Unionbank Rewards Visa Platinum Credit Card Review: Worth It?

If you’re searching for a review of the UnionBank Rewards Visa Platinum Credit Card, chances are you’re trying to decide if this card is worth it for your lifestyle.

You might be wondering about its rewards system, eligibility for special offers like no annual fees, or how it stacks up against other cards with more premium perks.

Well, the good news is that we’ve already covered this topic extensively in this article.

Read through below to find out whether a UnionBank Rewards Visa Platinum credit card is worth it or not, and check the common questions that pop up when considering this card.

This will help you understand its benefits, drawbacks, and whether it’s the right fit for your needs.

With that said, let’s get started.

UnionBank Rewards Visa Platinum Credit Card Overview

The UnionBank Rewards Visa Platinum Credit Card is designed for those who frequently shop and dine, offering a variety of benefits to enhance the cardholder’s spending experience.

Here’s a summary of what you can expect from this card:

Key Features

Earn Points Quickly

You’ll earn 1 point for every ₱30 spent on all purchases, including online shopping and food delivery. There is no cap on the points you can earn, and for shopping and dining locally and abroad, you’ll receive triple points.

Redemption Options

Points can be used to redeem cash credits, merchandise, and gadgets, among other things.

Virtual Card

Upon approval, you can activate a virtual credit card for immediate use, eliminating the wait for a physical card to arrive.

Online Access

Manage your account anytime, anywhere through UnionBank Online.

Bill Payments

You can auto charge your utility bills to your credit card for monthly payments.

Pros

Reward Points

You rack up 1 point for every ₱30 spent, and triple that for your shopping and dining splurges—perfect for those who love retail therapy and trying out new eateries.

No Cap on Points

Go ahead, earn as many points as you can! There’s no ceiling to how many you can collect, so every purchase pushes you a bit closer to those sweet rewards.

Virtual Card

Get started right away with a virtual card as soon as you’re approved. No need to wait for a plastic card to shop online.

Versatile Point Use

Swap your points for a variety of cool stuff like gadgets, cash credits, or whatever catches your fancy.

Immediate Bill Payments

Auto-pay your utility bills with your credit card and cut down on monthly to-dos.

Cons

Not Quite Platinum

It’s called a platinum card, but it might not feel like one since it’s missing perks like lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance.

Customer Service Can Be a Drag

Prepare for some potential frustration if you need help from customer service—long waits and complicated service requests have been a common headache.

A Bit Misleading

Some folks feel the “platinum” tag is a bit of a stretch, considering it’s more akin to entry-level rewards cards in terms of perks.

Watch for Promo Delays

If you’re signing up for the no-annual-fee-for-life deal, just be aware that there might be delays in getting that benefit activated.

These insights provide a balanced view of the UnionBank Rewards Visa Platinum Credit Card, helping potential customers weigh the benefits against the drawbacks based on their personal spending habits and customer service preferences.

But is the card worth it? That’s what we’re going to tackle in the next section.

Is UnionBank Rewards Visa Platinum Credit Card Worth It?

Honestly, it depends on your current needs. If you don’t have any credit card at all and you’re looking for one, then UB’s Rewards Visa Platinum is definitely worth considering.

However, if you already have other credit cards, you might want to reconsider and review the points we’ve provided below first.

It’s Worth It If:

You Love to Shop and Dine Out

If you’re someone who spends a lot at malls or dining out, this card could be a gem. You get triple points on these categories, which means every meal out or shopping spree racks up points faster that you can use for cool rewards.

You Prefer Online Management

The virtual card feature is a hit if you like the immediacy and convenience of online shopping. Activate it right after approval and start using it even before your physical card arrives. Plus, the UnionBank online access makes it easy to manage your account from anywhere.

You’re a Rewards Maximiser

There’s no limit to how many points you can earn, so if you’re savvy about using your card for every possible expense, you can accumulate a lot of points to redeem for gadgets, cash credits, or merchandise.

It’s NOT Worth It If:

You Value Premium Perks

If you’re looking for plush benefits like free airport lounge access, priority service, or comprehensive travel insurance, this card might disappoint. Despite its “platinum” label, it lacks the luxurious perks that usually come with cards in this tier.

You Want Hassle-Free Customer Service

Got a problem or need a quick fix with your card? Brace yourself—customer service can be a slog. Long wait times and repetitive calls for simple requests could test your patience, which might be a dealbreaker if you value swift and efficient customer support.

You’re After Fast Promo Benefits

If the promise of ‘no annual fee for life’ is a major draw, keep in mind that there could be delays in getting this benefit applied to your account. If immediate and reliable promotional benefits are important to you, you might find this aspect frustrating.

Conclusion

For more detailed information and to apply, you can visit UnionBank’s official Rewards Visa Platinum Card page.

As a user, while the UnionBank Rewards Visa Platinum offers great points earning potential, especially for regular shoppers and diners, the lack of premium features and potential customer service issues mean it might not be the best fit for everyone.

If you prioritize rewards and don’t mind a more basic service experience, this card could work well for you. But if you’re after a premium experience with top-notch customer service, you might want to look elsewhere.

Juan Remote Work is a platform that aims to help our readers not only become well-versed in remote work but also understand the various aspects that come with it, such as choosing the best credit card to use.

If you want to read more from us, check out our blog, where we’ve covered topics like ‘Content Designer Interview Questions,’ ‘Sales Interview Questions,’ and much more.

If you have any other questions about this topic, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’ll be more than happy to help.

With that said, we hope we’ve helped you determine whether UnionBank’s Rewards Visa Platinum Card is worth it. As always, take care!

FAQs

If I have both the UB Rewards Visa Platinum and the UB U Credit Card, am I still eligible for the NAFFL on the UB Rewards card?

If you already have another UnionBank credit card like the UB U Credit Card, you may still be eligible for the No Annual Fee For Life (NAFFL) promotion on the UB Rewards Visa Platinum, depending on the specific terms and conditions of the promotion.

Can I upgrade from the Rewards Visa Platinum to another platinum card to get lounge access?

Upgrading from the UnionBank Rewards Visa Platinum to another platinum card that offers lounge access is possible, but it depends on UnionBank’s current policies and your eligibility criteria at the time of request.

Does using cash advance qualify for the NAFFL on the UnionBank Rewards Visa Card?

Typically, cash advances do not count towards minimum spend requirements for promotions like NAFFL. It’s best to check the specific terms of the promotion to confirm.

If I don’t activate my virtual card, does the 60-day period for minimum spend to qualify for NAFFL start?

The 60-day minimum spend period for qualifying for NAFFL typically begins from the card approval date, not from the activation of your virtual card.

What is the difference between UB Visa Platinum and UB Rewards Visa Platinum?

The main differences lie in the benefits and reward structure. The UB Visa Platinum might offer more premium benefits like lounge access, whereas the UB Rewards Visa Platinum focuses more on rewarding shopping and dining spends.

Does the 60-day period for NAFFL begin when the virtual card is added to the dashboard?

The 60-day period for meeting the minimum spend requirement to qualify for NAFFL typically starts from the card approval date, as confirmed by the approval email from UnionBank.

What happens if I don’t meet the Minimum Spend Requirement (MSR) within 60 days?

If the MSR is not met within the specified time, you’ll likely be charged the annual fee on the first anniversary of the card, and renegotiation with customer service might be challenging.

Can I apply for NAFFL again if I get charged the annual fee?

Usually, NAFFL promotions are available only to new customers or during specific promotional periods. It may not be possible to apply for NAFFL again under the same terms if you’re already charged an annual fee.

How should I handle payments if I’ve already spent 20k under the NAFFL promo?

Your monthly payments would depend on the total amount due as shown on your statement of account (SOA). It needs to be paid by the due date to avoid any late fees or finance charges.

What happens if I don’t use my credit card for several months?

If you don’t use your credit card for an extended period, it generally remains active, but it’s good practice to check with UnionBank as policies may vary regarding inactive accounts and any associated fees.

How long after making a purchase do I have to pay it back to UnionBank?

You should pay your credit card bill by the due date specified in your monthly statement of account to avoid late fees and finance charges.

Can I use the virtual credit card at grocery stores like Gaisano?

Yes, if the store accepts Visa payments, you should be able to use your UnionBank virtual credit card there.

Can I use the UnionBank Rewards Visa Platinum to pay for ongoing installments like BillEase, ShopeePay, or SLoan?

You can use your UnionBank Rewards Visa Platinum for such payments if these platforms accept Visa credit cards. Check the specifics with the platform to ensure compatibility.

How long does it take for the physical card to be delivered if my address is in Cebu?

The delivery time for the physical card can vary, but typically it might take a few days to a few weeks. It’s best to confirm the expected delivery time with UnionBank’s customer service.