25 spend
- 1.5 points for every ₱25 travel-related expense
- Unlimited pre-departure access to the lounges of Marhaba and PAGSS
- Free travel insurance for up to ₱10 million
- Worldwide acceptance
📌 Other Features and Benefits
- Cash advance
- In-house installment programs
💸 Fees and Charges
- Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱50,000
- Annual fee: ₱3,000 (free for the first year)
- Interest rate: 3%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 2%
Metrobank Travel Platinum Visa
✈️ Best travel credit card for: Earning miles and spending overseas
Frequent international travelers can rack up air miles quickly using the Metrobank Travel Platinum Visa with its low spend-per-mile conversion.
📌 Metrobank Travel Platinum Visa Travel Benefits
- 1 mile per ₱17 spent overseas and on airlines and hotels
- 1 mile per ₱50 in other spending categories
📌 Other Features and Benefits
- Free first supplementary credit card
💸 Fees and Charges
- Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱58,333
- Annual fee: ₱5,000 (waived for the first year)
- Interest rate: 3%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: Visa assessment fee plus 2.50% processing fee
RCBC AirAsia Credit Card
✈️ Best travel credit card for: Earning AirAsia Points and enjoying exclusive AirAsia privileges
A co-branded credit card between RCBC and AirAsia, the AirAsia Credit Card offers generous perks for loyal customers of the budget airline.
This is one of the best travel credit cards in the Philippines as cardholders get VIP treatment for their AirAsia flights. They get to check in, board the plane, and pick up their baggage ahead of other customers.
📌 RCBC AirAsia Credit Card Travel Benefits
- Welcome gift of 8,000 AirAsia Points upon spending ₱20,000 within 60 days of issuance
- 1 point for every ₱22 international spend
- Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage on AirAsia flights
- Free flights or vouchers from Lazada, SM Gift Pass, Grab, and more redeemable with AirAsia BIG Points
- Worldwide acceptance
- Bonus travel limit
📌 Other Features and Benefits
- Straight purchases convertible to installments for up to 36 months
- 0% installment on purchases made abroad
- Balance transfer
💸 Fees and Charges
- Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱20,833
- Annual fee: ₱3,600
- Interest rate: 3%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.25% to 3.50%
RCBC Flex Visa
✈️ Best travel credit card for: Enjoying flexibility when earning points
The RCBC Flex Visa is the best travel credit card in the Philippines for young professionals or credit card newbies who want sophisticated features. This card lets you earn 2x rewards points on your preferred spending categories. It even lets you switch categories every billing cycle.
Charge your international travel-related expenses to this card and get free travel insurance. Moreover, the RCBC Flex Visa gives you access to airport lounges at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3.
📌 RCBC Flex Visa Travel Benefits
- 2x rewards points in two chosen spending categories: travel, dining, clothing, and transportation
- Free flights via the AIRMILES Program
- Access to PAGSS Lounge at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3
- 0% installment for purchases abroad
- Free travel insurance
- Bonus travel limit
- Worldwide acceptance
📌 Other Features and Benefits
- Conversion of straight purchases to installment for up to 36 months
- Cash loan
💸 Fees and Charges
- Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱15,000
- Annual fee: ₱1,500
- Interest rate: 3%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.25% to 3.5%
RCBC Visa Platinum
✈️ Best travel credit card for: Earning miles with your preferred airline
The RCBC Visa Platinum is the best travel credit card in the Philippines for holidaymakers who want lavish trips. Majority of its features scream luxury. Case in point: 24/7 Visa concierge, preferred air miles, and generous travel insurance coverage.
📌 RCBC Visa Platinum Travel Benefits
- 1 PREFERRED AIRMILE for ₱25 spend, overseas or online
- 1 PREFERRED AIRMILE for ₱48 local spend
- 1 PREFERRED AIRMILE = 1 point Asia Miles/Mabuhay MIles/AirAsia Rewards
- Unlimited access to PAGSS Lounge
- Free travel insurance worth up to ₱5 million
- 0% installment on purchases abroad
- Bonus travel limit
- Worldwide acceptance
📌 Other Features and Benefits
- E-Commerce purchase protection
- Cash loan
💸 Fees and Charges
- Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱100,000
- Annual fee: ₱5,000
- Interest rate: 3%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.25% to 3.5%
PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard
✈️ Best travel credit card for: Earning PAL Mabuhay Miles and enjoying exclusive PAL privileges
This PNB card is one of the best travel credit cards for collecting Mabuhay Miles and enjoying exclusive perks when flying with PAL. It also has an option for dual currency billing that bills overseas purchases in US Dollars and local purchases in Philippine Peso, which means savings when you use your credit card abroad.
📌 PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard Travel Benefits
- Welcome gift of 2,000 PAL Mabuhay Miles upon card activation
- Additional free 10,000 Mabuhay Miles when you make ₱100,000 worth of PAL transactions within 1 year from the date of card issuance[3]
- 1 point = 1 mile
- Priority check-in at PAL Business Class counters in NAIA Terminals
- 5% discount on select PAL international flights booked via the PAL website
- Dual currency billing option
- Free travel insurance coverage of up to ₱10 million
- Worldwide acceptance
📌 Other Features and Benefits
- Up to ₱250,000 free purchase protection insurance
- Up to ₱250,000 fraud transaction insurance for just ₱120 per year
- Domestic concierge service on dining, entertainment, travel reservations, and other concerns
💸 Fees and Charges
- Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱200,000
- Annual fee: ₱6,000
- Interest rate: 3%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.50%
Maybank Platinum Visa
✈️ Best travel credit card for: Shopping overseas
If you’re the kind of traveler who loves shopping abroad, the Maybank Platinum Visa might be the best travel credit card in the Philippines for you. It’s also easy to collect miles with this travel card, thanks to its ₱50 spend = 1 mile conversion.
📌 Maybank Platinum Visa Travel Benefits
- 1% cashback on all overseas purchases with an annual cap of ₱12,000
- Low foreign currency transaction fee at 1.80%
- Accepted worldwide in over 20 million locations
- Access to 100 exclusive golf clubs in 23 countries
📌 Other Features and Benefits
- 1 TreatsPoint for every ₱25 spend
- Redeemable cash credit and miles
- SMS for each approved transaction anywhere in the world
💸 Fees and Charges
- Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱50,000
- Annual fee: ₱3,500
- Interest rate: 3%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 1.80%
EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer World Mastercard
✈️ Best travel credit card for: Earning miles with Singapore Airlines and Scoot
Love Singapore Airlines’ services? If so, get the EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer World Mastercard to enjoy exclusive benefits, such as fast spend-to-miles conversion rates that also apply to Scoot. Other features include free travel insurance and a low currency conversion fee.
📌 EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer World Mastercard Travel Benefits
- 3 KrisFlyer miles for every ₱45 spend (Singapore Airlines, Scoot, and KrisShop)
- Comprehensive travel insurance of up to ₱20 million
- Access to Mastercard Priceless Experiences
- Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges globally
📌 Other Features and Benefits
- Free supplementary card
- 0% installment at select establishments
- Cash advance of up to 70% of the credit limit
💸 Fees and Charges
- Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱100,000
- Annual fee: ₱4,000
- Interest rate: 3%
- Foreign currency transaction fee: 1.7%
What is the Best Credit Card for Travel in the Philippines?
Can't choose the best credit card for travelers? We sorted out the cards according to their features. Check them out below:
👉 Travel Credit Cards with Free Airport Lounge Access
If you’re looking for a credit card with free airport lounge access in the Philippines, consider the following:
- UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa
- UnionBank Platinum Mastercard
- UnionBank Cebu Pacific Platinum Mastercard
- Security Bank Platinum Mastercard
- Security Bank World Mastercard
- BPI Platinum Rewards Card
- BPI Signature Card
👉 Travel Credit Cards with Free Travel Insurance
To avail of this coverage, make sure you purchase the airline ticket using the travel credit card.
- UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa
- UnionBank Cebu Pacific Platinum Mastercard
- HSBC Platinum Visa Rebate
- Security Bank World Mastercard
- Security Bank Platinum Mastercard
- BPI Platinum Rewards Card
- BPI Signature Card
- RCBC Flex Visa
- RCBC Visa Platinum
- PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard
- EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer World Mastercard
Final Thoughts
These are some of your options for the best travel credit card in the Philippines. If you still can't decide which one fits your needs, you can compare credit cards, choose the right one, and apply for a credit card right here via Moneymax. It's quick, easy, and free!
Sources:
- [1] UnionBank Platinum Mastercard
- [2] Security Bank World Mastercard
- [3] PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard
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