THREE out of six of my credit cards have no annual fee for life (NAFFL) — PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard, Citi Simplicity+ Mastercard, and Citi Rewards Mastercard.
The latest one I shared about in another post, BPI Blue Mastercard, comes also with a waived annual fee but only for the first year. Read my complete review here.
PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard and Citi Simplicity+ Mastercard do not really come with annual fees in exchange for other benefits based on their card programs.
These two have lower finance charges, penalties, and other fees, but they do not earn rewards, even a single point for a thousand-peso spend.
Citi Rewards Mastercard, one of the flagship rewards credit cards offered by Citibank Philippines (now acquired by UnionBank) comes with a PHP2,500 annual fee, but it is already waived for life after I spent PHP20,000 within the first 60 calendar days.
The other two cards — UnionBank Classic Visa Card and EastWest Silver Privilege Mastercard — come with annual fees which I still have to pay in months to come or during their anniversaries.
However, these annual fees are lower compared to other cards offered by the same banks, i.e., PHP1,500 each. I’ll try to request for waivers as soon as I see it charged.
Credit cards with annual fees seem unpopular in the Philippines. Many Filipinos prefer NAFFL cards, otherwise exhaust all efforts to waive these fees or eventually cancel the cards.
In this article, I’ll break down credit card annual membership fees and provide a list of no annual fee for life (NAFFL) credit cards available in the local financial market today.
Quick Summary — While credit card annual fees are tradeoffs for top-notch rewards and benefits, Filipinos still prefer NAFFL cards for some reasons, and the best of these cards are among AUB Classic Mastercard, Citi Simplicity+ Card, PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard, China Bank Freedom Mastercard, and a few premium cards. Check the complete list below.
What is a credit card annual fee? A credit card annual fee or annual membership fee is a flat fee that a card issuer charges the cardholder to keep the card open or maintain the latter’s membership in the program.
Credit card issuers charge and so, cardholders pay annual fees because these also serve as:
- a tradeoff for top-notch credit card rewards — reward points, miles, cashbacks, and other benefits — that make a better financial sense of lifestyle,
- a security for credit cards geared to borrowers with fair or poor credit,
- an extra way a credit card issuer earns a profit or makes money.
In most but not all cases, credit cards that come with annual fees offer more rewards and benefits to enjoy than those that don’t.
How much is a typical annual fee? While it all depends on the card program, annual fees of credit cards in the Philippines can be as low as PHP300 but can also be as high as PHP12,000. Whew!
PNB Visa Classic, for example, charges only PHP300 for annual membership fee. Citi Prestige Visa Card, on the other hand, comes with PHP12,000 fee, non-waivable and billed on the first statement.
On the average however, most banks and card issuers charge annual membership fees between PHP1,500 to PHP2,500 for decent rewards credit cards.
What is a ‘no annual fee for life (NAFFL)’ credit card? If your credit card comes with no annual fee for life (NAFFL), it means that the annual membership fee is waived for a lifetime or perpetually, so you don’t have to pay anything for it from the time you activate until you cancel it.
What are the benefits of NAFFL credit cards? Aside from not paying any membership fee on a yearly basis, a no annual fee for life (NAFFL) credit card comes advantageous for some reasons such that it:
- offers a better long-term value than a credit card that comes with an annual fee,
- makes it easier to get onboard regardless of your spending, i.e., whether you will be actively using your card or not,
- lowers the maintenance costs of having a credit card as you may still pay for finance charges and other fees,
- keeps your credit account open at no cost as long as you make occasional swipes, and it positively impacts your credit score (cancelling cards have some negative effects),
- comes with a great potential to increase the average age of your credit account,
- does not give you any guilt or feeling of regret for not maximizing the credit card use, and
- saves you a face from desperately calling the bank at the end of the year to request for a waiver
How can I waive the annual fees? Having the credit card annual fees waived depends on some factors and primarily the card issuers’ decisions, but here are the common situations:
[a] No Annual Fee for Life (Automatic). Some credit cards are just offered with no annual fee for life (NAFFL) and that is, without any conditions. It’s normally part of the card program in exchange for other competitive benefits.
As I already mentioned, PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard and Citi Simplicity+ Mastercard do not really come with these fees, but they also do not earn any single reward point.
[b] No Annual Fee for Life (with Minimum Spend Requirements). There are also credit cards that originally come with annual fees, but because of the promotional offers, you may waive them for a lifetime if you’re able to do one thing — spend a required amount within a certain period.
For example, you can waive the annual fee for life of your Citi Rewards Card if you make a single or accumulated PHP20,000 spend within 60 calendar days from the card approval. Other credit cards even require higher amount.
[c] No Annual Fee for the First Year [Automatic]. In other cases, annual fees are waived only for the first year, and the cardholder still has to pay for these fees in the succeeding years.
BPI Blue Mastercard, for example, comes with an annual fee only for the first year, and it’s a good offer especially if you just want to try it or use it as a reference card for other NAFFL credit cards.
[d] No Annual Fee for a Given Year [by Request]. If your availed credit card does not come with a waived annual fee for life or just for the first year, still you have the chance of not paying for it in any given year.
As soon as your credit card reaches its first anniversary (or succeeding anniversaries), you may call your bank or card issuer and request for a waiver.
However, there is no guarantee that your request will be granted. Others even try to ‘threaten’ the card issuer to cancel the card if it’s not waived but still to no avail.
What should I do if the annual fees are not waived? If you enjoy using your credit card with all its rewards and benefits but still it does not come with a waived annual fee, it may still be worth keeping active then.
To decide on this matter, think about the following:
- You may have it as your only credit card, and you may not be able to get another right away.
- You may have other cards, but if you cancel it or close the credit account, your credit score will be negatively affected because your overall credit limit will decrease, and utilization ratio will increase.
- You may be earning really good rewards — points, miles, and cash backs — and other benefits that may make it reasonable for you to maintain the card.
- You may redeem your accumulated reward points or convert them to cash for an annual fee waiver.
- You may also just convert the annual fee into installment payments, pay lighter, and even enjoy zero interest.
- Your card issuer may still waive your annual fees in the succeeding years if you’re a worthy client.
- You may also request for a downgrade if the same card issuer offers other cards that do not come with annual fees.
However, if you’re already decided to cancel the card, make sure to use it as a reference to apply for a new NAFFL credit card. It may still have a good purpose after all.
Pay all your outstanding balance and coordinate with the issuer for its cancellation. Your credit score will eventually recover as you get a better card with a higher credit limit.
13 No Annual Fee for Life (NAFFL) Credit Cards in the Philippines
To clear things out, the list below includes only credit cards with no annual fee for life (automatic) and select few with easy-to-meet requirements.
Take note that banks and credit card issuers may occasionally run special promos, but most of these cards remain NAFFL as part of the original card programs.
Citi Simplicity+ Card
It is an entry level credit card, in either Visa or Mastercard, offered by Citibank Philippines (recently acquired by UnionBank).
It comes with interesting features such as no annual fee for life (NAFFL), no late and overlimit fees, and a retail monthly effective interest rate for as low as 2%.
It does NOT earn any reward points.
To qualify and apply for a Citi Simplicity+ Card, you must be/have:
- at least 21 years old,
- annual income of at least PHP180,000 (with an existing credit card) and PHP250,000 (without a credit card)
- income documents,
- an active landline or mobile phone number,
- a valid TIN, SSS, GSIS or UMID number and, ID
Quick Disclaimer — We earn a small commission from Citibank Philippines when you apply and get approved for a Citi Simplicity+ Card through this affiliate link. We use the proceeds to pay for our web hosting services, domain renewals, and other publishing costs.
AUB Easy Mastercard
As its name suggests, it is a basic credit card offered by Asia United Bank (AUB), one of the fastest-growing commercial banks in the Philippines.
Aside from the no annual fee for life (NAFFL) feature, it also offers flexible payment terms (once or twice a month or even weekly) and zero interest on new purchases.
It also earns one (1) reward point for ever PHP50 spend.
To qualify and apply for an AUB Easy Mastercard, you must be/have:
- 21 to 65 years old,
- a gross annual income of at least PHP252,000,
- if employed, a regular status for at least one (1) year,
- if self-employed, operating a registered business profitably for at least one (1) year,
- if a licensed professional, practicing for at least one (1) year,
- a mobile phone, office landline, and active email,
- income documents (e.g., ITR, Certificate of Employment, pay slips, DTI registration, latest financial statements, etc.), and
- valid IDs
AUB Classic Mastercard
It is another no annual fee for life (NAFFL) credit card, apart from AUB Easy Mastercard, offered by Asia United Bank (AUB).
It also offers flexible payment terms (once or twice a month or even weekly), zero interest on new purchases, and unlimited supplementary cards with waived annual fees for life.
It also earns one (1) reward point for every PHP50 spend.
To qualify and apply for an AUB Classic Mastercard, you must be/have:
- 21 to 65 years old,
- a gross annual income of at least PHP252,000,
- if employed, a regular status for at least one (1) year,
- if self-employed, operating a registered business profitably for at least one (1) year,
- if a licensed professional, practicing for at least one (1) year,
- a mobile phone, office landline, and active email,
- income documents (e.g., ITR, Certificate of Employment, pay slips, DTI registration, latest financial statements, etc.), and
- valid IDs
China Bank Freedom Mastercard
It is a new credit card offered by China Bank that comes with an annual membership fee waived perpetually or for a lifetime. Its supplementary cards also enjoy the same waivers.
Its interesting features include light installment programs, CBC exclusive deals, a companion virtual card, and worldwide card acceptance.
It also earns one (1) reward point for every PHP20 valid spend.
To qualify and apply for a China Bank Freedom Mastercard, you must be/have:
- 21 to 55 years old,
- a gross annual income of at least PHP250,000 (employed and self-employed),
- income documents,
- an active principal credit card with at least 12 months history,
- valid government-issued ID with photo and signature, and
- SSS, GSIS, and/or TIN number
Metrobank M Free Mastercard
It is a credit card offered by Metrobank and ideal for active credit card users and shoppers. It comes with an automatic no annual fee for life (NAFFL).
Aside from that, this powerful credit card also offers 0% installment programs, credit-limit-to-cash conversions with Cash2Go, balance transfers from other cards for as low as 1% per month, and access to Metrobank’s network of partner merchants and shops for discounts and free gifts.
It does NOT earn any reward points.
To qualify and apply for a Metrobank M Free Mastercard, you must be/have:
- 18 to 70 years old,
- a gross annual income of at least PHP867,000,
- employed for at least 6 months as a regular employee,
- a principal cardholder with another bank for at least 9 months with a credit limit of at least PHP25,000,
- a TIN, SSS, GSIS and/or UMID number,
- an active business or residence landline and mobile numbers, and
- a valid photo-bearing government-issued ID with date of birth and signature
PSBank Credit Mastercard
It is a cross-selling arrangement credit card between PSBank and Metrobank Card Corporation (MCC). Interestingly, its annual fee is also waived for life.
It is a good credit card for beginners as it allows payments for simple needs and helps manage expenses.
It also offers flexible payment schemes, installment programs, and exclusive perks and privileges.
It does NOT earn any reward points.
To qualify and apply for a PSBank Credit Mastercard, you must be/have:
- of legal age,
- a valid government and acceptable ID,
- a proof of income (at least PHP180,000 per annum or PHP15,000 per month,
- a signed PSBank Credit Mastercard Application Form, and
- for foreigners, a copy of Visa, copy of Alien Certificate of Registration (ARC), and Immigrant’s Certificate of Residence
PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard
It is an almost perfect credit card offered by Philippine National Bank (PNB) to beginners and non-beginners alike with its zero and lower fees.
Its amazing features include zero annual membership fee for life, zero late payment fees, zero overlimit fees, lower finance charge (currently at 1.88%), lower minimum amount due (only 2.5% of the total amount due or PHP200, whichever is higher), and free annual membership fee for life for all PNB supplementary credit cards.
It does NOT earn any reward points.
To qualify and apply for a PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard, you must be/have:
- 21 to 65 years old,
- a gross annual income of at least PHP120,000
- income documents,
- a photo-bearing government-issued ID with signature,
- proof of billing (for non-depositor),
- utility bills (electricity, telephone, etc.) or credit card Statement of Account (SOA), and
- for foreigners, passport, Alien Certificate of Residence (ACR), proof of billing (for non-carded or non-depositor), and other documents
PNB The Travel Club Platinum Mastercard
It is a NAFFL credit card offered by Philippine National Bank (PNB). With its tagline, ‘Packed for Travel, Packed with Perks, this card is ideal for frequent air travelers.
It offers 20% discount on all regular priced The Travel Club house brands on the cardholders birth month, 5% discount at all The Travel Club stores, 1% rebate on The Travel Club installment transactions, PNB Mabuhay Miles, cash credits, Caltex rebates, travel insurance, and many more.
It earns one (1) reward point for every PHP40 spend at The Travel Club and PHP70 elsewhere. Rewards may be redeemed for Mabuhay Miles or cash credits.
To qualify and apply for a PNB The Travel Club Platinum Mastercard, you must be/have:
- 21 to 65 years old,
- a gross annual income of at least PHP480,000,
- income documents,
- a photo-bearing government-issued ID with signature,
- proof of billing (for non-depositor),
- utility bills (electricity, telephone, etc.) or credit card Statement of Account (SOA), and
- for foreigners, passport, Alien Certificate of Residence (ACR), proof of billing (for non-carded or non-depositor), and other documents
Security Bank Next Mastercard
It is a credit card marketed by Security Bank to individuals who are ready to be financially independent.
It offers no annual fee for life (NAFFL), automatic conversions of big purchases to easy installment plans, and an online purchase protect insurance, among others.
It does NOT earn any reward points.
To qualify and apply for a Security Bank Mastercard, you must be/have:
- 21 to 65 years old,
- a gross annual income of at least PHP540,000 and PHP600,000 (for first-time cardholders),
- a regular employee for at least one (1) year or self-employed profitably for at least three (3) years,
- a Security Bank depositor for at least 12 months (for self-employed)
- income documents,
- government-issued photo-bearing ID, and
- landline number and email address
EastWest Platinum Mastercard
It is a premium credit card offered by EastWest Bank that promises luxurious benefits and spending privileges for a lifetime.
Apart from its no annual fee for life (NAFFL) feature, it also comes with a low foreign currency conversion fee, free comprehensive travel accident and inconvenience insurance up to PHP20M, premium perks and Mastercard priceless experiences, Mastercard Concierge services, free Priority Pass membership, and many more.
It earns one (1) Platinum Rewards point for every PHP40 spend.
To qualify and apply for an EastWest Platinum Mastercard, you must be/have:
- at least 21 years old,
- a gross annual income of at least PHP1,800,000,
- income documents,
- residence and business landlines and mobile number,
- a valid government ID with picture and signature, and
- additional documents for local resident foreigners
EastWest Priority Visa Infinite
It is another premium credit card offered by EastWest Bank exclusively to EastWest Priority Clients.
It comes with no annual fee for life (NAFFL) and exclusive perks such as airport lounge access, Priority Pass access, Marhaba Lounge access, free comprehensive travel accident and inconvenience insurance up to PHP20M, Global Visa Infinite privileges, and Infinite Rewards program, among others.
It earns one (1) reward point for every PHP10 qualifying spend.
To qualify and apply for an EastWest Priority Visa Infinite, you must be/have:
- at least 21 years old,
- a gross annual income of at least PHP2,500,000,
- income documents,
- residence and business landlines and mobile number,
- a valid government ID with picture and signature, and
- additional documents for local resident foreigners
Robinsons Bank DOS Mastercard
It is an entry level and reward point-earning credit card offer by Robinsons Bank. Although it doesn’t originally come with NAFFL, its annual fee can be waived for life if you use the card for at least 12 times within a year.
Its other features include automatic conversions of all purchases to two-month installments without any added interest and no minimum amount required, as well as other flexible installment plans.
It earns one (1) reward point for every PHP50 spend.
To qualify and apply for a Robinsons Bank DOS Mastercard, you must be/have:
- 21 to 65 years old,
- a gross annual income of at least PHP180,000 (single) or PHP240,000 (married),
- income documents,
- a valid ID with signature and photo,
- a regular employee or an existing business operating for the past two (2) years,
- a working landline, a postpaid mobile phone, and an existing email address,
- residence or work within an area where a Robinsons Bank branch is located, and
- additional documents for foreigners
Citi Rewards Card
It is a rewards credit card, in either Visa or Mastercard, offered by Citibank Philippines (now acquired by UnionBank) that gives 3x reward points when shopping and dining using the card.
It comes with an annual membership fee of PHP2,500, but can easily be waived for a lifetime by simply making an accumulated PHP20,000 spend within 60 calendar days from the card approval.
It earns one (1) reward point for every PHP30 spend or get 3X points at all shopping boutiques, department stores, restaurants, and on Cebu Pacific tickets.
To qualify and apply for a Citi Simplicity+ Card, you must be/have:
- at least 21 years old,
- annual income of at least PHP180,000 (with existing credit card) and PHP250,000 (without a credit card),
- income documents,
- an active landline or mobile phone number, and
- a valid TIN, SSS, GSIS or UMID number and ID
Quick Disclaimer — We earn a small commission from Citibank Philippines when you apply and get approved for a Citi Rewards Card through this affiliate link. We use the proceeds to pay our web hosting services, domain renewals, and other publishing costs.
Read also:
How to Choose the Right Credit Card [Beginner’s Guide].This article provides beginners a seven-step guide in choosing the right credit card and a detailed discussion on the most important factors to consider.
PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard Review: Requirements, Features, and Fees. This article reviews PNB Ze-Lo Mastercard –an almost perfect credit card for beginners and non-beginners alike with its zero and lower fees, but you can’t really have it all because it does not earn any rewards (so also, zero rewards).
UnionBank Classic Visa Review: Requirements, Features, and Fees. This article reviews UnionBank Classic Visa Card — a good credit card for beginners as it still comes with an easy application and approval process, decent rewards program, and flexible installment options, but may offer less benefits when compared to other entry level credit cards.
BPI Blue Mastercard Review: Requirements, Features, and Fees. This article reviews BPI Blue Mastercard — a recommended entry level credit card (for beginners) as it comes with easy application and approval process, competitive fees, and decent rewards. It can also be a good reference card being issued and backed by one of the largest banks.
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