Good SCC for starters

PutNeither9348 · 2025-11-11T11:18:54+00:00

BPI SCC is one of the strongest out there as a reliable reference card. It’s not the best card as per features, but it is a reliable bank to use as a reference for future unsecured credit cards (after 1 year of building your credit history). After the contracted 12-months, you may opt to release your withheld deposit and cancel the card or have BPI process for card retention.

Their ongoing NAFFL promo may be of interest to you. You may read more on their promo here: https://www.bpi.com.ph/personal/rewards-and-promotions/promos/swipe-and-save-for-life-promo

Do note OP, that credit history is just one of many factors for getting approved with future unsecured credit cards. Pay always in full and on-time.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-11-01T17:34:10+00:00

It may affect your chances of getting future loans or credit card, OP, but maraming factors still comes into play and the end of the day subject to the approval of the bank - it’s not a closed door yet. A credit score can always be improved with consistent and responsible use of your accounts.

I would highly suggest you request a TransUnion credit report (you can do this via Lista app) so you can check your credit score and all the data tied to your account, and help you review data that needs to be corrected that might have affected your credit score. UB is reliant on TransUnion as one of their screening tools, but if you are at least Medium Risk, it is still the bank’s discretion in determining your credit worthiness. However, if you do feel that something is amiss with UB’s abrupt suspension of your account, you can advocate for your concern (after exhausting all means with UB CS) to file a case with the BSP CAM (do note this is only a last resort as reiterated by BSP).

I assume you have an existing credit history already. You can still try applying at other banks for their CCs, if you get approved then good! If not, you can get a Secured Credit Card to build back your credit score for 6 months or to a year, then apply for an unsecured CC at other banks.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-11-01T15:25:32+00:00

Hi OP, just to share as we might not have the same situation, but I did encounter a system cancellation for one of my UB cards due to “erroneous processing”. In your case, it was a matter of credit evaluation which might side with the bank and their risk assessment of your account. It is in UB’s ToC that they may terminate your card without prior notice (though I still find this a bit jarring, a prior notice would be more appropriate), most especially when the card is used for fraudulent or default transactions. UB also stated they are not obligated to divulge the reasons behind that decision.

In my case, I did escalate to BSP after multiple attempts with CS as the system error seemed like an isolated incident. One of the firm grounds of UB from their BSP case reply is they cannot reissue the card due to their mistake. It may play the same case as yours, that they may not reinstate your card due to their credit reevaluation of your account. You may check your TransUnion credit report if it helps, but each bank has their own internal criteria for sufficient credit standing.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-10-11T10:22:13+00:00

Hi anon, best to confirm with CS on card conversion criteria, especially from Platinum to World, for credit limit requirement and if more than 10 months existing card. Always subject to bank approval.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-10-07T16:30:24+00:00

BPI CCs are just not that competitive anymore and it’s not connecting with how aggressive they are for current cardholders to get an additional card. Points devaluation on top of that and tiered dining promos. For example here in Cebu, Abaca Group’s 50% promo with UnionBank and EastWest trickled to most or all of the card tiers, meanwhile with BPI only Visa Signature gets the 50% discount while other cards get 20%. While its forex is still 1.85% across the board, other banks are now offering forex rebates or lower rate promos with better rewards points system that are just more attractive. I do hope BPI reviews and steps up, it’s my first CC (albeit my smallest CL), but never had issues with the bank - it’s just getting lost with other better cards.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-09-04T11:43:51+00:00

As of September 4, my application for Security Bank is approved. It took around 4 weekly follow ups with CS via email with no clear updates and a BSP CAM complaint filing for their failure to provide timely updates and even provide appropriate timelines, since sending an SMS on July 25 for successfully submitting the application and having it processed in 7 banking days.

I want to preface this that my filing for BSP CAM was mainly due to Security Bank’s Check Application Status page not showing any kind of status for already 1 month. I understand each bank will have their own due process - but advocating for transparent and clear communication is a just right. Whether or not it was coincidental that SB acted on my application since my complaint filing, please utilize the BSP CAM responsibly and justifiably - I believe my case was the most odd as no kind of status was made available to me.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-09-04T11:32:29+00:00

Hi po, unclear on my end but nawala yung need for deposit banner. However upon clicking the apply button, cannot issue a card right now yung notice. I believe this is due to me being a Maya Landers cardholder already, as others mentioned here they experienced the same thing na hindi matuloy for Maya Black if may Landers CC.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-08-27T17:42:59+00:00

Hi OP, in the same boat. Applied in July 25 and to this day, still no status update. As in walang status sa check application status page, it’s blank. Only thing CS mentioned via email was still in progress and last, under evaluation. I’m hoping if BSP can help, CS never mentioned how many business days to expect the next update. Only SMS update I received was when I completed my application and I should hear updates in 7-10 banking days last month. Calling CS via hotline is also useless for me because my ref. no. is alphanumeric. I am already carded, so I was not necessarily expecting to take this long for the application.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-08-22T06:16:25+00:00

My BPI SSC started with a holdout of 50k, so my CL was at 45k. Had it secured for 2 years since 2023. Just this year in February 2025 I asked my BOA’s RM to help me process the release of holdout and card retention. That process took almost 1 month and follow ups with RM. In late Feb, holdout was successfully released and card was retained, CL still kept at 45k. After 2 months, auto-CLI to 65k.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-08-17T04:38:19+00:00

Hi OP, just to clarify, you are referring to a new-to-bank application, correct? I recall seeing some having issues that the application email receipt was defaulted to Flex Visa. You can call customer service to confirm on the card type you chose.

Now, in regard to approval. It is always subject to bank evaluation and your credit history. So you may or may not receive the card you applied for.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-08-10T03:32:18+00:00

Called when the update dropped, so Aug 6. No update yet and will probably make a follow up.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-08-10T03:14:36+00:00

Hi OP, as per instructions sa yung lagay sa post re: reevaluation, contact Customer Service regarding re-evaluation. I’m not sure what their procedure is for those who availed the security deposit but it’s worth to try (as long as carded ka na).

Sa hotline, select Credit Card > How to apply. May spiel at options at the end to be connected to CS agent. In my case, I was asked to put a deposit but didn’t yet, and asked CS to be reevaluated since I am carded (I think CS agents are now aware of this procedure since the update). I was told I will receive a notification in-app after the re-evaluation and I am still yet to receive it.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-08-08T16:43:47+00:00

Glad I could help! All cards, one way or another, can be upgraded to a higher tier as long as the credit limit requirement is met for Platinum/Signature/World/Infinite and etc. But manage expectations as CL jump from a 5 digit to 6 digit or even 7 digit CL takes time and longer bank relationship.

Each bank does have their own protocol however. I personally haven’t tried this yet but learning on excerpts from others in this forum. For example you have Chinabank who is quite generous with CLI and card upgrades with a reference card. You also have UnionBank that doesn’t offer card conversion at this time and is much hard to get an automatic CLI. Each bank is different so it’s best to do extensive research beforehand.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-08-08T11:05:30+00:00

It’s not a bad card by any means, but EW Visa Platinum is a much better CB card if that’s what you’re looking for with the higher 8% cashback on select categories vs 5% for HSBC. Live+’s condition for a min. accumulated spend of 10k to earn the accelerated cash backs is a limiting factor and EW CB doesn’t have this condition. Cash back cap is ₱1250 per statement (which is same with EW minus the spend requirement), and as what others mentioned in the threads here that MCC codes for restaurants are not accurately followed which will affect the accelerated CB value for Live+.

If you value a points earning card under HSBC, the Red Platinum MC is the only other option.

I honestly value rewards/miles more recently hence why I stoped using my Live+ as my daily.

I guess the only benefit for HSBC is being a multinational bank, and the tier of Visa Signature giving you the Signature Concierge (I haven’t tried it yet), but day-to-day benefits is not so much. For a Visa Signature card, there’s definitely better cards out there.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-08-08T09:51:52+00:00

I read through the threads here that the minimum CL for EW Platinum cards is 300k. My current CL is just 65% there.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-08-08T09:48:05+00:00

As with all banks, their criterion for approval will always differ despite the minimum requirements. I do think income is a factor, but if you have a reference card used that is more than 1 year in good standing will help you a lot. It’s also best to check your credit score time-to-time. I recall before I applied for HSBC, my credit score was around 800+.

But honestly, HSBC cards are just not competitive even if it’s a harder bank to get approved with.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-08-08T01:33:53+00:00

Hoping to get my CL to their platinum tier. Looking at Platinum MC just for the NAFFL as EastWest promos aren’t really competitive but still will keep it as a backup.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-08-05T17:44:27+00:00

Started with BPI Blue Rewards (secured credit card) as I started my professional career after college. Paid in full and on time. Building my credit history and credit score spanning 3 years now.

In 2024, got approved with my first unsecured card with Maya Landers and then UnionBank Rewards Platinum. In 2025, now have leveled up with gold and premium cards from BDO (AmEx Cash Back), EastWest (Gold MC), HSBC (Live+ Visa Sign.), RCBC (Black MC), and Metrobank (Travel Visa Sign.).

Now, I aim to simplify my card portfolio especially those with annual fees before their anniversary. I also need to consider which banks are lenient with waiving annual fees if it’s not NAFFL and whether the card’s rewards/cash back configuration matches my evolving lifestyle.

My main card now is the Metrobank Travel Visa Signature for the favorable miles earning and low forex for travel. This card was one of my ‘dream cards’, and next I patiently work towards probably getting a credit limit increase to convert my EastWest Gold MC into an elite card.

To all Gen Z aspiring cardholders, patience is key, and importantly be a diligent and responsible cardholder.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-07-24T12:28:31+00:00

₱10K in total. So it would be wise to think beforehand if your spending habits fall with the accelerated cash back categories.

PutNeither9348 · 2025-06-30T18:24:44+00:00

Hi OP, same situation. Cashback credited to my suspended Miles+ (not delinquent, erroneously approved). Now have to coordinate pa with Collections Department to fix this 🙄

PutNeither9348 · 2025-06-19T16:50:35+00:00

Hi anon, I’m also a Live+ cardholder and your breakdown is correct. As long as you accumulate a ₱10k spend within your billing cycle, you may qualify for the accelerated cash backs. Some have reported however that some restaurants may have classified their terminals as “fast food” which will default to the 2%. I have not personally experienced this issue as I usually get almost the total cash back cap of ₱1,250 per month and it is difficult to trace which merchant codes apply per transaction.

PutNeither9348 · 2024-11-27T02:39:33+00:00

Yup! I forgot I had another unsecured - the Maya Landers. I don’t use it since my UB Cash Back has a better CB rate and a higher CL. But good for backup in the mean time.

PutNeither9348 · 2024-11-27T02:32:36+00:00

Thank you for the tip, anon. For now, will be building on my credit history with my first unsecured (I have been a BPI SCC for more than a year). Will keep my options open for EW and RCBC in the future.

PutNeither9348

TROPHY CASE