By: Rei L. | July 06, 2016
Got your first job and now sure you can get yourself a credit card? Or are you a senior employee still having doubts on getting one? Can’t decide which card to get?
Here are some ideal credit cards for first-timers, with their features and perks for you to review. Take a look also at their annual fees and interest rates to help you decide on which card is the best for you.
RCBC Bankard myDream JCB
If you are a young professional seeking financial independence, RCBC Bankard myDream JCB can be your sidekick. It is accepted in 26 million establishments in the country and worldwide, which lets you enjoy spending wherever you are.
RCBC myDream JCB credit card (Photo from RCBC Bankard)
Major perks:
• Lowest interest rates
• Flexible rewards for purchases and payments
• Major purchases at 0% interest for 3, 6, or 12 months through Easyterms installment
• Aid in financial management through Spend Analyzer (RCBCs online credit card transaction tracker)
Annual income requirement: PhP180,000
Annual fee: PhP800, waived on the first year
Interest rate: 2.90% monthly
BDO ShopMore MasterCard
BDO ShopMore MasterCard (Photo from BDO)
If you enjoy shopping and love the idea of getting rewarded for it, you’ll get along with BDO ShopMore MasterCard. You’ll receive rewards, treats, and freebies when you use this card to shop at SM Retail Affiliates, SM Advantage partner-establishments, and other BDO partner stores.
Major perks:
• Free SM Advantage Card
• Additional 0.5 point on your SM Advantage Card on top of the 1 point you earn for every PhP200 worth of purchase
• 5% rebate during SM’s 3-day Sale for a minimum spend of PhP5,000
Annual income requirement: PhP180,000
Annual fee: PhP800 (PhP75 per month), waived on the first year
Interest rate: 3.5% monthly
BPI Blue MasterCard
BPI Blue MasterCard (Photo from BPI Express Online)
With its free travel insurance, BPI Blue MasterCard makes for a great travel buddy and international starter credit card. No worries using your card when traveling abroad because it is recognized in over 29 million establishments worldwide.
Major perks:
• Up to PhP2 million worth of travel insurance when you charge your travel fare to your card
• Cash Advance of up to 30% of your credit limit
• Real Thrills Rewards Point for every P35 spent
Annual income requirement: PhP180,000
Annual fee: PhP1,550, waived on the first year
Interest rate: 3.4% monthly
Metrobank M Credit Cards
Metrobank M Credit Cards (Photo from Metrobank Card)
Metrobank’s M Free and M Lite MasterCard credit cards let you enjoy living—and working—in the Metro. Most of its shopping, dining, and pampering treats are centered in the capital, but you also get to enjoy discounts and deals nationwide through ‘M Here! Metrobank’s partner establishments include Giordano, Beauty & Butter salon, and Paraiba. True to its name, the best thing about M Free is that there is no need to pay an annual fee, ever.
Major perks:
• No annual fee for life
• Embedded chip for better protection from fraud
• Discounts, free gifts, and great deals at ‘M Here! Partner establishments
Annual income requirement: PhP180,000
Annual fee: None
Interest rate: 3.5% monthly
Maybank Visa Classic
This card, offered by the only Malaysian bank in the list, has the lowest income requirement and one of the lowest interest rates. Through the Maybank2u app, it also provides convenient online banking and secure card transactions with the latest Internet security technology.
Maybank Visa Classic (Photo from Maybank)
Major perks:
• Instant cash through EzyCash with flexible installment options of 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months
• Pay in Philippine Peso for purchases and transactions abroad
• Exclusive deals from Maybank merchant partners
Annual income requirement: PhP150,000
Annual fees: PhP1,000, waived on the first year
Interest rate: 3% monthly
To apply for your first credit card, there are some basic requirements that you need to prepare:
• Bank application form, which can usually be found online
• Government-issued ID’s (Driver’s License, Passport, SSS ID, Voter’s ID, etc.)
• Proof of income (Certificate of Employment, latest pay slips, latest Income Tax Return)
If you decide to get your first credit card, make sure to check with the bank or their website for specific requirements and accomplish them completely.
A credit card can be an excellent financial tool, your most convenient cash alternative, and a hero to your financial emergencies. However, you can be among those who end up in debt because of impulsive spending and abuse of the card’s perks. So, use your card wisely and reap the benefits of having one.
Note: Individual cards’ terms and requirements may change without prior notice.
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