Credit Cards Is the Maya Black Credit Card Worth the Hype?
A Full Review & Approval Guide
by Maya Insider • Dec 7, 2025 • 5 min read.
The new face of digital banking.
If you’ve opened your Maya app recently, you’ve probably seen the teaser for the Maya Black Credit Card. With its sleek, minimalist design and the promise that "Everyone’s invited," Maya is clearly making a play to disrupt the traditional credit card market in the Philippines.
But is it actually a "Platinum" experience, or just good marketing? Based on the latest data, here is a deep dive into the fees, features, and the secret to getting approved.
The Look and The Tier
First off, the card looks premium. It sports a matte black, minimalist aesthetic that follows the trend of modern fintech cards.
More importantly, it is a Visa Platinum card. In the traditional banking world, "Platinum" usually implies a high credit limit and exclusive perks. With Maya, this tier grants you:
Instant Miles: A rewards program geared towards travel.
Global Acceptance: Broader acceptance for international travel compared to standard cards.
Lifestyle Perks: Exclusive access to specific shopping and dining privileges.
The "Zero Annual Fee" Twist
Most Platinum cards from banks like BDO or BPI charge annual fees ranging from ₱4,000 to ₱6,000. Maya offers a Zero Annual Fee forever, but there is a catch.
How the Waiver Works
The Rule: You must use the card at least once a month.
The Penalty: If you have zero activity for a billing cycle, you are charged a ₱50 inactivity fee for that month.
The Grace Period: No inactivity fees for the first 6 months.
The Verdict: This is a fantastic deal. Buying a single coffee once a month to save thousands in annual fees is a trade-off most people would happily take.
Fees & Rates: How It Compares
Here is where Maya Black actually shines against traditional heavyweights.
Comparison Table: Maya Black vs Traditional Bank PlatinumKey Takeaway
If you shop online internationally (Amazon, Shein) or travel abroad, Maya wins. The lower foreign transaction fee (as low as 1.75%) is significantly better than the standard 3.5% charged by most big banks.
How to Get Approved (Without the ₱1M Income)
This is the biggest differentiator. Traditional banks require you to prove an annual income of roughly ₱1 Million to get a Platinum card. Maya doesn’t care about your payslip; they care about your in-app behavior. They use AI scoring to analyze your cash flow.
Path A: Standard (Unsecured)
Requirement: An upgraded Maya account and good transaction history.
Process: Fully digital via the app.
Path B: Maya Black Express (Secured)
For whom: First-timers or those who got declined.
How: Place a deposit (Min. ₱12,500) to get 80% credit limit instantly.
Secret Strategy: How to Boost Your "Maya Score"
Since an AI decides your fate, you can "train" it to trust you. If you want to increase your odds of approval, follow this strategy:
The High-Frequency Hack: The AI loves activity. It prefers a user who does 50 small transactions over someone who deposits ₱50k and does nothing. Use Maya QR for your daily coffee, groceries, and 7-Eleven runs.
Use "Maya Easy Credit": If you have access to this feature, use it. Borrow a small amount (e.g., pay a ₱500 bill) and pay it back early. This proves you are a borrower who repays, not just a saver.
Pay Bills in the App: Shift your Meralco, Internet, and Water bill payments to Maya.
Park Some Savings: Maintain a decent average daily balance in Maya Savings to show the AI you have stable cash flow.
Final Verdict
Get Maya Black if:
You travel or shop online frequently (low Forex rates).
You want a Platinum card without paying a ₱5,000 annual fee.
You are a freelancer or digital worker without traditional docs.
Stick to Traditional Banks if:
You are chasing specific airline miles (like KrisFlyer).
You need long-term 0% installment plans (12-24 months) for big appliances.
Disclaimer: Interest rates and fees are accurate as of the latest promotional data. Always check the Maya app for the most current Terms & Conditions.
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