First Credit Card for Fresh Grads: Handed Your Diploma, Now What?

Naka-graduate ka na, congrats! First job na, exciting ‘di ba? Tapos na ang thesis, tapos na ang exams, hello real world! Kasama sa pagiging wais ang pag-manage ng finances. Ngayon, uso na ang credit card, pati mga fresh grads like you, nag-iisip na kung paano mag-apply.

Kalma lang! I gotchu. Narinig ko na lahat ‘yan. “Kuya, anong credit card ang dapat kong kunin? First job ko ‘to, 30k+ naman sweldo ko.” Daming tanong, ‘no? Don’t worry, bes, we’ll break it down. Para sa’yo ‘tong blog na ‘to!

Choosing Your First Credit Card: ‘Wag Magpa-Pressure!

Alam mo yung feeling na excited ka na magka-credit card kasi feeling adulting? Pero teka lang, bago ka mag-dive sa mundo ng credit cards, kailangan mo muna malaman ang mga dapat i-consider:

1. Know Your Needs and Lifestyle:

Isipin mo muna kung para saan mo ba talaga gagamitin ang credit card.

• Foodie ka ba? May mga credit cards na mas malaki ang cashback or rewards points sa dining.
• Shopaholic? May mga credit cards na may discounts or exclusive deals sa mga specific stores or online shops.
• Traveler? May mga credit cards naman na nag-ooffer ng travel perks like free flights or lounge access.

2. Annual Fees: ‘Wag Magpa-uto sa Libre!

• Karamihan ng credit cards, may annual fee. ‘Wag kang mag-alala, may mga credit cards naman na “no annual fee for life.” Hanapin mo ‘yun!
• Pero teka lang, ‘wag ka agad mag-jump sa no annual fee kung wala namang rewards or benefits. Sayang din ‘di ba?
• Tip: May mga banks na may promo periods wherein they waive the annual fee for a certain period of time. Bantayan mo ‘yan!

3. Rewards and Benefits: Pili Ka ng Swabeng Perks!

• Cashback: Ito yung tipong babalik sa’yo yung certain percentage ng nagastos mo. Parang discount, pero mas bongga!
• Rewards Points: Every time you use your credit card, you earn points. Pwede mo ‘tong ipambayad sa mga items or gift certificates.
• Miles: Kung mahilig ka mag-travel, perfect for you ‘to! You earn miles na pwede mong gamitin to book flights.

4. Credit Limit: ‘Wag masyadong mataas, ‘wag din masyadong mababa.

• Ito yung maximum amount na pwede mong gastusin gamit ang credit card mo.
• Habang tumataas ang credit limit mo, tumataas din ang credit score mo. Pero ingat din, kasi mas malaki rin ang pwede mong mabaon sa utang.

5. Interest Rates and Fees: ‘Wag Balewalain!

• Bago ka mag-swipe, siguraduhin mong alam mo kung magkano ang interest rate ng credit card mo.
• May mga fees din na applicable kapag hindi ka nagbayad on time or kapag nag-overspend ka.

6. Credit Card Tiers: Saan Ka Ba Nababagay?

• Classic/Standard: Ito yung basic credit card. Usually, mas mababa ang credit limit nito compared sa iba.
• Gold: Mas mataas ang credit limit nito compared sa classic. May mga additional perks na rin ‘to.
• Platinum/Titanium: Ito yung mga high-end credit cards with the highest credit limits and exclusive privileges.

Fresh grad ka? ‘Wag kang mag-alala, pwede ka mag-start sa classic or gold. As your income increases and your credit score improves, pwede ka naman mag-upgrade later on.

7. Applying for a Credit Card: Diretso na sa Legit!

• Ngayong alam mo na ang mga basics, pwede ka na mag-apply!
• Check mo yung websites ng mga major banks like BPI, BDO, RCBC, Security Bank, and UnionBank.
• Dun mo makikita yung mga credit card offerings nila and their requirements.
• Apply directly through the bank’s website or visit their branches. ‘Wag kang mag-apply through third-party agents.

8. Payroll Account vs. Other Banks: Ano Ba Mas Okay?

• Hindi naman requirement na mag-open ka ng payroll account sa bank kung saan mo gusto mag-apply ng credit card.
• Kung may nakita kang credit card na swak sa needs mo from a different bank, go for it!

9. Security Bank: Legit Ba?

• Yes naman! Security Bank is a reputable bank in the Philippines.
• If you’re interested in their credit cards, check out their website or visit their branches.

Final Thoughts: ‘Wag Magmadali, Bes!

Getting your first credit card is a big step towards financial independence. ‘Wag kang magmadali at mag-research muna. Piliin mo yung credit card na swak sa needs and lifestyle mo. At higit sa lahat, gamitin mo ang credit card mo responsibly. ‘Wag kang mag-overspend!