How to know Metrobank credit card fees and charges
Understanding how to know Metrobank credit card fees and charges empowers cardholders in the Philippines to manage their finances wisely.
Every credit card involves costs beyond the purchase itself—from annual fees, interest, to incidental charges.
Being aware of these fees helps avoid surprises and allows for better budgeting, especially in a dynamic credit environment.
In this guide, we’ll walk through each major cost category: annual fees, interest rates, penalties, and service charges.
We’ll also examine redemption options for fee relief and recommend strategies to use your card cost-effectively.
Learn annual and supplementary card fees
Annual fees vary based on card type and tier. Metrobank provides a range of options to suit different lifestyles and budgets, though most waive first-year fees as part of launch promotions.
For example:
- Entry-level cards often carry ₱3,500–₱5,000 annual fees, waived during the first year
- Premium variants such as World Mastercard can reach ₱6,000, also with introductory waivers
- Supplementary cards typically cost ₱1,500–₱3,000, though some waive the first one or two cards
Knowing your card’s fee structure upfront helps assess long-term value and compare across tiers.
Understand retail interest and finance charges
If you carry a balance month to month, interest quickly adds up. Metrobank’s credit cards charge:
- A standard 3% monthly rate, or 36% annual finance charge on retail balances
- This applies consistently whether you purchase or cash advance
Paying only minimum amounts results in higher finance costs over time, so budgeting to settle balances monthly helps you avoid unnecessary fees.
Track penalties and miscellaneous service costs
Beyond standard fees, several charges should be on your radar:
- Card replacement: ₱400 per card issued
- Late payment fee: ₱1,000 or the unpaid minimum amount due (whichever is lower)
- Over-limit fee: ₱750 per incidence
- Cash advance fee: ₱200 per transaction
These charges can quickly add up and frustrate spending plans if triggered frequently.
Be aware of foreign currency and other charges
For foreign transactions, expect additional processing costs:
- Cross-border service fee: around 1.0%
- Forex processing fee: approximately 2.5%
Both are applied to every foreign or multi-currency transaction, so plan accordingly when spending abroad or online.
Explore fee waiver or redemption options
Even fees can be mitigated. Metrobank allows redemption of accumulated reward points to offset annual fees on certain cards.
For instance:
- With Vantage Visa, you may redeem points for a full or partial waiver—for example, 20,000 points for a full waiver, 10,000 for half
Timing usage and preparing sufficient points can well offset annual costs—especially for premium-tier cards.
Compare card options for optimal fee-value alignment
Fees and perks go hand in hand, so choosing the right card requires comparison.
At this stage, consider:
- Ongoing discounts during first year and rewards portability
- Higher fees in exchange for elevated benefits like travel insurance or bonus points
- No-annual-fee options if you prefer simple credit access
Choosing smartly bridges cost with benefit and helps avoid unnecessary expenses.
Control Fees with Awareness
Keep your card costs manageable and intentional
Knowing how to know Metrobank credit card fees and charges offers control over your budget.
Start with understanding your card’s annual and supplementary fees, then monitor standard interest, penalties, and foreign transaction costs.
Where applicable, use reward points to offset fees and compare card tiers to find the best value-for-money fit.
When costs align with your usage, Metrobank credit cards empower smart users rather than burden them.
Ready to optimize usage? Access your account online, track fees diligently, and set reminders for payments. With awareness and planning, your card becomes a productive tool—not a hidden budget leak.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the annual fee for Metrobank credit cards?
Annual fees range between ₱3,500 and ₱6,000 depending on card tier, often waived in the first year. Supplementary cards typically cost ₱1,500–₱3,000. - How much interest is charged on outstanding credit card balances?
Metrobank charges 3% monthly interest (36% annual rate) on unpaid balances, whether from retail or cash advances. - What are common penalties and fees I should expect?
Expect fees such as ₱400 per card replacement, ₱1,000 for late payment, ₱750 for over-limit, and ₱200 per cash advance. - Are there extra fees for foreign currency transactions?
Yes—typically a 1% cross-border fee plus around 2.5% forex processing fee on multi-currency or foreign purchases. - Can Metrobank credit card annual fees be waived using rewards?
On certain cards like Vantage Visa, you can redeem points for a full or partial waiver of the annual fee.