UnionBank credit cards are issued by UnionBank of the Philippines, a major retail bank in the Philippines
UnionBank offers several credit card products aimed at different spending patterns and customer segments. These cards are issued by UnionBank of the Philippines, a retail bank headquartered in Manila. If you are a Philippines resident or have a UnionBank account, you may see these cards advertised as options when you visit a branch or log into online banking.
The specific features, rewards structures, and annual fees vary by card type. UnionBank rotates its card offerings and promotional terms, so the details available today may differ from what you see in six months. This guide explains what to look for when comparing UnionBank cards to other options, and how to find current terms.
Key Takeaways
- UnionBank credit cards come in multiple tiers, each with different spending categories, rewards rates, and annual fees.
- Rewards programs typically earn points on purchases, which you can redeem for cash back, travel, or merchandise depending on the card.
- Annual fees range from zero to several thousand Philippine pesos, and some cards waive the fee if you spend a certain amount each year.
- You can find current card offers and terms on UnionBank's official website or by visiting a branch, since promotional rates and card features change regularly.
Common UnionBank card types and their rewards structures
UnionBank has offered cards in different categories over time, including cashback cards, travel rewards cards, and cards designed for specific merchant partners. A cashback card typically returns a percentage of your spending as cash or statement credits. A travel rewards card earns points that convert to airline miles, hotel nights, or travel vouchers. Partner cards—such as those co-branded with airlines or retailers—offer bonus points when you spend at that partner's locations.
The rewards rate depends on the card and the merchant category. You might earn 1 point per peso on most purchases, but 3 or 4 points per peso at partner merchants or in bonus categories like dining or fuel. Points accumulate in your account and can usually be redeemed once you reach a minimum threshold, often 5,000 to 10,000 points. Redemption options vary: some cards let you convert points directly to cash, while others require you to book travel through a partner portal or order from a merchandise catalog.
Annual fees and how to avoid them
Most UnionBank credit cards carry an annual fee, typically ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 Philippine pesos depending on the card tier. Premium cards with higher rewards rates or travel benefits usually have higher fees. Some cards waive the annual fee in the first year, or waive it permanently if you spend a set amount—often 500,000 to 1,000,000 pesos—in a calendar year.
Before accepting a card offer, check whether the annual fee applies when ready or after the first year, and whether you can waive it through spending. If you do not meet the spending threshold, you will be charged the full fee. Some cardholders choose to close the card before the anniversary date if they know they will not use it enough to justify the cost.
Interest rates and how they work
UnionBank credit cards charge interest on balances you carry from month to month. The interest rate (called the annual percentage rate, or APR) varies by card and by your creditworthiness. Rates typically range from 18% to 24% per year, though the exact rate you receive depends on UnionBank's assessment of your credit history and income.
Interest accrues daily on any balance you do not pay in full by the due date. If you charge 10,000 pesos and pay only 5,000 by the due date, interest will be calculated on the remaining 5,000 pesos for each day until you pay it off. To avoid interest charges entirely, pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you cannot pay in full, paying as much as possible reduces the amount of interest you owe.
How to find current UnionBank card offers
UnionBank updates its credit card lineup and promotional offers regularly. The most reliable source for current terms is UnionBank's official website, where you can view all active cards, their rewards rates, annual fees, and any current promotions. You can also visit a UnionBank branch in person to speak with a representative who can explain the differences between cards and answer questions about your specific situation.
When comparing cards, look at the rewards rate in the categories where you spend the most money. If you spend heavily on groceries and fuel, a card that earns 3 points per peso in those categories will earn you more rewards than a flat 1-point card, even if the annual fee is higher. Use an online calculator or spreadsheet to estimate your annual rewards earnings minus the annual fee to see which card comes out ahead for your spending pattern.
How UnionBank credit cards compare to other Philippine issuers
The Philippines has several major credit card issuers, including BDO, BPI, Metrobank, and RCBC, each with their own card lineups and rewards programs. UnionBank cards compete on rewards rates, annual fees, and partner merchant networks. Some issuers offer higher cashback rates or more generous travel redemption options, while others have lower annual fees or easier approval for new cardholders.
The best card for you depends on your spending habits, how much you value rewards, and whether you can justify the annual fee. A card with a 3,000-peso annual fee is only worth it if you earn at least 3,000 pesos in rewards value per year. If you spend less than 500,000 pesos annually, a no-fee or low-fee card from any issuer may serve you better than a premium rewards card.
What to do before explore for a UnionBank card
Before you explore, gather information about your income, employment, and existing debts. UnionBank will ask for proof of income (such as recent payslips or tax returns) and may request bank statements. Having these documents ready speeds up the process. You should also check your credit report if possible to understand what UnionBank will see when they review your process.
Read the full terms and conditions for the specific card you want, not just the promotional summary. The terms document will spell out the interest rate, annual fee, grace period (the number of days before interest starts accruing), and any restrictions on rewards redemption. If anything is unclear, ask a UnionBank representative before you sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UnionBank credit cards have a grace period?
Yes. UnionBank credit cards typically offer a grace period of 20 to 25 days from the statement date, meaning you can pay your full balance interest-free if you pay by the due date shown on your statement. Interest only applies to balances you carry past the due date.
Can I transfer a balance from another credit card to a UnionBank card?
Some UnionBank cards offer balance transfer promotions, usually with a lower interest rate for a limited time. Check the current card offers on UnionBank's website or ask a representative whether balance transfers are available and what the terms are, including any transfer fees.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment will be reported to credit bureaus and may damage your credit score. UnionBank will charge a late fee and interest will continue to accrue on your balance. If you miss a payment, contact UnionBank as soon as possible to discuss your options and avoid further penalties.
Can I increase my credit limit?
Yes, you can request a credit limit increase from UnionBank after you have held the card for a period of time and demonstrated responsible payment history. UnionBank may also offer automatic increases based on your account activity. Contact your card issuer to ask about the process and requirements.
Are there rewards for paying bills or loans with a UnionBank credit card?
Some UnionBank cards earn rewards on all purchases, including bill payments, while others exclude certain transactions like utility payments or loan payments. Check the specific card's terms to see which transactions earn points and at what rate.