How to Get a Credit Card Without ITR in the Philippines (2025 Updated Guide)

Thinking about getting your first credit card but worried because you don’t have an Income Tax Return (ITR)? You’re not alone. Many Filipinos — freelancers, fresh graduates, small business owners, and even OFWs — face the same challenge.

The good news is: yes, you can get a credit card even without ITR. 🙌

In this 2025 updated guide, we’ll cover:

How credit cards work and why banks ask for ITR
The best credit card options without ITR
Alternative documents you can submit
Tips to increase your approval chances
A handy credit card cost calculator to plan your budget

Let’s get started! 🚀

1. What Is a Credit Card and Why Do Banks Ask for ITR?

A credit card allows you to borrow money from a bank to pay for purchases, bills, or emergencies. You spend now and pay later — either in full or in installments.

But why do banks ask for ITR?

It’s their way of checking if you earn enough to repay your debts
ITR shows your income stability and employment status
It helps them assess your creditworthiness

However… not everyone files ITR — especially freelancers, fresh grads, OFWs, and small business owners. That’s why banks now offer alternative options for applicants without ITR.

2. Can You Get a Credit Card Without ITR? ✅

Yes! Many banks allow you to apply for a credit card even without an ITR. You just need to submit alternative proof of income or choose the right type of card designed for first-time users.

There are three main options:

Apply for a secured credit card
Apply for an entry-level or low-income credit card
Use alternative income documents like payslips, COE, or remittance slips

We’ll break these down in the next sections.

3. Best Credit Card Options Without ITR in the Philippines (2025)

If you’re a first-time applicant without an ITR, here are your best options:

3.1. Secured Credit Cards (Highest Approval Rate)

Secured credit cards are designed for first-time users and those with no credit history. You simply deposit a fixed amount in the bank, and they give you a credit limit based on that deposit.

Bank	Card Name	Required Deposit	Approval Time	Perfect For
BDO	BDO Secured Mastercard	₱10,000	3–5 days	Beginners & freelancers
RCBC	Instacard	₱10,000	5 days	No ITR, no problem
Security Bank	Fast Track Secured Card	₱15,000	7 days	Freelancers & self-employed
EastWest	Secured Visa	₱10,000	5 days	First-time applicants

💡 Tip: After 12 months of responsible usage, banks usually upgrade you to an unsecured card.

3.2. Entry-Level Credit Cards (No ITR Needed if Salary-Based)

Some banks allow you to get approved using payslips or a Certificate of Employment (COE) instead of ITR.

Bank	Card Name	Minimum Monthly Salary	Documents Needed
BPI	Amore Cashback	₱15,000	Payslips or COE
Metrobank	M Lite Mastercard	₱15,000	Payslips only
RCBC	Flex Visa	₱15,000	Payslips or bank statements
EastWest	Classic Card	₱15,000	Payslips or COE

3.3. OFW & Remittance-Based Credit Cards 🌎

For OFWs and families relying on remittances, several banks allow proof of remittance as an alternative to ITR.

Bank	Card Name	Required Proof
BDO	Kabayan Mastercard	Remittance slips (6 months)
RCBC	OFW Card	Proof of remittance
Metrobank	OFW Credit Card	Employment contract or remittance records

4. Alternative Documents You Can Use Instead of ITR 📄

Here’s what you can submit if you don’t have an ITR:

Payslips (last 1–3 months)
Certificate of Employment (COE)
Bank statements showing deposits
Proof of remittances for OFWs
Business permits for entrepreneurs
DTI registration or barangay business clearance

If you have any of these, your chances of approval significantly improve.

5. How to Apply for a Credit Card Without ITR 📝

Here’s a step-by-step process:

Step 1: Choose the Right Card

Pick a secured card or an entry-level credit card with minimal requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Your Alternative Documents

Gather your payslips, COE, bank statements, or remittance records.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Online application: Faster and easier
In-branch application: Ideal if you need assistance

Step 4: Wait for Approval

Banks usually review applications within 3 to 7 working days.

6. Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator Before Applying 📊

Before choosing a card, estimate if you can afford monthly payments.

Try the Credit Card Cost Calculator to check:

Monthly payments based on your credit limit
Total interest if you only pay the minimum
How long it takes to pay off your balance

This helps you budget wisely and avoid overspending.

7. Tips to Boost Your Approval Chances ✅

Start with a secured card — highest approval rate
Maintain a savings account with the same bank
Submit complete and accurate documents
Apply to one bank at a time — avoid multiple applications
Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to manage spending better

8. Common Reasons for Credit Card Rejection ❌

Applying for a card above your income bracket
Incomplete documents or wrong information
Bad credit history (even from unpaid telco bills!)
Multiple applications in a short period

9. TL;DR (Quick Summary)

Yes, you can get a credit card without ITR
Choose a secured credit card or entry-level card
Use payslips, COE, remittances, or bank statements as alternative proof
Start small, build your credit score, and upgrade later
Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to plan your budget

10. FAQs About Getting a Credit Card Without ITR

1. Can freelancers get a credit card without ITR?

Yes. Use bank statements, invoices, or a secured credit card for approval.

2. Which banks approve credit cards without ITR?

BDO, RCBC, Security Bank, EastWest, and Metrobank offer secured cards and entry-level options.

3. Can OFWs apply without ITR?

Yes. Submit remittance slips, employment contracts, or payslips instead.

4. Is a secured credit card better for first-time users?

Yes. It has higher approval rates and helps you build your credit history.

5. Can I upgrade my card later?

Absolutely. After 6–12 months of good payment history, you can request an unsecured credit card.

How to Get a Credit Card Without ITR in the Philippines