The Primer
Credit card guides for the Philippines
Simple guides for Filipino cardholders: due dates, annual fees, minimum payment, rewards, installments, digital credit apps, and responsible use.
Paalala para sa Filipino users
Start here if you are new to credit cards. Learn statement date, due date, minimum payment, finance charge, and annual fee before comparing rewards. Mas madaling umiwas sa utang kapag malinaw ang basics.
Compare · 7 min
How to compare credit cards without budol
A practical checklist for fees, rewards, risks, and requirements before you apply.
Debt safety · 6 min
Why minimum payment can hurt your budget
How balances grow when your payment barely covers interest.
Basics · 5 min
Statement date vs due date
The two dates that help you avoid interest when you pay in full.
Calculate · 6 min
When is an annual fee worth paying?
A Peso-based way to check if the annual fee is really worth it.
Rewards · 7 min
Cashback vs points vs miles
How to value rewards without assuming points are “free money.”
Fees · 5 min
Foreign transaction fees explained
Extra charges to check when using a Philippine card abroad or on foreign websites.
Digital credit · 8 min
Credit cards vs Atome, ZED, and Luvit
How app-based credit products differ from traditional bank cards.
Compare · 6 min
How to compare no-annual-fee cards
Why “no annual fee” does not always mean zero cost.
Installments · 6 min
How to estimate installment true cost
What to check before turning a purchase into hulugan.
Starter guide · 7 min
Before applying for your first credit card
A checklist for first-time applicants in the Philippines — especially if this is your first card.