Why go to the trouble? Here are practical reasons Filipino consumers, freelancers and business owners are looking to U.S. cards:
FeeâFree Shopping on International Platforms. When you purchase from Amazon, eBay, Shein or Aliexpress using a local card, you often pay extra for currency conversion. U.S. cards with zero foreign transaction fees can remove that surcharge, saving you up to 1%â3% per purchasebpi.com.ph. Pair this with higher cashback rates and you spend less net.
Book Flights and Hotels with Points or Miles. Many U.S. cards include generous travel rewards and insurance. For example, the Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers 1.5% cashback on every purchase and an introductory 0% APR for 15 monthscreditcards.chase.com. Card issuers often run transfer partnerships with airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cathay Pacific and hotels through programs like Marriott Bonvoy. This means your everyday spending could convert into free flights on Cebu Pacific or discounts on Agoda bookings.
Link to Local Fintech Apps. Apps like Grab, GCash and PayMaya accept international cards. Using a U.S. card often bypasses currency conversion, and you can manage payments from one statement. Freelancers can receive payments in USD via platforms like PayPal or Payoneer, then pay bills or transfer to their U.S. card without extra conversion.
Simplify Digital Advertising Payments. If you run ads on Facebook or Google for business, U.S. cards often have higher daily limits and better fraud protections. You avoid hidden fees from currency conversions and can pay from your USD balance directly.
Protect Against Peso Weakness. When the Philippine peso depreciates, imported goods and foreign services become expensive. Holding some spending capacity in USD via your credit card can hedge against currency fluctuations. You still need to pay your bill using pesos, but you can manage timing to your advantage.
Neutral Technical View: These benefits translate into tangible savings if you actively use international platforms. For occasional travellers, the extra steps may not be worthwhile.
Devilâs Advocate: The perks are real, but misuse (e.g., overspending to chase rewards) can negate savings. Additionally, some merchants in the Philippines add surcharges for foreign cards. Always run the math before switching your spending patterns.
Constructive Strategic Takeaway: Use U.S. cards for international purchases, travel and big-ticket items. Keep local cards for daily domestic transactions and to maintain a healthy Philippine credit profile. Balance your spending across currencies to mitigate exchange-rate risks.
