UnionBank Credit Card for Beginners: Requirements, Fees, and How to Apply in the Philippines

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Union Bank¹ is a popular digital-first bank with a good selection of credit cards on offer. If you're new to using credit, choosing the right first credit card matters to make sure you get the best mix of convenience and cost, and a card you can manage easily. Choosing the right card can help you avoid unnecessary fees and earn rewards as you spend.

So, is a Union Bank credit card good for beginners, and if so, which one to select? In this guide, we’ll cover some great options, with a look at how to apply for a Union Bank credit card to get you on your way. We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

Is a UnionBank credit card good for beginners?

If you’re applying for a first credit card, UnionBank can be a good place to look. You’ll find an easy online application process, and you can manage your card and account online, in app or by visiting a branch.

Different cards have their own features, fees, and eligibility requirements. This means that as a first-time credit card applicant, you’ll need to check the details carefully before you apply. Bear in mind that approval may require income proof, such as an employment contract or bank statements, making UnionBank credit cards a good option for beginners with a stable income.

UnionBank credit card options for beginners

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of some good choices if you want a Union Bank credit card for beginners. We’ll then dive into more detail about the UB credit card requirements and how to apply.

*Details correct at time of research - 25th March 2026

UnionBank U Credit Card

Best for: No annual fee, no late fees, and reduced interest costs for prompt payments

The UnionBank U Credit Card is a good choice for beginners, as there are very few fees and no financial penalties for late payment. Bear in mind, foreign transaction fees do still apply if you use your card abroad.

Key features:

• 10% rebate on your total cash and retail interest when you pay on time
• No annual fees, no overlimit fees and no late fees
• Online card management with smart budgeting tools to track spending

Annual fees: No annual fee
Foreign transaction fees: 2.525%
Late payment fees: Late payment fees are waived

UnionBank PlayEveryday

Best for: Gamified reward scheme to earn points as you spend

The UnionBank PlayEveryday card offers reward-earning opportunities and is marketed as a good credit card for beginners and young adults.

Key features:

• Gamified reward earning, allowing you to track your rewards against others
• Earn 1 point per 10 PHP spend
• Redeem rewards online easily

Annual fees: 1,500 PHP
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Late payment fees: 1,500 PHP or the unpaid minimum amount owed

UnionBank Go Rewards Gold

Best for: High rates of rewards, which you can redeem with Robinsons

The UnionBank Go Rewards Gold has an annual fee of 3,000 PHP and allows you to earn rewards as you spend, which can be redeemed in various Robinsons Retail brands.

Key features:

• Earn 1 point per 200 PHP spent and use your card more or less anywhere
• Join Go Rewards Black Membership for extra discounts and rewards
• Redeem rewards with Robinsons Retail brands

Annual fees: 3,000 PHP
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Late payment fees: 1,500 PHP or the unpaid minimum amount owed

UnionBank Gold Mastercard

Best for: Cash back card which offers 1% rewards on more or less everything you spend

Key features:

• Cash back of 1% on all eligible spending
• Accepted at 30 million merchants worldwide
• Accessible cash back card for beginners

Annual fees: 2,500 PHP
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Late payment fees: 1,500 PHP or the unpaid minimum amount owed

UnionBank Miles Plus Platinum

Best for: Beginners credit card from UnionBank with great travel rewards

The UnionBank Miles Plus Platinum isn’t the cheapest, but it offers strong travel rewards if you want to earn airmiles, get travel insurance and use complimentary airport lounge access.

Key features:

• Rewards earning - get 1 UB mile for every 30 PHP you spend
• Convert rewards for cash or as airline miles
• 2x annual lounge access and some insurance offered when you charge your tickets to your card

Annual fees: 3,000 PHP
Foreign transaction fees: 2%
Late payment fees: 1,500 PHP or the unpaid minimum amount owed

UnionBank credit card requirements for beginners

The Union Bank credit card for beginners requirements vary depending on the specific card you select. There are some basic requirements⁸ that apply to all UnionBank credit cards, but in addition, you can expect to find a minimum income requirement which is set per card.

Basic eligibility

The standard eligibility requirements to apply for a UnionBank credit card include:

• You must be 21-70 years old
• You must meet the minimum income eligibility requirement for the specific card you select
• You must be able to provide suitable documents showing your identity and income

Required documents

You’ll need to provide a few documents when you apply for a UnionBank credit card, and you will be asked to complete an application form to show your personal and contact information as part of the process. Documents needed include:

• Your government ID document⁹ (must include a photo and signature)
• Documents showing the source of your income, which may include:
  • Income Tax Return (ITR)
  • Certificate of Compensation Payment and Tax Withheld
  • Certificate of Employment
  • Employment Contract
  • 3 months of recent payslips
  • BIR Form 2316
  • Proof of pension
  • 3 months of recent bank statements

Foreign applicants are also required to provide their Alien Certification of Registration (ACR) or equivalent.

How to apply for a UnionBank credit card

You can apply for a UnionBank credit card online and complete your application by uploading the paperwork needed for your specific card selection. Here’s what to do¹⁰:

1. Visit the UnionBank website and navigate to the credit card section.
2. Select the card you want to apply for and select “Apply now.”
3. You’ll be prompted to enter your phone number for security.
4. Follow the instructions to complete the application form.
5. Upload photos of the required documents.
6. Confirm the details and add your delivery address.

Your card is mailed to you once your application has been approved.

Pay abroad with the Wise card and avoid hidden currency conversion costs

If you plan to use your credit card overseas or shop in foreign currencies, it’s important to watch out for foreign transaction fees and exchange rate markups. These can quickly add to the cost of your spending.

The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including USD, SGD, GBP, and JPY so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up PHP to get started.

A physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 369.60 PHP. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as 2 free ATM withdrawals to the value of 12,000 PHP each month, before low fees start.

While abroad, you can choose to spend directly in PHP and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.57%.

Save while you spend, and make overseas spending seamless.

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Do check respective bank websites for the latest information and promotions

Wise Pilipinas is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. For any questions or concerns, check out our Help Centre, or log into your account to talk to us by phone, email or chat.

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Sources:

1. UnionBank
2. UnionBank fees
3. UnionBank U Credit Card
4. UnionBank PlayEveryday
5. UnionBank Go Rewards Gold
6. UnionBank Gold Mastercard
7. UnionBank Miles Plus Platinum
8. UnionBank credit card requirements
9. UnionBank valid ID documents
10. How to apply for a UnionBank credit card