Travel Hacks Using UnionBank Credit Cards

Smart ways to save, earn rewards, and travel better with UnionBank Credit Cards

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🧭 Introduction: Turn Every Trip into a Rewarding Experience

If you love traveling but hate the high costs that come with it—airfare, hotels, baggage fees, and even foreign transaction charges—there’s good news. Your UnionBank Credit Card can do more than just pay for your flight or hotel stay. It can actually help you save, earn rewards, and make your travel experience smoother and more luxurious.

For many Filipinos who are just starting to use a credit card, this might sound surprising. But once you learn these travel hacks, you’ll realize that using your card wisely is like having a travel assistant in your wallet—ready to unlock discounts, perks, and protection while you explore the world.

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🌍 Why Use a Credit Card When Traveling?

Before diving into the hacks, let’s first understand why travelers prefer using credit cards abroad instead of cash or debit cards:

• Safer than cash: If you lose your card, you can immediately block it through the app. Losing cash? That’s gone forever.
• Rewards and cashback: Every time you swipe or tap, you earn points or cashback that you can use later.
• Easier bookings: Airlines, hotels, and car rentals prefer credit card payments.
• Travel insurance and protection: Some UnionBank cards include travel insurance coverage when you book using your card.

Now, let’s explore the travel hacks that can help you make the most of your UnionBank Credit Card.

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💡 HACK #1: Earn Miles and Points Faster

UnionBank cards such as Miles+ Platinum and Rewards Gold let you earn miles or reward points for every peso you spend—especially on travel-related expenses.

✈ Example:

Let’s say you book a round-trip flight to Japan worth ₱30,000 using your UnionBank Miles+ card.
If your card gives 1 mile for every ₱25 spent, you’ll earn:

₱30,000 ÷ ₱25 = 1,200 miles.

That’s already enough to get a domestic round-trip reward ticket or a significant discount on your next international flight.

💡 Tip: Use your UnionBank card to pay for your entire travel—from flight tickets and accommodation to dining and tours. You’ll hit those bonus point thresholds faster.

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🏨 HACK #2: Unlock Hotel Discounts with Partner Merchants

UnionBank regularly partners with global and local hotels, offering exclusive discounts and cashback deals for cardholders. You can enjoy up to 10–20% off when booking through partner platforms or directly with participating hotels.

🏝 Example:

You’re booking a 3-night stay in Boracay at a hotel worth ₱5,000 per night. That’s ₱15,000 total.

If UnionBank offers a 10% cardholder discount, you’ll save ₱1,500 instantly—just for using your UnionBank card.

💡 Pro Tip: Always check the UnionBank app or your card’s email updates before booking. New partnerships and promotions are regularly added.

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🍽️ HACK #3: Dine Like a VIP with Airport Lounge and Restaurant Perks

If you hold a UnionBank Platinum or higher-tier card, you can enjoy access to airport lounges through DragonPass or LoungeKey, depending on your card type.

Instead of paying ₱1,500–₱2,000 for lounge access, you can rest, eat, and charge your devices for free.

Some cards also offer up to 50% off dining at select restaurants and hotels. Perfect for celebrating your travel milestones without breaking the bank.

💡 Tip: Check your UnionBank credit card app for “Dining & Travel Deals” — these change every quarter.

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💳 HACK #4: Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

One of the biggest hidden costs of traveling abroad is the foreign transaction fee, usually 2–3.5% added when you swipe in another currency.

But here’s how you can avoid or minimize it:

1. Pay in local currency when given the option abroad.
   (Choosing “Charge in PHP” often adds extra conversion fees.)
2. Use UnionBank cards with low or waived foreign exchange fees.
3. Monitor your spending via the UnionBank App to see real-time conversions.

💡 Example:
If you spend ₱50,000 equivalent abroad and your card charges 3.5%, that’s ₱1,750 in extra fees. Paying in local currency can avoid most of that.

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🏆 HACK #5: Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator Before You Travel

Planning to spend for flights, hotels, and travel gear? It’s important to know how much you can afford and how interest adds up if you can’t pay your balance in full.

You can use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to estimate your total interest and repayment timeline.

This is especially helpful for new cardholders—so you can travel without debt stress and stay within your budget.

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🛫 HACK #6: Travel with Built-in Insurance and Purchase Protection

When you book your flight using select UnionBank cards, you automatically get free travel insurance coverage.

This may include:

• Accident and medical coverage during your trip
• Lost luggage protection
• Trip delay or cancellation insurance

💡 Example:
If your flight gets delayed for 6 hours and your UnionBank card offers ₱3,000 travel inconvenience coverage, you can claim it—just keep your receipts and flight records.

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💼 HACK #7: Convert Travel Purchases into Easy Installments

Flights and hotels can be expensive, but UnionBank makes it manageable through its Installment Program.

You can convert big purchases (like airfare or gadgets bought abroad) into 0% or low-interest installments over 3–12 months.

💡 Example:
If your ₱24,000 flight ticket is converted into a 6-month installment plan, that’s just ₱4,000/month—and often with 0% interest.

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🌏 HACK #8: Track and Redeem Travel Rewards Easily

Inside the UnionBank App, you can view your earned points or miles and redeem them for travel perks like:

• Airline miles
• Hotel e-vouchers
• Dining discounts
• Gift certificates

💡 Pro Tip: Redeem your points early before they expire, and always check if there are bonus redemption seasons (where your points are worth more).

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⚡ Bonus Hack: Use Your Card for Local Travel Too

Even if you’re not flying internationally, you can still benefit from your UnionBank card when traveling around the Philippines.

Many local travel agencies, resorts, and airlines like Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines offer card-exclusive promos, especially during holiday seasons.

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🧾 TL;DR — Quick Summary

Hack	Benefit
Earn Miles Faster	Get free or discounted flights
Hotel Discounts	Save up to 20% on bookings
Dining & Lounge Perks	Eat and relax in style
Avoid FX Fees	Save on every overseas transaction
Use the Calculator	Avoid overspending
Travel Insurance	Free coverage when you book flights
Installment Option	Split big travel costs easily
Reward Redemption	Turn spending into free travel

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❓ FAQs: Travel Hacks Using UnionBank Credit Cards

1. Do all UnionBank cards earn travel rewards?

No. Some cards like Miles+ Platinum or Rewards Gold earn points or miles. Basic cards may have cashback instead.

2. Can I use my UnionBank credit card abroad?

Yes, any UnionBank Visa or Mastercard works worldwide—just activate your overseas usage in the app before your trip.

3. How do I check travel insurance coverage?

You can find the details in your card’s terms or by calling UnionBank’s customer hotline before booking.

4. Are lounge accesses unlimited?

It depends on your card type. Some offer free visits, while others have a limited number of free entries per year.

5. Can I redeem my points for flights directly?

Yes, you can convert your points to airline miles or redeem travel vouchers through the UnionBank app or rewards portal.

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✈ Final Thoughts: Travel Smart, Spend Smarter

Traveling with a UnionBank Credit Card isn’t just about convenience—it’s about unlocking smarter ways to save, earn, and enjoy your trips.

From earning miles to saving on hotels and avoiding hidden fees, these hacks can turn your everyday spending into future vacations.

So before your next trip, plan your budget using the Credit Card Cost Calculator, activate your travel perks, and let your UnionBank card take you further—literally and financially.