Best UnionBank Credit Cards for Travel Rewards (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
If you’ve ever dreamed of flying for free or upgrading your next vacation just by using your credit card — UnionBank travel credit cards might be your new travel buddy.
For first-time credit card users, this guide will walk you through everything: how travel rewards work, which UnionBank cards are best for travel, real examples, and how to calculate costs using the Credit Card Cost Calculator.
🌍 Why Travel Rewards Cards Are Popular in the Philippines
Travel credit cards let you earn points or miles whenever you spend. These can later be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or upgrades — perfect for OFWs, digital nomads, or families who love exploring.
Imagine earning miles every time you buy groceries, pay bills, or shop online. Those small purchases can turn into free flights to Japan or Singapore after a few months!
Example: If you spend ₱20,000/month on a travel credit card that gives 1 mile per ₱30, you’ll earn about 8,000 miles in a year — enough for a one-way ticket to Hong Kong on promo.
🧭 How a Credit Card Works (Simple Explanation)
Think of a credit card like a short-term loan from the bank. You buy now, and pay later — either in full (to avoid interest) or in monthly installments.
Each month, you’ll get a statement showing your:
Total spending
Minimum payment due
Due date (usually 20 days after statement date)
If you pay in full, no interest. But if you only pay the minimum, the remaining balance earns interest, usually around 2–3% monthly.
👉 Tip: Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to estimate your monthly payments and interest if you can’t pay the full amount right away.
💳 Best UnionBank Credit Cards for Travel Rewards
Let’s explore the top UnionBank credit cards that give you maximum travel benefits.
🥇 1. UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa Card
Perfect for: Frequent travelers who love earning miles fast.
Highlights:
Earn 1 point per ₱25 spend (convertible to miles)
Free airport lounge access at select lounges
Free travel insurance up to ₱10 million
Flexible points-to-miles conversion (PAL Mabuhay Miles, Cathay, or Singapore Airlines)
Example: If you spend ₱30,000/month, you’ll earn 1,200 points/month — that’s 14,400 miles a year, good for a round-trip to Seoul or Bangkok!
🥈 2. UnionBank Cebu Pacific Gold Credit Card
Perfect for: Budget travelers and Cebu Pacific flyers.
Highlights:
Earn 1 Go Rewards Point per ₱100 spend
Exclusive seat sale alerts and priority boarding
No annual fee for the first year
Tip: Link your Go Rewards account to maximize your point conversion.
Example: ₱10,000 groceries + ₱5,000 bills monthly = 150 points/month = 1,800 points/year, which can cover 1–2 local flights during promo season.
🥉 3. UnionBank Platinum Mastercard
Perfect for: Those who travel for work or leisure abroad.
Highlights:
1.5x points on overseas purchases
Complimentary travel insurance and concierge service
Dual currency billing (Peso and USD)
Example: Spend $500 (₱28,000) abroad → earns 1,680 points (1.5x multiplier). Convert that into air miles to save ₱5,000–₱8,000 in flight costs annually.
🧾 UnionBank Travel Credit Card Requirements
Applying is simple — especially if it’s your first credit card. Here’s what you’ll need:
Basic Requirements:
Filipino citizen, 18–60 years old
Valid ID (Passport, Driver’s License, or UMID)
Proof of income (Payslip or Certificate of Employment)
Minimum annual income: ₱300,000–₱600,000 (varies per card type)
Example: For the UnionBank Cebu Pacific Gold, your income must be at least ₱360,000/year.
If you’re self-employed, prepare your ITR (Income Tax Return) or DTI/SEC registration.
✈️ Benefits of UnionBank Travel Credit Cards
Benefit
Description
✈️ Earn Miles
Convert everyday spending into travel rewards.
🏨 Free Travel Insurance
Covers flight delays, lost baggage, or accidents.
🛫 Airport Lounge Access
Rest in comfort before your flight.
💰 Cashless Convenience
Pay in local or foreign currency with ease.
🎁 Promo Discounts
Enjoy seat sales, hotel promos, and travel deals.
💡 Tips for Maximizing Travel Rewards
Use your card for big purchases (bills, groceries, flights).
Always pay in full to avoid losing rewards to interest.
Watch for promo multipliers (2x or 3x points during campaigns).
Convert points early before they expire.
Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to plan your spending responsibly.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake
Result
Paying only minimum amount
You pay more in interest.
Missing payments
Hurts your credit score.
Not checking rewards expiry
You lose earned miles.
Overusing card
Leads to debt stress.
🔢 Quick Example: How to Calculate Credit Card Cost
Let’s say you spent ₱20,000 and plan to pay it off in 3 months with 3% monthly interest.
If you love to travel, UnionBank’s Miles+ Platinum Visa and Cebu Pacific Gold are two of the best options for beginners. They help you earn rewards fast, enjoy perks like lounge access, and travel safer with built-in insurance.
Just make sure to pay on time, stay within your budget, and use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to plan your payments wisely.
❓ FAQs About UnionBank Travel Credit Cards
1. What is a travel credit card? A travel card rewards your spending with airline miles or points you can use for flights, hotels, or upgrades.
2. What’s the easiest UnionBank travel card to apply for? The Cebu Pacific Gold Credit Card — great for first-time cardholders with a stable income.
3. Can I convert UnionBank reward points into miles? Yes! Most UnionBank cards allow conversion to PAL Mabuhay Miles, Asia Miles, or KrisFlyer.
4. Is there an annual fee? Some cards offer first-year-free promos, but after that, fees range from ₱1,500–₱3,000/year depending on the card.
5. How can I check my rewards or miles? You can check via the UnionBank Online app or your monthly billing statement.
🧩 Final Thoughts
Having a UnionBank travel credit card isn’t just for frequent flyers — it’s for anyone who wants to make their daily spending more rewarding. With proper budgeting, discipline, and the help of the Credit Card Cost Calculator, you can travel smarter, not harder.
So go ahead — apply for your first travel card, start earning miles, and get ready for your next adventure. ✈️🌴
