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A traveler’s guide to unlocking global adventures with credit cards

Traveling the world is exciting, but it can also come with a lot of financial challenges. From high costs to unexpected expenses, managing your travel budget can be tricky. However, with the right credit card, you can simplify your journey and make the most of your travel experiences. Credit cards offer convenience, security, and rewards that can help you navigate global adventures with ease.

Challenges Faced by Travelers

When you plan a trip, one of the first things you’ll notice is how quickly costs add up. Flights, accommodations, and activities can all put a strain on your budget. Managing these expenses is often a key concern for travelers.

On top of that, dealing with different currencies, exchange rates, and foreign transaction fees can make spending money abroad more complicated. Every time you make a purchase in another currency, you may face additional charges that quickly add up.

Then, there are the unexpected expenses. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a missed flight, or a lost suitcase, unforeseen costs can derail your travel budget. Having access to funds in these situations is crucial.

Security is another concern. Carrying large amounts of cash isn’t always safe, and losing your money while traveling can be a nightmare. You want to be sure that your finances are protected no matter where you are.

How Credit Cards Can Help Travelers

Credit cards can address many of these challenges and make your travel experience smoother.

Flexible Payment Options: With a credit card, you can manage your travel expenses more easily. Many credit cards, including those from UnionBank, offer in-house installment plans. This feature allows you to spread out the cost of large purchases, such as flights or hotel stays, into manageable monthly payments. This flexibility can help you avoid financial stress while traveling.

Convenience in Payments: Credit cards offer a hassle-free way to make payments worldwide. You don’t have to worry about carrying cash or exchanging currency at every destination. With your credit card, you can make purchases wherever you go, knowing that the transaction will be processed smoothly.

Access to Exclusive Travel Discounts: Many credit cards provide access to exclusive discounts on travel-related expenses, including flights, accommodations, and dining. By using your credit card strategically, you can save money on your trip, allowing you to stretch your budget further.

Enhanced Security: Credit cards also offer built-in security features that help protect your finances while you’re abroad. From fraud protection to travel insurance, your credit card can give you peace of mind. If your card is lost or stolen, you can quickly get a replacement, and many cards offer emergency assistance services for travelers.

Reward Programs for Travel: One of the best perks of using a credit card for travel is the ability to earn rewards. Whether it’s points, miles, or cashback, these rewards can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related expenses. By using your card for everyday purchases, you can accumulate rewards that make your next trip more affordable.

Tips for Leveraging Credit Cards for Travel

To make the most of your credit card while traveling, here are a few tips:

Choose a Card with Worldwide Acceptance: Make sure your credit card is widely accepted around the world. This will help in ensuring you can use your card wherever you go.

Look for Travel-Specific Perks: Some credit cards offer additional travel benefits, such as travel insurance, concierge services, or airport lounge access. These perks can make your journey more comfortable and secure.

Be Aware of Fees: Before you travel, check your credit card’s foreign transaction fees. Some cards have lower or no fees for international use, which can save you money on your trip.

Use Rewards Strategically: Plan your trips around your credit card rewards. By booking flights or accommodations using your points or miles, you can significantly reduce your travel costs.

Stay Secure: Regularly monitor your credit card transactions while traveling to catch any suspicious activity. Use your card’s security features, such as transaction alerts, to stay informed and protect your finances.

Why Choose a UnionBank Credit Card for Travel

If you’re looking for a credit card that offers great benefits for travelers, UnionBank has you covered. Here are five reasons why a UnionBank credit card can be your perfect travel companion:

Worldwide Acceptance: With a UnionBank credit card, you can make payments at over a million establishments worldwide, ensuring you won’t run into payment issues while traveling.
In-House Installment: Its in-house installment option allows you to convert large travel expenses into fixed monthly payments. Whether it’s a flight or a hotel booking, you can manage your payments with ease.
Exclusive Discounts: It can give you access to a wide range of discounts at restaurants, shopping outlets, and leisure spots, both locally and abroad. These perks can help you save money throughout your trip.
24-Hour Customer Service: Travel can be unpredictable, but with its 24-hour customer service, you can get assistance anytime, anywhere. Whether you need help with a transaction or have lost your card, UnionBank is there to support you.
Credit Card Security & Protection: It comes with advanced security features that help protect your transactions and personal information. This ensures that your finances are safe, no matter where your travels take you.

Traveling the world is a rewarding experience, but it comes with financial challenges. By leveraging the benefits of a credit card, you can manage your travel expenses, enjoy exclusive perks, and protect your finances. If you’re ready to make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable, consider applying for a UnionBank credit card. With its global acceptance, flexible payment options, and security features, a UnionBank credit card can be your key to unlocking global adventures. Apply today and start planning your next journey with confidence.

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How credit cards can support families in managing finances

From time to time, your family face many financial challenges. From managing monthly expenses to dealing with unexpected costs, keeping your finances in order can be tough. But with the right tools, like a credit card, you can make managing your family’s finances easier, more efficient, and even more rewarding.

Financial Challenges Faced by Families

The rising cost of living is one of the biggest challenges for families today. Groceries, education, healthcare, and housing expenses continue to increase, putting pressure on your budget. At the same time, unexpected expenses, like medical bills, home repairs, or car maintenance, can throw your financial plans off course. Balancing multiple financial priorities—such as saving for your children’s education, paying off debt, and planning for vacations or emergencies—requires careful planning and flexibility.

How Credit Cards Can Help Families

Credit cards can be valuable tools in helping you manage these financial challenges.

Cash Flow Management: Credit cards provide immediate access to funds, which can be a lifesaver when you face unexpected expenses or when cash is tight. You can cover necessary costs without dipping into your savings, and then pay off the balance over time.
Budgeting and Expense Tracking: Using a credit card can help you keep track of your spending. Most credit card statements provide detailed records of your transactions, making it easier to see where your money is going and helping you create a more accurate budget.
Rewards and Discounts: Many credit cards offer rewards, cashback, or access to exclusive discounts. By using your credit card for everyday purchases, you can earn points or receive discounts that help you save money over time. This can be particularly beneficial for families trying to stretch their budget.
Building Credit for the Family’s Future: Responsible use of a credit card helps you build a strong credit history. A good credit score can make it easier to qualify for loans, mortgages, or financing for major purchases in the future—important milestones for your family.

Tips for Using Credit Cards Wisely as a Family

To make the most of your credit card, it’s important to use it wisely.

Set a Budget and Stick to It: Before using your credit card, create a budget that includes your expected expenses and your ability to pay off the balance each month. Sticking to this budget will help you avoid accumulating debt.
Use Rewards Strategically: Choose a credit card that offers rewards or discounts that align with your family’s spending habits. For example, if you spend a lot on groceries or fuel, look for a card that offers cashback or points in those categories.
Pay On Time: Always pay at least the minimum balance on your credit card by the due date. Late payments can result in interest charges and can hurt your credit score, so it’s essential to stay on top of your payments.
Consider Supplementary Cards: If you want to share credit card access with family members, consider using supplementary cards. This allows you to monitor their spending while helping them build their own credit history.

Why Choose a UnionBank Credit Card for Your Family

UnionBank offers a range of credit cards designed to meet the needs of families. Here are five key benefits that can make a difference in your financial management:

In-House Installment: Its installment feature allows you to convert large expenses, like medical bills or tuition fees, into fixed monthly payments. This helps ease the financial burden by spreading the cost over time.
Exclusive Discounts: With a UnionBank credit card, you can enjoy discounts at restaurants, shopping outlets, and leisure activities nationwide. These savings can help you reduce everyday expenses and make family outings more affordable.
Flexible Monthly Payment: UnionBank offers flexible payment options, allowing you to pay as little as 4% of your total outstanding balance or P400, whichever is higher. This flexibility can help you manage your payments without straining your budget.
Supplementary Cards: You can share your credit card access with family members who are at least 14 years old. This feature makes it easier to manage family expenses while giving your children the opportunity to build credit responsibly.
Credit Insurance: UnionBank offers credit insurance to protect your family from financial burdens. In case of unforeseen events, your outstanding balance can be covered, giving you peace of mind.

Credit cards can be powerful tools for families, helping you manage finances, handle unexpected expenses, and enjoy rewards. When used responsibly, a credit card can make life easier and more financially secure for your family.

If you’re looking for a credit card that offers flexibility, savings, and security, consider applying for a UnionBank credit card. With many family-friendly features like in-house installment plans, exclusive discounts, flexible payments, supplementary cards, and credit insurance, UnionBank provides the support you need to navigate your family’s financial challenges with confidence. Apply today and take the first step towards better financial management for your family.

Header photo by Lifestylememory on Freepik

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Start building credit today: Credit cards for young adults

As a young adult, you’re likely starting to take on more financial responsibilities, whether it’s landing your first job, moving into your own place, or planning for the future. One of the most important steps you can take for your financial well-being is building a good credit history. Using a credit card wisely is a key strategy to establish and grow your credit, setting you up for financial success.

The Importance of Good Credit History

Your credit history is a record of how you’ve managed debt and repaid loans over time. It’s a critical factor that lenders, landlords, and even employers consider when making decisions about you. A good credit history opens doors to better financial opportunities, such as lower interest rates on loans, favorable mortgage terms, and even higher chances of getting approved for rental applications or job positions.

Having a strong credit score means you’ll pay less in interest when borrowing money, which can save you thousands of pesos over your lifetime. It also gives you access to better financial products, such as premium credit cards or loans with favorable terms. By building good credit now, you’re laying a solid foundation for long-term financial health and stability.

How Credit Cards Can Help Build Credit

Credit cards are one of the most effective tools for building credit, but they must be used responsibly. When you use a credit card, you start to establish a credit history, which shows lenders how well you manage credit. The key is to use your credit card in a way that demonstrates financial responsibility.

One important aspect to consider is credit utilization. This refers to how much of your available credit you’re using. Keeping your credit utilization low—ideally below 30% of your credit limit—can positively impact your credit score. Additionally, making all your payments on time is crucial. Even one late payment can negatively affect your credit score, so it’s important to stay on top of due dates.

Over time, responsible use of a credit card, such as paying off your balance in full each month and keeping your credit utilization low, will build a positive credit profile. This positive profile will reflect in a strong credit score, making it easier for you to access credit in the future when you need it.

Why Choose a UnionBank Credit Card

UnionBank offers a range of credit cards that can help you build your credit while providing valuable benefits. Here’s why a UnionBank credit card might be the right choice for you:

In-House Installment: Convert large purchases or cash advances into fixed monthly installments. This feature makes it easier to manage your budget and avoid high-interest debt.
Longer Credit Terms: Enjoy up to 53 days of interest-free credit if you pay your full balance by the due date. This extended period gives you the flexibility to manage your finances effectively.
Exclusive Discounts: Take advantage of discounts and perks at restaurants, shopping outlets, and service providers nationwide. These savings can add up, making everyday expenses more affordable.
Credit Card Security & Protection: UnionBank offers strong security features to protect your transactions and personal information, giving you peace of mind as you build your credit.
24-Hour Customer Service: Access assistance whenever you need it, even on weekends and holidays. UnionBank’s 24-hour customer service ensures that help is always available.

Using credit cards responsibly is a powerful way to build and maintain a good credit history. As a young adult, starting now will give you a head start on achieving financial stability and accessing better financial opportunities in the future.

If you’re ready to start building your credit, consider applying for a UnionBank credit card. With features like in-house installment plans, longer credit terms, exclusive discounts, robust security, and 24-hour customer service, UnionBank offers the tools and support you need to manage your credit effectively and confidently. Take the first step toward a strong financial future by applying for a UnionBank credit card today.

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How credit cards can serve as lifelines for small business owners

Running a small business comes with a unique set of financial challenges. Whether it’s managing cash flow, dealing with unexpected expenses, or facing difficulties in securing traditional financing, entrepreneurs often find themselves navigating uncertain waters. In these situations, credit cards can serve as lifelines, providing much-needed financial flexibility to keep your business on track.

The Financial Challenges Entrepreneurs Face

One of the most common challenges for entrepreneurs is managing cash flow. Revenue can be inconsistent, making it difficult to cover day-to-day expenses, pay suppliers, or invest in growth opportunities. Even a brief dip in income can cause significant strain on your business operations.

Unexpected expenses are another reality of entrepreneurship. Equipment may break down, inventory might run low at the worst possible time, or you could face an emergency situation that demands immediate financial attention. These unforeseen costs can disrupt your budget and hinder your progress.

Moreover, gaining access to traditional financing, such as bank loans, can be particularly challenging for small business owners. Without a strong credit history or collateral, you may find it difficult to secure the funds you need, especially during the early stages of your business.

How Credit Cards Can Help

Credit cards offer several benefits that can help you navigate these financial challenges. First and foremost, they provide access to immediate funds. Whether you need to purchase inventory, pay for marketing campaigns, or handle unexpected expenses, a credit card can be a quick and convenient way to cover these costs without waiting for loan approval.

Using a credit card responsibly can also help you build your business credit. Over time, a strong credit history can make it easier to secure larger financing options, such as business loans, that can further support your growth.

Credit cards also offer flexibility in managing your business expenses. You can track your spending, separate your personal and business finances, and use online tools to manage your budget more effectively. This level of control is crucial for making informed financial decisions and maintaining the health of your business.

How You Might Use a Credit Card for Your Business

Imagine a situation where you need to make a large purchase, such as new equipment or a bulk order of inventory. By using your credit card’s installment feature, you could convert this large expense into manageable monthly payments. This would allow you to invest in your business without putting undue strain on your cash flow.

Another scenario might involve taking advantage of discounts and rewards. For instance, you could use your credit card to purchase supplies from a vendor that offers exclusive discounts. Over time, these savings could significantly boost your bottom line, especially if you frequently make large purchases.

UnionBank Credit Cards for Entrepreneurs

UnionBank offers a range of credit cards designed to meet the specific needs of entrepreneurs like you. Here are some key benefits that could help you manage your business more effectively:

In-House Installment. If you need to make a significant purchase, you can convert your transactions into fixed monthly installments. This feature can help you manage large expenses without disrupting your budget.
Longer Credit Terms. You can enjoy up to 53 days of credit at 0% interest if you pay your full balance by the due date. This extended period gives you the flexibility to manage your cash flow more effectively.
Exclusive Discounts. You can take advantage of discounts, perks, and freebies at a wide range of establishments. These savings can add up, especially when making regular business-related purchases.
Worldwide Acceptance. Your UnionBank Visa or Mastercard credit card is accepted at over a million establishments worldwide. This is particularly beneficial if you do business internationally or frequently travel for work.
Credit Card Security & Protection. UnionBank provides robust security features to help you keep your transactions and personal information safe. This protection is essential in today’s digital age, where cybersecurity is a growing concern.

Credit cards can be powerful tools for entrepreneurs, offering the financial flexibility, security, and convenience needed to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. If you’re looking for a credit card that can support your business, consider exploring UnionBank’s options.

Don’t let financial challenges hold your business back. Apply for a UnionBank credit card today and start enjoying the benefits that can help you achieve your business goals with confidence.

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How to protect yourself from credit card fraud

Even before the pandemic hit the Philippines, credit card fraud has been rampant in the country. Just last year, there was a recorded increase in fraud cases of almost 30 percent. With the rise of online transactions, fraudsters have found it easy to trick many cardholders into sharing their personal information and using it to steal money through unauthorized transactions.

Due to the restrictions brought by the pandemic, the e-commerce industry has grown immensely. From food and groceries to furniture and appliances, almost everything can now be bought online. With just a few taps, purchases can be made without leaving the house. It may be convenient, but these kinds of transactions pose potential risks. One wrong click can cause the leak of sensitive information without the customer knowing it.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are different types of credit card fraud that you should watch out for and how you can avoid them:

Phishing & Vishing

Phishing and Vishing are some of the most common types of credit card fraud in the country. Phishing comes in the form of emails, fake job search sites, banner ads, fake browser toolbars, text messages, and chat room messages. Vishing, which is another type of Phishing, happens in the form of phone calls from scammers pretending to be bank representatives. With Phishing and Vishing, scammers lure their victims into giving their sensitive data by offering fake and too-good-to-be-true promotions or even by claiming that the account has been compromised and will be blocked.

What you can do: Carefully examine the emails and text messages that you receive and do not click on the links right away. For suspicious emails or text messages, contact your bank immediately to verify if the message you received is valid. At the same time, listen carefully to the phone calls you get as scammers can also claim to be bank representatives. When in doubt, it’s better to ignore and not entertain them. Never give your sensitive information to anyone, especially when visiting unverified websites.

Lost or Stolen Cards

You are on your way home when you realize that your wallet is missing and it could have been stolen or it could have fallen somewhere. What’s worse is it contains your debit cards, credit cards, IDs, and cash! Whoever gets it will have access to your credit cards and can use them to make unauthorized transactions under your name. You can only hope that someone with a good heart finds it and returns it to you, but that may not always be the case.

What you can do: If this happens to you, contact your bank right away and report your lost or stolen cards so the bank can block your accounts immediately. Moreover, cardholders should treat their cards like cash. Don’t place your wallet in areas where it can be easily seen and stolen. It is also helpful to have a different pouch for cards and cash so that you do not lose everything if anything happens to your wallet.

Card Replacement Scam

It’s just another normal day when you suddenly receive a call or message asking you to surrender your credit card because it is due for a replacement and an upgrade. You’re probably wondering why. The last time you checked your credit card was working fine. Since it sounds enticing that you’re getting an upgrade, you willingly submit and give up your card. But lo and behold, it’s a scam. Now you don’t have your card and the bill is stacking up because a scammer is using it to make expensive purchases.

What you can do: Always be careful with calls or messages you receive concerning your credit card or bank account. Remember, banks will never ask you to surrender your card even if it is up for replacement. Instead, they will ask you to destroy it or to go to their branch to give you the replacement card.

Skimming

You are out of cash and you need to go to an automated teller machine (ATM). You find the nearest one, insert your card, and withdraw cash. Little did you know, the machine was rigged. Fraudsters installed a device on the machine to skim your card’s magnetic stripe which contains all your sensitive information. Or maybe, you are shopping for a nice bag at the mall and you use your credit card to pay for it. However, the cashier’s credit card terminal has already been tampered, giving fraudsters access to your account.

What you can do: Thankfully, banks have upgraded their credit cards’ microchips and switched to EMV technology, making it harder for skimming devices to collect information from your card. However, cardholders should remain vigilant. Always make sure that all of your credit card transactions happen in your presence. Keep on checking ATMs for skimming devices by shaking the card scanners before inserting your card.

Other ways you can protect yourself from fraudsters and scammers:

One way is to avoid using public WIFI when conducting credit card transactions. It’s difficult to determine if these free WIFI connections have been hacked by fraudsters who are waiting for people to expose their sensitive information.

Another is to ensure that your issuer has your updated contact information so they can reach you for any suspicious and unusual account activities. Remember that issuers will call you to verify transactions, but will not ask for your sensitive information.

When you encounter suspicious activities or unexpected declined transactions, immediately call your bank to check and advise them. You can also use your bank’s mobile app to track your activities. If it has the lock/unlock feature, choose to lock the card when not in use for increased safety. Always be on the lookout as well for notifications from your issuers.

Overall, the very key to avoiding scams is to make sure that your account details are always secured and inaccessible to the public. Never share your personal and sensitive information, like your CVV or one-time-pin (OTP), with anyone! Fraudsters will never be able to take over your account if they do not have these important information.

Today, it is so easy to ‘add to cart’ and ‘check out’, thinking na-budol na naman ako for giving into the temptations of online shopping. But the real and more dangerous budol are the credit card fraudsters who are taking advantage of the online space to trick you into giving away your hard-earned money.

As cardholders, you should take control of your credit card transactions and be extra vigilant before engaging in any online transaction as it is one of the prevalent ways that fraudsters can gain access to your sensitive information. Join the Credit Card Association of the Philippines’ (CCAP) #FightBudolMovement and protect your sensitive information, ward off fraudsters and take charge of your finances!

Follow CCAP on their Facebook page to learn more about CCAP’s campaign.

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4 reasons to update your home furniture over the holidays

The holiday season and the transition to a new year presents us with many reasons to makeover our homes.

Updating our home furniture is a great way to usher in some good vibes over the holidays and gear us up to face the new year.

If you find yourself vacillating on whether to replace your old furniture with new ones, here are reasons that should get you started:

1) You get to update your home’s style.

Your style preferences – may it be modern, minimalist, shabby chic or retro – may have changed over the past year and replacing your old furniture will allow your home to be more in line with your personal style.

Also, you wouldn’t want to present your holiday visitors with stained or run-down furniture, would you? Getting new pieces will help you come up with a more presentable home for hosting get-togethers.

2) You get ensure your family’s continued comfort.

Your little ones may have outgrown their old beds or the couch may be sagging in places. Updating your furniture will allow you and your family to enjoy that feeling of solace and relaxation again which is what being home for the holidays is all about.

3) You get to maximize your home’s available space.

Replacing your old pieces with dual-purpose or space-saving furniture may improve your home’s flow and use of space.

4) You get to take advantage of awesome sales.

If you’re worried that doing a home makeover will put a strain on your budget, well, fret not.

From December 13 to 15, Sogo Home and Office Center will hold an Installment Madness in its 15 branches where furniture shoppers can avail of 0% interest on installment for a minimum purchase of Php12,000 using any major credit card.

With this promo, buyers can update the pieces in their living room…

… dining room…

… bedroom…

and more!

PLUS Buy Now Pay 2020 offer on all major credit cards will also be available.

SOGO Home and Office Center has been providing furniture at Everyday Low Prices since the early 1990’s. Today, it boasts of over 15 locations in Metro Manila and nearby provinces that offer everything you need for your home at incredibly low prices. From room packages, Buy 1 Take 1 Deals and great offers across furniture categories such as sofas, dining sets, beds & mattresses, decors and office furniture, SOGO Home and Office Center has everything you need for your home.

True to its tagline “Everyday Low Prices” SOGO Home and Office Center makes sure that it’s always affordable to furnish your home. Payment options through cash, card installment or even financing aim to help young professionals that are starting to build their dream houses, newly married couples that starting new family and even those families that are renovating their homes.

For more details, visit its website to check more of Sogo’s products or you visit any of its branches near you.

METRO MANILA BRANCHES:

4F 168 SHOPPING MALL, MANILA CITY
Tel# 8-708-4932 Cp# 09369912289

LGF ALIMALL CUBAO, QUEZON CITY
Tel# 8-912-6603 Cp# 09369912288

2F DOÑA CONCEPCION BLDG. ARNAIZ AVE., SAN LORENZO MAKATI CITY
Tel# 7-728-5760 Cp# 09369912295

2F AYALA MALLS MARIKINA CITY
Tel# 8-638-1004 Cp# 09266565721

LGF AYALA MALLS SOUTH PARK, ALABANG MUNTINLUPA CITY
Tel# 8-541-1270 Cp# 09055196370

2F CW HOME DEPOT COMMONWEALTH, QUEZON CITY
Tel# 8-277-6935 Cp# 09173465637

Level 3, AYALA MALLS CIRCUIT, MAKATI CITY
Tel# 8-425-2430 Cp# 09770971985

LGS RIVERGREEN RESIDENCES, STA. ANA, MANILA CITY [EXHIBIT]
Tel# 8-523-1449 Cp# 09770971987

4F ROBINSONS METRO EAST, PASIG CITY
Tel# 8-647-5901 Cp# 09369912290

2F ROBINSONS FORUM, MANDALUYONG CITY
Tel# 8-687-9816 Cp# 09369912291

2F ZABARTE TOWN CENTER, CALOOCAN CITY
Tel# 8-962-4186 Cp# 09369912292

PROVINCIAL BRANCHES:

3F ROBINSONS GALLERIA SOUTH, SAN PEDRO LAGUNA (NEW)
Tel# 8-353-6598 Cp# 09959609219

GF ROBINSONS PLACE DASMARIÑAS CAVITE
Tel# 8-425-0791 Cp# 09154080962

4F ROBINSONS PLACE IMUS CAVITE
Tel# 8-425-0783 Cp# 09266680727

2F CW HOME DEPOT IMUS CAVITE
Tel# 8-245-9497 Cp# 09055196332

Promo details provided by SOGO Home and Office Center in a recent press release.