What is the best credit card for students in the Philippines?

There is no universal best card. Students usually do better starting with a no annual fee, secured, supplementary, or low-fee card path, then comparing approval requirements directly with each bank.

Can students get credit cards in the Philippines?

Some students can qualify through supplementary cards, secured credit cards, or regular cards if they meet income and document requirements. Always check bank-specific eligibility before applying.

What is the best beginner credit card?

A beginner card should match your income, spending habits, and repayment discipline. No annual fee cards can be good for low upkeep, while rewards or cashback cards only help if you pay in full.

Which digital bank has the best savings rate?

Rates change often. Compare the current advertised rate, promo mechanics, caps, withholding tax, transfer fees, and whether the rate is base or boosted before choosing a digital bank.

Best Credit Cards for Beginners in the Philippines 2026

Starter credit card comparison based on fees, approval friendliness, income fit, and beginner score. Updated May 2026 and based on official bank terms where available.

Classic Mastercard

RCBC

CardModerate

Best for

Young professionals building independence

Annual fee

Wise lists PHP 1,500; verify current RCBC fees

Rewards / interest

Non-expiring rewards and travel perks mentioned by Wise; verify latest RCBC terms

Income / approval

Proof of income may be required; verify with RCBC

+ Beginner positioning in external guides+ Rewards redemption options! Annual fee applies

Review

Secured Credit Card

BDO

CardVerify

Best for

Beginners with no credit history

Annual fee

Check latest BDO secured card fees and hold-out terms

Rewards / interest

Credit-building access with collateralized approval path

Income / approval

Check official terms

+ Ideal beginner path when regular approval is hard+ Helps build credit behavior! Requires funds to be held as security

Review

BPI

BankVerify

Best for

Traditional banking for first payroll accounts

Balance

Varies by account type

Rewards / interest

Cards, deposits, mobile banking, investments, and bill payment ecosystem

Income / approval

Check official terms

+ Large traditional bank network+ Good first job payroll fit! Some accounts have maintaining balances

Review

BDO

BDO Unibank

BankVerify

Best for

Traditional bank access

Balance

Varies by account type; ATM Savings is positioned from PHP 2,000

Rewards / interest

Savings, secured credit card, installment card, regular cards, branch and ATM access

Income / approval

Check official terms

+ Massive ATM and branch network+ Good secured credit card path for no-history beginners! Digital UX can feel more traditional

Review

BPI Rewards Card

BPI

Editor's ChoiceCardModerate

Best for

Starter rewards inside a major bank ecosystem

Annual fee

Check latest BPI fees and promos

Rewards / interest

BPI points-earning credit card, as listed by BPI

Income / approval

Subject to BPI income and credit checks

+ Established branch and app ecosystem+ Points can suit mixed everyday spending! Annual fee and waivers may vary

Review

Maya

Maya Bank

BankVerify

Best for

Digital daily savings

Balance

No maintaining balance on deposit accounts, as advertised by Maya

Rewards / interest

Savings boosts, wallet tools, payments, and credit products subject to approval

Income / approval

Check official terms

+ App-first daily money flow+ No maintaining balance! Boosted rates are conditional

Review

Maya Savings

Maya Bank

SavingsVerify

Best for

App-first savings

Balance

No maintaining balance, as advertised by Maya

Rewards / interest

Savings interest and app ecosystem benefits

Income / approval

Check official terms

+ No maintaining balance+ Fast app onboarding! Boosted rates may depend on spend or missions

Review

Go Save

GoTyme Bank

SavingsVerify

Best for

Daily savings goals

Balance

No listed maintaining balance for Go Save; verify in app terms

Rewards / interest

Go Save interest plus GoTyme ecosystem rewards

Income / approval

Check official terms

+ Clear advertised 3% p.a.+ Separate savings pockets! Interest is subject to withholding tax

Review

UnionBank

BankVerify

Best for

Best digital experience among traditional banks

Balance

Varies by account type

Rewards / interest

Rewards, miles, e-commerce cards, virtual card support, installments, and lifestyle partnerships

Income / approval

Check official terms

+ Mobile-first banking+ Online application process! Fees and limits vary by product

Review

GoTyme

GoTyme Bank

BankVerify

Best for

App experience

Balance

Verify latest app terms

Rewards / interest

Go Save interest, rewards points, debit, and app banking

Income / approval

Check official terms

+ Clean app experience+ Clear Go Save rate communication! Rate can change

Review

Flex Visa

RCBC

CardVerify

Best for

Flexible rewards categories

Annual fee

Check latest RCBC fees and waiver promos

Rewards / interest

2x Rewards points on selected categories, as advertised by RCBC

Income / approval

Check official terms

+ Designed around lifestyle categories+ Flexible rewards redemptions! Best value requires choosing categories well

Review

Ze-Lo Mastercard

PNB

Best No Annual FeeCardModerate

Best for

Low-fee starter ownership

Annual fee

No annual fee positioning; verify latest PNB terms

Rewards / interest

Low-fee positioning rather than rewards-heavy earning

Income / approval

Wise lists PHP 120,000 annual income; verify with PNB

+ No annual fee positioning+ Beginner-friendly cost profile! Fewer rewards than points or cashback cards

Review