How to Use Rewards for Gift Certificates and Shopping Vouchers
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How to Use Rewards for Gift Certificates and Shopping Vouchers
If you’ve just applied for your first credit card or are still thinking about it, you might have heard about rewards points, cashback, or shopping vouchers — but what do they really mean?
For beginners, this can sound complicated, but don’t worry — we’ll break it down step by step. By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to earn rewards, redeem them for gift certificates, and maximize their value so you get the most out of your credit card.
What Are Credit Card Rewards Points?
When you use your credit card to shop, pay bills, or book travel, your bank rewards you with points or cashback. Think of it like a loyalty program:
Every peso you spend earns you a certain number of points.
These points can then be exchanged for gift certificates, shopping vouchers, cashback, airline miles, or other perks.
Example: If your bank gives 1 point for every ₱20 spent, and you spend ₱5,000, you earn 250 points. Later, you can redeem those points for gift certificates, like SM, Robinsons, Lazada, or Shopee vouchers.
For first-time cardholders, this is one of the best benefits of having a credit card — it turns your everyday spending into free shopping opportunities.
Different Types of Credit Card Rewards
Not all credit cards are the same. Some focus on points, others on cashback, and some partner directly with stores for exclusive vouchers.
1. Points-Based Rewards
You earn points for every peso spent.
Perfect if you want flexibility since you can convert points into gift certificates, miles, or shopping vouchers.
Common with cards like Metrobank Titanium, BPI Rewards Card, and Security Bank Gold.
2. Cashback Rewards
Instead of points, you get direct savings.
Cashback is deducted from your credit card balance or added as credits.
Some banks allow cashback conversion into shopping vouchers.
Popular with cards like BPI Amore Cashback and Maya Card.
3. Partnered Merchant Vouchers
Certain banks collaborate with stores and shopping apps like Shopee, Lazada, SM, Zalora, and Robinsons.
You can directly redeem points for specific shopping vouchers.
Example: Redeem your BPI points for SM Department Store GCs.
How to Redeem Credit Card Points for Gift Certificates
Redeeming your rewards is simple, but the process can vary depending on your bank. Here’s the step-by-step guide:
Step 1 — Check Your Available Points
Log in to your bank’s mobile app or website.
Look for “Rewards” or “My Points.”
Some banks also send monthly SMS or email updates showing your available points.
Step 2 — Go to the Bank’s Rewards Redemption Platform
Every bank has its own redemption platform. Examples:
BPI → [BPI Rewards Portal] (inside the mobile app)
Metrobank → Metrobank Rewards Plus
Security Bank → Security Bank Rewards
Inside these platforms, you’ll find a list of available gift certificates and vouchers.
Step 3 — Select Gift Certificates or Shopping Vouchers
Choose where you want to spend your rewards:
Supermarkets → SM, Robinsons, Puregold
Online Shopping → Lazada, Shopee, Zalora
Department Stores → Landmark, Rustan’s
Entertainment → Ayala Cinemas, SM Cinema
Step 4 — Confirm & Wait for Delivery
Some banks send e-gift vouchers via email or SMS (fastest option).
Others deliver physical gift certificates to your address.
Delivery time usually ranges from 1 day to 2 weeks.
Pro Tip: Always check minimum redemption points before selecting a voucher. For most banks, it starts at 1,000–2,000 points.
Best Credit Cards in the Philippines for Rewards (2025 Update)
Here’s a quick comparison table of some of the best credit cards for redeeming gift certificates and shopping vouchers:
Credit Card
Annual Fee
Rewards / Cashback
Gift Certificate Options
Best For
BPI Amore Cashback
₱2,050
Up to 4% cashback
Yes (SM, Robinsons)
Everyday spenders
Metrobank Titanium
₱2,500
1 point = ₱20 spend
Yes (GCs + e-vouchers)
Shopee / Lazada buyers
Security Bank Gold
₱2,500
1 point = ₱20 spend
Yes
Department store shoppers
GCash Mastercard
Free
Cashback via promos
Limited
Online + QR spenders
Maya Card
Free
Up to 10% cashback
Yes, via Maya app
Digital-first users
Pro Tips to Maximize Your Rewards
If you’re new to credit cards, here’s how to make the most of your rewards:
Pick the right card for your lifestyle → If you shop online often, choose cards partnered with Shopee or Lazada.
Focus on high-value vouchers → For example, redeem a ₱500 Lazada voucher instead of low-value freebies.
Take advantage of bonus promos → Banks often have “double points” campaigns.
Redeem before expiration → Most rewards expire within 2 to 3 years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many beginners lose out on rewards because of simple mistakes:
Forgetting expiration dates → Points vanish if unused.
Redeeming low-value items → Avoid small freebies; save up for better vouchers.
Paying unnecessary annual fees → If you’re only after rewards, choose a no-annual-fee card.
Overspending just for points → Don’t buy things you don’t need just to collect rewards.
Calculate If Your Rewards Are Worth It
Before redeeming rewards, make sure your spending is actually giving you value. You can use our Credit Card Cost Calculator to find out:
How much you’re spending
How many points you’re earning
Whether the rewards offset your annual fees
This tool is especially useful for first-time cardholders who want to maximize benefits.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
Use your credit card for purchases to earn points or cashback.
Redeem your points via your bank’s rewards portal.
Exchange them for gift certificates, shopping vouchers, or e-gift cards.
Choose the right card based on your spending habits to maximize savings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the minimum points needed to redeem gift certificates?
It depends on your bank, but most start at 1,000 to 2,000 points.
2. Can I redeem my points for Lazada or Shopee vouchers?
Yes! Many banks offer e-gift vouchers for Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, and other online stores.
3. Do credit card points expire?
Yes, usually within 2–3 years. Some premium cards offer non-expiring points.
4. Which credit card is best for shopping vouchers?
For 2025, BPI Amore Cashback, Metrobank Titanium, and Maya Card are among the top picks.
5. Is it worth applying for a credit card just for the rewards?
Yes — if you spend regularly on groceries, shopping, and bills, rewards can save you money. But always check annual fees first.
