2024 Update: Philippines’ Most Elite Credit Cards
These elusive, elite credit cards will always be the talk of the town regardless of where you’re from.
Inspired by The Points Society’s post on credit card tiers, let me share with you some tidbits on elite cards, or as he would say, the tier 5 cards.
There are many ways for one to consider a credit card as elite or of the highest tier. Usually, people would consider the cost of the annual fee. Any card with an annual fee of PHP 6,000.00 and above would usually be classified as such.
Note: I’ve decided to raise the cap to PHP 6,000.00 since there are some credit cards with this much annual fee but aren’t really there yet to be considered exclusive.
Another consideration would be accessibility. Aside from high income requirements, some of these cards are by-invitation only. Lastly, there is the material or texture of the card. The most elite cards are usually made of metal or adorned with gold, diamond, or even gems. In fact, one of the biggest selling points for these tier 5 cards is probably the flex value and not even the rewards system or benefits.
Thoughts: Speaking of credit card material, there is actually a service that customizes your plastic credit card and turns it into “metal”. Nothing against this service but no, it’s not enough to classify your card as tier 5. *insert smiley*
With those out of the way, here are some of the most elite credit cards in the Philippines that I know of and in no particular order.
BDO’s American Express Platinum (Dollar Charge Card)
Annual Fee: USD 750.00 (at an exchange rate of PHP 58.00, this is equivalent to PHP 43,000.00)
Possible requirements: 10M TRB (total relationship balance) with BDO
This one is different from the credit card version since American Express labels this as a charge card. Unlike credit cards, charge cards always have to be paid in full and on time. In addition, all transactions are in USD instead of PHP. While the website says that this card is by-invitation only, you can actually ask for an endorsement from your branch of account. Last time I asked, you will need a (minimum) total relationship balance of PHP 10M to be endorsed.
Thoughts: One of my biggest gripe with this card is that the billing is in USD. Sure, they call this a dollar charge card but other countries’ version of this card charges in their local currency. Why can’t we have the same!?
BDO’s World Elite Mastercard
Annual Fee: USD 1,500.00 (at an exchange rate of PHP 58.00, this is equivalent to PHP 87,700.00)
Possible requirements: 50M TRB (total relationship balance) with BDO
With a hefty annual fee of at least(!) PHP 75,000.00, you can be sure that this card is only for the real elite. In fact, the only person I’m aware of who has this card would be Kris Aquino. Of course, such exclusivity comes with perks and benefits that only one could dream of. Rumors are, there are also some hidden perks such as invites to SM group’s events and private dinners with the president/higher-ups of BDO.
For the Mastercard brand, World Elite is considered as the highest tier. In the Philippines, BDO used to be the only bank featuring a World Elite Mastercard; at least until Citi rebranded their Citi Prestige from Visa to Mastercard (now, UnionBank Reserve). Should you lose this card, you can have it replaced for… oh, just USD 340.00 or around PHP 19,000(!).
UnionBank’s Reserve World Elite Mastercard/Visa Infinite
Annual Fee: PHP 12,000.00
Possible requirements: UnionBank Elite (PHP 5M total relationship balance)
Probably the most accessible metal credit card in the Philippines, UnionBank’s Reserve credit card is a great entry to experiencing a life of luxury. The annual fee, income/invite requirements, features, and benefits are immaculately balanced. Now, if only we could exchange the golf benefit for non-golfers to something else, then this card would be perfect.
Note: You can read more about my thoughts on this card here.
PNB’s World Elite Mastercard
Annual Fee: PHP 50,000.00
Not much is known about this card aside from its annual fee, card replacement fee, and that it is metal. I’m guessing one must have around PHP 50M to PHP 100M total relationship balance in order to get invited for this card. In fact, for PNB’s Mabuhay Miles credit card, to get the spend to miles ratio of PHP 30.00/mile, one must have a TRB of PHP 100M. Otherwise, you’re stuck with PHP 38.00/mile.
Update: Just asked a branch manager from PNB on the possible ADB requirements to get invited to this card. She mentioned that a 5M ADB is sufficient. Should I try to get one?
Note: I’ll update this post as soon as I get more information on this card.
Do you think there are other cards that should be considered as tier 5? Share them in the comments below and I’ll try to look into them!
