2023 Guide: Credit Cards Recommendations for First Timers

2023 is a year of opportunities and financial blessings. Being financially independent can be quite difficult for some but it is not impossible. A lot of financially independent people carry cards more than cash and for good reason.

Best Beginner-friendly Credit Cards

Planning to apply for your own credit card? You might want to consider the following:

• AUB Classic Mastercard
  • Monthly income requirement: ₱21,000
  • Interest rate: 2%0% interest on new purchases
  • Earn 1 reward point for every ₱50 spend

• AUB Easy Mastercard
  • Monthly income requirement: ₱21,000
  • Interest rate: 2%0% interest on new purchases
  • Flexible credit card payment due date

• CITI Cimplicity+
  • Monthly income requirement: Monthly income requirement: ₱20,833
  • Interest rate: 2%
  • No late payment fees
  • No overlimit fees

• CITI Rewards Card
  • Monthly income requirement: ₱20,833
  • Interest rate: 2%
  • 3x points on shopping and dining transactions

• Metrobank M Free Mastercard
  • Monthly income requirement: ₱72,250
  • Interest rate: 2%
  • 0% installment on partner stores
  • Pay instantly with Bills2Pay

Why You Should Consider Credit Cards

Obtaining a credit card can seem a bit intimidating because of the responsibilities that come along with having one. This is complicated especially for those who are beginners or those who have no credit history.

However, owning your own credit card is actually safer than carrying cash. It is also better than debit cards because it has stronger fraud protection features.

There are a lot of beginner-friendly credit cards you can choose from. But before anything else, there are aspects you need to consider as you level up your financial independence journey.

What to Look for in Credit Cards

If you are a beginner and plan to acquire your own credit card, it is important for you to look into the following aspects as you apply for one.

• Low Annual Fee

For a beginner, look for credit cards with low annual fees that do not go over ₱2,000.

• Low Credit Card Fees

Focus on credit cards with low fees, particularly the late payment fee and over-limit fee. You will be charged a late payment fee when you do not pay on time. Meanwhile, you will be required to pay the over-limit pay when you overspend beyond your credit limit.

• Credit Card Benefits that are fitting for you

Look into cards that have benefits that are fitting for you. Cards have different spending categories such as rewards for shopping, travel, dining, and many more. There are a lot of beginner-friendly cards that appeal to the abovementioned spending categories.

• Security Features

Choose credit cards that have great security features. This is safe, especially when credit card fraud has peaked during the pandemic. Credit Card issuers have different security features, which is why it is great to ask your credit card issuer for security details.

Take your financial independence to the next level and apply for your first credit card. And remember, use your credit cards responsibly.