UnionBank Credit Card Fees vs. Competitors: A Deep Dive

Ever wondered if UnionBank credit cards are really more affordable compared to others in the Philippines? For first-time credit card users, one of the biggest questions is how much it actually costs to own and use a credit card — from annual fees to interest rates and late payment charges.

In this article, we’ll explore the fees, charges, and perks of UnionBank credit cards and compare them to major competitors. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or first-time cardholder, this guide will help you decide if UnionBank gives the best value for your hard-earned money.

What Makes Credit Card Fees Important?

Credit card fees affect how much value you truly get from your card. Even if a card has great rewards, high fees can eat away your savings.

Some key fees to watch for include:

Annual Fee – A yearly maintenance fee to keep your card active.
Interest Rate (Finance Charge) – The cost of borrowing money when you don’t pay in full.
Late Payment Fee – Charged when you miss your due date.
Cash Advance Fee – For withdrawing cash from your card (usually higher).
Foreign Transaction Fee – Added when you shop online or abroad using foreign currency.

UnionBank Credit Card Fees Overview

UnionBank offers a wide range of cards — from the UnionBank Rewards Card to UnionBank Gold Mastercard and even co-branded cards like AirAsia Credit Card. Here’s a general look at their typical fees.

Fee Type	UnionBank (Typical)	Notes / Highlights
Annual Fee	₱1,500 – ₱3,000	Often waived for the first year or permanently for select cards
Supplementary Card Fee	₱750 – ₱1,500	Sometimes waived for first supplementary
Interest Rate (Monthly)	~3%	Standard across most Philippine banks
Late Payment Fee	₱850 or higher	Fixed amount regardless of balance
Cash Advance Fee	6% or ₱500 (whichever is higher)	Includes daily interest until full payment
Foreign Transaction Fee	3.5%	Similar to most global cards
Overlimit Fee	₱500	Only charged if you exceed your credit limit

Note: Actual charges may vary depending on the UnionBank card type.

UnionBank vs. Competitors: Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s a simplified comparison of UnionBank against some top competitors in the Philippines:

Category	UnionBank	BPI	BDO	Metrobank
Annual Fee	₱1,500–₱3,000	₱1,500–₱3,500	₱1,500–₱2,500	₱1,500–₱3,600
First Year Fee Waiver	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Interest Rate (Monthly)	3.0%	3.0%	3.0%	3.0%
Late Payment Fee	₱850	₱850	₱850	₱850
Cash Advance Fee	6% or ₱500	5% or ₱500	5% or ₱500	5% or ₱500
Foreign Transaction Fee	3.5%	3.5%	3.5%	3.5%
Rewards / Cashback	High (depends on card)	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Digital Experience	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (UnionBank Online App)	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Verdict:
UnionBank stands out for its strong digital experience, promo-driven rewards, and convenient online application. Its fees are competitive, especially when paired with first-year fee waivers and user-friendly management through the UnionBank app.

When UnionBank Credit Cards Are Worth It

UnionBank cards are great if you value:

Cashless convenience — perfect for online shopping, travel bookings, and food deliveries.
Promos & rewards — UnionBank frequently partners with Lazada, Shopee, and AirAsia.
Flexible management — The UnionBank app lets you track spending, pay bills, and manage your credit limit easily.

For many first-time users, the fee-to-benefit ratio of UnionBank is ideal, especially if you use your card responsibly and pay your balance on time.

Pro Tip: Calculate Your Monthly Credit Card Costs

Before applying, it’s smart to know how much you’ll actually pay per month based on your spending habits.
You can use this free tool to estimate:

👉 Try the Credit Card Cost Calculator

It helps you visualize interest, fees, and your total monthly cost — great for budgeting and avoiding surprises.

How to Apply for a UnionBank Credit Card

Eligibility

At least 18 years old
With stable income or employment
With valid government-issued IDs
For some cards: minimum monthly income requirement (e.g., ₱15,000–₱30,000)

Application Process

Go to the UnionBank website or app
Select your preferred card
Fill out the online form
Submit your documents (ID, proof of income, etc.)
Wait for approval notification via SMS or email

Tip: Students or first-time users may start with UnionBank’s entry-level or co-branded cards that require lower income.

Common Fees You Can Avoid

Here are some easy habits to avoid unnecessary charges:

Pay your balance before the due date → no late fees, no interest.
Avoid cash advances unless urgent → they have higher interest.
Spend within your limit → to prevent overlimit fees.
Opt for e-statements and auto-pay → saves time and prevents missed payments.

These habits help you maximize rewards while keeping your total cost low.

TL;DR – Quick Summary

Aspect	UnionBank Credit Cards
Annual Fees	Competitive (₱1,500–₱3,000, often waived)
Interest Rate	3% monthly (industry standard)
Perks	Strong rewards, digital convenience
Best For	Students, freelancers, and first-time cardholders
Calculator Tool	Credit Card Cost Calculator to estimate real costs

Final Thought:
UnionBank offers a balance of affordable fees, digital ease, and strong rewards, making it one of the best options for those starting their credit journey in the Philippines.

FAQs

1. Is UnionBank Credit Card good for beginners?
Yes. It’s ideal for first-time users because of its easy application process, flexible options, and user-friendly app.

2. Does UnionBank waive annual fees?
Some cards offer first-year or even lifetime annual fee waivers, depending on promos.

3. What happens if I miss my payment?
You’ll be charged a ₱850 late payment fee and interest will apply until you pay your balance.

4. How can I check my UnionBank credit card balance?
You can use the UnionBank mobile app or website anytime, 24/7.

5. How do I know which UnionBank card suits me?
Consider your income, spending habits, and lifestyle — or try the Credit Card Cost Calculator to estimate which fits your budget best.