Using an Australian credit card in the Philippines

Travelling to the Philippines and want to take your Australian credit card with you?

You can use an Australian credit card in the Philippines, although there are costs to be aware of. Scroll down for more information.

Save up to 3% per transaction

Credit cards with no Philippine currency conversion fees

Not available for application via this website

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard

Highlights

Get 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for 24 months, with a 3% balance transfer fee (then 12.99% p.a. thereafter).
No foreign transaction fees.
Plus, complimentary overseas travel insurance for you and your family.

Pros

0% p.a. on balance transfers for 24 months.
Low ongoing interest rate of 12.99% p.a. on purchases.
Low annual fee of $59 p.a.
Add up to 3 additional cardholders at no extra cost.
Up to 55 interest-free days on purchases.
As low as a $6,000 credit limit.
Temporarily lock your card anytime using the Bankwest App.
Easy Instalment Plans let you spread up to 5 purchases over four monthly payments at 0% p.a.
Compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

Cons

No rewards program on this card.
There is a 3% BT fee.
Cash advance rate is 21.99% p.a.

Not available for application via this website

Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard

Highlights

0% p.a. for 6 months on purchases and balance transfers, with a 3% balance transfer fee. (Reverts to 18.99% p.a. thereafter.)
No foreign transaction fees, including when you're shopping at an overseas online store.
No annual fee to pay for the life of the card.
Put up to five eligible purchases on an interest-free payment plan with Easy Instalments.
Credit limits start from a minimum of $6,000.

Pros

No annual fee makes this an option for occasional or backup use.
Interest-free purchases and balance transfers for 6 months.
No foreign transaction fees for foreign currency or overseas purchases.
Interest-free repayments for up to five eligible purchases with Easy Instalments.
Credit limits start from a minimum of $6,000.
Up to 55 days interest-free when you pay the statement balance in full.
Balance transfers revert to the purchase rate instead of the higher cash advance rate.
Use up to 95% of your credit limit for balance transfers.

Cons

There is a 3% fee on balance transfers, which can be added to the balance if desired.
You can't earn rewards points, but that's not unusual for a no annual fee card like this.
There is a $500 minimum balance transfer amount, although most people transfer more.

Thinking of hitting the shops?

Potential fees when shopping with a credit card in the Philippines

Be aware of these fees when using your Australian credit card to buy from a store in the Philippines.

Currency conversion fee. Your credit card may charge a fee of around 3% per transaction. If you spent $300, you would be charged around $9 in fees.
Merchant’s currency conversion fee. This fee is charged if you opt to pay in Australian dollars. This requires a dynamic currency conversion and is usually more expensive than paying in Australian dollars.

Need to pay with cash?

Using a credit card to get cash in the Philippines

ATMs are widely available throughout the Philippines. However, using an Australian credit card to withdraw cash can be expensive. These are the fees to expect when withdrawing cash from an Australian credit card in the Philippines.

Overseas ATM withdrawal fee. The local ATM network may charge this one-off fee to withdraw cash (Philippine pesos) from an ATM using your Australian credit card.
Cash advance fee. This is a one-off fee charged by your credit card issuer. It is typically 2-4% of the amount withdrawn.
Cash advance rate. Your credit card issuer will charge interest at the cash advance rate from the day of the transaction. There is generally no interest-free period.

Want more help?

FAQs

Do I need to notify my credit card issuer about taking my card to the Philippines?

Although it is not mandatory, many credit card issuers prefer to know in advance that you will be taking your card with you. If you do not notify them, it is more likely that your card will be blocked for suspected fraudulent activity until you do notify them.

Is it safe to use a credit card in the Philippines?

Yes, it is safe to use a credit card in the Philippines. However, you should take the same precautions as you would when at home.

What credit cards are accepted in the Philippines?

Credit cards from American Express, Mastercard, and Visa can are widely accepted, although acceptance varies depending on the merchant.

Is it better to pay in Philippine pesos or Australian dollars in the Philippines?

It is generally cheaper to pay in the local currency. If offered the choice between paying in Philippine pesos or Australian dollars, choose to pay in Philippine pesos.

Do contactless credit card payments work in the Philippines?

Yes. You can use contactless cards to pay wherever contactless payments are accepted.

Can you earn points on what you spend with a credit card in the Philippines?

Yes. Depending on your card, you may even earn reward points at a higher rate per dollar spent while in the Philippines.

What do I do if I lose my credit card in the Philippines?

If you lose your credit card, call your bank and report it as lost. They can issue a replacement card and deliver it to your address in the Philippines.

Need a new credit card?

Find a better credit card on Finty

Compare credit cards from leading banks.
Get a credit card with lower interest and better rewards.
Make an informed decision with our detailed reviews.

Compare credit cards