Real Stories: How Travelers Save with UnionBank Credit Cards

True-to-life travel savings, perks, and smart spending hacks for Filipino cardholders

✈️ Real People, Real Savings

Ever wondered how some people manage to travel abroad without going broke? It’s not just about promo fares or cheap hotels—it’s about using their UnionBank Credit Card wisely.

For many first-time cardholders in the Philippines, a credit card might sound intimidating. But when used right, it becomes a powerful tool for travel savings, convenience, and even free rewards.

In this article, we’ll share real-life stories of Filipino travelers who saved thousands of pesos using their UnionBank Credit Cards—plus the practical lessons and hacks you can copy for your next trip.

🌍 Why UnionBank Credit Cards Are Perfect for Travelers

UnionBank offers various credit cards designed not only for everyday purchases but also for travel perks—such as reward points, free lounge access, installment options, and waived foreign fees.

But what makes it special for new credit card users is this:
👉 You don’t need to be rich to travel smart.

Even an entry-level UnionBank card can give you discounts and benefits when used strategically.

Let’s meet a few travelers who made the most out of their cards.

👩‍💼 Story #1: “I Saved ₱3,000 on My First International Flight” — Mia, 29, HR Professional

Mia dreamed of going to South Korea for years, but airfare prices always scared her. When she got her UnionBank Miles+ Credit Card, she started earning miles on her everyday purchases—groceries, bills, and online shopping.

After six months, she checked her rewards balance and realized she already had 4,000 miles. When she booked her Seoul trip, she used those miles to get a discount worth ₱3,000 off her ticket.

“I didn’t even notice I was earning. Every time I used my card for groceries or food delivery, it was adding up. It felt like a hidden savings account just for travel.”

✈️ Hack You Can Copy:

Use your UnionBank card for regular expenses. Those small points and miles build up fast, especially if you always pay your bill on time and in full.

🏨 Story #2: “Free Hotel Upgrade During Our Anniversary Trip” — Carlo & Bea, Newlyweds

For their honeymoon in Palawan, Carlo booked a resort using his UnionBank Platinum Visa. A week before their trip, he received an email from the resort offering a free room upgrade—available only to UnionBank Platinum cardholders.

They got upgraded from a standard room to a beachfront villa—worth ₱8,000 more—without paying extra.

“We thought it was a scam at first,” Bea laughed. “But when we checked in, it was true! The staff said our card gave us that perk.”

🏖️ Hack You Can Copy:

UnionBank cards often partner with hotels and resorts for exclusive perks. Always check your card’s promotions tab in the UnionBank app before booking.

🍽️ Story #3: “We Ate Like Royals Without Spending More” — Rico, 34, Travel Blogger

Rico travels all over Asia to write about food and culture. He uses his UnionBank Rewards Gold card for dining.

During his Japan trip, he enjoyed up to 15% off at partner restaurants when he paid using his UnionBank card. The best part? Those meals also earned him reward points for his next trip.

“I always tell my readers: if you’re going to spend anyway, make it work for you. Using my UnionBank card gave me discounts and rewards—so it’s like getting paid to eat!”

🍣 Hack You Can Copy:

Use your UnionBank card where it earns the most value—for travel, dining, and shopping categories that match your lifestyle.

🛫 Story #4: “My Card Covered My Lost Baggage” — Leah, 26, Flight Attendant

When Leah’s luggage was lost on a connecting flight from Manila to Singapore, she didn’t panic. She had booked her ticket using her UnionBank Platinum Mastercard, which came with travel insurance coverage.

She filed a claim and received ₱5,000 as compensation for her delayed baggage.

“I didn’t even know about the insurance until a co-worker told me. That card literally saved me from stress.”

💼 Hack You Can Copy:

Whenever you book a flight, use your UnionBank card. Aside from earning miles, it activates travel insurance protection—for lost baggage, delays, or cancellations.

💳 Story #5: “No More Shock from Foreign Fees” — Mark, 32, IT Freelancer

Mark works remotely and often travels around Southeast Asia. His biggest issue before was the foreign transaction fee, which could reach 3.5% per swipe.

When he switched to a UnionBank card with low foreign exchange rates, he noticed he was saving around ₱1,500 per month—just from lower fees.

“It’s a small percentage, but if you’re abroad for weeks or months, it adds up. My UnionBank card made it easier to budget.”

🌐 Hack You Can Copy:

When abroad, pay in the local currency and use a card with low or waived foreign transaction fees. Avoid letting stores “convert to PHP” for you—it often costs more.

📱 Story #6: “I Tracked Every Peso While Traveling” — Ella, 24, First-Time Cardholder

Ella was nervous about using a credit card while traveling for the first time. But she discovered that the UnionBank App helped her see real-time spending, so she always knew her balance.

“I used the app to monitor every purchase and I never went over budget. It gave me peace of mind.”

💡 Hack You Can Copy:

Download the UnionBank App and enable spending alerts. You’ll see transactions instantly—perfect for avoiding overspending or detecting errors.

🧠 Bonus Tip: Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator Before You Fly

Before any big trip, it’s smart to plan your travel budget. You can use the
👉 Credit Card Cost Calculator
to understand how much your purchases will cost over time, especially if you plan to pay in installments.

This helps you avoid credit card debt while still enjoying your trip comfortably.

✈ Example:

If your ₱30,000 travel expenses are split into 6 monthly payments with a 1.5% interest rate, the calculator can show your total repayment—so there are no surprises later.

💬 TL;DR – Quick Summary

Traveler	Savings/Benefit	Lesson Learned
Mia	₱3,000 off airfare	Everyday purchases can earn travel miles
Carlo & Bea	Free ₱8,000 hotel upgrade	Always check card promos before booking
Rico	15% dining discount	Use your card in reward-heavy categories
Leah	₱5,000 insurance payout	Book flights using your UnionBank card
Mark	₱1,500/month saved	Pay in local currency abroad
Ella	Zero overspending	Use the app to track your transactions

💬 Common Questions (FAQs)

1. Can first-time credit card users get travel rewards?

Yes! Even entry-level UnionBank cards earn rewards or cashback. You don’t need a premium card to start saving.

2. How do I know which UnionBank card is best for travel?

If you travel often, choose cards like Miles+ or Platinum Visa, which offer miles, lounge access, and travel insurance.

3. Do I need to activate my card before using it abroad?

Yes. Always activate international usage in the UnionBank app before your trip.

4. Are installment conversions available for travel expenses?

Yes. You can convert big bookings (like flights or hotel stays) into 3–12 month installment plans.

5. How can I maximize my credit card rewards?

Use your card for everyday spending, pay your balance in full, and always check promos in the app.

🧭 Final Thoughts: Travel Smart, Not Expensive

These real stories show that credit cards aren’t just for spending—they’re for saving. With UnionBank, you can travel better, safer, and even cheaper when you know how to maximize your benefits.

Whether it’s earning miles, saving on foreign fees, or enjoying free upgrades, your card can be your travel partner.

So before you book that next trip, plan your budget with the Credit Card Cost Calculator and see how far your UnionBank card can take you—without breaking the bank.

Real Stories: How Travelers Save with UnionBank Credit Cards