Credit cards that bear the logo of Mastercard, Visa, American Express, or Discover are accepted as payment modes for different transactions around the world. Nobody’s stopping you from swiping or tapping your card abroad—but you should prepare for the extra costs that come with using just a regular card instead of an international credit card. International credit cards in the Philippines help Filipinos save money and earn rewards on purchases made abroad. Some cards have low foreign transaction fees while others have great rewards programs for overseas purchases. Cards with travel perks also abound. You can find some benefits like free travel insurance and free access to airport lounges. Get the best international credit card in the Philippines by ticking off the following features: When getting an international credit card, consider how widely accepted it is. Visa and Mastercard are the two most commonly accepted payment networks by merchants worldwide. In contrast, American Express and Discover—while they also boast a sizable international presence—have fewer merchants that recognize them as a payment network. Both card networks are working on improving their acceptance rates, but until they become as globally accepted as the other two, it's best to have a Visa or Mastercard as a backup when going abroad.[1] The best international credit card for travel is one that's loaded with perks and benefits. Some credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that award you airline miles or hotel points right at the outset. If you want a more comfortable stay at the airport, look for cards that grant access to airport lounges, where you can enjoy free Wi-Fi access, drinks, and even snacks. Some cards get you exclusive deals on hotels, restaurants, and wellness centers. A foreign currency transaction fee is charged when you use a credit card abroad. Fees vary from bank to bank, but they’re normally between 1% and 5% of the amount you’ve spent. If you plan to use your credit card a lot abroad, choose one with a low foreign currency transaction fee. That way, you won’t have to deal with a high credit card bill afterward. While you’re at it, make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for by checking the components of foreign transaction fees.[2] Choose a credit card with a dual billing feature, which allows your overseas purchases to be billed in US dollars. Purchases made in the Philippines will be billed in Philippine pesos while purchases abroad will be billed in US dollars. You can save money on your credit card bills because purchases in foreign currency are not converted to Philippine pesos. In some instances, banks issue free travel insurance to customers when they use their credit cards to pay for their travel fares. Banks are usually generous about giving their clients comprehensive protection—from baggage loss and travel delays to trip cancellation and accidental death. Isn't it great to receive help when you need it? Depending on the credit card provider, you may enjoy these services: Ready to pick a new travel buddy? Here are some of the top Philippine credit cards that can be used internationally: HSBC Platinum Visa Rebate Metrobank World Mastercard® Metrobank Platinum Mastercard® Security Bank Platinum Mastercard Security Bank World Mastercard BPI Platinum Rewards Card Read on for more details and options: Arguably the best credit card for international transactions, the HSBC Platinum Visa Rebate offers a high cashback rate for travel and shopping transactions. Take this credit card outside of the country and get a 5% rebate when you use it for your international nights out or shopping sprees. Even if you’re planning on using a credit card internationally online, you still get the same rebate rate. While you’re at it, avail of HSBC credit card promos! Eligible cards: HSBC Red Mastercard, Gold Visa Cash Back, and Platinum Visa Rebate Promo period: Until March 31, 2024 Not an HSBC credit cardholder yet? Apply for an HSBC card through Moneymax during the promo period (and get approved subsequently) to receive an exciting free welcome gift! Choose from free Giftaway credits worth ₱2,500, a Xiaomi Photo Printer worth ₱3,399, and a JBL Tune 520 BT worth ₱3,349. This Moneymax HSBC Giftaway/Xiaomi/JBL promo runs until March 31, 2024 only. So hurry and apply now! Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-186974 Series of 2024. Terms and conditions apply. Narrow your search for Philippine credit cards that can be used internationally with the Metrobank World Mastercard®. As the name implies, this credit card can give you the keys to a world of privileges, as long as you can afford its steep ₱6,000 annual fee. Among other things, this premium credit card earns you double the points for every foreign transaction. Having a premium credit card also means getting your hands on exclusive services that not many have access to. For example, the Metrobank World Mastercard® gives you access to 24-hour VIP customer service. Aside from the usual travel perks, this credit card also allows you to sift through a whole bunch of exciting Metrobank credit card promos. The Metrobank Platinum Mastercard® is the best credit card for international use if you’re a foodie. Use it to enjoy up to 50% off on dining offers. If you’re thinking of getting your loved one a credit card before the trip, apply for a supplementary Metrobank Platinum Mastercard®. The first supplementary card is free. Another travel-friendly perk of this card is its 24-hour VIP Concierge Service. With this feature, you can ask Metrobank for assistance on travel-related concerns, such as dinner or hotel reservations. Eligible cards: Metrobank Titanium Mastercard®, Platinum Mastercard®, and World Mastercard® Promo period: Until March 15, 2024 How do you get a Metrobank credit card welcome gift? Simple! Just apply and get approved for any eligible card through the Moneymax website. Choose from a ₱2,500 eGift voucher via Giftaway, a Xiaomi Redmi Soundbar worth ₱2,499, or JBL Wave Beam True Wireless Earbuds worth ₱3,799 as your free special gift. This Moneymax Metrobank eGift/Xiaomi/JBL promo runs until March 15, 2024 only. So hurry and apply now! Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-184526 Series of 2024. Terms and conditions apply. Note: Applicant must be an existing credit cardholder in good standing for at least nine months. The Security Bank Platinum Mastercard offers a relatively low foreign currency transaction fee of 2.5%. That rate doesn’t sound too bad considering all the international travel perks this credit card can give you. Aside from offering exclusive Security Bank credit card promos, the Security Bank Platinum Mastercard also gives you unlimited access to the Marhaba Lounge at NAIA, as well as to hundreds of airport lounges worldwide. You also get free insurance of up to ₱10 million when you use this credit card to book your international flights. The Security Bank World Mastercard makes a perfect travel buddy if you’re a shopaholic since it comes with automatic cash back at participating shops abroad. You also get to enjoy exclusive Mastercard discounts at select merchants and restaurants. The Security Bank World Mastercard is all about exclusivity. Wielding it gives you access to more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. If you book your airline tickets using this card, you get free travel insurance worth up to ₱10 million. Eligible cards: Select Security Bank credit cards Promo period: Until March 31, 2024 Want a credit card from Security Bank? You're in for a treat if you apply and get approved for an eligible card through Moneymax and meet the minimum spend requirement. Pick your free Security Bank welcome gift: a ₱2,500 Giftaway eGift voucher; Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones worth ₱3,299; or a JBL Horizon 2 Bluetooth Clock Radio Speaker worth ₱5,354. This Moneymax Security Bank Giftaway/Sony/JBL credit card promo runs until March 31, 2024 only. Apply now! Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-186695 Series of 2024. Terms and conditions apply. “Can I use my BPI credit card abroad?” Definitely! For one, the BPI Signature Card comes with a lot of travel-related perks, starting with low foreign currency transaction fees.[3] Having the BPI Signature Card also means getting access to special BPI credit card promos that could save you up to 50% on dining and accommodation here and abroad. Use this credit card more often and easily earn points with every ₱20 spend. And if you want to relax before your flight, this credit card also gives you access to the PAGGS lounge at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3. The BPI Platinum Rewards Card is another international credit card that will make your trip abroad convenient and worry-free. If you need a budget boost for your airfare, just use this card to enjoy 0% interest installment for up to six months. Furthermore, it entitles you to free travel insurance worth up to ₱10 million. The BPI Platinum Rewards Card gives you access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. It also grants you up to four complimentary passes yearly. Need help with your credit card abroad? Enjoy the priority lane at BPI Contact Center’s 24/7 assistance. The Metrobank Travel Platinum Visa is one of the best credit cards for international transactions and points. Use it to earn miles fast, as every ₱17 spend on airlines, hotels, and foreign currency is equivalent to one mile. This credit card also grants you exclusive access to 950 airport lounges worldwide and free airport lounge membership. With its premium travel perks, the UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa is a good choice when you’re in the market for the best international credit card in the Philippines. If you earn enough Miles+ points, you can redeem them as cash back, airline miles, or fee waivers. Travel without worry, as you’ll receive free travel insurance up to ₱10 million when you charge your airfare to the UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa card. Plus, you get to kick back and wait for your next flight in world-class airport lounges at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3. On top of all these, your credit card entitles you to diverse UnionBank credit card promos. The RCBC Visa Infinite is the best credit card to use abroad if you’re looking to shop often for clothes and apparel because it earns you 5x rewards points. This is not limited to international spend—you can also get the same rebate when shopping in the Philippines. More travel perks await when you get the RCBC Visa Infinite—e.g., free travel insurance up to ₱5 million, Complimentary Priority Pass™ membership, and exclusive access to the Marhaba/Skyview Airport Lounge. Plus, you get to enjoy special RCBC credit card promos everywhere in the world. If you have the RCBC Flex Visa and you’re looking to upgrade your credit card experience, there’s no need to look anywhere else. If you really want to own the best credit card to use abroad in the Philippines and you’re prepared to shoulder a hefty annual fee, then the RCBC Visa Platinum should be your next credit card. Why? Two words: Preferred Airmiles. You get to earn air miles faster because you only need to spend ₱25 abroad to earn one Preferred Airmile. Not only that, but the RCBC Visa Platinum also gives you access to over 1,300 airport VIP lounges worldwide, a 24/7 Visa concierge service for all your travel-related needs and queries accessible worldwide, and free travel insurance of up to ₱5 million. So before your next adventure out of the country, make sure this credit card is in your pocket. The PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles Platinum Mastercard is the best credit card to use abroad from the Philippines, especially if you fly frequently with Philippine Airlines. Once you get your hands on this card, you’ll receive a welcome gift in the form of 2,000 Mabuhay Miles. Spend with PAL and get additional 10,000 Mabuhay Miles. On top of that, enjoy a 5% discount on select international flights when you book via the official PAL website. You also don’t have to worry about exchange rates, as the PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles Platinum Card comes with a dual billing feature. The PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard is also a good credit card for international use. For one, you get 2,000 Mabuhay Miles right out of the gate simply by getting this credit card. Use this to book PAL flights and receive an additional 10,000 Mabuhay Miles when your PAL transactions reach ₱100,000. Now, this is a travel credit card worth getting! Aside from the free air miles, you also get to earn one point for every spend starting at ₱30. Keep earning points because one reward point gets you one Mabuhay Mile to add to your air miles collection. Pair that with special PNB credit card promos, and your travel experience won’t be the same again. Which credit cards are best for international travel? Usually, they’re the Platinum-tier cards like Maybank’s Platinum Visa. Consider getting it if you’re looking for a credit card with one of the lowest foreign transaction fees in the Philippines. With a total transaction fee of only 1.8%, you can shop abroad without worrying about conversion fees. Aside from that massive pro, you get to avail of Maybank credit card promos and earn 1% cash back on overseas spend! Plus, every ₱25 spend earns you 1 TreatsPoint, which you can then use to redeem special rewards, cash rebates, air miles, and more. Getting a credit card that can be used internationally is just like getting a regular credit card! The first step is to compare your options to find the right international credit card for you. Compare features and fees and make sure that the card suits your budget and lifestyle. Once done, begin your credit card application. You can do this online via Moneymax or go the more traditional way and apply at a bank branch. Complete and submit all required documents for a smoother credit card application process. Don’t be too intimidated when you use your credit card abroad for the first time. After all, it’s just like using your credit card in local stores but with a few things to consider. Remember these pointers to maximize your international credit card usage. Call your credit card provider to let them know your travel plans. Find the bank's customer service hotline on the back of your card or your billing statement. You should do this before you leave so that you can use your card internationally without any problems. If your issuing bank is not informed beforehand, chances are it will suspend your account for security purposes when it detects transactions from unusual locations, or decline your overseas transactions. What details should you share with the bank aside from your plan to use your card internationally? Make sure the bank is notified about where you'll be going (including layovers and stopovers), when you'll leave, and when you'll come back. Take the opportunity to ask questions about your card's overseas transaction charges. The last thing that you want to happen while abroad is to encounter troubles with your credit card. Before you leave, check if your bank offers 24-hour customer service so you can call in case of credit card-related concerns. A lot of things can happen during your trip. So before you leave home, read through the terms and conditions of your bank’s free travel insurance. Does the card’s free travel insurance cover accidents involving rental cars? Does it have COVID-19 coverage? What’s the maximum travel delay time for availing of the benefit? These are the questions you should ask. To ensure you’re not going over budget with your international credit card usage, calculate the Philippine peso equivalent of your purchase in the local currency of the country you’re visiting before paying. In doing so, you’ll know how much a particular international purchase will cost you in pesos. Mastercard and Visa have their respective exchange rate calculator[4] that you may use for computing the currency conversion rate. Simply select the Philippine peso as your card’s currency and the currency of your transaction, and then enter the amount and bank fee (the foreign currency transaction rate). The calculator will display the foreign exchange rate (applicable on the transaction date) and the converted amount in the Philippine peso. When paying with your credit card abroad, you’ll be given the option to use your home currency (Philippine peso), which is called Dynamic Currency Conversion.[5] If you say yes to that, you’ll be charged a higher exchange rate for converting to the Philippine peso by the overseas bank that handles the transaction. When using a credit card abroad, pay in the local currency of the country you’re visiting, so you can get a lower conversion rate offered by your issuing bank. For example, if you’re in Thailand, opt for Thai Baht when paying with your international credit card. Don't immediately throw away the sales receipts you receive from all your international transactions. Double-check the information on the receipts, paying close attention to the foreign currency you're charged with. When you get back home, review your receipts and check them against your billing statement.[6] The number should match. If you notice any discrepancy, report it to your credit card provider right away. Read more: Get Them While They’re Hot: 13 Best Credit Card Promos It’s exciting to think about exploring other countries. Still, you shouldn’t forget to make proper preparations, which includes getting yourself a trusty international credit card. Hopefully, the number of good choices you have will help you choose the right credit card that suits your overseas travel needs. Remember, it’s more fun to satisfy your wanderlust while remaining financially responsible.6 Features to Look for in an International Credit Card
☑️ High Acceptance Rate
☑️ Competitive Perks and Rewards
☑️ Low Foreign Currency Transaction Fee
☑️ Dual Billing Option
☑️ Travel Insurance
☑️ Travel Assistance
14 International Credit Card Options to Use Abroad
Credit Card Travel Benefits 💳 HSBC Platinum Visa Rebate
📌 Key Features and Travel Perks
💸 Fees and Charges
🎁 Free Gift from Moneymax: Giftaway Credits, Xiaomi Photo Printer, or JBL Tune 520 BT
💳 Metrobank World Mastercard®
📌 Key Features and Travel Perks
💸 Fees and Charges
💳 Metrobank Platinum Mastercard®
📌 Key Features and Travel Perks
💸 Fees and Charges
🎁 Free Gift from Moneymax: ₱2,500 eGift, Xiaomi Redmi Soundbar, or JBL Wave Beam True Wireless Earbuds
💳 Security Bank Platinum Mastercard
📌 Key Features and Travel Perks
💸 Fees and Charges
💳 Security Bank World Mastercard
📌 Key Features and Travel Perks
💸 Fees and Charges
🎁 Free Gift from Moneymax: ₱2,500 eGift, Sony Wireless Headphones, or JBL Bluetooth Speaker
💳 BPI Signature Card
📌 Key Features and Travel Perks
💸 Fees and Charges
💳 BPI Platinum Rewards Card
📌 Key Features and Travel Perks
💸 Fees and Charges
💳 Metrobank Travel Platinum Visa
📌 Key Features and Travel Perks
💸 Fees and Charges
💳 UnionBank Miles+ Platinum Visa
📌 Key Features and Travel Perks
💸 Fees and Charges
💳 RCBC Visa Infinite
📌 Key Features and Travel Perks
💸 Fees and Charges
💳 RCBC Visa Platinum
📌 Key Features and Travel Perks
💸 Fees and Charges
💳 PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles Platinum Mastercard
📌 Key Features and Travel Perks
💸 Fees and Charges
💳 PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Mastercard
📌 Key Features and Travel Perks
💸 Fees and Charges
💳 Maybank Visa Platinum
📌 Key Features and Travel Perks
💸 Fees and Charges
How to Get an International Credit Card in the Philippines
How to Use International Credit Cards Abroad
✔️ Notify the Bank About Your Trip
✔️ Check If Your Bank Has 24-Hour Customer Service
✔️ Understand Your Credit Card’s Travel Insurance Coverage
✔️ Compute the Currency Conversion Rate for Your Overseas Transactions
✔️ Choose to Pay in the Local Foreign Currency
✔️ Check and Keep Your Receipts
Final Thoughts
FAQs
Best International Credit Cards in the Philippines 2023? ›
Credit Cards & Travellers' Cheques in the Philippines
Most major credit cards are accepted with Visa and MasterCard being the most widely so. AmEx is also accepted in a few places in the major tourist areas, but will not be quite as useful.
Credit Cards & Travellers' Cheques in the Philippines
Most major credit cards are accepted with Visa and MasterCard being the most widely so. AmEx is also accepted in a few places in the major tourist areas, but will not be quite as useful.
Most credit and debit cards that Filipinos now carry are affiliated with international payment networks like Mastercard® and Visa, which are used all over the world. Check if your credit card provider has special deals for overseas spending like air miles, duty-free shopping, or discounts.
What credit cards are most accepted internationally? ›International merchants with credit card terminals will almost always accept Visa or Mastercard, issuers with strong international payment networks. Unfortunately, American Express and Discover can prove finicky abroad, as these two issuers have less robust payment networks outside the United States.
Is there a credit card that can be used internationally? ›Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted throughout the world. If a business accepts credit cards, your Visa or Mastercard will likely work fine. The other two — American Express and Discover — do have a global footprint, but they are accepted at fewer merchants.
Can you use a US credit card in the Philippines? ›Will my credit or debit card work in the Philippines? Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in the Philippines. Discover cards have 'moderate' acceptance rates - you can use them at Citibank, SB Card, and BDO Unibank ATMs, but not elsewhere.
Does Philippines accept US credit cards? ›MasterCard and Visa are the most accepted credit cards in the Philippines. Tip: Remember to notify your ATM and credit card banks so they can place a travel alert on your account, otherwise they may deactivate your card for suspected fraud.
Can I use Chase in the Philippines? ›You can use your physical Chase card to spend in stores and restaurants, and to make international withdrawals at ATMs. Just look out for the Mastercard logo wherever you are to check if the network is accepted. You can view your Chase account and transactions, and manage your card, in the Chase app.
Is BPI an international card? ›Can I use my BPI Debit Mastercard outside the Philippines? International Access is enabled by default. You may enable/disable it via BPI Card Control in BPI Online or mobile app at any time.
Which Philippine debit card can be used internationally? ›PNB Debit MasterCard - Philippine National Bank. PNB Debit MasterCard is a PIN-based ATM Card which provides 24/7 banking convenience using various channels. The card can be used across the globe wherever MasterCard and Maestro is accepted. It can be used for cashless purchases at over 32 million shops worldwide.
How much does BDO charge for an international transaction? ›
For foreign currency transactions converted to Philippine Peso or charged in Philippine Peso by a foreign acquirer at point-of-sale, whether made in or outside the Philippines or online, 1% Cross Border Fee charged by the Card Brand shall be applied on the converted amount or billed Philippine Peso amount accordingly.
How do I know if my credit card is international? ›For international cards, the first digit is usually a 3, 4, 5, or 6. Domestic cards typically start with a 1 or 2. 2. Check the length: International credit cards often have longer numbers compared to domestic cards.
Which credit card has the least foreign transaction fee? ›There are five cards that do not charge a foreign transaction fee. They are the Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card, Axis Bank Burgundy Private Credit Card, RBL World Safari Credit Card, Club Vistara IndusInd Explorer Credit Card, and IDFC First Wow Credit Card.
Are international credit cards worth it? ›The bottom line
The best travel credit cards can offer you plenty of value as long as you're able to maximize the benefits they offer. If you don't travel frequently enough or won't be able to use enough card benefits, consider another type of rewards card that will better reward the type of spending you do.
Unlike cash, credit cards provide fraud protection. For starters, most international merchants require EMV chip cards, which are automatically more secure than their magstripe counterparts. Though many card-issuing banks also provide liability coverage and the ability to cancel your card if it's stolen.
Is it better to use credit card or travel money card overseas? ›Travel cards offer several advantages that a credit card can't compete with, including the ability to load multiple foreign currencies, secure PIN protection, locked-in exchange rates, no foreign transaction fees, online account management, and the option for emergency assistance.
Is it better to use cash or credit card in foreign country? ›When making payments in a foreign country to vendors you've never encountered, the fraud protection on credit cards and the ability to dispute unauthorized charges make this payment method desirable and super-safe. Credit cards may also be necessary when booking a hotel stay or car rental.
How to avoid international transaction fees? ›The best way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to acquire a no-foreign-transaction-fees credit card, if you qualify for one. Next in line are checking accounts or debit cards with no foreign transaction fee. It is also possible to avoid the fee by paying in the local currency for purchases.