5 Best Credit Cards For Starters: 2017 Update

Looking for the best credit card for first-timers? Take your pick from any of these highly recommended Visa and MasterCard credit cards and open yourself up to a world of exclusive rewards, discounts, and privileges.

Our top two credit cards on this list accept non-carded applicants, so newly employed graduates, newbies, and first-timers now have higher chances of getting approved. We’ve also summed up the eligibility requirements and features for your convenience.

1. AUB Easy Mastercard

Not just one, but two credit cards from AUB accept applications from non-cardholders. Flexible payment terms and low interest rate are what set AUB and Classic Mastercard apart from other credit cards–you can choose the frequency and date of your monthly payment, as well as the minimum amount due. All this at only 2.95% interest, and with zero interest on purchases made after the cut-off.

With AUB, it’s easier to remember your cut-off date because you get to choose it. A great way for first-timers to get a hold of their finances early on.

Eligibility requirements

✔ Must be 21 to 55 years old for AUB Easy Mastercard

✔ 21 to 65 years old for AUB Classic Mastercard

✔ Gross monthly income of at least P10,000 for AUB Easy Mastercard

✔ Gross monthly income of at least P20,000 for AUB Classic Mastercard

✔ Must be regularly employed for at least one year

✔ Must be operating profitably for at least one year

Features

✔ P20 to one (1) rewards point, non-expiry

✔ Free for life Annual Membership Fee

✔ Zero interest on new purchases made after cut-off date

✔ Choice of when to pay–monthly, bi-monthly, weekly

2. Bank of Commerce Classic Mastercard

Here’s another great alternative for people who are applying for a new to credit card ownership. The Bank of Commerce Mastercard Classic gives you financial flexibility with installment plans and rewards points.

Its 3D Secure facility also serves as a strong security feature for online shopping. Foreign currency purchases are automatically converted into pesos, allowing you to shop conveniently overseas.

Eligibility requirements

✔ Must be 21 to 65 years old

✔ Gross annual income of at least P120,000

Features

✔ P25 = 1 point

✔ 5 rewards points for every P25 spent with select shopping and dining establishments

✔ Waived AMF on the first year

✔ 3D Secure technology

✔ 3.25% Effective Monthly Interest rate

3. EastWest Bank Practical Mastercard

EastWest Bank credit cards combine their wide array of perks and privileges with strong security features. Newbies will enjoy more secured transactions with their smart chip card and 3D Secure Technology.

EastWest Bank also provides cardholders with the choice to pay annual membership fees annually, quarterly, or monthly.

Eligibility requirements

✔ Gross annual income of at least P120,000

✔ Must be at least 21 years old

✔ Regular employee for at least one year

✔ Or self-employed profitably for at least three years

Features

✔ One of the lowest monthly interest rates at 3.25%

✔ 3D Secure Technology

✔ Up to 50% cash advance

✔ e-SOA (Statement of Account)

✔ Quick Bills Facility

✔ Convert-to-installment

✔ 1st year Annual Membership Fee waived for new-to-bank cardholders

4. Metrobank Classic Mastercard

Credit card starters will love this well-rounded card. Metrobank Classic Mastercard allows you to collect rewards points and get exclusive perks and discounts from partner merchants.

Other features include convenient automatic payments for utility bills and redeeming points for air miles with Philippines Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific.

Eligibility requirements

✔ Must be at least 21 years old

✔ Gross annual income of P180,000

Features

✔ P20 = 1 points

✔ Chip card

✔ “M Here” discounts and perks with partner merchants

✔ Bills2Pay feature, auto-debit feature for paying utility bills

✔ Cash2Go, cash advance feature paid in easy installment with low interest rates

5. HSBC Red Mastercard

If you have an existing credit card for at least six months and want top-up rewards, bigger rebates, and convenient payment options, apply for an HSBC Red Mastercard.

For a minimum amount of P1,500 spent on HSBC’s partner merchants, you get to earn Accelerated Rewards on shopping, dining, and travel.

Local and international transactions come with exclusive privileges and added security with its Mobile Payments feature.

Eligibility requirements

✔ Minimum monthly income of P16,000

✔ Must be at least 21 years old

Features

✔ No expiration for rewards points

✔ 0% Installment Plan

✔ 4x Bonus Points on shopping

✔ Free AMF on your first year

✔ 10% fuel rebate on first transaction and 3% fuel rebate all-year round

✔ Auto charge for multiple utility bills

✔ 30% of credit limit for cash advance with 3.75% interest

✔ Mobile payments