Denied sa Credit Card? Try These Secured Credit Cards from Traditional Banks in the Philippines (2025 Edition)

 Have you been trying to apply for a credit card but keep getting denied? 😓 Whether it’s your first time applying or you're a freelancer with no formal income documents, getting approved can feel impossible.

But don’t give up just yet — there’s a smarter way to get your foot in the door: secured credit cards!

In this blog (and in my latest YouTube video), I’ll walk you through the top secured credit cards offered by traditional banks here in the Philippines as of 2025. If you're serious about building your credit score or finally getting approved for a card, this is your sign to start here.

🎥 Watch the full video here: 

What Is a Secured Credit Card?

A secured credit card works almost exactly like a regular credit card — the key difference is that you’re required to place a cash deposit (also called a hold-out amount). This acts as your security and usually becomes your credit limit.

So if you deposit ₱10,000, that’s how much you can spend using your card. The good news? The deposit is refundable if you decide to close the card later on and you’ve paid your balance in full.

✅ Since there's less risk for the bank, approval is much easier — even for first-timers, freelancers, or those with no existing credit score.

Who Should Consider a Secured Credit Card?

Secured credit cards are perfect if:

• ✅ First time mo kumuha ng credit card

• ✅ You want to build or rebuild your credit score

• ✅ You’re a freelancer, self-employed, or have irregular income

• ✅ You’ve been denied multiple times for a regular credit card

• ✅ You need higher approval chances and are willing to put down a deposit

In short: it’s a smart move if you want access to credit while slowly building your financial credibility.

What’s Inside the Video?

In my latest video, I break down:

• 🔹 How secured credit cards actually work

• 🔹 The minimum hold-out deposit required per bank

• 🔹 Processing time and approval process

• 🔹 Unique features per card (may mga cards na may perks or fast approval!)

• 🔹 And some helpful tips based on experience!

⏩ Want to skip to the part you need? Check out the timestamps:

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
01:38 – What is a secured credit card
02:52 – Why get a secured credit card?
04:34 – What PH banks offer secured credit cards?
08:39 – Final thoughts

5 Traditional Banks in the Philippines Offering Secured Credit Cards (as of 2025)

Here’s a quick overview of the banks I featured in the video:

💳 RCBC InstaCard

• Hold-out amount: ₱10,000 minimum

• Credit limit: Matches your deposit

• Processing time: 5–7 banking days

• Notes: Fastest application process and good for RCBC account holders

💳 BDO Secured Credit Card

• Hold-out amount: Starts at ₱15,000

• Credit limit: 90% of your deposit

• Processing time: Around 1–2 weeks

• Notes: Stable and reliable, good for long-term credit building

💳 Metrobank Secured Credit Card

• Hold-out amount: ₱25,000 minimum

• Credit limit: Equal to deposit

• Processing time: 1–2 weeks

• Notes: Higher entry point but strong bank reputation

💳 AUB Secured Credit Card

• Hold-out amount: ₱10,000

• Credit limit: Matches your deposit

• Processing time: 5–10 banking days

• Notes: One of the more accessible options, flexible payment schedules

💳 Security Bank Fast Track

• Hold-out amount: ₱15,000 minimum

• Credit limit: 80–100% of deposit

• Processing time: About 1 week

• Notes: Great for existing Security Bank customers

💡 Reminder: Your deposit will be locked in the bank while your card is active, but it’s fully refundable once you close the card (as long as there’s no outstanding balance). So yes, may initial sacrifice, but it’s a low-risk way to build credit.

Final Thoughts

Getting denied for a credit card doesn’t have to be the end of the road. With a secured credit card, you can prove your creditworthiness, build a solid credit score, and eventually get approved for regular credit cards — all while controlling your spending and building better financial habits.

If you’re ready to take the first step, check out the full video for more details and tips:
👉 [https://youtu.be/yhupyQXxtqw]

And if you’ve tried any of these secured credit cards, or have questions, comment below or message me — I’d love to hear your experience!