Difference Between Principal and Supplementary Cards
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Difference Between Principal and Supplementary Credit Cards
Applying for your first credit card can feel overwhelming, lalo na kung hindi mo alam kung ano ang principal card at supplementary card. Both let you enjoy cashless payments, rewards, and financial flexibility — but they have different rules, responsibilities, and benefits.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know:
What a principal card is and who should get one
How a supplementary card works
The differences in approval, spending, and responsibility
How to choose which one fits you
Tips to avoid debt and maximize benefits
1. What Is a Principal Credit Card? đź’ł
A principal credit card is the main card issued to the primary account holder. The person applying for the card is responsible for:
Paying the entire bill (including supplementary charges)
Meeting income requirements
Maintaining a good credit standing
Example: Ana applies for a BPI Blue Mastercard with a ₱60,000 credit limit. Since she’s the principal cardholder, she’s responsible for all payments — even if she requests additional supplementary cards for her family.
2. What Is a Supplementary Credit Card? 🧾
A supplementary credit card is an extra card linked to the principal cardholder’s account. It’s usually given to family members or trusted individuals so they can share the benefits of the main credit card.
Key Points:
No need to meet income requirements
Credit approval depends on the principal cardholder
Spending limit is controlled by the main cardholder
Example: Ana gives her younger brother, Mark, a supplementary card with a ₱10,000 limit. Mark can use the card for school expenses, but Ana will pay the bill when it’s due.
3. Key Differences Between Principal and Supplementary Credit Cards 🆚
Feature
Principal Card
Supplementary Card
Who Applies
Main cardholder
Requested by principal
Income Requirement
Required
Not required
Approval Process
Based on applicant’s credit score, income, & documents
Based on principal cardholder’s eligibility
Credit Limit
Set by the bank
Set by principal cardholder
Who Pays the Bill
Principal cardholder
Principal cardholder
Rewards & Perks
Earns points, cashback, or miles
Earns rewards shared with principal
Age Requirement
Usually 21+
As young as 13 (varies by bank)
Risk Level
High responsibility
Low financial liability
4. Why Get a Principal Credit Card 🏦
Being the principal cardholder comes with more control but also more responsibility.
Pros:
Full access to all credit card perks
Builds your personal credit history
Freedom to request supplementary cards
Cons:
Must meet bank requirements
Responsible for entire bill payment
Risk of debt accumulation if spending isn’t managed
5. Why Get a Supplementary Credit Card 🌟
If you’re a first-time credit card user, a supplementary card can be your best starting point.
Pros:
Easier approval (no income or credit score needed)
Access to cashless payments and rewards
Spending is controlled by the principal cardholder
Cons:
No independent credit profile (won’t build your score)
No control over card policies
Dependent on the principal cardholder’s payment discipline
6. Which One Should You Choose? 🤔
Situation
Best Option
Why
New to credit cards
Supplementary Card
No credit score or high income needed
Want financial independence
Principal Card
Builds personal credit history
Need a card for your teen
Supplementary Card
Controlled spending
Planning to maximize rewards
Principal Card + Supplementary
Pool points and perks
Want zero maintenance
Supplementary Card
No separate bills to manage
7. How to Apply for Each Card đź“ť
For a Principal Credit Card:
Choose a bank and card based on your needs.
Prepare your valid ID, income documents, and proof of billing.
Submit an online or in-branch application.
Wait for approval (usually 3–7 banking days).
For a Supplementary Credit Card:
Ask the principal cardholder to request a supplementary card.
Provide your valid ID and complete the application form.
The bank approves based on the principal cardholder’s profile.
Activate and start using the card after release.
8. Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator Before Applying 🧮
Before deciding between a principal or supplementary card, estimate your monthly payments using the Credit Card Cost Calculator.
This free tool helps you:
Calculate monthly dues
Compare costs between cards
Plan your budget wisely
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌
Applying for a principal card without checking requirements
Overspending on a supplementary card
Ignoring due dates — late payments hurt both users
Not setting a spending limit for supplementary cardholders
Pro Tip: Always monitor your transactions through the bank’s mobile app to avoid surprises.
10. TL;DR (Quick Summary)
Principal cards are for the main account holder — higher requirements but full control and perks.
Supplementary cards are add-ons — easier approval but limited control.
Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to budget before applying.
If you’re new to credit cards, start with a supplementary card.
11. FAQs: Principal vs. Supplementary Credit Cards
1. Can I apply for a supplementary card without a principal card?
No. Supplementary cards are only issued under an existing principal credit card account.
2. Does a supplementary card build my credit history?
No, only the principal cardholder’s history is tracked — but it’s a great stepping stone before applying for your own card.
3. Who pays for supplementary card purchases?
The principal cardholder pays the full amount, including supplementary spending.
4. Can I have multiple supplementary cards?
Yes. Most banks allow up to 3–5 supplementary cards per account.
5. What happens if the principal cardholder misses payments?
Both the principal and supplementary cards will be blocked, and the unpaid balance may affect the principal’s credit score.
