Which Credit Cards are In My Wallet? – 2019

Credit cards can be a great financial tool when used responsibly.

I’ve always been inspired by people who are able to travel for “free” through the use of credit card points. They’re usually people who have maximized their spending by joining various promos, and of course, handling their finances properly. Some people who have inspired me to be meticulous with credit cards and their benefits are The Points Guy, Credit Shifu, and Brian Jung to name a few.

Regrettably,  I have not seen a similar personality or influencer here in the Philippines. I guess it can be attributed to the number of unbanked Filipinos and how uncompetitive our credit card products are.

Nevertheless, this didn’t stop me from getting, which I think, are the best cards for the purpose of traveling with miles.

But! First things first. As with any financial instrument, credit cards should be handled responsibly. Here are some do’s and don’ts which I think everyone should generally follow.

1. Do treat your credit cards as you would cash. Remember to live within your means. Don’t go swiping all over the place just because you have a high credit limit. 
2. Do pay your balances in full and on time. Interests accrue and these are unnecessary expenses. 
3. Do keep your credit card details secure. Never share any information about your card unless you are sure you’re transacting with the right people. 
4. Don’t apply for any card unless you need it. Getting approved needlessly will lock you out of activation promos. These include bonus miles, GCs or even items!

With that out of the way, let’s get to the cards.

1. Citibank’s PremierMiles

Spend-to-Miles Ratio: PHP 30.00 per mile for all transactions

Annual Fee: PHP 5,000.00

Lounge Access: DragonPass lounges (free 2 per membership year)

Airlines Partners: Over 60 airlines partners

Comments: PremierMiles was the first of the credit cards that I have. This card usually has the lowest spend-to-miles ratio unless there’s a promo on other cards. Since this card is powered by Visa, acceptance isn’t an issue. However, the foreign exchange rate and fees imposed by Citibank leaves much to be desired. Nevertheless, Citigold clients can waive the annual fee if this is chosen as their complementary card. Being a Citigold client however requires you to have a total relationship balance of PHP 5,000,000.00 Currently, this serves as my backup card for when American Express isn’t accepted.

Note: Apply for your Citi credit card here!

2. Metrobank’s Travel Platinum

Spend-to-Miles Ratio: PHP 17.00 per mile for overseas, airlines and hotels transactions; PHP 20.00 per reward point for all other transactions

Annual Fee: PHP 5,000.00

Lounge Access: Priority Pass Lounges (access must be paid for)

Airlines Partners: Asia Miles, Mabuhay Miles, Kris Flyer

Comments: For local transactions, the card will earn 1 rewards point for every PHP 20.00. However, 2.5 rewards point are needed in order to redeem 1 mile. This brings the cost of a mile to PHP 50.00. Because of this, I don’t use the card locally. As for travels abroad, I’m still deciding whether the foreign exchange rates and fees are worth it. Guess I’ll have to experiment with it the next time I travel.

3. BDO’s Diners Club Premiere

Spend-to-Miles Ratio: PHP 30.00 per mile for all transactions

Annual Fee: PHP 4,500.00

Lounge Access: Diners Club Lounges (free 2 per membership year)

Airlines Partners: Asia Miles, Mabuhay Miles

Comments: This card earns double miles for all dining transactions charged to it which brings the spend-to-miles ratio at around PHP 15.00 per mile. Aside from the built-in feature, Diners Club and BDO would have promos from time to time for miles multiplier on installments and other spend categories; so be sure to watch out for them! Sadly, the payment network isn’t widely accepted but I believe BDO is doing something about it.

4. BDO’s American Express Platinum

Spend-to-Miles Ratio: PHP 45.00 per mile for all transactions

Annual Fee: PHP 5,000.00

Lounge Access: Club Manila at NAIA Terminal 1, Skyview Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3, Miascor Lounge at Clark International Airport

Airlines Partners: Asia Miles, Kris Flyer, Royal Orchid Plus, Enrich, Delta Sky Miles, Mabuhay Miles

Comments: This is a card that’s best for big spenders. For example, a current promo offers x5 miles multiplier for travel-related spends. However, you also need to reach a minimum spend of PHP 350,000.00 within 2 months for you to be eligible for the promo. This is a huge amount if you ask me! Nevertheless, like the Diners Club, there are other promos that have a lower spend requirement. Knowing BDO, there’s bound to be one that you would be able to take advantage of. Also, BDO AmEx is known to have one of the lowest foreign exchange rates and fees so it’s good for travels.

And that’s it for my credit cards! To sum it up, I’m using American Express Platinum as my main credit card, Visa PremierMiles as a backup credit card, and Diners Club International specifically for dining transactions. Some other cards that are good for travel, but are way beyond a normal citizen, are the Citi Prestige, BDO World Elite Mastercard, and American Express Centurion. Maybe I’ll try to get those cards as future life goals!

How about you? How are you using your credit cards? Do you prefer cashback or rewards? Let’s discuss these at the comments below!