5 Best Credit Card Philippines for Beginners to Start Building Credit

Getting your first credit card is a big step toward financial independence. It helps you build credit, manage expenses, and enjoy perks like rewards or installment plans.  

The key is to start smart—choose a card that’s easy to apply for, has low fees, and fits your lifestyle. With the right one, you can build good credit and spend responsibly. 

Here are some tips if you're new to using credit cards, plus the  best credit card Philippines options that make it easier for beginners to start smart and spend wisely. 

A good credit card should make your life easier, not harder. It should match your spending habits, offer fair terms, and give real value for what you pay.  

Here are a few signs you’ve found a good one: 

1. Low or no credit card annual fee 

One important thing to keep in mind as a beginner is that credit cards typically come with an annual fee. Think of it as a yearly membership fee you pay for.  

Something you might encounter is the term, NAFFL, an acronym among credit card users that stands for “no annual fee for life.” 

Some financial institutions offer to waive your credit card annual fee for a minimum credit card spending while others forego this entirely for a specific duration as part of their promo. 

Compare annual fees to see which is most suitable for you! 

2. Reasonable interest rate 

For all Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas-regulated cards, the maximum interest rate is 3%.  

Make sure to check this and keep the interest rate in mind to ensure you can pay for your credit card purchases, and not just the minimum amount due on your credit card. 

3. Rewards or cashback 

Credit card companies want you to keep using your credit cards. That’s why they offer perks. 

From exclusive discounts on selected restaurants and shops, free airport lounge access, to cashback for every minimum amount you spend, the perks are usually different for various credit cards. 

While it’s tempting to get the credit card with the longest list of perks, not everything’s going to be useful for you! So, look for rewards and cashback that fits your lifestyle and that makes the credit card annual fee worth it. 

4. Flexible credit card payment options 

Having a credit card isn’t just about conveniently spending, but also conveniently paying! 

Before you commit, try to understand the process on how to pay your credit card. 

Will you get the monthly credit card billing statement sent physically to your home address or can the credit card statement of account be accessed digitally through email, SMS, or via app? 

More importantly, is the credit card payment process ideal for you? Will you have options to pay through bank transfer, e-wallet, or over the counter? Are there applicable transaction fees for specific payment methods? 

There’s a lot to look out for to fully know how to pay credit cards. Take the time to look at the website’s FAQ pages or look for reviews online to understand credit card billing statement and credit card payment options. 

5. Strong security features 

News of security breaches and unauthorized credit card transactions are all over social media. That’s why it’s important to do your research on credit card security features. 

From having an EMV chip to controlling your credit card via an app, make sure you look at strong security features. 

Do your due diligence and research on the measures placed on keeping your credit card transactions safe. 

Here are five cards we found that stand out for beginners, based on low credit card annual fees, perks, and easier eligibility.  

Be sure to check the latest terms with the bank. 

The PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard is one of the few credit cards in the country with no annual fee for life. It also waives late payment and over-limit fees, which gives new cardholders a worry-free start. The application process is simple, and requirements are beginner friendly. 

Perks: 

• Zero annual fee means you can use the card with fewer fixed costs. 
• Ideal for building credit without worrying about big charges if you’re just starting. 
• Because fees are minimal, you can keep the card active with small spend and thereby start your credit history. 

Requirements: 

• At least 21 years old 
• Minimum annual income: ₱120,000 
• Valid government-issued ID 
• Proof of income (latest payslip or Certificate of Employment) 
• Philippine residency 

Things to note: 

• Even with low fees, you still need to pay the balance on time to avoid interest. 
• Since this credit card offers lower fees, rewards may be minimal compared to premium cards (some features trade off for low fee). 
• Credit limit may start lower; expect growth as you show good repayment.  

The AUB Easy Mastercard gives you control over how often and when you want to pay—weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly. That flexibility makes it an excellent choice for freelancers, part-timers, or anyone who gets paid on different schedules. 

Perks: 

• Good for someone who wants control over timing of payments, especially if income is variable. 
• Earns reward points (1 point per ₱50 spend) which can be meaningful if you use the card regularly.  

Requirements: 

• 21 to 65 years old 
• Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000 
• At least one valid government ID 
• Latest payslip or ITR for employed applicants 
• Proof of billing address 

Things to note: 

• Minimum income requirement is higher for some versions (so check if you qualify).  
• Flexibility is useful, but it still requires discipline, so you don’t stretch out payments too long and rack up interest. 

The BPI Rewards Card combines easy approval with a strong rewards program. You earn points for every purchase, which you can later redeem for shopping, travel, or bill credits. The first-year annual fee is waived, giving you time to test it out. 

Perks: 

• Good for someone who anticipates shopping or everyday spending and wants to earn something back. 
• Strong partner network for deals and discounts.  

Requirements: 

• At least 21 years old 
• Filipino citizen or resident foreigner 
• Minimum annual income: ₱180,000 
• Valid government-issued ID 
• Proof of income (payslip or ITR) 

Things to note: 

• After the first year the fee comes in (so you’ll want to either meet criteria for waiver or evaluate if the perks make up for the fee).  
• If you don’t spend enough to utilise the rewards, the fee might outweigh the benefits. 

The RCBC Classic Mastercard offers a smooth entry into the world of rewards cards. It earns points for every purchase, and you can exchange those for vouchers, miles, or rebates. It’s a good upgrade option once you’ve gained some credit experience. 

Perks: 

• If you already travel or shop online and abroad, this card gives more value. 
• Good to “graduate” into once you’ve built some credit and want more perks. 

Requirements: 

• 21 to 65 years old 
• Minimum annual income: ₱180,000 
• Proof of identity (valid ID) 
• Proof of income (payslip or COE) 
• Proof of residence (billing statement) 

Things to note: 

• Annual fee is higher than the ultra-starter cards.  
• Foreign transaction fee may be higher (so overseas spending costs more).  
• You’ll want to make sure you’ll use the perks enough to justify the fee. 

If you’re after lifestyle perks, the Metrobank Titanium Mastercard is a good match. It offers double reward points for online, dining, and department store purchases. It’s a balanced option for young professionals building credit while enjoying everyday benefits. 

Perks: 

• Great if your spending leans toward online shopping or dining out. 
• Gives room to enjoy benefits while you build your credit history. 

Requirements: 

• At least 21 years old 
• Minimum monthly income: ₱21,000 
• Proof of employment or business 
• Valid ID and proof of billing 
• Must be a Philippine resident 

Things to note: 

• Income and eligibility may be stricter than very entry-level cards.  
• You’ll want to compare the fee vs benefits closely: if you don’t spend in the rewarded categories, you may not get full value. 

Getting your first credit card is a smart move if you use it responsibly. Here are some things to keep in mind: 

• Annual fees & charges – Apart from looking closely at the annual membership fee, be mindful of other fees like late payment, over-limit, cash advance, and foreign transaction charges.  
• Interest rate & minimum payment - If you pay your balance in full each month you avoid interest. But if you carry a balance, the monthly interest rate matters. Also check what the minimum amount due is. 
• Eligibility & income requirement - Beginner-friendly cards typically have lower minimum income requirements or simpler eligibility. 
• Rewards & perks - Even beginner cards can offer rewards (points, cashback), discounts, or benefits like fuel rebates or installment options. Choose a card whose perks align with your spending habits. 
• Your habits matter - Use your card for purchases you know you can repay. Pay on time. Avoid maxing out your credit limit. The goal is to build good credit, not to rack up debt. 

*Practical Reminder: Pick what matches your spending. If you mostly shop and dine locally, the rewards-cards make sense.  

If you rarely use cards or are cautious, go ultra-low-fee and treat it primarily as a tool to build credit. Use it, pay it in full each month, and you’ll build a strong foundation. 

Make every swipe count with the Home Credit Card. It’s your all-in-one card for essentials, gadgets, and more.  

Manage your everyday spending, track payments, and shop worry-free using the app. Enjoy the convenience of a card that works wherever you go, with full transaction visibility through the Home Credit App.