10 Best Credit Cards for Travel in the Philippines

(SPOT.ph) It's pretty much a known fact that Filipinos love to travel. Whether it's island hopping in Palawan or venturing abroad to experience different cultures, travel has become way more accessible for many. While some folks choose to plan and fund their trips entirely with cash, there are also those that utilize a travel credit card to make their experience more worthwhile. Not that we're saying sticking to cash isn't a perfectly valid option but having a credit card opens up a ton of possibilities and experiences not just during your trip but for other aspects of your life. Below, we list down 10 credit card options that can give you a better travel experience that's not just limited to having free airport lounge access.

Also read: ICYMI: GCash Is Now Accessible in 16 Countries Worldwide

Here are the best credit cards for travel in the Philippines:

BPI Platinum Rewards Card

When it comes to travel, BPI is one of the more popular credit card providers that people use. Their Platinum Rewards Card offers two BPI points for every P30 spent locally or P20 spent on foreign currency transactions online and abroad. Said points can be redeemed for various travel rewards such as flights, hotels, and travel packages. One of the more unique features of this particular card is the ability to convert your airfare purchases into 0% interest installments for up to six months. It also has a low foreign exchange conversion rate of 1.85% for purchases made abroad.

BPI Signature Card

Similar to the Platinum Rewards Card, BPI's Signature Card also offers a low foreign exchange coversion rate of 1.85% for purchases made abroad. This particular card, which is much easier to attain given its lower annual income requirement, gives you and one guest complimentary access to the PAGSS International Lounges in NAIA Terminals 1 and 3. The card, as well as any BPI credit card, also gives you access to exclusive travel fairs that pop up once or twice a year in selected malls.

Cebu Pacific Gold Credit Card by UnionBank

Patrons of the local airline might want to get themselves the Cebu Pacific Gold Credit Card from UnionBank. It allows card users to earn one Go Rewards point for every P200 spent on regular purchases and one Go Rewards point for every P100 spent on Cebu Pacific flights. You also get early access to the airline's seat sales which gives you more chances of winning that desired flight at a lower price.

UnionBank Miles+ World Mastercard

UnionBank's Miles+ World Mastercard earns you one mile for every P30 spent both locally and internationally, oh, and get this, the miles never expire. That well-deserved upgrade to business class will be well worth the wait. The card also gives you complimentary lounge access through the DragonPass program, however there's a limit of two visits per membership year. If those perks haven't convinced you yet, the bank is oftentimes selected as the pre-sale partner of select theater productions like the case of the recently concluded run of Hamilton, the on-going Miss Saigon, and the upcoming SIX.

BDO Visa Platinum

You might have heard of the BDO Travel Sale which takes places a couple of times each year. While every single type of BDO credit card gets you into the said sale, having a platinum card increases your chances of scoring multiple flights since you would most likely have a higher credit limit. The Visa Platinum also gives you free Priority Pass membership which helps you navigate busy airport terminals, flight delays and cancellations, as well well as enjoy the privacy that certain lounges provide.

RCBC Visa Platinum

RCBC's Visa Platinum allows you to earn miles for any of the following: Asia Miles, Mabuhay Miles, or airasia Rewards. Each P25 spent on overseas transactions entitles you to one point, while transactions done domestically has a P48 to one point ratio. It also gives the principal cardholder plus one travel companion unlimited free access to the PAGSS Lounge in NAIA Terminals 1 and 3. Apart from those perks, cardholders can also take advantage of Visa's Concierge Service whic provides services like flight and hotel reservations, restaurant reservations, event ticket purchases, and trip planning. Said service is available over the phone or online, 24 hours a day, regardless of where you are in the world.

AirAsia Credit Card by RCBC

If AirAsia is your preferred airline, you might want to consider getting your hands on the co-branded credit card by RCBC. Cardholders earn two BIG Points for every P25 spent on AirAsia flights. One BIG point is earned for every P22 spent on domestic purchases while it requires a P28 to one point ratio for international purchases. The card also grants you early access to the airline's seat sale as well as priority check-in, boarding, and free Wi-Fi on select flights.

Security Bank World Mastercard

If you like having more options for lounge access, the World Mastercard of Security Bank gives just that. It gives the cardholder unlimited access to the following local lounges: A Lounge, Marhaba Lounge, and the PAGSS Lounge. The card has dual currency billing which means you can pay for international transactions using US Dollars. It also allows you to earn three points for every P20 spent and the points never expire. 

EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer World Mastercard

If you want to feel like a crazy rich Asian, you most likely prefer using Singapore Airlines. The airline has partnered with EastWest Bank wherein cardholders earn three KrisFlyer miles for every P36 spent on Sinagpore Airlines, Scoot, and KrisShop, as well as international other travel-related purchases. It also gives you priority boarding on Singapore Airline flights and a low foreign currency conversion fee of 1.70%, even lower than that of BPI.

HSBC Red Mastercard

HSBC's Red Mastercard gives you exclusive travel deals at over 27,000 establishments worldwide thanks to the bank's home&Away Privilege Programme. It also has an accelerated rewards program wherein cardholders earn 4x bonus points for every P20 spent on online, dining, shopping, and overseas transactions. If you aren't travelling as much lately, you can still enjoy the perks of your card through Caltex as the card gives you a 6% rebate on your first fuel purchase and succeeding 3% rebate all year round.