5 Credit Cards with Great Rewards for International Travel Profit even as you spend!
As the popular saying goes, “travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” Now that you are in the prime of your life and are able to see bigger horizons, travelling is a hobby—nay, a lifestyle—you might be looking into. Not only will you get to see and experience different cultures, but seeing how big the world is will also give you some perspective on how tiny your seemingly giant problems are. Another perk of travelling is the rewards you get to have from your own credit card. The rewards vary depending on the credit cards, and ShoppersGuide is here to help you know what’s best and most profitable for you.
1. Citi PremierMiles Visa Card
New applicants must be at least 21 years old to be eligible for the card. Image: Citibank Website For every PhP30 spent, Citibank’s PremierMiles Visa Card lets its users earn one travel mile. The miles accumulated never expire and cardholders have the power to decide when and where to exchange them for free flights. Earned miles can also be used to pay off car rentals, hotel stays, airline tickets, and cruises in more than 60 partner airlines and 17 hotels under the Hilton and Intercontinental hotel groups. Up to PhP5 million is eligible for travel insurance and the card also grants access to Skyview Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3 and Miascor Lounge at NAIA Terminal 1. Read: Credit Cards for the Undecided, Doubtful, and Newbies
2. Unionbank Miles + Platinum Card
Online redemption of points can be made through their official website. Image: Unionbank Website Unionbank’s one point for every PhP25 spent can be converted into Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles, Cebu Pacific GetGo Points, or even cash. The card is also equipped with perks for local travel such as gas rewards, roadside assistance, and a variety of airport lounge partners. Cardholders get to have access to Miascor lounges at NAIA Terminal 1 and Davao International Airport, Club Manila’s lounge at NAIA Terminal 1, and Skyview Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3. The card also provides a travel insurance coverage of up to PhP10 million.
3. PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard
The miles earned through the card are valid for five years. Image: PNB Website Philippine National Bank (PNB) has partnered with one of the country’s biggest airlines, Philippine Airlines (PAL). For every PhP33 spent on the card, cardholders will get one point which is equivalent to one travel mile. PhP100,000 transactions within the first year of card issuance will also be rewarded with 10,000 Mabuhay Miles. Cardholders who are in business class will also be prioritized for check-in at NAIA Terminal 2. Other perks include travel insurance of up to PhP10 million and a 24/7 world-class concierge service. Read: Airline Face-off: PAL vs. Cebu Pacific
4. EastWest Visa Infinite Card
Cardholders also have VIP privileges and upgrades to 900 partner hotels all over the world. Image: Miascor ELITE Lounge DAVAO Facebook Page EastWest Bank grants one mile for every PhP40 spent; accumulated miles can be redeemed through PAL Mabuhay Miles, Asia Miles, or KrisFlyer. Cardholders will also be given complimentary Priority Pass membership to over 950 airport lounges in over 400 cities and 120 countries worldwide as well as access to Miascor lounges at NAIA Terminal 1, NAIA Terminal 3, and Clark and Davao International Airports. The credit card is also accepted in more than 38 million locations in over 200 countries and it also includes travel insurance of up to PhP20 million.
5. BPI Skymiles Mastercard
Delta Air Lines also has Skyteam partners which the cardholders have access to. Image: BPI Website Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has partnered with Delta Air Lines, a major American airline, which flies to over 900 countries in 160 countries at six continents. Cardholders earn one SkyMiles mile for every PhP45 spent. The miles can be credited within six to eight weeks, are transferrable, and do not expire. Cardholders also get to have access to Pacific Club at NAIA Terminal 3. Travel insurance is up to PhP10 million. Travelling may become a luxury if you don’t get as much mileage as you can for your hardearned money. But with the credit cards and the perks that come with them presented above, you now have options to make that next out-of-the-country escapade easier to achieve.