New to Credit Cards? Here are 16 Best Credit Cards for Beginners

Adulting is both a scary and exciting journey, especially for those who plan to build their credit history and achieve financial independence. For this, credit cards are one of the best financial tools you can use. 

Applying for a credit card sounds intimidating and complicated, but fortunately, there are cards for beginners with no credit history yet. These starter credit cards may offer low credit limits or limited perks, but they serve their purpose—helping you build credit and manage finances better. 

To help you choose your budgeting and spending partner, here’s what you need to know about credit cards for beginners in the Philippines.

How to Choose a Credit Card for Beginners: 4 Features to Look for

Looking for the best credit cards for first-timers? Since this is your first time, let’s trim down your options. Here are the things you should look for when choosing the best credit card for beginners in the Philippines:

🔎 Low Annual Fee

Consider credit cards with annual fees not exceeding ₱3,000 to save money. Ideally, choose one with no annual fees for life.

If you get approved for a card with an annual membership fee, try to find out how you can waive the fees. Most credit card issuers set conditions for waiving annual fees.

For example, you may need to meet a minimum spend requirement, enroll a biller, or get a supplementary card. Ask your credit card issuer first before submitting your credit card application.

🔎 Low Credit Card Fees

Before picking the best credit card for first-timers, focus on the two most common fees: late payment fee and overlimit fee.

You get charged a late payment fee when your payment is not posted on time, and an overlimit fee when you spend more than your credit limit. To avoid these fees, pay all your credit card dues on time and keep your credit card usage low. 

Other fees you should keep note of include foreign transaction fees (if you’re traveling abroad), annual percentage rates, and balance transfer fees.

🔎 Your Preferred Credit Card Perks

Most credit cards for beginners in the Philippines don't offer as many privileges as premium ones. Still, you can find cards with perks that appeal to you, whether you want rewards on shopping, travel, dining, or any other spending category.

Online personal finance platforms like Moneymax can also help you assess the best credit cards for starters based on your needs, according to HSBC Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing Anya Katigbak-Cajucom.

"If you're a beginner, they can provide you with the list of where you can apply for first-timer cards," Anya said. "Having a good relationship with the bank would also weigh in, and it's a big difference when you do have a relationship with the bank. Each bank, depending on the relationship, can provide you with your new card."

Related reading: Pick Your Welcome Gift: 17 Hottest Promos for New Credit Cardholders

🔎 Security Features

When choosing the best credit card for first-timers, find out which bank implements the best security measures. This way, you're assured there won't be any unauthorized transactions by hackers and scammers using your credit card account.

Look for crucial security features, such as the following:

• Chip technology - An embedded microcomputer technology that stores information and can’t be counterfeited
• Zero Liability Policy - Available in both Mastercard and Visa credit cards. It ensures cardholders will not be responsible for paying fraudulent charges made with their credit card
• Anti-phishing initiatives - Visa's anti-phishing measures encourage cardholders to report emails and websites posing to be connected with Visa
• Identity theft resolution - A measure through which cardholders can easily cancel a compromised credit card
• Account Information Security Program - A program that eliminates unnecessary information and data storage in compliance with the PCI Security Standards Council^[1]
• SecureCode - An added security feature at the end of every online transaction that asks for a code to be sent to your mobile number
• Verified by Visa - A global authentication program that lets Visa verify the card user's identity in real-time
• Tokenization - Replaces your Mastercard account number with a token that can be used safely for all contactless payments

16 Best Credit Cards for Beginners in the Philippines

Here's a glance at a few of the top credit cards for newbies:

Credit Card for First-Timers	Features and Benefits
UnionBank Rewards Credit Card	Monthly income requirement: ₱15,000 Interest rate: 3% Perks: 3x points when you shop and dine here and abroad 1 never-expiring point per ₱30 spend
Metrobank Titanium Mastercard®	Monthly income requirement: ₱15,000 Interest rate: 3% Perks: 2x rewards points on dining, department store, and online purchases 1 point for every ₱20 spend
Security Bank Gold Mastercard	Monthly income requirement: ₱30,000 Interest rate: 3% Perks: 1 rewards point per ₱20 spend Secure online shopping with SecureCode
BPI Rewards Card	Monthly income requirement: ₱15,000 Interest rate: 3% Perks: 1 BPI Point per ₱35 spend Up to 36 months of installment terms Up to ₱2 million travel insurance coverage
BPI Edge Card	Monthly income requirement: ₱15,000 Interest rate: 3% Perks: 1 BPI point per ₱50 spend Flexible installment plans and payment options
PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard	Monthly income requirement: ₱10,000 Interest rate: 2.5% Perks: Zero annual fees for life No late payment or overlimit fees
AUB Easy Mastercard	Monthly income requirement: ₱50,000 Interest rate: 3% Perks: No annual fees for life 0% interest on new purchases Flexible credit card payment due date
AUB Classic Mastercard	Monthly income requirement: ₱50,000 Interest rate: 3% Perks: No annual fee for life 0% interest on new purchases 1 rewards point per ₱50 spend

Know more about these and the rest of the best cards for beginners below.

UnionBank Rewards Credit Card

📌 UnionBank Rewards Credit Card Features and Benefits

• 1 never-expiring point for every ₱30 spend
• 3x points when you shop and dine, both here and abroad

💳 UnionBank Rewards Credit Card Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱2,500 (free for life if you apply and get approved by June 30, 2024)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,500
• Overlimit fee: ₱1,500
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

✅  UnionBank Rewards Credit Card Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• At least 21 years old
• Valid government-issued ID with photo and signature
• Proof of income (ITR, certificate of employment, etc.)

Start your credit card journey on a rewarding note with the UnionBank Rewards Visa Platinum. With this card, you earn 1 never-expiring point for every ₱30 spend. 

If you're an avid shopper or foodie, you get triple the rewards! Earn 3x points when you shop and dine here and abroad.

On top of that, you'll enjoy plenty of UnionBank credit card promos.

Metrobank Titanium Mastercard^®

📌 Metrobank Titanium Mastercard^® Features and Benefits

• 1 point for every ₱20 spend
• 2x rewards points on dining, department store, and online expenses

💳 Metrobank Titanium Mastercard^® Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱2,500 
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000
• Over credit limit fee: ₱750
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

✅ Metrobank Titanium Mastercard^® Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000 if with existing credit card; ₱29,166 if none
• At least 18 years old
• Valid TIN, SSS or GSIS Number
• Business/residence/mobile number
• Proof of income (ITR, certificate of employment, etc.)

Start your credit card rewards journey early with the Metrobank Titanium Mastercard^®. Earn 1 point for every ₱20 spend. Double the points for dining, department store, and online expenses. 

Read more: Save Big Time: 24 Metrobank Credit Card Promos for 2024

Security Bank Gold Mastercard

📌 Security Bank Gold Mastercard Features and Benefits

• 1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend
• Secure online shopping with SecureCode
• Exclusive rewards and promos all year round

💳 Security Bank Gold Mastercard Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱2,500
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: ₱500 per occurrence
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

✅ Security Bank Gold Mastercard Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱30,000 
• 21 to 65 years old
• Government-issued photo-bearing ID
• Landline number and email address
• Proof of income

If you're a credit card beginner who frequently shops online, consider the Security Bank Gold Mastercard. Enjoy safe shopping with SecureCode, a security feature that requires a one-time password every time you make online transactions. What's more, you can easily rack up rewards points with 1 point for every ₱20 spend!

Read more: Secure These Deals: 15 Security Bank Credit Card Promos for 2024

BPI Rewards Card

📌 BPI Rewards Card Features and Benefits

• 1 BPI point for every ₱35 spend
• Year-round perks from a variety of stores
• Low forex conversion rate of just 1.85%
• Flexible installment plans of up to 36 months
• Travel insurance of up to ₱2 million 

💳 BPI Rewards Card Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱1,550 (free for the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱850 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction
  

✅ BPI Rewards Card Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• At least 21 years old
• Valid ID
• Proof of income

If you're looking for a straightforward entry-level credit card, check out the BPI Rewards Card. Use it for your daily needs while getting discounts and earning rewards points in the process. Use these points to redeem airline miles, shopping credits, and gift vouchers.

Read more: Splurge and Save: 15 BPI Credit Card Promos This 2024

Petron BPI Card

📌 Petron BPI Card Features and Benefits

• 3% rebate on fuel
• Free ₱200 fuel voucher for first-time cardholders
• Low forex conversion rate of just 1.85%
• Flexible installments at partner stores
• Credit limit convertible to cash for emergencies

💳 Petron BPI Card Fees and Charges

• Monthly fee: ₱1,550 (free for the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱850 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction
  

✅ Petron BPI Card Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• At least 21 years old
• Valid ID
• Proof of income

The Petron BPI Card is perfect for young professionals who drive to work. Earn a 3% rebate on fuel (up to ₱15,000 per year). Plus, avail of a free ₱200 fuel voucher if you're a first-time cardholder. 

BPI Amore Cashback Card

📌 BPI Amore Cashback Card Features and Benefits

• 4% cashback on groceries
• 1% cashback on drugstore and utilities spend
• 0.3% cashback on other spend
• Low forex conversion rate of just 1.85%
• Flexible installments at partner stores

💳 BPI Amore Cashback Card Fees and Charges

• Monthly fee: ₱2,050 (free for the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱850 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction
  

✅ BPI Amore Cashback Card Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• At least 21 years old
• Valid ID
• Proof of income

On a budget? One of the best credit cards for budget-savvy beginners is the BPI Amore Cashback Card. While it may have a relatively high annual fee, you get to enjoy plenty of savings with its cashback on essential spend—groceries, medicines, and more. 

BPI Edge Card

📌 BPI Edge Card Features and Benefits

• 1 BPI Point for every ₱50 spend
• Low forex conversion rate of just 1.85%
• Flexible installments at partner stores

💳 BPI Edge Card Fees and Charges

• Monthly fee: ₱110 (free for the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱850 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction
  

✅ BPI Edge Card Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• At least 21 years old
• Valid ID
• Proof of income

The BPI Edge Card is perfect for young professionals who want to get the most out of their purchases. Earn 1 rewards point for every ₱50 spend and avail of exclusive deals all year round. Enjoy shopping online or abroad, thanks to BPI's forex conversion rates, one of the lowest in the market.

PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard

📌 PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard Features and Benefits

• No late payment fees, annual fees, and overlimit fees
  • No annual fee for life for all supplementary cardholders
• Low finance charge

💳 PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: No annual fee for life
• Interest rate: 2.5%
• Late payment fee: None
• Overlimit fee: None

✅ PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱10,000
• 21 to 65 years old
• Valid ID with photo and signature
• Proof of income
• Proof of billing (for those who don’t have an account with PNB) 

PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard lets you enjoy numerous perks for fewer fees. It's the perfect credit card for beginners—you won't have to pay a single centavo for late payments, annual fees, and overlimit occurrences with this card. 

PNB Visa Classic

📌 PNB Visa Classic Features and Benefits

• 1% rebate on your revolved interest
• Secure spending with Card Protect
• Pay in Philippine Peso for transactions abroad

💳 PNB Visa Classic Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱300 (free for the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: ₱500
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

✅ PNB Visa Classic Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱10,000
• 21 to 65 years old
• Valid ID with photo and signature
• Proof of income
• Proof of billing (for those who don’t have an account with PNB) 

This PNB credit card is one of the ideal credit cards for beginners because of its low annual fee and low required monthly income of only ₱10,000. It's also a good credit card for shoppers, as the card comes with safety features and a dual currency billing feature.

RCBC Flex Visa

📌 RCBC Flex Visa Features and Benefits

• 2x rewards in two preferred spending categories: dining, clothing, travel, or transportation 
• Free travel insurance
• Free access to PAGSS Lounge in Terminals 1 & 3
• 0% interest on installment purchases for up to 36 months

💳 RCBC Flex Visa Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱1,500 (free for the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱850 or the minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: ₱600
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

✅ RCBC Flex Visa Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• 21 to 65 years old
• Mobile number and office landline number
• Valid ID
• Proof of income

Ideal for traveling millennials, the RCBC Flex Visa card comes with perks like travel insurance and airport lounge access.

Earn rewards points faster in two out of four spending categories (dining, clothing, travel, or transportation). You can change your preferred categories per billing cycle. This feature alone makes it one of the best credit cards for beginners!

See also: Save Big on Your Travels With These Agoda Credit Card Promos

AUB Easy Mastercard and Classic Mastercard

📌 AUB Easy and Classic Mastercard Features and Benefits

• Choose your preferred payment frequency, due date, and minimum payment due
• 1 rewards point per ₱50 spend

💳 AUB Easy and Classic Mastercard Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: No annual fee for life
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱250 (weekly payment option) / ₱500 (semi-monthly payment option) / ₱1,000 (monthly payment option) or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: None (transactions are declined once the credit limit is exceeded)

✅ AUB Easy and Classic Mastercard Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱50,000
• 21 to 65 years old
• Valid ID or employment ID
• Mobile phone or office landline
• Active e-mail address
• At least one year of regular employment status/profitable business operation/professional practice
• Proof of income

Although it has a relatively steeper minimum income requirement, AUB's Easy Mastercard is exactly what its name implies: it's easy on the pocket with its no-annual-fee-for-life offer and flexible payment due date options.

The AUB Classic Mastercard also offers waived annual fees for life. Compared to the AUB Easy Mastercard, this credit card's only difference is that it has more minimum amount due options.

Read more: Moneymax Reviews: Comparing AUB’s Budget-Tier Credit Cards

EastWest Privilege Classic Mastercard

📌 EastWest Privilege Classic Mastercard Features and Benefits

• 1 Rewards Point for every ₱100 spend 
• Year-round discounts and deals at partner merchants 
• Accepted in over 46 million establishments in more than 200 countries

💳 EastWest Privilege Classic Mastercard Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱1,500 
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,500
• Overlimit fee: ₱500
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

✅  EastWest Privilege Classic Mastercard Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000
• At least 21 years old
• Mobile number and office landline number
• Valid government-issued ID with photo and signature
• Proof of income (ITR, certificate of employment, etc.)

This EastWest credit card is one of the best cards for first-timers who want a basic card that still lets them earn rewards on their transactions. With an EastWest Privilege Classic Mastercard, you can earn rewards at 1 point per ₱100 spend. 

EastWest Dolce Vita Titanium Mastercard

📌 EastWest Dolce Vita Titanium Mastercard Features and Benefits

• 1 Charm for every ₱100 spend 
• Year-round discounts and deals at partner merchants 
• Low foreign currency conversion fee of 1.70%

💳 EastWest Dolce Vita Titanium Mastercard Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱2,000 
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,500
• Overlimit fee: ₱500
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

✅  EastWest Dolce Vita Titanium Mastercard Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱25,000
• At least 21 years old
• Mobile number and office landline number
• Valid government-issued ID with photo and signature
• Proof of income (ITR, certificate of employment, etc.)

Earn points slowly but surely with the EastWest Dolce Vita Titanium Mastercard. For each ₱100 spend, you earn 1 Charm, which you can then exchange for merchandise, gift certificates, donations to charities, or even annual fee waivers!

Bank of Commerce Classic Mastercard

📌 Bank of Commerce Classic Mastercard Features and Benefits

• 1 rewards point for every ₱25 spend
• Up to 5x points on shopping and dining spend
• 0% installment up to 36 months

💳 Bank of Commerce Classic Mastercard Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱1,500
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: ₱500 per occurrence
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

✅ Bank of Commerce Classic Mastercard Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱10,000
• 21 to 65 years old
• Valid ID
• Home or office landline number and postpaid mobile number
• Proof of income

If you want the best credit card for beginners, the Bank of Commerce Classic Mastercard makes an ideal choice. BankCom charges a relatively low annual fee on this card, so you can save money in the process. Plus, you can earn points quickly through its generous rewards program! 

Maybank Standard Mastercard

📌 Maybank Standard Mastercard Features and Benefits

• 0% interest on installment terms with EzyPlans
• Installment plan options for retail transactions and outstanding balances

💳 Maybank Standard Mastercard Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱2,000 (free for the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Late payment fee: ₱850 or unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower
• Overlimit fee: ₱750
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

✅ Maybank Standard Mastercard Application Requirements

• Minimum monthly income: ₱16,250
• 21 to 65 years old
• Valid IDs
• Proof of income

Make hassle-free transactions wherever you are in the world with Maybank Standard Mastercard. This entry-level credit card is accepted in over 270 countries and 20 million locations.

Secured with EMV-compliant chips and one-time password security measures, Maybank Standard Mastercard is your safe payment partner for online transactions.

Final Thoughts

These credit cards for beginners in the Philippines will enable you to build your credit, which will help should you apply for loans and mortgages in the future. As long as you pay the full balance each month and avoid hidden charges, you’re on the right track.

Are the credit cards above not quite what you're looking for? Always compare credit cards to get the best one for your spending needs. Click the banner below to get started:

Source: ^[1] Official PCI Security Standards Council Site