Kung first time mong kukuha ng credit card, good news — hindi lang siya pang-emergency o pang-shopping. When used wisely, a credit card can save you thousands of pesos every year through cashback, rewards, and exclusive discounts.
Imagine earning rebates every time you shop online, dine out, gas up, or book a Grab ride. The problem is, most beginners don’t know how to maximize these benefits — resulting in missed savings and wasted rewards points.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through practical tips, real examples, and proven strategies to get the most value out of your credit card.
Understanding How Cashback & Rewards Work
Before maximizing your benefits, you need to understand the two main types of credit card perks:
What is Cashback?
Cashback = direct rebate you earn for every purchase.
Example: If your card gives 5% cashback on groceries and you spend ₱5,000, you’ll get ₱250 back.
Usually credited monthly or quarterly to your account.
Pro Tip: Some cards have spending requirements to get the cashback — always check the fine print.
What are Rewards Points?
Rewards points = loyalty points you earn per peso spent.
Example: If your card gives 1 point per ₱30, and you spend ₱3,000, you get 100 points.
Points can be converted into free flights, gift vouchers, or cashback.
Rule of Thumb: If you shop a lot, rewards cards give better long-term value than cashback cards.
Best Tips to Maximize Your Cashback & Rewards
1. Choose the Right Credit Card for Your Lifestyle
Not all cards are created equal. Different cards reward different spending habits:
Spending Category
Best Card Type
Potential Savings
Groceries & Supermarkets
Cashback Credit Card
Up to 6% cashback
Online Shopping (Lazada/Shopee)
Rewards + Cashback Hybrid
Points + rebates
Dining & Coffee Shops
Lifestyle Rewards Card
Up to 50% off promos
Grab, Foodpanda, Angkas
Transport Cashback Card
Up to 10% cashback
International Travel
Miles & Rewards Card
Free flights & lounge perks
2. Take Advantage of Signup Bonuses
Most Philippine banks offer welcome gifts like free annual fees, bonus points, or cashback. Example:
BPI Amore Cashback → Free ₱2,000 eGift
Citibank Cashback → Up to ₱5,000 cashback
Security Bank Gold → Free first-year annual fee
Tip: Always compare promos before applying.
3. Track Your Spending to Hit Cashback Thresholds
Some cards require minimum spend per month to unlock maximum cashback.
Example:
Your card offers 5% cashback if you spend ₱10,000+ monthly.
If you spend only ₱9,000, you lose the benefit.
📌 Use this tool to plan better: Credit Card Cost Calculator This helps you calculate interest, monthly payments, and real savings from cashback — perfect for beginners.
4. Use the Right Card for the Right Purchase
Many beginners use one card for everything — but that’s a mistake. Example setup:
Use Card A for groceries (6% cashback)
Use Card B for Lazada/Shopee shopping (points + promos)
Use Card C for Grab/Foodpanda (₱300 monthly rebates)
By strategically matching cards to spending categories, you maximize every peso spent.
5. Redeem Points Before They Expire
A common mistake: letting points expire unused.
Some banks have 2-3 year expiration periods.
Set calendar reminders or auto-convert your points to cashback or vouchers.
Common Mistakes First-Time Users Make
Even the best rewards strategy fails if you fall into these traps:
Paying Only the Minimum Balance
Interest rates on credit cards in the Philippines are high (up to 3% per month).
Always pay in full to avoid losing cashback benefits to interest charges.
Ignoring Annual Fees
Some cashback cards have ₱3,000–₱5,000 annual fees.
Make sure your rewards outweigh your yearly cost.
Overspending for Rewards
Don’t spend ₱5,000 on Shopee just to get a ₱200 voucher. If the rewards push you into debt, you’re losing money, not saving it.
Best Beginner-Friendly Credit Cards for Cashback & Rewards
Here are a few options worth considering if you’re a first-timer:
Credit Card
Best For
Cashback / Rewards
Annual Fee
BPI Amore Cashback
Groceries & Dining
Up to 6% cashback
₱2,050
Citi Cashback
Everyday Spending
2% cashback on all purchases
₱4,000
Metrobank Rewards Plus
Online Shopping
2x rewards points
₱2,500
UnionBank Lazada Card
Lazada & Shopee
Up to 6% cashback
₱3,000
Security Bank Complete Cashback
All-Around Card
Up to 5% cashback
₱3,000
(Tip: Always compare based on your spending habits.)
TL;DR — Quick Takeaways
Pick a credit card that matches your spending lifestyle.
Use cashback cards for groceries, gas, and everyday bills.
Use rewards cards for travel, shopping, and online promos.
Always pay your full balance to avoid losing rewards to interest.
1. What’s the difference between cashback and rewards points?
Cashback = direct money back to your account.
Rewards points = convertible to miles, vouchers, or gifts.
2. Which credit card is best for beginners in the Philippines?
Cards like BPI Amore Cashback, Citi Cashback, and Security Bank Complete Cashback are beginner-friendly.
3. Do I need a high income to get a cashback credit card?
Not always. Some entry-level cards require ₱15,000–₱20,000 monthly income only.
4. Can I apply for more than one credit card?
Yes, but only if you can manage payments. Use different cards for different spending categories.
5. How do I avoid paying high interest?
Simple: Pay your bill in full every month and avoid carrying balances.
Final Thoughts
Maximizing cashback and rewards isn’t about spending more — it’s about spending smarter. By choosing the right card, tracking your spending, and redeeming your benefits on time, you’ll save thousands of pesos every year without changing your lifestyle.
Start small, pick one beginner-friendly card, and use tools like the Credit Card Cost Calculator to manage your finances better.
