Are you looking for the best credit cards for freelancers in the Philippines?
If you’re a work-from-home warrior, a digital nomad, or just rocking the self-employed life here in the Philippines, you probably know the struggle:
Getting a credit card can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded.
Banks often want those traditional income documents, and as a freelancer, your “pay stub” might just be a collection of PayPal notifications and client invoices. Am I right? 😉
But guess what? It’s totally doable!
As someone who’s been navigating the freelance financial world since way back in 2012, I’ve picked up a few tricks.
In this post, we’re going to demystify the process of applying for a credit card as a freelancer and then spill the tea on some of the best credit cards for freelancers in the Philippines that truly get your hustle.
3 Ways Freelancers Can Get Credit Cards in the Philippines
No traditional proof of income? No problem! Seriously.
Banks are starting to catch up to the gig economy, and there are smart ways to get approved. Here are the top strategies I recommend:
1. Become a Supplementary Credit Cardholder
Wondering what’s the easiest credit card to get as a freelancer right now? This might just be it!
Do you have someone super trustworthy in your life – a family member, a partner, or a really close friend – who already has a credit card and (importantly!) manages it well?
If so, you can ask them to add you as a supplementary cardholder.
The magic here is that you often get sure credit card approval without needing to submit any of your own proof of income.
Your credit limit is tied to their main card, and you’ll get your own physical card linked to their account.
Just make sure you’re both on the same page about spending and payments.
I’ve seen this work wonders for friends starting out, allowing them to build a credit history under someone else’s established account.
2. Get a Secured Credit Card
“Can you get a credit card with no source of income?”
Absolutely, and a secured credit card is your golden ticket! This is one of the most reliable options for Filipino freelancers to get credit cards.
Here’s how it works: you open a savings, checking, or time deposit account with a bank and deposit a specific amount of money. This becomes your “hold-out deposit”, like collateral for the bank.
In return, they issue you a secured credit card.
Your credit limit will usually be around 80-90% of your hold-out deposit. So, if you put down ₱15,000, you’ll likely get a credit limit of around ₱12,000 to ₱13,500.
Why this works: It’s practically risk-free for the bank, which means they’re happy to give you a card even if you don’t have traditional income documents.
The best part? After consistently paying your bills in full and on time (usually for 6 months to a year), you can often request the bank to convert your secured card into a regular, unsecured credit card.
This was my own path to getting my first independent card and building my credit score! I recommend getting a secured credit card to my Filipino freelancer friends too.
3. Register with the BIR
When I first dipped my toes into the freelance world back in 2012, one of the first things I did was register with the BIR as a self-employed professional.
Yes, it can seem like a bit of a paperwork marathon at first, but trust me, it’s important to make your freelance business official. Sobrang worth it.
Once you have your own Certificate of Registration (COR) from the BIR, you can officially file your income tax returns and any other required taxes.
If your business name is just your legal name, you generally don’t even need to register with DTI.
While getting these financial and registration documents might feel like a hassle in the short term, they are invaluable for things like credit card applications, personal loans, and even visa applications (like a Korea visa for Filipinos!) if you plan to travel.
Having these proper documents in place shows banks and other institutions that you’re a serious professional, making your applications much smoother.
Top 5 Credit Cards for Self-Employed Professionals in the Philippines
Alright, now that we’ve covered how to get your foot in the door, let’s talk about some specific credit cards that are often freelancer-friendly or great starting points.
Here are the best credit cards for freelancers in the Philippines:
1. RCBC Bankard InstaCard: Quick & Easy Entry Point 🚀
If you’re looking for a great credit card for beginners or the fastest way to get an RCBC Bankard, their InstaCard is definitely worth checking out.
It stands out for having one of the lowest hold-out deposit amounts among secured cards, making it super accessible.
- Minimum Hold-out Deposit: ₱10,000
- Annual Fee: ₱1,500 (Standard for many entry-level cards)
2. Security Bank Fast Track Secured Credit Card: High Approval Rate! ✅
Another solid contender for Filipino freelancers is Security Bank’s Fast Track credit card. This one is known for its 100% approved status, provided you meet the hold-out deposit requirement.
You’ll need to maintain at least ₱15,000 in a Security Bank savings account while you’re using the card.
To apply for this secured credit card, just visit your preferred Security Bank branch with 1 primary valid ID (or 2 secondary valid IDs) and the amount for your hold-out deposit. Madali lang!
- Minimum Hold-out Deposit: ₱15,000
- Annual Fee: ₱2,000
3. Citi Simplicity+: The “No Annual Fee for Life” Dream! ✨
Who doesn’t love saving money?
If a credit card with NO annual fee is at the top of your wish list, then the Citi Simplicity+ from Citibank is calling your name!
This beauty doesn’t charge you an annual fee, well, for life! That means more money for your emergency fund, your next travel adventure (hello, LiveFreeWithLianne.com! 😉), or even just that extra coffee.
This isn’t a secured card, so you’ll need to meet income requirements, but if you’ve been freelancing for a while and can show consistent income (especially if you’re BIR-registered!), this is a fantastic option.
- Minimum Monthly Income Requirement: ₱20,833
- Minimum Deposit: Not Applicable (This is an unsecured card!)
- Annual Fee: None (For life! 🎉)
4. AUB Secured Credit Card: Another Great Secured Option 🏦
Asia United Bank is quickly becoming a favorite among freelancers in the Philippines, and their AUB secured credit card is one of the reasons why.
You can typically get one when you open a bank account with them.
You just need to submit a few straightforward documentary requirements: a signed and notarized deed of assignment for your assigned deposit guarantee, and an accomplished AUB Credit Card application form.
According to AUB, the processing time for your secured card is usually 7-10 banking days once they receive your complete documents. Pretty efficient!
- Minimum Deposit: ₱25,000 (for a minimum credit limit of ₱20,000)
- Annual Fee: None (Score! 🎉)
5. BPI Express Start: A Popular Choice for Beginners 🌟
BPI also offers their own secured card, aptly named “Express Start.” This is a popular choice, especially for those looking to start their credit journey with a well-known bank.
Just keep in mind that the usual processing time can take about 2 to 4 weeks from application to card delivery, so a little patience is key.
One important detail: the hold-out period for BPI is generally at least 1 year.
If you decide to close your secured credit card and request the release of your hold-out amount before that, there’s a non-waivable fee of ₱1,500. So, make sure you’re committed!
- Minimum Deposit: ₱15,000 (for a minimum credit limit of ₱12,000)
- Annual Fee: Varies, check with BPI (but note the non-waivable fee if you close early)
Start Your Credit Card Journey as a Freelancer
Getting a credit card as a freelancer in the Philippines doesn’t have to be a headache.
With these strategies and card options, you’re well on your way to building your financial independence and unlocking a world of convenience and perks.
I’ve been there, done that, and trust me, having a credit card managed wisely can be a fantastic tool in your financial arsenal.
Which one are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments! Happy freelancing! ✨
Ready for Your Next Adventure? ✈️
Did you know you could book your next hotel stays using credit cards?
- If you’re planning your next getaway, you can find fantastic deals on hotels by booking through my discounted Agoda link here.
- Use KLOOKLIANNE to save money on your Klook bookings!
It’s how I often find my own best stays. Wise living means wise traveling, after all! 😉
Let’s Connect Online 💖
Want more daily doses of financial tips, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks at my own journey to a free and fulfilled life?
Let’s connect! You can always find me across social media platforms:
- Instagram: @livefreewithlianne
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- …and more! Just search for @livefreewithlianne!