Shopee, Spotify, and Netflix are shaping how we pay for services, as you can do it online with GCash, Maya, or GrabPay.
But while cash is still king in wet and flea markets, having a debit card for online shopping and in-store purchases is still convenient for those who prefer cashless transactions.
In 2022, 126 million debit cards were circulating in the Philippines. That’s way more than the 10.9 million credit and charge cards. Digital payments also comprised 42.1% of all the money spent in stores and shops.
So, next time you use your card to buy something, remember you’re not alone in embracing the digital money revolution.
Thinking about where to get one? Here are the best debit cards in the Philippines and what they offer.
| Debit Card | Initial Deposit | Restrictions |
| BDO Debit Card | ₱2,000 |
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| BPI Debit Mastercard | ₱3,000 |
|
| Eastwest Bank Debit Card | ₱2,000 |
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| GoTyme Bank VISA Debit Card | None |
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| LANDBANK EMV Debit Card | ₱500 |
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| Metrobank Regular Savings Prime Debit Card | ₱2,000 |
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| PSBank Debit Mastercard | Not disclosed |
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| PNB Debit Card | ₱3,000 |
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| Security Bank EMV Debit Card | ₱5,000 |
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| UnionBank EON Visa Debit Card | ₱350 for the annual fee; any amount at your discretion. |
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The initial deposit is subject to change if you’re opening a checking account or other types of savings account, which could be between ₱1,000 -₱25,000.
It’s important to understand the initial deposit and maintaining balance. But watch out for sneaky fees that can pop up when you make transactions online and when traveling overseas.
BDO Debit Card
BDO is one of the most popular banks in the Philippines, and most of its debit cards are accepted at establishments, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, grocery stores, and retail stores nationwide.
BDO offers two variants, Mastercard or VISA, which you can use for online purchases, bills payments, and enjoy mobile banking using the BDO mobile app.
Check out the key features:
- Pay with convenience: No need to carry cash, as the card can be used for online and in-store transactions at establishments accepting Mastercard or VISA worldwide.
- Secure and manage your account: You can control your card, decide how much you can withdraw or buy, and even use it internationally.
- Easy access to ATMs: Withdraw cash or pay bills through thousands of ATMs in the Philippines and abroad.
- Faster check-out: No need to key in your PIN or sign for purchases below ₱2,000, just look for the contactless symbol and tap.
BPI Debit Mastercard
Get your BPI debit card when you open a regular savings account at your preferred branch. You may also open a savings account using the BPI mobile app and follow the guided steps.
One of the best things about this debit card is that you can use these for cashless payments online and in stores.
- Contactless feature: Just tap your EMV debit card for everyday purchases at grocery stores, restaurants, and shops.
- Full debit card control: Tweak the settings, such as withdrawal limits and fund transfers, instantly using BPI Online or our mobile app.
- Activate eCommerce features on mobile app: Turn on your e-commerce access when you want to make purchases online and lock it again afterward to prevent any unauthorized spending.
- Easy access to ATMs: Withdraw cash from BPI ATMs located nationwide or any ATM that accepts BancNet or Mastercard.
EastWest Bank Debit Card
For as low as ₱2,000 as your initial deposit, you can get a Visa debit card and also earn 0.1.25% per annum at EastWest Bank. It is also your savings account and debit card to pay for your online transactions.
Enjoy cashless shopping, dining, and other online purchases, recurring subscriptions, bills, and premium insurances that you can link to this account.
Key features of EastWest debit card:
- EMV-Chip-enabled for added security: Enjoy cashless transactions when you shop in grocery stores, malls, and restaurants that accept VISA cards.
- Cashless transactions: Recognize in more than 30 million Visa-affiliated merchants and stores worldwide and 350,000 online merchants.
- Supports online and mobile banking: Track your account and transactions via internet banking and the Eastwest mobile app.
GoTyme Bank VISA Debit Card
The GoTyme Bank VISA Debit Card is a product offered by GoTyme Bank, a joint venture between the Gokongwei Group and Tyme Bank. It aims to provide a seamless banking experience with unique features and rewarding benefits.
What’s good about this debit card is that it’s available virtually, and you can print the physical card at any of the GoTyme kiosks. On top of that, you’ll also enjoy these features:
- Cashless payment worldwide: Use the debit card to merchants that accept VISA cards worldwide when you shop in retail stores overseas.
- Rewards program: GoTyme Bank VISA Debit Card offers a comprehensive rewards program, allowing you to earn Go Rewards points for every swipe or tap of your debit card, both for local and international transactions.
- Digital wallet: Cardholders can enjoy the ease of a digital wallet, depositing and withdrawing cash through ATMs or partner merchants.
- No initial deposit is required: Register for a free savings account on the GoTyme mobile app without an initial deposit.
LANDBANK EMV Debit Card
The LANDBANK EMV debit card has a low initial deposit and a minimum maintaining balance of ₱500. It’s also linked to a deposit account, and you can earn 0.10% per annum if you maintain P2000 as a daily balance.
The EMV-chip-enabled debit card is ready for activation via any of the LANDBANK ATM machines to start using it on your online purchases and even when you dine, pay bills, and more.
Key features of the LANDBANK VISA debit card:
- Cashless payments: The card can be used through Visa and BancNet Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals in business establishments.
- Accepted worldwide: Accepted to over 40 million merchants and 2 million ATMs worldwide and wherever VISA is available.
- Convenient fund transfers and bill payments: With cardholders’ access to InstaPay and PESONet, transferring and receiving funds from other local banks’ accounts just got easier. Pay bills to over 80 billers via mobile and internet banking.
Metrobank Regular Savings Prime Debit Card
The Metrobank Regular Savings Prime Debit Card comes with an interest-bearing savings account. This card is helpful for various transactions, such as bill payments, purchases, and cash withdrawals at ATMs.
Should you wish to open a savings account, here are some of the key features of this debit card you need to know:
- Interest-bearing account rate: The account earns an interest rate of 0.0625% if you maintain a minimum balance of ₱10,000.
- Access to online and mobile banking: Cardholders can access their accounts through the Metrobank Mobile App and Metrobank Online.
- Enjoy exclusive offers and deals: Use the card for straight payments for online and in-store purchases at partner merchants.
PSBank Debit Mastercard
The PSBank Debit Mastercard by Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) is a versatile card that lets you do it all – shop, dine, withdraw cash from ATMs, pay bills, and transfer funds and is accepted globally at 43.3 million establishments.
Here are the key features of the PSBank Debit Mastercard:
- EMV-chip enabled: The card is equipped with an EMV chip for added security and protection against fraud.
- 24/7 access to mobile and online banking: Check your account balance or transfer funds through the PSBank Mobile App and PSBank Online.
- Daily purchase limit for more control on spending: The card has a daily purchase limit of ₱25,000 for point-of-sale (POS) transactions, which can be adjusted depending on the cardholder’s spending capacity.
PNB Debit Card
The Philippine National Bank debit card is the ultimate banking companion offered by PNB, making your life easier 24/7. Powered by Mastercard, this little gem can be used worldwide, wherever Mastercard and Maestro are accepted.
Here’s a list of what you can do with this card:
- Cashless transaction when traveling: Say goodbye to carrying cash and hello to over 32 million shops where you can make cashless purchases. Plus, access to over 2 million ATMs across the globe.
- Multiple transaction options: Check your balance, withdraw cash at ATMs, make cash deposits (at selected PNB ATMs), transfer funds, pay bills online, pay bills through local ATM networks, and even purchase goods and services via Point-of-Sale (POS) at accredited merchants nationwide.
- Interest-earning account: Maintain an average daily balance of ₱10,000 to earn interest.
Security Bank Everyday Debit Card
Security Bank Everyday debit card is available when you open a savings or checking account with the exemption of the eSecure Savings and time deposit accounts.
The lowest amount for an initial deposit is ₱5,000 for the Build-Up Savings account with an annual interest rate of 0.17%.
Here’s a list of features of this debit card:
- Banking while on the go: The card is powered by Mastercard and can be used for various transactions, such as shopping, dining, cash withdrawals at ATMs, bill payments, and fund transfers.
- Access to promos and discounts: Get the best deals and discounts when you shop at merchant partners and online stores.
- Control spending: With the money coming straight from your bank account, you never have to worry about overspending.
UnionBank EON VISA Debit Card
EON VISA debit card is every online shopper’s and freelancer’s favorite. Aside from not maintaining a balance, you only need to pay the annual ₱350 fee. Opening an account is similar to a regular savings account – the process is pretty straightforward, and you can even open one or register online.
Acquiring this debit card unlocks upgraded mobile banking, which can pay bills, transfer funds to other banks, receive remittances directly, and more.
There are many features within the app and benefits to using this debit card, both online and in brick-and-mortar shops.
Key features of the EON Visa debit card:
- Easy top up for seamless transactions: Hassle-free top-ups for your gaming subscriptions, Beep, Easystrip, and prepaid mobile numbers, Gcash for cashless payments, and more.
- 24/7 mobile banking: Use InstaPay to transfer funds to other partner banks instantly up to ₱50,000, with ₱10 fee per transaction.
- Pay bills online: Pay bills, utilities, insurance premiums, and other subscriptions and credit cards. Check the other establishments and comprehensive list for more information.
- Useful for motorists and commuters: Easy top-up of Beep card, Easystrip, AutoSweep RFID, and Grab voucher.
Union Bank also offers debit cards for gamers like the PlayEveryday VISA and frequent travelers, the GetGo VISA to earn more points for Cebu Pacific flights.
Final thoughts
We have provided you with a list of the top ten debit cards in the Philippines. Whether you need one for online purchases, low maintenance balance, or budgeting purposes, we hope our list has helped you decide which suits you best.
EON debit card by Union Bank and GoTyme VISA card are perfect for those who want a functional debit card for all their purchases and bills payments. Plus, they have zero or low maintaining balances, making them an ideal option for budget-conscious individuals.
On the other hand, BPI, BDO, Metrobank, and Security Bank are suitable for serious savers who also want a debit card to help them budget and avoid overspending. These banks offer excellent savings features in addition to their debit card services.
If we missed anything or if you have additional insights regarding the best debit cards, please let us know in the comments section below.