Not everyone grows up understanding how credit cards work. For many of us (yes, myself included), the idea of getting one used to feel like willingly signing up for “utang”. A financial trap. Something we thought we should avoid unless absolutely necessary. But the more I learned about financial literacy and experienced adulting first-hand, the more I realized that credit cards aren’t the enemy. In fact, they can be one of the smartest tools in your wallet if you know how to use them right.

Credit cards, when managed well, offer benefits that paying in cash or debit simply can’t— like building a credit score, getting access to exclusive perks and promos, earning rewards or cashback, and even travel upgrades that you’d normally have to pay extra for! The key is choosing a card that works for your lifestyle like Maya Black. It’s not just sleek and stylish, but it’s also practical, accessible, and digital-first. Tailored for the modern lifestyle of Gen Zs, millennials, and beyond – those who prefer convenience,
rewards, and digital-first banking.

With that said, let me take you through my first two weeks of experience in using it:

APPLICATION

Signing up for credit cards usually involves filling out lengthy paperwork and presenting multiple IDs, but with Maya Black, that wasn’t the case. No more lengthy paperwork, no unnecessary back-and-forth, everything is done inside the Maya app. And if you’re already a verified Maya user, it’s even faster!

Here’s how I did it: I simply opened the Maya app then made sure my account was fully upgraded. Then, I tapped the “Cards” section on the home screen, selected “Maya Black”, and filled out a short application form with some basic personal details and income information. It’s safe to disclose how much you earn, btw! After reviewing everything, I hit submit – and that was it! No long forms, no trips to the bank. I immediately got approved just a few hours after!

That’s it! Once approved, your virtual card appears immediately in-app while the physical card arrives in a few days. Mine got delivered in less than a week. Smooth and stress-free!

PERKS AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The physical Maya Black Credit Card is as stylish as it gets with a matte black finish, minimal branding, and a solid feel that instantly upgrades your wallet aesthetic. In a way, it even sounds premium, thanks to the reputation of limitless “black cards” in the market.

It’s also more than just a pretty piece of plastic. When you spend a total of PHP5,000 within the first 60 days, you automatically get a welcome bonus of 3,000 Maya Miles— Maya’s new rewards currency that you can soon use like cash across Maya’s wide merchant network, convert into airline miles (like Philippine Airlines), and use to redeem exclusive rewards through the in-app catalog.

As someone who makes a lot of small purchases (coffee, medicine, groceries, online shopping), this was ridiculously easy to reach. The points added up fast, and they can be used just like regular peso credits for travel perks.

However, my favorite part so far would still be the quarterly airport lounge access. I tested this out during a recent trip to Bali and was pleasantly surprised by how efficient it was. I activated my card on a Wednesday morning, started using it immediately, and by Thursday night, I had already received my lounge access pass via app. I breezed through the gates of the Marhaba Lounge with just a scan of a QR code and spent 3 hours relaxing before boarding my flight. This includes free unli food and drinks, reliable Wi-Fi, comfy seats (finally a spot to nap!), private and clean restrooms, charging ports, and a quiet atmosphere. No more scrambling for seats at crowded gates. Honestly, this benefit alone is worth the card for me.

What also sets it apart from other credit cards is its all-in-one integration with the Maya app. Paying with the card is as simple as tap or insert, and when your bill arrives, you just need to use your Maya Wallet to pay it off. You can even pay in advance if you’re afraid of the “utang” culture. No more logging in to another banking app, no transferring funds from one account to another. Just open Maya, settle the balance, and move on with your day.

These are the main uses and perks I’ve enjoyed so far, but there are more perks listed in the app, including 5x Maya Miles at Zara for every purchase, 10x Maya Miles when you shop at Beyond the Box, 6% off on Agoda, 10% off on your total bill at select restaurants, 20% off on their partner hotels and resorts, and a chance to win up to Php 20,000 SM shopping spree. Maya Miles points accumulate with every spend and can be redeemed for real-life perks (not just airline miles).

In terms of security, it has real-time transaction alerts so you’re always aware of how much you’re spending. They even show how much credits you have left for the month, so you don’t overspend! Worst case, there’s a 24/7 Customer Support via the Maya app for immediate assistance.

The only downside for me is that I was required to place a PHP20,000 security deposit in-app which other credit cards don’t require. But if you think about it, it’s actually a reasonable option if you’re looking to build or rebuild your credit score. Still, it isn’t much of an issue for me. The pros still outweigh the only con I experienced.

TO APPLY OR NOT TO APPLY?

If you ask me, Maya Black isn’t just another card to flex. It’s designed to work for your lifestyle, whether you’re a frequent flyer, an online shopper, or just someone looking to build credit without the headaches that come with traditional banks.

It’s refreshing to have something that offers real, useful perks like lounge access and shopping rewards without the confusing fine print or insane annual fees, too. By the way, the annual fee is waived for the first year! And yes, you’ll still need to pay off what you spend (this is still a credit card, not magic), but with everything integrated in the Maya ecosystem, it’s way easier to stay on top of it all. So overall, my recommendation is YES, GO AHEAD AND APPLY.

If you’re already a Maya user, just open your app and tap the Cards tab to start the process. If you’re not yet on Maya, now’s a good time to download the app (available on App Store and Google Play) and upgrade your account.

TL;DR: With all the perks, speed, and ease, the Maya Black Credit Card might just be the smartest financial move you’ll make this year.

---

For updates on our latest discoveries within (and outside) the Metro, don’t forget to follow Manila Millennial on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram.