How to Apply for a PNB Credit Card: An Easy 6-Step Guide

When it comes to banking, no one can question the reputation of the Philippine National Bank (PNB). After all, it’s the country’s first universal bank.^[1] Its trustworthiness and credibility are backed by around 107 years of existence. A bank wouldn’t last this long in the business if it didn’t have high-quality and reliable services.

PNB is not just known for its commercial and personal banking capabilities. It also offers a robust range of credit cards for consumers and corporate clients.

The cards also offer a slew of distinct features. One is Transaction Conversion, which converts straight payments into low-interest installments. Another is the Zero % Affordable Payment Plan (ZAPP), which provides cardholders with 0% installment plans of up to 24 months if they shop at PNB-accredited merchants.

Want to know how to apply for a PNB credit card? Check out this guide.

How to Apply for a PNB Credit Card in 6 Easy Steps

You’ll be glad to know that PNB credit card application isn’t complicated. The requirements are relatively simple, and the process is quick and straightforward.

Here are the things you need to do:

Step 1: Check If You’re Qualified

First, see if you’re eligible to apply for a PNB credit card. Here are the general requirements every applicant must fulfill:

Must be a Filipino citizen and Philippine resident 21 to 65 years old
Must be a regular employee for at least one year
If self-employed, must have a profitable business for at least two years
Must have a gross annual income of at least ₱120,000

Step 2: Choose the PNB Credit Card to Apply For

Once you’ve confirmed that you’re eligible for a PNB credit card, check each of them below to find one that suits your repayment capacity and lifestyle.

💳 PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard

Features and benefits:

Free annual fee for life
Lower interest rate than the standard 3% on most credit cards
No late payment and overlimit fees
Global acceptance
Lower minimum amount due
Free annual fee for life for PNB supplementary credit cards
Pay in Philippine Peso even when shopping in other countries
Ideal for first-time cardholders or those who just need a card for everyday expenses

Fees and charges:

Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱10,000
Interest rate: 2.5%
Annual fee: None
Late payment fee: None

💳 PNB Essentials Mastercard

Features and benefits:

1 point for every ₱70 spend
Rewards can be used to redeem Cash Credit or Mabuhay Miles
Accepted globally, both in-store and online
Pay in Philippine Peso even when shopping in other countries
Secure transactions with Card Protect
Ideal for cardholders who want a straightforward, no-frills, everyday card

Fees and charges:

Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱10,000
Interest rate: 3%
Annual fee: ₱1,200
Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower

💳 PNB Visa Classic

Features and benefits:

Low annual fees
1% rebate on revolved interest
Secure transactions with Card Protect
Free purchase protection insurance up to ₱250,000 annually
Free travel insurance worth up to ₱1 million
Fraud transaction insurance worth ₱250,000 for only ₱120 per year
Free annual fees for life for PNB supplementary credit cards
Ideal for first-time cardholders who want to save and earn rebates

Fees and charges:

Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱10,000
Interest rate: 3%
Annual fee: ₱300
Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower

💳 PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles NOW Mastercard

Features and benefits:

No annual fee for the first three years
1,000 Mabuhay Miles welcome gift
Secure transactions with Card Protect
Pay in Philippine Peso even when shopping in other countries
5% discount on select international flights with PAL all year round when you book at the official PAL website
Free annual fees for life for PNB supplementary credit cards
Ideal for cardholders who prefer to travel on a budget

Fees and charges:

Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱10,000
Interest rate: 3%
Annual fee: ₱1,000
Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower

💳 PNB Diamond UnionPay

Features and benefits:

1 rewards point for every ₱70 spend
No annual fees for life for supplementary cards
Exclusive discounts and privileges from shops accredited by UnionPay and TravelMate Asia
Secure transactions with Card Protect
A choice between single or dual currency billing
Travel and medical concierge services through World Assist
Ideal for cardholders who frequently travel to Asian countries

Fees and charges:

Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱10,000
Interest rate: 3%
Annual fee: ₱3,000
Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower

💳 PNB Visa Gold

Features and benefits:

Low annual fees
Pay in Philippine Peso even when shopping in other countries
Secure transactions with Card Protect
1% rebate on revolved interest
Free annual fees for life for PNB supplementary credit cards
Ideal for cardholders who love rewards and want to maximize their cards

Fees and charges:

Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱50,000
Interest rate: 3%
Annual fee: ₱600
Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower

💳 PNB Platinum Mastercard

Features and benefits:

1 rewards point for every ₱48 spend
Secure transactions with Card Protect
2,000 Mabuhay Miles welcome gift
Additional 10,000 Mabuhay Miles upon reaching ₱100,000 worth of transactions with PAL within one year from card issuance
A choice between single or dual currency billing
Free annual fees for life for PNB supplementary credit cards
Ideal for cardholders who love hunting rewards

Fees and charges:

Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱50,000
Interest rate: 3%
Annual fee: ₱3,000
Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower

💳 PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles Platinum Mastercard

Features and benefits:

1 rewards point for every ₱48 spend
1 rewards point = 1 Mabuhay Mile
2,000 Mabuhay Miles welcome gift
Additional 10,000 Mabuhay Miles upon reaching ₱100,000 worth of transactions with PAL within one year from card issuance
5% discount on select international flights with PAL all year round when you book at the official PAL website
Free annual fee for life for PNB supplementary credit cards
Ideal for travelers who love rewards

Fees and charges:

Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱100,000
Interest rate: 3%
Annual fee: ₱3,000
Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower

💳 PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard

Features and benefits:

1 rewards point per ₱30 spend
2,000 Mabuhay Miles welcome gift
Additional 10,000 Mabuhay Miles upon reaching ₱100,000 worth of transactions with PAL within one year from card issuance
Exclusive travel and medical concierge services through World Assist
Priority check-in at PAL Business Class counters
Free annual fees for life for PNB supplementary credit cards
A choice between single or dual currency billing
5% discount on select international flights with PAL all year round when you book at the official PAL website
Ideal for cardholders who prefer to travel in luxury

Fees and charges:

Minimum monthly income requirement: ₱200,000
Interest rate: 3%
Annual fee: ₱6,000
Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due, whichever is lower

Step 3: Complete All the PNB Credit Card Requirements

Found the perfect PNB credit card? Gather all the documentary requirements to kickstart the actual application process.

Here’s what you need to collate:

📋 PNB Credit Card Requirements for Filipino Applicants:

Duly accomplished application form^[2]
Government-issued ID with your picture (e.g. passport, driver’s license, TIN, SSS ID, UMID card, among others)
- In absence of a government-issued ID, provide a company ID issued by organizations that are registered with or supervised by these government agencies: SEC, IC, and BSP
Proof of employment
- Employed applicants: Certificate of Employment stating date hired, position, and gross income / latest Income Tax Returns (ITR) / latest three months payslip
- Self-employed applicants: Latest audited financial statements / latest Income Tax (ITR) OR copy of registration papers with SEC or DTI
For non-carded and non-depositors, provide proof of billing (e.g. utility bills or credit card statement)

📋 PNB Credit Card Requirements for Foreign National Applicants:

Passport
Alien Certificate of Residence (ACR)
For non-carded and non-depositors, provide proof of billing (e.g. utility bills or credit card statement)
Any of the following:
- National ID
- Social Security Number or SSN ID
- Internal Revenue Service or IRS ID
- DOLE-issued work permit if working in the Philippines
- Driver’s License
- Company ID issued by organizations that are registered with or supervised by these government agencies: SEC, IC, and BSP.

Nevertheless, foreign applicants may also submit the following in the absence of some important documents above:

Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
Unexpired Philippine Retirement Authority ID (PRA)
Certificate of Deposit issued by the bank where you’ve deposited the PRA or Visa
Bureau of Immigration Approved Order

Step 4: File Your PNB Credit Card Application

Put copies of all the requirements for your PNB credit card application inside an envelope or folder. Don’t forget to bring the original copies too. Then go to your nearest PNB branch to submit them.

You may also file your PNB credit card application online. Just visit the credit card application portal,^[3] fill out the forms, and follow the prompts and instructions.

Step 5: Verify Your Application Status

How to check your PNB credit card application status? You can follow up through the following channels:

PNB credit card hotline (24/7 service): (+632) 8818-9818
PNB email address: pnbcreditcards@pnb.com.ph

Step 6: Activate Your PNB Credit Card

You can use your new credit card only after its activation. Here are two ways to activate your PNB credit card:

Text PNB<space>ACTIVATE<space>16-digit credit card number and send to 22566808.
Call PNB via its 24/7 hotline at (+632) 8818-9818 or the domestic toll-free hotline at 1800-10-818-9818.

How to Apply for a PNB Credit Card: FAQs

Now that you know how to apply for a PNB credit card, here’s some additional information that can help you as a credit card holder:

1. What is the limit of a PNB credit card?

This will depend on a variety of factors. The bank may look into your experience with credit cards, repayment history, etc.

If you're a first-time credit card user, expect the bank to give you a low credit limit. Nevertheless, this may increase if you pay your dues on time.

2. How can I pay my credit card bills?

PNB has multiple payment facilities where you can settle your credit card bills. Here are some of them:

💸 PNB Credit Card Payment Channels

PNB Branches and ATMs nationwide
PNB digital app
Automatic debit arrangement via your PNB savings or checking account
Remittance centers
Overseas branches

💸 Other Payment Facilities

SM and Savemore payment centers nationwide
Participating BancNet ATMs
Participating mobile payment apps (e.g. GCash)
BancNet online

3. How many PNB supplementary credit cards can I get?

Every principal credit cardholder can have up to nine supplementary cards. Keep in mind that all supplementary cards don’t have annual fees for life.

To apply for a supplementary card, go to any PNB branch. Online application for supplementary cards is not available at the moment.

4. What are my card’s other fees and charges?

Other than the annual fees, interest, and late payments, cardholders will have to cover to following:

Account maintenance fee: ₱200 or US$5 or the amount equivalent to the credit card balance, whichever is lower
Advance card renewal request fee: ₱750
Card replacement fee: ₱400
Foreign currency transaction service fee: 2.5% of Visa’s, Mastercard’s, or UnionPay’s conversion rate of the day
Cash advance fee: ₱200 or US$4
Overlimit fee: ₱500 or US$10
Refund fee: ₱500 or US$10 plus dollar remittance fee (depending on the amount)

You can find the complete list of PNB credit card fees on the website.^[4]

5. I want to update my credit card information. What should I do?

If you need to update some of your credit card details, you’ll need to call the bank’s 24/7 hotline at (+632) 8818-9818. Alternatively, you may fill out a Cardholder Request Form^[5] and send it via email to pnbcreditcards@pnb.com.ph.

While you’re at it, make sure that your email address, mobile number, TIN, SSS/GSIS number, and other information are accurate and up to date. You should also submit your latest ITR.

6. I want to enroll my credit card in the PNB Mobile Banking app, but I didn’t receive my OTP. What should I do?

Check first if your registered mobile number is updated. If it’s not updated, contact PNB’s 24/7 customer hotline at (+632) 8818-9818. You may also send a duly accomplished Cardholder Request Form to pnbcreditcards@pnb.com.ph.

7. Do all PNB credit cards earn points?

No. Only select credit cards can earn rewards points. However, credit cards that don’t earn points may come with other perks such as rebates and zero annual fees for life.

8. How will I know the number of points that I’ve earned?

Your points are recorded in your monthly statement of account. Remember, though, that these recorded rewards points are as of your statement date only. You may also call PNB’s 24/7 hotline at (+632) 8818-9818 to find out the number of points that you’ve earned.

9. How do I redeem my PNB credit card points?

You have two options to do just that. First is to call the bank’s 24/7 hotline (+632) 8818-9818. The second route is to send a Rewards Redemption Form^[6] to pnbcreditcards@pnb.com.ph.

If you’re claiming your Mabuhay Miles, keep in mind that the bank will ask you for your Mabuhay Miles number. See to it that your details with PNB and Mabuhay Miles, Inc. match to avoid any inconveniences. To get your Mabuhay Miles number, just register through www.mabuhaymiles.com or the official Mabuhay Miles app.

10. I lost my credit card. What should I do?

Report your lost credit card as soon as possible via the bank’s 24/7 hotline at (+632) 8818-9818 or the toll-free number at 1800-10-818-9818.

Note you’ll be held accountable for the transactions made prior to the reporting of the lost card. This won’t be the case if you enroll your credit card for Fraud Transaction Insurance, which covers 12 hours before the reporting of the lost card.

11. I noticed some unauthorized credit card transactions. What should I do?

Report unauthorized credit card transactions via PNB’s 24/7 hotline at (+632) 8818-9818 or the toll-free number at 1800-10-818-9818. You may also fill out a Dispute Form^[7] and email it to pnbcreditcards@pnb.com.ph.

The same procedure applies to reporting incorrect amounts and charges.

12. I didn’t receive my monthly eSOA/ billing. What should I do?

First, check if your registered email address is updated. If it’s not updated, get in touch with PNB’s 24/7 customer hotline at (+632) 8818-9818. If you prefer to correspond via email, send a duly accomplished Cardholder Request Form to pnbcreditcards@pnb.com.ph.

Final Thoughts

PNB offers some of the most enticing credit cards in the market today, especially for those who love to travel. Also, first-time credit card users can benefit from cards without annual fees and large monthly income requirements.

The process of how to apply for a PNB credit card is easy, as you’ve seen in this guide. The requirements are relatively straightforward. Plus, you have two channels through which you can course your application: offline and online.

Not all credit cards are created equal. The right card will unlock big savings and exciting privileges. If you want to find the PNB card that suits your lifestyle, compare your options carefully through the table below:

PNB Credit Card	Minimum Annual Income Requirement	Annual Fee	Benefits
PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard	₱120,000	Free for life	No late payment and overlimit fees Lower minimum amount due Global acceptance
PNB Essentials Mastercard	₱120,000	₱1,200	1 point for every ₱70 spend Redeemable Cash Credit or Mabuhay Miles Global acceptance both in-store and online
PNB Visa Classic	₱120,000	₱300	1% rebate on revolved interest Free purchase protection insurance up to ₱250,000 annually Free travel insurance worth up to ₱1 million Fraud transaction insurance worth ₱250,000 for only ₱120 per year
PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles NOW Mastercard	₱120,000	₱1,000	No annual fee for the first three years 1,000 Mabuhay Miles welcome gift 5% discount on select international flights with PAL all year round when you book at the official PAL website
PNB Diamond UnionPay	₱120,000	₱3,000	1 rewards point for every ₱70 spend Exclusive discounts and privileges from shops accredited by UnionPay and TravelMate Asia Single or dual currency billing Travel and medical concierge services through World Assist
PNB Visa Gold	₱600,000	₱600	Low annual fees Pay in Philippine Peso even when shopping in other countries 1% rebate on revolved interest
PNB Platinum Mastercard	₱600,000	₱3,000	1 rewards point for every ₱48 spend 2,000 Mabuhay Miles welcome gift Additional 10,000 Mabuhay Miles upon reaching ₱100,000 worth of transactions with PAL within one year from card issuance A choice between single or dual currency billing
PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles Platinum Mastercard	₱1,200,000	₱3,000	1 rewards point for every ₱48 spend 1 rewards point = 1 Mabuhay Mile 2,000 Mabuhay Miles welcome gift Additional 10,000 Mabuhay Miles upon reaching ₱100,000 worth of transactions with PAL within one year from card issuance 5% discount on select international flights with PAL all year round when you book at the official PAL website
PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard	₱2,400,000	₱6,000	1 rewards point per ₱30 spend 2,000 Mabuhay Miles welcome gift Additional 10,000 Mabuhay Miles upon reaching ₱100,000 worth of transactions with PAL within one year from card issuance Exclusive travel and medical concierge services through World Assist Priority check-in at PAL Business Class Single or dual currency billing 5% discount on select international flights with PAL