One of the top financial organizations in the Philippines is EastWest Bank, which Filinvest controls. In addition to providing the typical banking services and products, such as loans, life insurance, and business and savings accounts, EastWest Bank is renowned for its high-quality credit cards.
If you place a high value on your lifestyle, an EastWest credit card is an intelligent choice. The bank offers a good assortment of credit cards for those who enjoy shopping, traveling, and dining out. EastWest Bank also provides several credit cards perfect for people on a limited budget or those who use them for regular expenditures.
What is a credit card?
A credit card is a payment card issued to users (cardholders) to enable them to pay a merchant for goods and services based on their accrued debt (i.e., their promise to the card issuer to pay them for the amounts plus other agreed charges).
The card issuer (often a bank or credit union) establishes a revolving account. It provides the principal cardholder with a line of credit from which they can borrow money to pay for purchases or receive a cash advance. Consumer and corporate credit cards are the two types of credit cards. Most cards are made of plastic; however, some are made of metal (stainless steel, gold, platinum, and titanium), while some include gemstones embedded in the metal.
EastWest Bank credit cards
As stated earlier, an EastWest credit card will best suit your way of life, whether you're a frugal spender, an enthusiastic shopper, a wise traveller, or a rewards hunter. You can get exclusive deals and discounts from associated retailers to make the most of your purchases. Additionally, you can increase your financial flexibility by switching your large-ticket retail purchases to installment payments and taking advantage of partner establishments' 0% interest installment deals, average interest rates on balance transfers, or flexible periods.
Types of credit cards offered by EastWest
There are several types of credit cards offered by East West Bank, which we will look at in this section.
- EastWest Visa Infinite. You can find useful experiences and benefits with this card. The bank claims to have a wide range of exceptional advantages and premium products that meet your status and way of life. The card comes with a 1.99% monthly or 23.88% annual interest rate.
- EastWest Platinum Mastercard. With this card, you can benefit from complimentary lifetime membership, which means there will be no membership fee, priority pass membership, an Eastwest Platinum virtual card, and free travel accident and inconvenience insurance premiums of up to ₱20MM.
- EastWest Visa Platinum. Spending is even more gratifying when you use this card because you get the most out of every peso. As a result, whenever you use the Eastwest Visa Platinum card to make a purchase, you will earn cash rewards wherever you are.
- EastWest Everyday Titanium Mastercard. When you use the Eastwest Everyday Titanium Mastercard for at least ₱10,000 on other expenditure categories regarded as non-essentials in every statement billing period, you can save up to 5% in cash rebates on your purchases at the grocery store, pharmacy, and gas station.
- Dolce Vita Titanium Mastercard. You will receive one charm for each ₱100 spent using the EastWest Dolce Vita Titanium Mastercard. You can collect charms, redeem them for eGift rewards, and use the vouchers you receive to make purchases or trade them for gift cards at partner establishments. Additionally, you can use your charms to contribute to charitable organizations or avoid paying the yearly membership fee.
- EastWest Visa and Mastercard. You are free to select your prize. Each time you use this card, you can accrue and redeem an unlimited number of rewards for an enriching experience. You will receive one reward point for each ₱100 charge made to your Eastwest credit card. Convert your rewards points into gift rewards and infinite reward vouchers that you can use at partner stores to make purchases or trade-in for gift cards. You might also exchange your reward points for miles or cash.
- EastWest Practical Mastercard. With this card from East West Bank, you can monitor your expenditure. Since this card offers one of the lowest monthly interest rates at 3.25% and 3.49% for all other transactions, you won't have to pay more for your necessities like groceries, gas, and prescription medications. You can also benefit from the flexible monthly installment options by making the minimum payment required each month, which is only ₱200 or 3.5% of your entire statement balance, whichever is higher.
- EastWest 1st Mastercard. Because the Eastwest 1st MasterCard gives you financial flexibility whether you shop, eat, or buy anything you need and want whenever you want it, you may appreciate the comfort of cashless shopping.
- EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer World Mastercard. With a spend-to-miles conversion rate that helps you to receive more miles so you may fly to your milestone locations faster and travel more frequently, this card is specifically made for travelers.
- EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Platinum Mastercard. The Eastwest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Platinum MasterCard is a card created for people who wish to explore the world. It allows you to earn additional miles to fly to your milestone destinations earlier and travel more frequently.
- Hyundai Mastercard. This card is recommended for you if you are a genuine automobile enthusiast. You will receive rewards for auto-related and everyday purchases since you receive a 5% refund on all retail spending. You receive a 5% discount on fuel purchases at any fuel station in the country regarding your fuel costs. Additionally, all authorized Hyundai dealerships provide a special 10% discount on parts, labour, and specified accessories for preventive maintenance services.
How to apply for an EastWest credit card?
You can apply for an EastWest Bank credit card following the below steps carefully.
Check your eligibility for an EastWest credit card. You must, first of all, confirm that you are qualified to apply for a credit card. You can begin your credit card application immediately if you meet all the requirements.
Prepare all documentary requirements for the credit card. Once you have completed all the necessary paperwork, your card application will be processed. Remember that collecting some of these documents may take some time, mainly if they are government-related documents that can only be obtained through your employer.
Choose the appropriate credit card for you. Comparing different credit cards is crucial, so never neglect this step. You must determine which EastWest credit card best suits your spending habits, budget, and way of life. After all, your choice of card will have an impact on your payback. This article includes a list of all the credit cards offered by Eastwest Bank and information on each to help you evaluate your options. Everyone can find something here, from new Eastwest credit cardholders to those who don't mind splurging. You can explore the EastWest Bank website for everything about each of their credit cards.
Complete the EastWest Bank credit card application form. You've chosen whatever card you want, so it's time to submit your application. On the EastWest Bank website, you can download and complete an online application form. First, visit the EastWest Bank website and click on Cards. Go down, click on Apply, and select Credit cards. The application form page will be displayed; fill it up and ensure you don't leave empty spaces. Finally, submit your application
Gather all required documentation and make digital copies of it. Send them to [email protected] along with your adequately completed EastWest Bank credit card application form. Although you can submit your application in person at the closest EastWest Bank, applying for an EastWest credit card online is safer and more practical.
EastWest Bank credit card processing time
The processing of your application will take 10 to 15 banking days. The bank's contact information is included below if you want to inquire about the progress of your card application:
Mobile phone: (02) 8888-1700
Email: [email protected]
Also, remember that you can get a different card type than the one you requested. Your application for a card will be reviewed before you obtain a card. Additionally, the specifications you provide will influence how quickly your application is processed. If your documentation is inconsistent or you are missing items, delays are likely. As a result, verifying your paperwork and other criteria twice might prevent issues and delays.
Requirements
To be eligible for a card, applicants must pass all the eligibility criteria below:
Document requirements
Employed applicants
Fully completed application.
Government-issued ID.
Driver's license.
A photocopy of the tax-withheld/gift certificates (BIR form 2316).
A photocopy of the employer stating the breakdown.
Appointment letter/personnel action note.
Issued salary adjustment notes during the past month.
Latest pay stub for the last three months.
Most recent version of a government employee's service record.
A valid credit card reference number and the most recent month's account statement.
Self-employed applicants
Fully completed application.
Company ID.
Photocopy of the business name registration.
A photocopy of the latest income tax return (ITR), a W4 bearing a BIR or bank stamp, and the last two years' worth of audited financial statements.
Three months' worth of bank statements.
Resident Foreigners
Fully completed application.
IDs issued by the government
Certificate of permanent registration for aliens (alien certificate).
Sections 9d and 9g of the 1940 immigration act government-issued visas.
Residence visa for notable investors (SIRV)
Visa is given by the 47(a)(2) Philippine economic zone authority.
Diplomatic recognition (for diplomats and embassy personnel).
Eligibility requirements
Can be a Philippines resident or a foreigner.
The age requirement is 21 or older.
Must have a business landline, residence landline, and registered mobile number.
Must have a minimum gross yearly income of:
₱120,000 for practical Mastercard.
₱180,000 for the EastWest Hyundai MasterCard, Classic Visa and MasterCard, and DLSAA MasterCard.
₱300,000 for the Dolce Vita Titanium MasterCard.
₱480,000 for Visa Platinum, EastWest Gold Visa, MasterCard, and Everyday Titanium Mastercard.
₱1.2 million for the EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Platinum Mastercard
₱1.8 million for EastWest Platinum Mastercard.
How to repay an EastWest credit card debt?
Through any of these EastWest methods of payment, you can effortlessly pay your card balance due on or before the payment due date:
EastWest stores
All EastWest department stores accept payments in cash and checks. Cash payments made during regular business hours (Monday through Friday) and check payments received before the clearance cutoff are posted immediately.
Your card limit will be updated for payments made and Eastwest checks on the banking day after the payment date.
Your card limit will also be updated for reviews written by companies other than EastWest in two banking days following the payment date.
EastWest Online
You can pay for any EastWest credit card via EastWest Online if you have an EastWest deposit account. Enter your EastWest deposit bank details on the EastWest website. To add the EastWest credit card to the list of billers, log in and select Manage biller. Payments made by direct debit before the cutoff time of 8:00 pm are posted 24 hours after payment. Your credit limit will change within the banking day following the payment date.
Automatic debit arrangement
You can automatically transfer funds from your EastWest deposit account to the EastWest credit card on the payment due date if you have an EastWest deposit account. You can pay either the total statement balance or the minimum amount due on each due date. The credit limit will change within the banking day following the payment date.
Other repayment options
Other payment options include:
EastWest ATMs
EastWest Rural Bank stores
EastWest accredited participating merchants
Pros and cons
If you're considering getting a card from EastWest Bank, it'll be worth weighing in these benefits and drawbacks, which would help you make a good decision on whether to go ahead.
Pros
There are various credit cards to choose from; you can choose the one that best suits your spending habits.
The cards come with good bonuses and promos.
EastWest gives a credit card statement at the end of each month, meaning you can use it to recap your monthly spending.
Cons
This card can drag you into bad debts if you lack good financial discipline.
Generally, credit cardholders are prone to be scammed online.
Legal regulation of EastWest credit cards in the Philippines
EastWest Bank credit card loans are governed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Lending Company Regulation Act (R.A. No. 9474), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and some other lending laws. Other lending regulations cover allowable interest rates provided to borrowers by the bank and annual loan limits. These rules help prevent the bank from charging exorbitant annual fees or usurious interest rates.
Securities and exchange commission
The SEC's job is to ensure the bank complies with all applicable laws and rules. For borrowers to make educated borrowing decisions, the bank must disclose information required by the SEC. Additionally, if the bank overcharges on credit card loans or fails to give borrowers reasonable conditions, it could face the consequences. The SEC may suspend or revoke its license if it breaks any rules or regulations about credit card loans.
Bangko sentral ng Pilipinas
Bangko Sentral takes action through its monetary board to maintain price stability, a reliable financial system, and a productive payment system. The BSP governs and oversees the Eastwest as a central bank to ensure that they do not indulge in unethical lending practices.
The Lending Company Regulation Act
Eastwest had to register with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and seek to SEC for authority to operate before it could operate legally. This law's primary goal is to protect consumers from dishonest lenders who prey on people who need money but can't get it through the proper channels. The law also regulates the interest rates Eastwest imposes via the SEC, ensuring that predatory lending methods utilized by unethical lenders do not endanger the interests of borrowers.
The actual cost of Eastwest bank credit cards
The actual cost of an Eastwest credit card depends on the type of card a customer chooses. There is a supplementary charge ranging from ₱1,000 to ₱2,500, 2% monthly finance charges, and a ₱1,500 late payment charge. There's a ₱200 cash availed charge and a 2% charge imposed on the cash advance amount. The interest rate is between 1.5% to 4%, and the ₱200 charge slip retrieval annual fee.
Conclusion
One of the most accepted credit card options is an Eastwest credit card, both for regular expenditures and for splurging on more incredible things in life. The bank has made sure that its cards are made for practical and leisurely applications, as evidenced by the privileges and premium perks available with Eastwest cards. However, the credit card application's simplicity and ease of use are the cherries on top. You can even choose between applying for a card offline or online.