UnionBank Miles+ Card vs. Travel Card: Which Gives Better Perks?
/
UnionBank Miles+ Card vs. Travel Card: Which Gives Better Perks?
The Card Battle for Travel Lovers ✈️
If you love traveling or plan to start exploring the world, chances are you’ve heard of the UnionBank Miles+ Card and the UnionBank Travel Card. Both promise amazing perks like air miles, airport lounge access, and exclusive travel rewards — but which one actually gives you better value?
For first-time credit card users, the choice can be confusing. Do you go for faster miles earning, or do you prefer travel comfort perks like free insurance and lounge access?
This blog will help you compare both cards — their benefits, ideal users, and how to calculate your real savings using the Credit Card Cost Calculator.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which card fits your travel goals and spending style.
TL;DR: Quick Summary
Feature
UnionBank Miles+ Card
UnionBank Travel Card
Best For
Frequent flyers earning miles fast
Travelers who want comfort & convenience
Miles Earning Rate
1 mile per ₱25 spent on travel
1 mile per ₱30 spent on any purchase
Perks
Higher mile conversion, flexible redemption
Free travel insurance, airport lounge access
Annual Fee
Around ₱3,000
Around ₱2,500
Who Should Get It
People who fly often and want more miles
Occasional travelers who value convenience
👉 Choose Miles+ Card if you want faster points for airline rewards. 👉 Choose Travel Card if you travel a few times a year and prefer perks like insurance and comfort.
What Is a Credit Card? (Quick Refresher)
Before comparing, let’s quickly review what a credit card is — especially if you’re new.
A credit card lets you borrow money up to a certain limit and pay it back later. You can use it to book flights, buy groceries, or even shop online.
Example: If your limit is ₱50,000 and you use ₱10,000, you’ll pay that back when your statement arrives — usually within 30 days.
✅ If you pay in full, you avoid interest. ⚠️ If you pay minimum only, interest applies.
It’s important to know this because using your card smartly means earning perks while avoiding debt.
Understanding the UnionBank Miles+ Card
1. Earn Miles Faster
The UnionBank Miles+ Credit Card is made for people who travel frequently or spend a lot on airlines, hotels, and international purchases.
Earn 1 mile per ₱25 spent on travel-related expenses
Earn 1 mile per ₱40 on other purchases
Redeem miles for flights, seat upgrades, or travel vouchers
2. Great for Frequent Flyers
If you fly more than 3–4 times a year, this card gives better value because your accumulated miles can easily turn into free flights or discounts.
3. Example Calculation
Let’s say you spend ₱20,000 a month on travel-related expenses: ₱20,000 ÷ 25 = 800 miles per month, or 9,600 miles per year.
That’s enough to redeem local round-trip flights with partner airlines.
4. Ideal For:
Business travelers
Frequent vacationers
People who shop online internationally
If you enjoy flying and want every purchase to bring you closer to your next trip, this card fits perfectly.
Understanding the UnionBank Travel Card
1. Focused on Travel Comfort & Protection
While the Miles+ focuses on earning faster, the UnionBank Travel Card prioritizes your travel experience — ensuring you enjoy convenience and safety.
2. Key Benefits
Free Travel Insurance up to ₱10 million (when you book flights using the card)
Airport Lounge Access in selected terminals
Emergency Assistance during travel
1 mile per ₱30 spent on any purchase
3. Ideal for Occasional Travelers
If you travel once or twice a year, you’ll benefit more from comfort perks instead of collecting thousands of miles.
Example:
If you spend ₱15,000 a month on mixed expenses, you’ll earn 500 miles (₱15,000 ÷ 30) per month or 6,000 miles per year — still good, but you also enjoy travel insurance and lounge access.
Miles+ vs. Travel Card: Direct Comparison
Category
Miles+ Card
Travel Card
Miles Rate
1 mile per ₱25 (travel), ₱40 (others)
1 mile per ₱30 on all purchases
Best Use
Frequent flyers
Casual travelers
Perks
High miles, flexible redemption
Insurance, lounge access, convenience
Annual Fee
₱3,000
₱2,500
Supplementary Card
Available
Available
Ideal User
Travel enthusiasts, professionals
Families, casual travelers
Which Card Actually Gives Better Value?
It depends on how often you travel and where you spend most of your money.
💼 If You’re a Frequent Flyer:
Go for UnionBank Miles+. You’ll earn miles faster and can easily redeem them for airline tickets or upgrades.
Example: ₱30,000 monthly spend = ₱360,000 per year ÷ 25 = 14,400 miles annually — that’s equivalent to 2–3 free local trips!
🏖️ If You Travel Occasionally:
The UnionBank Travel Card gives you peace of mind with insurance, emergency coverage, and free lounge access. Even if you earn fewer miles, you gain more comfort during travel.
Try the Credit Card Cost Calculator 🧮
Before applying, it’s smart to check how much you’ll really earn or save per year based on your spending pattern.
Valid government ID and proof of income (payslips or ITR)
Proof of billing address
How to Apply for a UnionBank Credit Card
Step 1: Choose Your Card
Decide based on your travel frequency and lifestyle — Miles+ for heavy travel, Travel Card for comfort and insurance.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Have your valid ID, proof of income, and proof of billing ready.
Step 3: Submit Application
You can apply online or visit a UnionBank branch. Processing usually takes a few working days.
Step 4: Activate and Enjoy
Once approved, activate your card and start earning miles with every purchase.
Tips for Using Travel Credit Cards Wisely
Pay your balance in full every month. Avoid interest that could cancel out your rewards.
Use your card for travel-related purchases. Earn the most miles and perks.
Monitor your rewards. Redeem before they expire or devalue.
Check for promo periods. UnionBank often runs airline promos that multiply your miles.
Don’t overspend just for points. The best card is the one that fits your lifestyle, not the one that tempts you to spend more.
Pros and Cons Summary
Feature
Miles+ Card
Travel Card
Pros
Faster miles, great for frequent flyers
Insurance, lounge access, easier to maintain
Cons
Higher income requirement
Slower mile earning rate
Annual Fee
₱3,000
₱2,500
Best For
Travelers who fly often
Occasional vacationers
Final Verdict: Which UnionBank Card Wins?
✅ Choose the UnionBank Miles+ Card if:
You fly multiple times per year
You love collecting airline miles and travel rewards
You prefer converting purchases into flight benefits
✅ Choose the UnionBank Travel Card if:
You travel occasionally but want a smooth, safe trip
You value insurance, airport perks, and flexibility
You want a simpler, easy-to-maintain travel card
Both cards are excellent — the difference is in your travel frequency and spending style.
If you’re new to credit cards, start with the Travel Card for its manageable perks, then upgrade to Miles+ once you fly more frequently.
FAQs
1. What’s the main difference between UnionBank Miles+ and Travel Card? The Miles+ focuses on earning more miles faster, while the Travel Card offers more travel comfort perks.
2. Which is easier to get approved for? The Travel Card — it has a slightly lower income requirement.
3. Can I convert my miles to cash? No, miles are for travel redemptions like flights or hotel stays.
4. Do the miles expire? Usually not immediately, but it’s best to redeem them within 3 years to maximize value.
5. Can I have both cards at the same time? Yes! Many travelers keep the Travel Card for insurance and the Miles+ for earning flight rewards.
In summary: The UnionBank Miles+ Card is built for those who travel often and want to earn flights faster, while the UnionBank Travel Card focuses on comfort, safety, and convenience.
Whichever you choose, remember to check your real potential savings using the Credit Card Cost Calculator — and travel smarter, not harder.
