“Aren’t credit cards made only for high-earning professionals?” That’s probably what you thought when you stumbled upon this article. And that’s fine—it’s a valid question many people ask.
But don’t be too surprised with the answer—which is a resounding no. You can definitely apply for a credit card for low-income earners!
Since e-commerce and electronic payment methods are now a priority for boosting both financial and digital inclusion throughout the country, [1] banks in the Philippines now also offer credit cards for those with a low annual income.
So even if your annual income is below ₱360,000, you can still get a credit card that matches your budget and lifestyle. Check out our list of credit cards for low-income earners in the Philippines below.
While a higher income raises one’s chances of getting approved for a credit card, it doesn’t mean low-income earners can’t get a card, too. In fact, more than 20 credit cards are within reach of employees with a low annual income.
Typically, credit cards for low-income earners in the Philippines have the following features:
For Filipinos earning less than ₱30,000 monthly, there are credit cards with low annual income requirements. Here are some of them:
UnionBank Rewards Credit Card
For a more comprehensive look, check out these low-income credit cards, complete with their features, annual fees, and interest rates.
If you want an extremely rewarding credit card that comes with a low income requirement, the UnionBank Rewards Credit Card should be one of your top choices. Earn 1 non-expiring rewards point for every ₱30 spend. Triple your points when you shop and dine here and abroad. [2]
Plus, you can waive your annual fee for life if you apply and get approved by June 30, 2024!
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Eligible card: UnionBank credit cards
Promo period: Until September 30, 2024
Get Apple AirPods 2 worth ₱8,490; Nescafe Dolce Gusto Mini Me worth ₱6,699; Marshall Willen Speaker worth ₱6,590; JBL Tune 720BT Wireless Headphones worth ₱4,699; or Giftaway cash credits worth ₱4,000! Just apply for any eligible UnionBank credit card via Moneymax, get approved within the promo period, and then meet the ₱10,000 spend requirement within 60 days from your card approval date.
This Moneymax UnionBank welcome gift promo runs until September 30, 2024 only.
Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-199168 Series of 2024. Terms and conditions apply.
Note: The promo is exclusive to carded applicants who do not have an existing principal credit card issued by UnionBank and/or Citi.
Enjoy rewards while shopping for essentials using this Metrobank credit card for low-income earners. Earn 2x rewards points on dining, department store, and online expenses and 1 point for every ₱20 spend on all other categories.
You can also waive your annual fees if you apply until August 31, 2024 and meet an annual spend of ₱180,000.
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Promo period: Until September 30, 2024
How do you get a Metrobank credit card welcome gift? Simple! Just apply and get approved for any eligible card through the Moneymax website.
Choose between a Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio S Basic worth ₱7,199; Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones worth ₱3,299; JBL Go 4 Ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker worth ₱2,599; or Xiaomi Redmi Bluetooth Soundbar worth ₱2,499; or Giftaway cash credits worth ₱2,500.
This Moneymax Metrobank eGift/Dolce Gusto/Sony/JBL/Xiaomi promo runs until September 30, 2024 only. Hurry and apply now!
Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-199163 Series of 2024. Terms and conditions apply.
Note: Applicant must be an existing credit cardholder in good standing for at least six months.
HSBC credit cards are a great choice if you’re looking for a credit card to add to your collection. Take the HSBC Red Mastercard, for example.
Aside from its low annual income requirement of ₱200,000, this credit card from HSBC is also packed with great perks: 4x rewards points on shopping, dining, online, and overseas spend; 3% cash back on Caltex fuel spend all year round, [3] and 0% interest installment plans for up to 36 months.
The HSBC Gold Visa Cash Back is another great choice for a second credit card if you prefer rebates over rewards.
Love dining out? Use this credit card to earn 5% cash back! Want to save on gas? This card earns you 6% cash back on your first Caltex fuel spend and 3% cash back all year round. You even get 0.5% cash back on all other transactions.
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Promo period: Until September 30, 2024
Not an HSBC credit cardholder yet? Apply for an eligible HSBC card through Moneymax during the promo period (and get approved subsequently) to receive an exciting welcome gift! Choose from free Giftaway cash credits worth ₱3,000, a JBL Flip 6 worth ₱7,499, or a Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS worth ₱5,199 .
This Moneymax HSBC Giftaway/JBL/Dolce Gusto promo runs until September 30, 2024 only. Hurry and apply now!
Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-201324 Series of 2024. Terms and conditions apply.
This credit card from Security Bank barely made it to this list because of its relatively higher income requirement—but the rewards are definitely worth it if you're an avid online shopper. You earn 1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend and accumulate points to enjoy exclusive promos all year round.
Plus, you can enjoy unlimited access to the Marhaba Lounge at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3.
With this no-frills credit card from BPI, you can avail of flexible installment plans with terms of up to 36 months and free travel insurance of up to ₱2 million. You also earn 1 BPI point for every ₱35 spend and enjoy exclusive deals all year round.
You don’t have to be a high-income earner to get a credit card with an edge. Case in point: BPI Edge Card. This low annual income credit card lets you earn 1 BPI Point for every ₱50 spend, enjoy 0% interest installment plans, and avail of exclusive BPI credit card promos.
Looking to save money on gas? Get a Petron BPI Card. Earn 3% cashback on fuel purchases from participating Petron stations nationwide. Aside from access to year-round deals and flexible installment plans, you can also get a ₱200 fuel voucher as a welcome gift.
Plus, this credit card—along with other BPI credit cards—has a low forex conversion rate of only 1.85%, so you can save more on your overseas purchases.
Do you need a credit card for grocery shopping? The BPI Amore Cashback is the right card for you. Earn cashback for every ₱1,000 local spend (whether it's online or in-store): 4% on supermarket and department store purchases, 1% on drug store and utility payments, and 0.3% on all other transactions.
Looking for a credit card with a low annual income requirement and no annual fees for life? The PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard offers both, making it one of the best credit cards for low-income earners in the Philippines. Plus, it comes with a lower interest rate of 2.5%.
Not to mention that it has no late payment and overlimit fees. Not bad for a low-income credit card!
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The PNB Visa Classic is one of the top picks if you’re looking for the best credit card for low-income earners in the Philippines. It has a low annual income requirement of only ₱120,000.
Moreover, its annual fee is only ₱300, which is incredibly low compared to other credit cards. Plus, you get a 1% rebate on revolved interest and access to special PNB credit card promos!
Need a low-income credit card for your essential spending? The PNB Essentials Mastercard fits the bill.
Earn rewards points, which you can then exchange for cash credits and Mabuhay Miles. You can also use your card safely with its Card Protect feature.
The Bank of Commerce Classic Mastercard is a good choice for beginner cardholders with low income. Aside from having a low minimum salary requirement and low annual fee, this credit card also lets you earn 1 rewards point for every ₱25 spend or even up to 5x points on dining and shopping.
Plus, you get to enjoy Bank of Commerce credit card promos that can save you a buck or two on expenses.
Another great credit card for minimum wage earners in the Philippines is the LANDBANK Classic Credit Card. Unlike other low-income credit cards in the Philippines, this one lets you earn 1 rewards point for every ₱50 spent online or via point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Plus, you can convert your purchases into monthly installments of up to 24 months. [4]
If you're a low-income earner, you can't go wrong with the classics! The RCBC Classic Mastercard offers non-expiring rewards points for all purchases. You can then convert your points to air miles, cash rebates, vouchers, and other rewards.
You also get to enjoy perks such as free travel insurance and purchase protection.
Want a rewarding credit card with a low annual income requirement? RCBC has got you covered with the RCBC Flex Visa.
Earn 2x rewards points on any two of these preferred spend categories: dining, clothing, travel, or transportation. You also get free travel insurance and access to special RCBC credit card promos in the Philippines and abroad.
If you’re looking for a no-fuss credit card, the PSBank Credit Mastercard is also a good choice. It comes with no annual fees for life, 0% interest installment plans, and the handy ‘M TXT facility, which lets you know your available credit limit, statement balance, and outstanding balance. While it’s not as flashy as other credit cards, its basic features are enough for low-income earners looking to manage their finances better.
The EastWest Privilege Classic Mastercard and Visa Privilege Classic are both excellent choices. These two low-income credit cards from EastWest offer 1 rewards point for every ₱100 spend, plus year-round discounts and deals at partner merchants.
Unlike the other credit cards on this list, the Robinsons Bank DOS Mastercard automatically converts your purchases into two-month installments—no request needed.
While it does come with an annual fee of ₱3,000, you can waive it simply by using the card at least 12 times within a year. Plus, you earn 1 point for every ₱50 spend. The DOS Mastercard is a great choice if you're looking to supplement your low income and achieve better financial flexibility.
The RCBC AirAsia Credit Card is proof that you don’t need to be a high-earning professional to enjoy premium travel perks. Spend at least ₱20,000 within the first 60 days from card issuance to get free 8,000 AirAsia points, which you can use to redeem free flights and other rewards. You also earn points for as low as ₱22 per spend.
Just take note that you’d have to pay a higher annual fee compared to others on this list of credit cards for low-income earners , but that amount could easily get dwarfed by the different travel perks you can enjoy.
The gross annual income requirement for China Bank credit cards is ₱250,000. On top of that, the Freedom Mastercard offers waived annual fees for life, making it ideal for low-income earners in the Philippines.
Want rewards with your low-income credit card? Then apply for a China Bank Prime Mastercard! Earn 1 rewards point for every ₱30 qualified spend. Plus, you get to enjoy a complimentary China Bank-SMAC membership.
This credit card for low-income earners comes with plenty of perks. Earn up to a 6% rebate on your spending, enjoy easy installment options, and avail of exclusive dining perks at partner establishments.
Credit cards can help you better manage your finances, but they can also be a debt trap. So before you apply for any of the credit cards with low income requirements above, consider the following first:
If you want to use your credit card for shopping, choose one that allows you to earn rewards points with a minimum spend requirement. This way, you’re not just benefitting from the credit line but also earning rewards for your purchases.
Alternatively, if you’re a frequent traveler, choose a credit card with a low annual income requirement that converts your credit card points to air miles.
If you apply for a credit card from the bank where you've maintained accounts for the longest time, your chances of approval are a bit higher. Your bank can evaluate your creditworthiness by how long you’ve been a client and how well you’ve managed your accounts over the years.
Low interest charges, easy payment terms, and low minimum payments each month are features you want your credit card to have. They're especially useful if you want to maintain the liquidity of your finances, or if you’re finding it hard to cover the total amount due for a particular billing period.
Yes! As proven by the list of low-income credit cards above, you don’t have to be a high-earning employee to apply for a credit card. As long as you have a good credit standing with your bank, you have a good chance of getting approved on your first try.
It depends on the credit card provider. PNB offers credit cards with the lowest annual income requirement of ₱120,000. Meanwhile, the minimum annual salary required for select credit cards from BPI and RCBC is ₱180,000.
No. Banks will require you to submit proof of income to evaluate your financial capacity to pay your credit card balance.
You can submit any of the following income documents:
Yes. Some credit card issuers accept proof of income from full-time and part-time employment (such as freelance jobs). You might be required to submit proof of remittance that shows regular payments or money transfers aside from your company payslips.
No. Individuals can apply for a credit card without any guarantor. Credit card issuers evaluate the applicant’s creditworthiness on individual merit.
Most credit cards for low-income earners also offer special features, just like any other higher-tier credit card. For example, the HSBC Red Mastercard allows you to get 4x bonus points when you use the card for dining or online shopping.
Although most credit cards assign credit limits based on your income, some still come with high credit limits, especially if you’re an existing credit cardholder. Some credit card issuers base their decisions on your current credit limit, as long as you’ve proven you’re worthy of it.
As of this writing, the credit cards with the lowest income requirement in the Philippines are the PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard, PNB Visa Classic, PNB Essentials Mastercard, and Bank of Commerce Classic Mastercard. You need a monthly income of only ₱10,000 to apply for any of these credit cards.
This list of credit cards for low-income earners in the Philippines should dispel the notion that only high-income earners can benefit from having one. You can experience the benefits of using a credit card now despite having a modest salary.
With the number of choices available, finding the best credit card for low-income earners easily boils down to what matters to you the most financially.
Sources:
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Venus has almost 20 years of combined experience in content marketing, SEO, corporate communications, and public relations. Most of her career was spent creating informative articles on personal finance and digital marketing. She also invests in stocks, mutual funds, VUL, and Pag-IBIG MP2. Venus graduated cum laude with a Journalism degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman. A hardcore Hallyu Tita, she loves bingeing Korean shows on Netflix while bonding with her cats. Follow Venus on LinkedIn.
