Your Travel Buddy Abroad: Top 21 International Credit Cards

Credit cards that bear the logo of Mastercard, Visa, American Express, or Discover are accepted as payment modes for different transactions around the world. That said, you should prepare for the extra costs that come with using just a regular card instead of an international credit card.

International credit cards in the Philippines help Filipinos save money and earn rewards on purchases made abroad. Some cards have low foreign transaction fees while others have great rewards programs for overseas purchases. 

Such cards also abound with travel perks. You can find some benefits like free travel insurance and free access to airport lounges.

6 Features to Look for in an International Credit Card

Get the best international credit card in the Philippines by ticking off the following features: 

☑️ High Acceptance Rate

When getting an international credit card, consider how widely accepted it is. Visa and Mastercard are the two most commonly accepted payment networks by merchants worldwide.

In contrast, American Express and Discover—while also boasting a sizable international presence—have fewer merchants that recognize them as payment networks. 

Both card networks are working on improving their acceptance rates, but until they become as globally accepted as the other two, it's best to have a Visa or Mastercard as a backup when going abroad.

☑️ Competitive Perks and Rewards

The best international credit card for travel is one that's loaded with perks and benefits. Some credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that award you airline miles or hotel points right at the outset.

If you want a more comfortable stay at the airport, look for cards that grant access to airport lounges, where you can enjoy free Wi-Fi access, drinks, and even snacks. Some cards offer exclusive deals on hotels, restaurants, and wellness centers. 

☑️ Low Foreign Currency Transaction Fee

A foreign currency transaction fee is charged when you use a credit card abroad. Fees vary from bank to bank, but they’re normally between 1% and 5% of the amount you’ve spent. 

If you plan to use your credit card a lot abroad, choose one with a low foreign currency transaction fee. That way, you won’t have to deal with a high credit card bill afterward.

While you’re at it, make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for by checking the components of foreign transaction fees

☑️ Dual Billing Option

Choose a credit card with a dual billing feature, which allows your overseas purchases to be billed in US dollars. Purchases made in the Philippines will be billed in Philippine pesos while purchases abroad will be billed in US dollars. You can save money on your credit card bills because purchases in foreign currency are not converted to Philippine pesos.

☑️ Travel Insurance

In some instances, banks issue free travel insurance to customers when they use their credit cards to pay for their travel fares. Banks are usually generous about giving their clients comprehensive protection—from baggage loss and travel delays to trip cancellation and accidental death.

☑️ Travel Assistance

Isn't it great to receive help when you need it? Depending on the credit card provider, you may enjoy these services:

• Travel arrangements (tours, hotel, rental car, etc.)
• Restaurant reservations
• Research (nearby restaurants with the amenities you need, transportation routes, etc.)
• Assistance during emergencies (referral to an English-speaking doctor or lawyer, nearby clinic, making calls to find your lost belongings, etc.)

21 International Credit Card Options to Use Abroad

Ready to pick a new travel buddy? Here are some of the top Philippine credit cards that can be used internationally:

Credit Card	International Travel Benefits
UnionBank Cebu Pacific Platinum	1 Go Rewards Point for every ₱200 spend 1 Go Rewards Point for every ₱100 Cebu Pacific spend Early alerts to seat sales at Cebu Pacific  Up to ₱10 million travel insurance  Free airport lounge access at Marhaba and PAGSS
Metrobank Platinum Mastercard®	1 point per ₱20 spend Up to 50% off on dining deals Free e-commerce protection insurance for online purchases
Metrobank World Mastercard®	2x rewards points for international purchases 1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend 1 air mile per ₱17 foreign currency spend 1 air mile per ₱50 spend in other categories  Up to 50% off on local and international deals
Security Bank Platinum Mastercard	2 points for every ₱20 spend Dual currency billing Access to over 1,300 lounges at 500 airports worldwide  Free access to A Lounge, PAGSS Lounge, and Marhaba Lounge Up to ₱10 million travel insurance
Security Bank World Mastercard	3 points per every ₱20 spend Access to over 1,300 lounges at 500 airports worldwide Free access to A Lounge, PAGSS Lounge, and Marhaba Lounge  Up to ₱10 million travel insurance
BPI Platinum Rewards Card	2 BPI Points per ₱30 local spend or ₱20 per foreign spend Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide 0% interest installment on airline tickets  Free travel insurance up to ₱10 million

Read on for more details and options:

💳 UnionBank Cebu Pacific Gold

Best for: Travelers who frequently fly with Cebu Pacific

Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 1 Go Rewards Point for every ₱200 spend
• 1 Go Rewards Point for every ₱100 Cebu Pacific spend
• Early alerts to seat sales at Cebu Pacific 
• Automatic crediting of points

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱3,000
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 3%
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction 

The UnionBank Cebu Pacific Gold is one of the Philippine credit cards that can be used internationally. If you always fly with Cebu Pacific, this card is perfect for a couple of reasons: it earns 1 Go Rewards Point for every ₱100 spend in Cebu Pacific and offers first dibs on flight discounts with early alerts to Cebu Pacific seat sales. 

Still, the UnionBank Cebu Pacific Gold card is not just for scoring Cebu Pacific perks. It also lets you access a multitude of discounts and freebies at restaurants, shopping, and service outlets. With the card’s 24/7 banking, you can check your balances and pay your bills anytime, anywhere. 

💳 UnionBank Cebu Pacific Platinum 

Best for: Travelers who frequently fly with Cebu Pacific and want to enjoy more travel perks

Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 1 Go Rewards Point for every ₱200 spend
• 1 Go Rewards Point for every ₱100 Cebu Pacific spend
• Early alerts to seat sales at Cebu Pacific 
• Up to ₱10 million travel insurance 
• Unlimited pre-departure lounge access to the Marhaba Lounge at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3
• Automatic crediting of points 

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱5,000
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2%
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction 

Just like its Gold variant, the UnionBank Cebu Pacific Platinum card earns 1 Go Rewards Point for every ₱100 Cebu Pacific spend and ₱200 spend in other categories. With this card, you can also easily access Cebu Pacific seat sales. 

This upgraded version of the UnionBank Cebu Pacific credit card offers more features and perks. For one, you get free airport lounge access and travel insurance, which you can enjoy when you book airline tickets with this credit card. 

Your UnionBank Cebu Pacific Platinum credit card’s in-house installment feature lets you convert your straight retail transactions, get cash from your credit limit, and make balance transfers from your non-UnionBank credit card. 

💳 HSBC Gold Visa Cash Back 

Best for: Credit card newbies who want to start traveling locally and internationally

Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 1% cash back on overseas spend
• 5% cash back on dining spend 
• 0.5% cash back on all other transactions
• Access to HSBC’s home&Away Privilege Programme, where you can enjoy travel perks at various shops and merchants worldwide

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱2,500 (waived in the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.50% of the converted amount plus 1% Visa assessment fee
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction 

If you’re looking for an international credit card with a relatively affordable annual fee, the HSBC Gold Visa Cash Back is one of your best bets. Use it abroad and get 1% cashback on your purchases there. For dining transactions, get 5% cashback automatically credited to your account monthly.

Globetrotters can access the bank’s home&Away Privilege Programme.^[1] This entitles you to exclusive travel perks at more than 27,000 establishments across 160 countries, regions, and territories worldwide. 

Read more: Moneymax Reviews: Earn Your Cash Back with HSBC Gold Visa Cash Back

💳 Metrobank Platinum Mastercard^®

Best for: Travelers who want to experience the finer things in life and earn points fast

Key Features and Travel Perks

• 1 point per ₱20 spend
• Up to 50% off on dining deals
• Free first supplementary card 
• Free e-commerce protection insurance for online purchases 

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱5,000 (waived in the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.50% processing fee plus 1.5% cross border service fee
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

The Metrobank Platinum Mastercard^® is the best credit card for international use if you’re a foodie. Use it to enjoy up to 50% off on dining offers. 

Enjoy spending with your Metrobank Platinum Mastercard^®, thanks to rewards such as personal gadgets, air miles, gifts for kids, and even donations to charities.

If you’re thinking of getting your loved one a credit card before the trip, apply for a supplementary Metrobank Platinum Mastercard^®. The first supplementary card is free. 

💳 Metrobank World Mastercard^®

Best for: Frequent international flyers and foodies 

Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 2x rewards points for international purchases
• 1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend
• 1 air mile per ₱17 foreign currency spend
• 1 air mile per ₱50 spend in other categories 
• Up to 50% off on local and international deals 
• Free first two supplementary cards for life

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱6,000 (waived in the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.50% processing fee plus 1.5% cross border service fee
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

Narrow your search for Philippine credit cards that can be used internationally with the Metrobank World Mastercard^®. As the name implies, this credit card gives you the keys to a world of privileges, as long as you can afford its steep ₱6,000 annual fee. 

Among other things, this premium credit card earns air miles for both foreign and local transactions. This premium credit card also provides access to exclusive services. For example, the Metrobank World Mastercard^® entitles you to two free airport lounge passes via Dragon Pass. 

Aside from the usual travel perks, this credit card also allows you to sift through a bunch of exciting Metrobank credit card promos.

💳 Security Bank Platinum Mastercard

Best for: Globetrotters who prefer to travel in comfort

Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 2 points for every ₱20 spend
• Dual currency billing
• Automatic cash back from participating overseas merchants
• Access to over 1,300 lounges at 500 airports worldwide 
• Free access to  A Lounge, PAGSS Lounge, and Marhaba Lounge
• Up to ₱10 million travel insurance

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱4,000 (waived in the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 1.50% service fee plus 1% Mastercard assessment fee
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

The Security Bank Platinum Mastercard offers a relatively low foreign currency transaction fee of 2.5%. That rate doesn’t sound too bad considering all the international travel perks this credit card can give you.

Aside from exclusive Security Bank credit card promos, the Security Bank Platinum Mastercard also gives you free access to three local airport lounges: A Lounge,^[2] PAGSS Lounge, and Marhaba Lounge. You also get free insurance of up to ₱10 million when you use this credit card to book international flights.

💳 Security Bank World Mastercard

Best for: Travelers who love shopping abroad and want to earn points fast

Key Features and Travel Perks

• 3 points per every ₱20 spend
• Automatic cash back from participating overseas merchants 
• Up to ₱10 million travel insurance
• Access to over 1,300 lounges at 500 airports worldwide
• Free access to A Lounge, PAGSS Lounge, and Marhaba Lounge 

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱5,000
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 1.50% service fee plus 1% Mastercard assessment fee
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

The Security Bank World Mastercard makes a perfect travel buddy if you’re a shopaholic since it comes with automatic cash back at participating shops abroad.

The Security Bank World Mastercard is also all about exclusivity. Enjoy exclusive Mastercard discounts at select merchants and restaurants. 

Wielding it gives you access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. If you book your airline tickets using this card, you get free travel insurance worth up to ₱10 million.

💳 BPI Signature Card

Best for: Travelers who want lavish experiences for less

Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 2 BPI Points per ₱20 spend
• Up to ₱20 million travel accident and inconvenience benefit
• Complimentary access to PAGSS lounges at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3
• Premium assistance via Visa Concierge
• Exclusive 50% off deals on dining, hotels, resorts, fitness studios, and wellness centers, all year round

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱5,500
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 0.85% of the converted amount plus 1% assessment fee of Mastercard/Visa
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

“Can I use my BPI credit card abroad?” Definitely!

For one, the BPI Signature Card comes with a lot of travel-related perks, starting with low foreign currency transaction fees. The BPI Signature Card also provides access to special BPI credit card promos that could save you up to 50% on dining and accommodation here and abroad. And if you want to relax before your flight, this credit card gives you access to the PAGSS lounge at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3.

Use this credit card more often and easily earn points with every ₱20 spend. 

💳 BPI Platinum Rewards Card

Best for: Travelers who love shopping abroad

Key Features and Travel Perks

• 2 BPI Points per ₱30 local spend or ₱20 per foreign spend
• Non-expiring points for shopping eGCs, shopping credits, dining eGCs, and miles
• Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
• 0% interest installment on airline tickets 
• Free travel insurance up to ₱10 million

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱4,000 
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 0.85% of the converted amount plus 1% assessment fee of Mastercard/Visa
• Cash advance fee: ₱200

The BPI Platinum Rewards Card is another international credit card that will make your trip abroad convenient and worry-free. If you need a budget boost for your airfare, use this card to enjoy 0% interest installment for up to six months. Furthermore, it entitles you to free travel insurance worth up to ₱10 million. 

The BPI Platinum Rewards Card gives you access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. It also grants you up to four complimentary passes yearly. 

Need help with your credit card abroad? Enjoy the priority lane at BPI Contact Center’s 24/7 assistance.

💳 UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa

Best for: Travelers who want to earn points fast

Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 1.5 points per ₱25 travel-related spend
• 1 point per ₱25 spend elsewhere
• Unlimited pre-departure lounge access to Marhaba and PAGSS at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3
• Up to ₱10 million travel insurance
• 24/7 customer service

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱3,000
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2% 
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

With its premium travel perks, the UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa is a good choice if you’re in the market for the best international credit card in the Philippines. If you earn enough Miles+ points, you can redeem them as cash back, airline miles, or fee waivers. 

Travel without worry, as you’ll receive free travel insurance worth up to ₱10 million when you charge your airfare to the UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa card. Plus, you get to kick back and wait for your next flight in world-class airport lounges at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3. 

💳 Metrobank Travel Platinum Visa

Best for: Travelers who want to earn points fast

Key Features and Travel Perks

• 1 mile per ₱17 spend on hotels, airlines, and foreign currency transactions
• 1 mile per ₱50 spend across other categories
• Free first supplementary card 

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱5,000 (waived in the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.50% processing fee plus 1.5% cross border service fee
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

The Metrobank Travel Platinum Visa is one of the best credit cards for international transactions. Use it to earn miles fast, as every ₱17 spent on airlines, hotels, and foreign currency is equivalent to one mile. 

This credit card also gives you access to exclusive Metrobank travel promos. Depending on the bank’s partnership, you may get free lounge access, flight discounts, hotel discounts, and even cash back! 

💳 RCBC Visa Infinite

Best for: Luxury travelers who shop a lot abroad

Key Features and Travel Perks

• 5x rewards points on overseas in-store and online spend
• 3x rewards points on local online spend
• Non-expiring points that can be redeemed for air miles, shopping vouchers, and donations to charities
• 100,000 rewards points as a welcome gift for new cardholders
• Free travel insurance 
• Unlimited free access to PAGSS Lounge at NAIA Terminals and 3

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱6,000
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 3.5% inclusive of the bank’s service fee and Visa assessment fee
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

The RCBC Visa Infinite is the best credit card to use abroad because it earns 5x rewards points for overseas spend. This is not limited to international spend—you can also get the same rebate when shopping abroad in the Philippines. 

More travel perks await—free travel insurance, Complimentary Priority Pass™ membership, and exclusive access to the PAGSS Lounge. Plus, you get to enjoy special RCBC credit card promos everywhere in the world.

💳 RCBC Visa Platinum 

Best for: Luxury travelers who want to earn miles quickly

Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 1 Preferred Airmile for every ₱25 overseas spend; ₱48 for local spend
• Access to airport lounges worldwide
• Unlimited free access to PAGSS Lounge at NAIA Terminals and 3
• Free travel insurance of up to ₱5 million
• 24/7 Visa concierge service accessible worldwide
• e-Commerce purchase protection insurance of up to US$1,000 per year

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱5,000 (waived in the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee:  3.5% inclusive of the bank’s service fee and Visa assessment fee
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

If you want to own the best credit card to use abroad in the Philippines, then the RCBC Visa Platinum should be your next credit card. 

Why? Two words: Preferred Airmiles. You get to earn air miles faster because you need to spend only ₱25 abroad to earn a Preferred Airmile. 

Not only that, but the RCBC Visa Platinum also provides access to airport lounges worldwide, a 24/7 Visa concierge service for all your travel-related needs and queries accessible worldwide, and free travel insurance of up to ₱5 million. So before your next adventure out of the country, make sure this credit card is in your pocket.

💳 RCBC JCB Platinum 

Best for: Luxury tourists who frequently travel to Japan

Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 1 rewards point for every ₱25 spend in Japan and ₱36 local spend
• Free use of LoungeKey service at JCB-selected lounges worldwide
• Access to JCB Plaza Lounges in Japan 
• Unlimited free access to PAGSS International Lounge at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3
• Up to ₱1 million travel insurance

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱3,600 (waived in the first year)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 3.5% inclusive of the bank’s service fee and JCB assessment fee
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

If you’re looking for the best international credit card for travels to Japan, the RCBC JCB Platinum has a lot to offer. This card provides access to JCB Plaza Lounges in Japan and unique shopping and dining deals. 

When you shop in Japan, earn 1 rewards point for every ₱25 spend. Points can be exchanged for air miles, shopping vouchers, cash rebates, and even cash credit. 

Use your RCBC JCB Platinum card for all your international travel-related needs to enjoy free travel insurance of up to ₱1 million and free purchase protection. 

💳 PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles NOW Mastercard

Best for: Credit card newbies who want to start traveling abroad

Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 1 rewards point per ₱58 spend
• 1,000 Mabuhay Miles welcome gift 
• Exclusive year-round PAL online discount
• Pay your bills in peso even for foreign transactions
• Free annual fee for life for all your supplementary credit cards

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱1,000 (waived on the first three years)
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.50% of the converted amount using Mastercard's, Visa’s, or UnionPay’s exchange rate of the day
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction 

With its affordable annual fee, the PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles NOW Mastercard is ideal for new travelers and credit cardholders who want to enjoy Philippine Airlines’ exclusive privileges and discounts. Once you get approved for this card, you receive a welcome gift of 1,000 Mabuhay Miles. If you keep using your card, you can accumulate even more Mabuhay Miles. 

Get free travel insurance worth up to ₱1 million when you charge your roundtrip sea, land, and air fares to your credit card. The card also entitles you to free purchase protection insurance worth up to ₱250,000 every year.

💳 PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles Platinum Mastercard

Best for: Travelers who frequently fly with Philippine Airlines

Key Features and Travel Perks

• 1 rewards point per ₱48 spend
• 2,000 Mabuhay Miles as a welcome gift
• Additional free 10,000 Mabuhay Miles when you spend at PAL
• Year-round 5% discount on select international flights booked via the PAL website
• Dual currency billing option

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱3,000 
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.50% of the converted amount using Mastercard's, Visa’s, or UnionPay’s exchange rate of the day
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

The PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles Platinum Mastercard is the best credit card to use abroad from the Philippines, especially if you fly frequently with Philippine Airlines. Once you get your hands on this card, you’ll receive a welcome gift in the form of 2,000 Mabuhay Miles. 

Spend with PAL and get an additional 10,000 Mabuhay Miles. On top of that, enjoy a 5% discount on select international flights when you book via the official PAL website. 

You also don’t have to worry about exchange rates, as the PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles Platinum Card comes with a dual billing feature.

💳 PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard

Best for: Luxury travelers who frequently fly with Philippine Airlines

Key Features and Travel Perks

• 1 rewards point per ₱30 to ₱38 spend
• 2,000 Mabuhay Miles as a welcome gift for new cardholders
• Additional free 10,000 Mabuhay Miles when you spend at PAL
• Year-round 5% discount on select international flights booked via the PAL website
• Priority check-in at PAL Business Class Counters at NAIA 1, 2, and 3
• World Assist travel and medical concierge service
• Dual currency billing option

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱6,000
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 2.50% of the converted amount using Mastercard's, Visa’s, or UnionPay’s exchange rate of the day
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

The PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard is also a good credit card for international use. For one, you get 2,000 Mabuhay Miles right out of the gate simply by getting this credit card. Use this to book PAL flights and receive an additional 10,000 Mabuhay Miles when your PAL transactions reach ₱100,000.

Now, this is a travel credit card worth getting! Aside from the free air miles, you also get to earn 1 point for every spend starting at ₱30. Keep earning points because 1 point earns 1 Mabuhay Mile to add to your air miles collection. Pair that with special PNB credit card promos, and your travel experience won’t ever be the same again.

💳 EastWest Platinum Mastercard

Best for: Luxury travelers who nevertheless want to save on credit card annual fees and currency conversion fees

Key Features and Travel Perks 

• Exclusive perks with Mastercard Priceless^TM Experiences
• 24/7 Mastercard worldwide concierge service
• Up to ₱20 million travel insurance
• Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide 

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: Waived for life 
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 1.7%
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction 

A credit card for international use without annual membership fees? Say hello to the EastWest Platinum Mastercard! Both principal and supplementary cards’ annual fees are perpetually waived, giving you one less expense to worry about. 

Use this card as your shopping buddy abroad since it comes with a low foreign currency conversion fee of 1.7%! Elevate your holiday with Mastercard Priceless^TM Experiences, a program that lets you access high-end pursuits, such as food, retail finds, and wellness in major cities abroad. 

Need help? The Mastercard Concierge Service offers 24/7 worldwide assistance on shopping, dining, medical care, and even emergency services. 

And if you book your international air, land, and sea travel fares with your card, you and your family will be covered with up to ₱20 million worth of travel insurance. 

💳 EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Platinum Mastercard

Best for: Luxury travelers who frequently fly with Singapore Airlines

Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 3 KrisFlyer miles for every ₱45 spend with Singapore Airlines, Scoot, and KrisShop 
• 3 KrisFlyer miles for every ₱45 spend with international/cross-border, hotel, travel agency, airline, online and international cash advance 
• 1 KrisFlyer mile for every ₱45 local spend
• 3,000 KrisFlyer miles for ₱100,000 accumulated retail spend three months from the date of card activation
• 5,000 KrisFlyer miles for ₱100,000 accumulated retail spend 12 months from the date of card approval and within 12 months between anniversary dates moving forward
• Up to ₱20 million comprehensive travel insurance
• Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱4,000
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 1.7%
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction 

One of the best credit cards for luxury travelers, the EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Platinum Mastercard earns KrisFlyer miles^[3] in various spending categories. You even get welcome bonus miles and anniversary bonus miles.

This credit card offers lavish dining service options with DragonPass Dining. This is an exciting feature, as the card has partnerships with some of the world’s largest restaurant groups. 

While the credit card already offers free travel insurance that covers certain inconveniences, it still provides access to Mastercard Flight Delay Pass. This feature gives you free complimentary lounge passes in case your flight is delayed. 

Which credit card has the lowest foreign transaction fees in the Philippines? This card’s 1.7% foreign currency service fee lets you shop and dine abroad for less.

💳 Maybank Visa Platinum

Best for: Travelers who love shopping abroad and want to earn points fast

Key Features and Travel Perks 

• 1 TreatsPoint per ₱25 spend
• 1% cashback on overseas transactions (₱12,000 annual cap)
• Golf privileges worldwide, including access to 100 golf clubs in 23 countries
• Exclusive discounts and privileges in the Philippines and abroad
• Instant SMS notification for every approved transaction anywhere in the world

Fees and Charges

• Annual fee: ₱3,500 
• Interest rate: 3%
• Foreign currency transaction fee: 0.80% of the converted amount using the exchange rate of Mastercard/Visa plus 1% of the assessment fee of Mastercard/Visa
• Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction

Which credit cards are best for international travel? Consider Platinum-tier cards like Maybank’s Platinum Visa. 

Looking for a credit card with one of the lowest foreign transaction fees in the Philippines? With a total transaction fee of only 1.8%, you can shop abroad using this card without worrying about conversion fees.

Aside from that massive pro, you get to avail of Maybank credit card promos and earn 1% cash back on overseas spend! Plus, every ₱25 spend earns you 1 TreatsPoint, which you can then use to redeem special rewards, cash rebates, air miles, and more.

How to Get an International Credit Card in the Philippines

Getting a credit card that can be used internationally is just like getting a regular credit card!

The first step is to compare your options. Compare features and fees and make sure the card suits your budget and lifestyle. 

Once done, begin your credit card application. You can do this online via Moneymax or the more traditional way at a bank branch. Complete and submit all required documents for a smoother credit card application process.

How to Use International Credit Cards Abroad

Don’t be too intimidated when you use your credit card abroad for the first time. After all, it’s just like using your credit card in local stores—but with a few things to consider. Remember these pointers to maximize your international credit card usage.

✔️ Notify the Bank About Your Trip

Call your credit card provider to let them know your travel plans. Make sure the bank is notified about where you'll be going (including layovers and stopovers), when you'll leave, and when you'll come back. You can find the bank's customer service hotline on the back of your card or your billing statement.

Do this before you leave so you can use your card internationally without any problems. If your issuing bank is not informed beforehand, chances are it will decline your overseas transactions, or even suspend your account for security purposes when it detects transactions from unusual locations.

Take the opportunity to ask questions about your card's overseas transaction charges as well.

✔️ Check If Your Bank Has 24-Hour Customer Service

The last thing you want to happen while abroad is to encounter troubles with your credit card. Before you leave, check if your bank offers 24-hour customer service so you can call in case of credit card-related concerns. 

While you’re at it, use your credit card’s concierge services for travel-related needs. With this solution, you can ask for assistance with bookings.

✔️ Understand Your Credit Card’s Travel Insurance Coverage

A lot of things can happen during your trip. So before you leave home, read through the terms and conditions of your bank’s free travel insurance. 

Does the card’s free travel insurance cover accidents involving rental cars? Does it have COVID-19 coverage? What’s the maximum travel delay time for availing of the benefit?

✔️ Compute the Currency Conversion Rate for Your Overseas Transactions

To ensure you’re not going over budget with your international credit card usage, calculate the Philippine peso equivalent of your purchase in the local currency of the country you’re visiting before paying. 

In doing so, you’ll know how much a particular international purchase will cost you in pesos. Mastercard and Visa have respective exchange rate calculators you may use for computing the currency conversion rate.

Simply select the Philippine peso as your card’s currency and the currency of your transaction, and then enter the amount and bank fee (the foreign currency transaction rate). The calculator will display the foreign exchange rate (applicable on the transaction date) and the converted amount in the Philippine peso.

✔️ Choose to Pay in the Local Foreign Currency

When paying with your credit card abroad, you’ll be given the option to use your home currency (Philippine peso), which is called Dynamic Currency Conversion. If you say yes to that, you’ll be charged a higher exchange rate for converting to the Philippine peso by the overseas bank that handles the transaction.

When using a credit card abroad, pay in the local currency of the country you’re visiting, so you can get a lower conversion rate offered by your issuing bank. For example, if you’re in Thailand, opt for Thai Baht when paying with your international credit card.

✔️ Check and Keep Your Receipts

Don't immediately throw away the sales receipts you receive from all your international transactions. Double-check the information on the receipts, paying close attention to the foreign currency you're charged with.

When you get back home, review your receipts and check them against your billing statement. The number should match. If you notice any discrepancy, report it to your credit card provider right away.

Final Thoughts

It’s exciting to think about exploring other countries. Still, you shouldn’t forget to make proper preparations, which includes getting yourself a trusty international credit card.

Hopefully, the number of good choices you have will help you choose the right credit card that suits your overseas travel needs. Remember, it’s more fun to satisfy your wanderlust while remaining financially responsible.

Sources: 

• ^[1] home&Away Privilege Programme
• ^[2] A Lounge 
• ^[3] Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer