E-commerce enjoys increasing patronage among Filipinos today, with data-gathering platform Statista even naming the Philippines as the second-fastest-growing e-commerce market worldwide in 2023. This popularity of online shopping can be attributed to a number of things. Foremost is the convenience that it offers, allowing consumers to shop from the comfort of their homes. Another is the wide selection of products available online, many of which may not always be available at a nearby mall. Online deals such as double-digit sales (e.g. 11.11 and 12.12) sales and discount vouchers also mean that shoppers can buy more while paying less.
Another benefit of shopping online is that it gives shoppers the freedom to use their preferred payment options. For instance, many Filipinos are choosing to use their credit cards when shopping online not only for the convenience of having their payments be reflected instantly in their banking apps but also to enjoy generous credit card rewards. If you haven’t tried using your credit card much for online purchases, then here are some benefits you may be missing out on.
1. Reward Programs and Cashback Opportunities
One of the main reasons why credit cards have become a popular payment method is because they allow users to gain credit card points from their purchases, which then gives them access to various rewards and perks. If you frequently shop online already, then making each purchase go toward earning points means you can enjoy cashback points, potential discounts, miles earned for free flights, and other perks along the way. After all, the best rewards credit card is one that helps you get more value with each transaction.
Cashback offers, in particular, make credit cards a very attractive option for online shoppers, especially if they can use that cashback for day-to-day expenses such as groceries. The Landers Everywhere Cashback Credit Card from Maya, for instance, lets you enjoy up to 5% cashback at Landers, 2% cashback on dining, and 1% cashback on other qualified spends.* Indeed, having a cashback credit card lets you earn more savings as you shop, which can significantly help with your budgeting.
2. Enhanced Security Features
The safest credit cards are equipped with multiple security features such as encryption methods and one-time passwords (OTPs) to protect you from fraudulent transactions as you shop online. Online credit card transactions also require you to input the card verification value (CVV) at the back of your physical card to authorize each transaction.
Some credit cards such as the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card even offer users an added layer of security through dynamic CVVs. This feature lets you use a dynamic CVV that changes every 24 hours, providing an extra layer of security for online payments. You can use this temporary CVV instead of your permanent one for added protection when you’re completing transactions online.
3. Flexible Payment Options
Another benefit of using credit cards is that they can offer you flexible payment options. For example, if you’re planning a large online purchase such as a gadget or supplies in bulk, you may choose to spread out the payments for it through an installment plan. Some credit cards even have 0% installment rates so you wouldn’t have to worry about paying more in the long run.
You can also take advantage of your credit card’s month-long billing cycle to give yourself some grace period before paying for your purchase. This can be especially helpful during emergencies or if you need to make a purchase but won’t be receiving your paycheck until later. So long as you’re able to pay your balances on time, your card balance won’t incur interest charges.
4. Access to Special Offers and Discounts
Some online shopping platforms have tie-ups with certain credit cards, which means using their card for purchases qualifies you for discounts, free shipping, and other exclusive offers. If you shop from a specific online store often, then it could be worth it to check if they’re partnered with a particular credit card and choose that card for your online purchases to gain more savings.
For example, the Landers Everywhere Cashback Credit Card offers great perks for purchases made directly on the Landers website. By using this card, you can not only take advantage of exclusive discounts and deals but also earn cashback on every transaction, making your online shopping experience even more rewarding.
5. Global Acceptance
Credit cards are accepted worldwide, meaning you can shop not only from Philippines-based stores but from international shopping platforms such as Amazon as well. Moreover, since credit card payments are processed in real time, you can settle your purchase right away and have your item shipped to you as soon as possible.
Shopping online with your credit card is not only convenient, it also opens up a new world where you get to enjoy rewards for each purchase, manage your finances to your liking with flexible payment options, and gain access to exclusive deals and international stores. So, the next time you go online shopping, make sure to use your credit card and enjoy all the benefits listed above to the fullest.
*Transactions that don’t qualify include: cash in, cash advance, quasi cash purchases, casinos and gambling, fuel, supermarket, pharmaceuticals, utilities, telco, and government.
