What Is a UnionBank Credit Card?

What Is a UnionBank Credit Card? (Beginner’s Guide for First-Time Card Users in the Philippines)

Have you ever wondered how people can shop online, book flights, or pay bills with just one swipe or tap? That’s the power of a credit card — and one of the most trusted providers in the Philippines is UnionBank.

For many Filipinos, getting a credit card for the first time feels both exciting and intimidating. “Paano kung ma-overdue ako?” “Baka mahirap ma-approve.” These are common worries, but once you understand how it works, a credit card can actually make your finances more convenient — and even rewarding.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a UnionBank credit card is, how it works, how to apply, and the benefits (plus a few things to watch out for). Whether you’re a first-time user or just curious, this post will help you make smarter financial decisions.

💳 What Exactly Is a UnionBank Credit Card?

A credit card is a financial tool that lets you borrow money from the bank to make purchases or pay bills — with the promise to pay it back later, usually every month.

When you use a UnionBank Credit Card, you’re using UnionBank’s money temporarily. You then repay the amount you spent, either in full or in installments.

Think of it like this:

It’s as if UnionBank is lending you cash instantly for your convenience — and if you pay on time, you won’t even have to pay interest.

Example:

Let’s say you buy a ₱5,000 pair of shoes using your UnionBank credit card. You’ll receive a monthly bill showing your total purchases, plus the minimum amount due. If you pay the full ₱5,000 before the due date, no interest applies. But if you only pay part of it, the remaining balance earns interest next month.

🧠 How a Credit Card Works (Simple Breakdown)

Here’s the basic flow:

Application → You apply online or in a branch and wait for approval.
Credit Limit → Once approved, UnionBank gives you a set limit (e.g., ₱20,000 or ₱100,000) depending on your income and credit history.
Usage → You can swipe or tap your card for shopping, bills, or online payments — up to your limit.
Billing → Every month, you’ll receive a statement showing your total spending and due date.
Payment → You can pay the full balance (no interest) or minimum balance (with interest).

💡 Tip: Always pay on or before the due date. Late payments can cause interest charges and affect your credit score.

📋 UnionBank Credit Card Requirements

Applying for a credit card may seem complicated, but it’s straightforward if you prepare the right documents.

✅ Basic Requirements

Filipino citizen
At least 18 years old
Minimum annual income: ₱180,000 (depends on the card type)
Valid government ID
Proof of income (payslip, ITR, or COE if employed; business permit or bank statements if self-employed)

🧾 Supporting Documents

Type	Examples
ID Proof	Passport, Driver’s License, UMID, or SSS ID
Income Proof	Latest payslip, ITR, or certificate of employment
Address Proof	Utility bill or bank statement

🖥️ How to Apply for a UnionBank Credit Card (Step-by-Step)

UnionBank makes applying easy — you can do it online in minutes.

Step 1: Choose Your Card

UnionBank offers various cards like:

UnionBank Rewards Credit Card – for earning points on every purchase
UnionBank Gold Mastercard – for bigger limits and exclusive perks
UnionBank PlayEveryday Visa – perfect for lifestyle spenders and gamers
UnionBank Lazada Credit Card – for online shoppers

Step 2: Apply Online

Visit UnionBank’s website and fill out the online application form. It usually takes less than 10 minutes.

Step 3: Submit Requirements

Upload your valid IDs and proof of income.

Step 4: Wait for Approval

You’ll receive a text or email once approved. Delivery takes about 5–7 working days.

Step 5: Activate and Use

Activate your card online or through the UnionBank app. Then you’re ready to shop, pay bills, or book your next trip!

💰 How Much Does a UnionBank Credit Card Cost?

Every credit card comes with fees, but most are easy to manage once you understand them.

Common Fees and Charges

Fee Type	Description	Example Amount
Annual Fee	Yearly charge for card maintenance	₱1,500–₱3,000 (some are waived for 1st year)
Interest Rate	Charged on unpaid balances	~3% per month
Late Payment Fee	If you miss the due date	₱1,000 or a percentage of your balance
Cash Advance Fee	If you withdraw cash	Around 3% of the withdrawn amount

To understand the real cost of borrowing, you can try this tool:
👉 Credit Card Cost Calculator
Use it to estimate how much interest you’ll pay if you don’t settle your full balance each month.

🌟 Benefits of Having a UnionBank Credit Card

Credit cards are not just about borrowing — they also bring convenience, security, and perks.

💡 1. Easy Shopping and Online Payments

Buy now, pay later. You can shop online, pay bills, or book flights without carrying cash.

🛫 2. Travel and Lifestyle Rewards

Earn points or miles for every purchase — redeemable for discounts, gadgets, or airline tickets.

🧾 3. Expense Tracking

Your monthly statement helps track your spending and manage your budget better.

🔒 4. Security and Fraud Protection

UnionBank cards are EMV chip-enabled and come with 24/7 fraud monitoring.

🏷️ 5. Promos and Discounts

Get exclusive offers in partner restaurants, stores, and online platforms.

⚠️ Common Issues (and How to Avoid Them)

Even responsible users can face problems if they’re not careful. Here are some common ones:

❌ 1. Late Payments

Always note your billing due date and pay on time to avoid penalties.

❌ 2. Overspending

Stick to a monthly budget. Treat your credit card like cash you must pay later.

❌ 3. Ignoring Statements

Regularly check your monthly statement for unauthorized transactions.

❌ 4. Misunderstanding Minimum Payment

Paying only the minimum keeps your account active but adds interest. Whenever possible, pay in full.

💡 Tips for First-Time Credit Card Users

Start with a low-limit card – It’s easier to control your spending.
Use it for necessities – Groceries, bills, or online purchases only.
Pay in full every month – Avoid high interest.
Don’t max out your limit – Try to keep usage under 30% of your limit.
Monitor through the UnionBank App – Track transactions in real-time.

🧮 Try This: Credit Card Cost Calculator

Before you apply, try this helpful free tool:
👉 Credit Card Cost Calculator

It lets you simulate your monthly payments, interest, and total cost if you carry a balance — perfect for first-time users who want to avoid overspending.

🧾 TL;DR (Summary for Busy Readers)

A UnionBank Credit Card lets you borrow money for purchases and repay later.
Pay your full balance every month to avoid interest.
Requirements: valid ID, proof of income, and minimum salary.
Benefits: convenience, rewards, promos, and secure payments.
Always manage your credit wisely — it’s not free money, it’s borrowed money.

Try the Credit Card Cost Calculator to estimate your actual payment costs.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the minimum salary to get a UnionBank credit card?

It depends on the card type, but most start at ₱15,000 per month.

2. How long does approval take?

Usually 5 to 7 working days after you submit all requirements.

3. Can I apply without a credit history?

Yes! UnionBank has cards suitable for first-time applicants and beginners.

4. What happens if I miss a payment?

You’ll be charged a late payment fee and interest on the unpaid balance.

5. Can I increase my credit limit later?

Yes. After 6–12 months of good payment history, you can request a limit increase.

✨ Final Thoughts

A UnionBank credit card can open doors — from convenient payments to exciting rewards. But remember: responsible usage is key. Use your card wisely, pay on time, and track your expenses.

If you want to understand how much your credit card might cost monthly, try the Credit Card Cost Calculator before applying — it’s a smart move to stay debt-free and confident as a first-time cardholder.