Best Travel Credit Cards for Free Flights and Lounge Access
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Best Travel Credit Cards for Free Flights and Lounge Access in the Philippines (2025 Guide)
Do you love traveling? ✈️ Whether you’re flying for leisure, business, or family visits, having the right travel credit card can save you thousands of pesos every year. From free flights to lounge access, travel insurance, and priority boarding, the right card turns every trip into a VIP experience.
If you’re a first-time credit card user in the Philippines, choosing a travel card can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry — in this guide, we’ll break it down simply. We’ll show you the best travel credit cards for Filipinos in 2025, compare their benefits, explain how travel rewards work, and teach you how to maximize your points.
What Are Travel Credit Cards and How Do They Work?
A travel credit card lets you earn points, miles, or cashback whenever you spend. These rewards can be converted into free flights, hotel stays, and other travel perks.
Some cards also offer airport lounge access, priority check-in, and free travel insurance, making them ideal for frequent flyers.
Best Travel Credit Cards in the Philippines (2025)
Here’s a curated list of the top travel credit cards with the best perks for Filipinos:
Credit Card
Points/Miles Earn Rate
Free Lounge Access
Annual Fee
Best For
Citi PremierMiles
1 mile per ₱30 spend
Yes (Priority Pass)
₱5,000
Frequent international travelers
BDO Visa Platinum
1 mile per ₱40 spend
Yes
₱4,500
Big spenders, shopping + travel
BPI Signature Card
1 mile per ₱30 spend
Yes
₱5,500
Business travelers
Metrobank Travel Platinum
1 mile per ₱25 spend
Yes
₱4,000
Fastest miles accumulation
RCBC Bankard Visa Infinite
1 mile per ₱36 spend
Yes
₱3,600
Luxury travelers
HSBC Platinum Visa
1 mile per ₱25 spend
Yes
₱2,500
Budget-conscious travelers
Pro Tip: If your goal is free flights faster, choose cards like Metrobank Travel Platinum or HSBC Platinum Visa — they have the highest miles-per-peso conversion.
Top Benefits of Travel Credit Cards
1. Free Flights & Faster Miles Accumulation
Your daily expenses turn into airline miles. Once you reach a certain threshold, you can book free or discounted tickets.
2. Airport Lounge Access 🛋️
Skip the noisy waiting areas. Most premium cards offer free access to lounges with comfortable seating, free food, Wi-Fi, and charging stations.
3. Free Travel Insurance 🧳
Travel cards often include comprehensive insurance for medical emergencies, baggage delays, and even flight cancellations.
4. Exclusive Hotel & Airline Deals
Many cards partner with hotels and airlines for discounts, priority boarding, and free upgrades.
5. Cashback and Bonus Points
Some cards give bonus miles when booking directly with airlines or using partner travel apps.
How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card
1. Look at Your Travel Frequency
Frequent travelers → Get cards with higher miles conversion and unlimited lounge access.
Occasional travelers → Start with a low-annual-fee card that still offers miles and basic travel perks.
2. Check Points-to-Miles Conversion
Some cards require ₱40 per mile, while others need just ₱25. If you travel a lot, choose faster conversion rates.
3. Evaluate Annual Fees vs. Benefits
If the card offers free flights + insurance + lounge access, a higher annual fee may still be worth it.
4. Check Lounge Access Policy
Some cards allow unlimited free access, while others limit you to 2–4 visits per year.
How to Maximize Your Travel Credit Card Rewards
Use one main travel card → Concentrate your spending to earn miles faster.
Pay your balance in full → Avoid high interest that cancels out your rewards.
Book via partner airlines → Some banks give bonus miles for specific carriers.
Take advantage of sign-up bonuses → Some cards give 20,000+ bonus miles if you meet minimum spend.
Track your miles regularly → Miles expire if unused, usually within 2–3 years.
Credit Card Cost Calculator 🧮
Before applying for a travel credit card, it’s smart to calculate your real costs and potential savings.
