How Supplementary Credit Cards Work: What are Your Best Options?

Venus Zoleta

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You’ve been a cardholder for a few years now, and you’ve experienced firsthand how credit cards can help manage your finances efficiently. So naturally, you’re thinking of getting a supplementary credit card for your loved one to see if it can help them, too.

While there’s nothing wrong with extending your credit line through supplementary cards, know that this may affect your account. Don’t get one if you’re not sure how supplementary credit cards work.

Read this comprehensive guide to supplementary credit cards in the Philippines first before you decide on getting one for someone you love.

How do Supplementary Credit Cards Work?

First, what is a supplementary credit card? It's a secondary card issued under a credit card account that the principal or primary cardholder can give to a family member (child, spouse, sibling, or parent).

You're probably wondering, "Can I apply for a supplementary card for a friend?" Yes, generally you can get one for a non-relative, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documents. You can get a supplementary card for a partner or significant other as well.

So how does a supplementary credit card work? Supplementary cards allow principal cardholders to extend their credit card benefits to loved ones who are not qualified for a credit card due to age, lack of stable income, or poor/no credit history.

Who Should Get a Supplementary Credit Card?

how supplementary credit card works - who should get a supplementary credit card

A supplementary card is perfect for the following types of people:

What's the minimum age for a supplementary credit card applicant? Children as young as 13 years old can get this card.

Principal Card vs Supplementary Card: What is the Difference?

Supplementary cards enrolled under a principal credit card account are all treated as part of that account. This means credit limits, balances, and billing statements are consolidated into a single account.

The principal card and its supplementary card also typically share the same benefits and interest rates .

However, a supplementary card comes with its own credit card number, CVV number, and expiration date. The card also bears the supplementary cardholder's name.

Here are other key differences between primary and supplementary credit cards:

👉 Simpler Supplementary Card Application Requirements and Process

The age requirement is more lenient for supplementary vs primary cardholders. Plus, no income documents or credit checks are required.

You don't even have to be earning income to get a supplementary card. It's because the principal cardholder bears the responsibility for all the transactions made using the supplementary cards under their account.

👉 Low Supplementary Card Annual Fees

Supplementary credit cards in the Philippines have either free or lower (or even zero) annual fees than principal cards.

👉 No Rewards Points Redemption for Supplementary Cardholders

Principal cardholders earn additional credit card rewards points or cashback from the credit card purchases made by their supplementary cardholders. All rewards points—including those earned from the supplementary cardholder's transactions—are credited to the principal cardholder's account.

You can't redeem your rewards points or convert them to air miles on your own if you're using a supplementary card. But the bank may allow you to do so if you get authorization from the primary cardholder.

12 Best Supplementary Credit Cards in the Philippines

Here are some of the top supplementary cards to consider:

UnionBank Rewards Credit Card

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Metrobank Platinum Mastercard ®

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HSBC Red Mastercard

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Security Bank Gold Mastercard

Security Bank Gold Mastercard 2023

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BPI Rewards Card

BPI Rewards Card

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BPI Amore Cashback Card

BPI Amore Cashback Card

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Find more details and other options below:

💳 UnionBank Rewards Credit Card

UnionBank Rewards Credit Card

Use the UnionBank Rewards Credit Card to earn 1 point for every ₱30 spend and 3x points when you shop and dine here and abroad. With a UnionBank supplementary card, you can earn even more points!

Use these points to redeem cash credits, gadgets, points transfers, and more.

Fees and Charges: