Best UnionBank Credit Cards for Beginners (2025 Guide)
TL;DR (For Busy Readers)
If you’re new to credit cards, UnionBank has beginner-friendly options with low income requirements, easy approval, and practical rewards. Top picks include:
UnionBank Classic Card – simple, flexible for everyday use
UnionBank Lazada Credit Card – best for online shoppers
UnionBank PlayEveryday Card – for gamers and lifestyle spenders
UnionBank Go Rewards Card – for frequent Robinsons shoppers
🏦 Introduction: Why Picking the Right Beginner Credit Card Matters
Getting your first credit card is a big step in building your financial life. Pero madalas, first-timers feel confused — Which card is right for me? What if I get rejected?
UnionBank makes it easier by offering several beginner-friendly options tailored for first-time users. Each one has a different purpose — some for online shopping, others for travel or daily expenses.
Choosing the right one can:
Help you build a good credit score
Let you earn cashback or rewards
Teach you how to manage credit responsibly
Let’s explore the best UnionBank credit cards for beginners, their features, and which one fits your lifestyle.
💡 What Makes a Credit Card “Beginner-Friendly”?
A beginner-friendly credit card should be:
Easy to qualify for – Low income requirement and minimal documents.
Affordable to maintain – Low or waived annual fee.
Simple to use – Clear rewards, no confusing rules.
Safe and convenient – With online access and fraud protection.
UnionBank’s beginner cards meet these points — making them perfect for employees, freelancers, or first-time card users.
🏅 Best UnionBank Credit Cards for Beginners
Let’s go over some of UnionBank’s most beginner-friendly credit cards and what makes each one worth considering.
1. 🧾 UnionBank Classic Credit Card
Best for: First-time cardholders who want a simple, all-around card.
The UnionBank Classic Credit Card is the perfect “starter card.” It offers flexibility for groceries, fuel, bills, or emergencies.
Highlights:
Low income requirement (around ₱15,000/month)
Basic rewards points for every ₱35 spent
Access to installment plans and online banking
Simple annual fee structure
Why It’s Great for Beginners: It’s easy to manage and builds your credit history without unnecessary features that can overwhelm new users.
2. đź›’ UnionBank Lazada Credit Card
Best for: Online shoppers and frequent Lazada users.
If you love shopping online, this card is a game-changer. You earn cashback and rewards every time you buy from Lazada or partner stores.
Highlights:
Earn points faster on Lazada purchases
Automatic rebates or discounts during promos
Low minimum income requirement
Digital-savvy — track spending via UnionBank app
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Perfect for those who already use online marketplaces. It teaches budgeting through reward-based spending.
3. 🎮 UnionBank PlayEveryday Card
Best for: Young professionals, gamers, and lifestyle spenders.
This card makes everyday spending fun. You earn points per swipe that can be redeemed for lifestyle perks or even gaming credits.
Highlights:
Reward points for every ₱10 spent
Extra perks for entertainment, food, and travel
Easy application for employees or freelancers
Why It’s Great for Beginners: It motivates responsible spending — you earn while you spend, as long as you pay on time.
4. 🛍️ UnionBank Go Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Frequent Robinsons and partner-store shoppers.
Every purchase earns Go Rewards points, which can be used to shop at partner stores or redeem items.
Highlights:
Automatic Go Rewards point integration
Accepted worldwide
Free supplementary cards
Low to mid income requirement
Why It’s Great for Beginners: You’ll easily see your rewards value since it’s linked with popular stores — ideal for daily shoppers.
đź’¸ Comparing UnionBank Beginner Credit Cards
Credit Card
Ideal For
Minimum Income
Annual Fee
Key Benefits
Classic Card
Everyday use
₱15,000/month
Low
Simple rewards, flexible
Lazada Card
Online shopping
₱15,000–₱20,000/month
Moderate
Cashback, e-commerce perks
PlayEveryday
Lifestyle & entertainment
₱20,000/month
Low
Points system, fun spending
Go Rewards
Robinsons shoppers
₱20,000/month
Moderate
Points at partner stores
đź’° How to Choose the Right UnionBank Card for You
Here’s a simple guide to help you decide based on your situation:
💼 1. “I just got my first job.”
Go for the UnionBank Classic Card. It’s simple, has low fees, and helps you learn the basics of credit.
🛒 2. “I love online shopping.”
Choose the Lazada Credit Card. Every order earns points or rebates, perfect for smart shoppers.
🎮 3. “I spend on food, games, or lifestyle.”
Pick the PlayEveryday Card. You’ll enjoy rewards and fun perks.
🏬 4. “I shop at Robinsons or Go Rewards partners.”
The Go Rewards Card gives you tangible savings from daily purchases.
🧠Pro Tips for First-Time Cardholders
1. Start with One Card
It’s better to focus on managing a single card before applying for more.
2. Pay Your Balance in Full
Avoid interest by paying before the due date — credit cards only become expensive when you carry a balance.
3. Track Spending Using the App
UnionBank’s digital tools help you see where your money goes each month.
4. Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator
Before applying, check how much you might pay monthly using the 👉 Credit Card Cost Calculator at sssmaternitybenefitscalculator.com/credit-card-cost-calculator/
It’s a simple way to understand your monthly cost, interest rate, and payoff timeline — especially useful for first-timers.
5. Don’t Apply for Multiple Cards at Once
Every application can affect your credit score. Stick to one good choice until you build history.
🧾 Income and Document Requirements (for Beginners)
Income Tax Return (ITR) or Certificate of Business Registration
⚠️ Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Applying for premium cards too soon. – Stick to entry-level first; it improves your approval rate.
Paying only the minimum amount. – This leads to high interest. Always pay in full if possible.
Not checking income requirements. – Apply only for cards within your salary bracket.
Ignoring annual fees and due dates. – Set reminders; late payments hurt your credit score.
Using credit for wants, not needs. – Credit is a tool, not free money.
🎯 Benefits of Starting with a UnionBank Beginner Card
Builds Credit Score Early – Timely payments improve your reputation with banks.
Teaches Financial Discipline – Helps you understand budgeting and responsibility.
Gives Access to Promos and Discounts – UnionBank cards offer frequent partner promos.
Emergency Backup – Useful when cash runs short.
Transition to Premium Cards Later – Once you’ve proven reliability, upgrading is easier.
💬 Real-Life Example: Maria’s First Credit Card Journey
Maria is a 25-year-old employee earning ₱20,000 a month. She’s never owned a credit card before.
She applied for a UnionBank Classic Credit Card, got approved, and used it for groceries and bills. She always paid in full, and after a year, she was offered a PlayEveryday Card with higher limits and better rewards.
Moral of the story? Start small, manage wisely, and the bank rewards your good behavior.
đź“Š How to Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator (Sample Simulation)
Let’s say you’re considering a ₱10,000 purchase with your card. You can use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to estimate:
Monthly payment if you pay minimum vs. full
Total interest if unpaid
How long it takes to finish the balance
This tool helps first-timers understand the real cost of credit card use — essential before applying.
🧠Final Thoughts
The best UnionBank credit card for beginners depends on your lifestyle and income:
Go Classic if you want simplicity.
Choose Lazada if you’re a regular online shopper.
Pick PlayEveryday if you love lifestyle rewards.
Try Go Rewards if you shop often at Robinsons stores.
Whatever your choice, always use the Credit Card Cost Calculator first to plan your payments and avoid debt surprises.
A credit card can be your best financial tool — if you use it smartly.
🗂️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the easiest UnionBank credit card to get approved for? The Classic Credit Card usually has the lowest income requirement, making it beginner-friendly.
2. Can freelancers apply for a UnionBank credit card? Yes. You just need to provide proof of consistent income (bank statements, ITR, or permits).
3. How long is the approval time for UnionBank credit cards? Usually within 5–10 working days after you submit complete documents.
4. What’s the minimum income requirement? Most beginner cards start at around ₱15,000–₱20,000 monthly income.
5. Can I upgrade to a premium card later? Yes! After 6–12 months of good payment history, you can request an upgrade.
