💳 Top 3 Credit Cards Every First-Timer Should Consider

Last time, we talked about the things you should consider before getting a credit card (if you missed that one, you can check it here). 

But if you’re still with me now, I’m guessing you’re ready to choose one. So let’s go ahead and figure out which beginner-friendly cards are worth starting with.

In today’s edition, we’ll go over:

• Why the bank you already use might be the smartest place to start.

• The one habit that matters more than which card you choose.

• Our 3 beginner-friendly picks for your first credit card

TLDR;

The Bottom Line

• Start where you bank. Your first card is easiest to get (and pay off) with your own bank, plus annual fees are often waived.

• 🥇3 cards worth a look: PNB Ze-Lo (₱0 annual fee for life), BPI Blue (low barrier + everyday points), Metrobank Titanium (rewards that grow with you)

• Discipline > perks. Treat your card like a bill; pay in full every month before chasing fancy cards.

The content

Quick Disclaimer and Other Things To Note

The best first credit card is usually from the bank where you already have a deposit account. 

Why? Because it’s just easier. Payments are smoother (you can just transfer straight from your payroll or savings), no weird “interbank” fees, and banks tend to approve you faster if you’re already a customer. 

So if you’re with BPI or UnionBank already, maybe don’t overcomplicate things by forcing an application elsewhere. 

Other things to note:

• A credit card is not free money.

• The point of starting with one of these beginner-friendly cards is to build healthy habits first—making full payments on or before your due date, every single time.

• I’ve seen so many first-time holders end up becoming “revolvers” (meaning they only pay the minimum balance, roll over debt, and rack up finance charges). Don’t be that person.

What Makes a Card “Beginner-Friendly”?

When I say beginner-friendly, I’m looking at two main things:

1. Low (or no) annual fees. You shouldn’t be bleeding cash just to keep a card active.

2. Low barrier to entry. The requirements should be doable for a young professional.

Extras like simple rewards programs, easy applications, or waived income docs (in some cases) are nice, but the main point is: it should get you started responsibly.

Actionable Tips for You

Your First Credit Card: Our 3 Beginner-Friendly Picks 

🥇 1. PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard

• Why it’s #1 for beginners: This is the cheapest way to start. It has zero annual fees for life, one of the lowest finance charges in the market (~1.88–2.5%), and no late payment fees.

• Barrier to entry: Around PHP 10K– PHP 12K monthly income requirement—very doable for entry-level yuppies.

• Why We like it: Zero late payment fees and zero overlimit fees. If you just want a card to build history, this one’s clean and straightforward.

🥈 2. BPI Blue Mastercard

• Why it works: Flexible entry-level card with rewards for everyday spending (groceries, shopping, bills).

  Sometimes offered with waived annual fees for the first year and Php 1,550 from the second year onwards. If you’re lucky, you can get it at a “no annual fee for life ” (or NAFFL) during promos!

• Barrier to entry: Around PHP 15K monthly income. BPI is also good at approving first-timers if you already have a deposit account with them.

• Why We like it: You get real bank perks but without the intimidating requirements.

🥉 3. Metrobank Titanium Card

• Why it works: Earns 1 point for every PHP 20 spent, with double points on dining, shopping, and online purchases. Great if you want to dip your toes into points-earning.

• Barrier to entry: Around ₱15K monthly income. Annual fee is ₱2,500 but can be waived if you hit the spend requirement or during promos.

• Why We like it: Simple enough for first-timers, but rewarding enough that you don’t feel stuck with a “basic” starter card.

🧠 Final thoughts

Don’t overthink this. The point isn’t to chase miles or max out cashback hacks. It’s to get you started on credit responsibly. Build the boring habit: swipe for your groceries or Netflix, pay in full, repeat. That’s it.

Later on, once you’ve proven to yourself you can handle it, you can play around with higher-limit cards, points strategies, even travel perks. 

Stuff Worth Sharing

The Link Lowdown

• Thinking of Getting a Credit Card? Read This First. - our last issue on credit cards. Self-explanatory.

• Our Instagram account - follow us on IG.