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I got the Maya Black Credit Card because I wanted to rebuild my overly damaged credit score.
Credit scores in the Philippines are something a lot of us don’t think about until we need a loan and suddenly realize… uh oh.
I was in that spot.
And Maya Black, specifically the Maya Black Express variant, is one of the easiest, most accessible ways to get a credit card here without all the usual hassle.
No piles of documents.
No going to a bank branch.
No stress.
Just the Maya app, a minimum Express Deposit of ₱12,500, and you’re on your way.
I just recently received my physical card… and it arrived right after Holy Week was over (deliveries outside Metro Manila can take up to 10 working days, so factor that in if you’re here in the provinces).
Activation was simple and smooth.
The next day, I was already using it at the supermarket to buy groceries.
No issues whatsoever.
According to the official Maya Bank website (mayabank.ph/creditcard/mayablack), here’s what you get:
- No annual fees forever, as long as you use the card at least once a month
- Earn Maya Miles instantly with every tap, which you can use for shopping, dining, or eventually convert to airline miles
- Up to 10x Maya Miles at Maya Black Preferred merchants
- Numberless card design This gives it that sleek, clean look. It also helps keep you safe because all your card details are visible only through the app
- Freeze or unfreeze your card anytime directly in the app
- Set and adjust spending limits in real time
- Tap to pay with Google Pay via Google Wallet on Android
- Mini Payments option to convert purchases into 3, 6, 9, or 12 monthly installments for as low as 1% interest
- Referral rewards where you earn 1,500 Miles and your friend gets 1,000 when they apply using your code
That black card looks so classy.
Clean.
Minimal.
No embossed numbers cluttering the face.
Just a smooth, sophisticated black card that feels premium in your hand.
It’s the kind of card you pull out and people notice.
Not because it’s sparkly like my regular Pink Glitter card, but because it just looks… like Darth Vader.
How to Apply
Option 1: Standard Maya Black
- Open the Maya app
- Tap the Maya Black banner under the Cards tab
- Enter a referral code (use mine please @chipcanonigo)
- Fill in your details, choose your cardholder name and monthly cutoff
- Get approved and start using your virtual card details immediately
Option 2: Maya Black Express (great for rebuilding credit)
- Same steps as above
- After applying, deposit a minimum of ₱12,500 as your Express Deposit
- Get approved and start using your card for online purchases right away
- Your Express Deposit earns interest while sitting there in your savings
Eligibility (per Maya Bank’s official site):
- Filipino resident
- 21 to 65 years old
- Has a regular monthly income
- Upgraded Maya account (free, requires only 1-2 valid IDs)
Note: Meeting the basic requirements doesn’t guarantee approval. Credit evaluation still happens, taking into account your credit history, income, and other factors.
If you start with Maya Black Express and treat it right… use it responsibly, pay on time, don’t max it out… you can potentially get upgradeed to a standard Maya Black with its own credit limit in as little as six months.
That’s a real, tangible path toward better credit standing.
And it’s something I’m working on right now.
Fees to Know About
| Fee | Amount |
| Annual Fee | None (if you use it at least once a month) |
| Inactivity Fee | ₱50/month (applies after 6 months of no transactions) |
| Monthly Finance Charge | 3% on unpaid balances |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 2% on foreign currency transactions |
| Express Deposit (for Express variant) | Minimum ₱12,500 |
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| No annual fee if you use it monthly | 3% monthly finance charge on unpaid balances |
| Easy application, mostly in-app | Not everyone gets approved (credit evaluation applies) |
| Express path for those rebuilding credit | Delivery takes up to 10 working days outside Metro Manila |
| Numberless design is secure and classy | Inactivity fee kicks in after 6 months of no use |
| Earn Maya Miles instantly with every spend | Some Miles features still marked “coming soon” |
| Real digital bank regulated by BSP | |
| Mini payments option for big purchases |
Maya is near and dear to my heart. I mean that sincerely.
They’ve always been there when I needed them, gotten me out of tight spots more times than I can count, and honestly… I don’t think I’ll ever switch to anything else.
I’ve been a Maya user since 2020, back when it was still PayMaya.
And yeah, I was scared when the rebrand happened.
I thought it was going away.
You know that feeling when something you rely on starts changing and you’re just… worried?
But it came back stronger.
More polished.
Powerful.
And I was relieved.
Maya as a Wallet, a Bank, and So Much More
For those who don’t know yet, Maya isn’t just an e-wallet anymore.
It’s a full-on digital bank regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. That means your money is safe, your transactions are legit, and you’re not just using some random app. It’s the real deal.
I’ve used it for a lot of things over the years… but one of the things I’m most proud of is using it to give my workers access to banking.
No trips to an actual bank, no long lines, no complicated requirements.
I just helped them sign up for their own Maya accounts (back when it was still Paymaya) and ordered cards for each of them.
Done.
Instant financial access.
That, to me, shows how powerful and practical Maya really is, especially for Filipinos here in Davao who might not have easy access to tradistional banking.
Please, Please, Please Sign Up Using My Referral Link
If you’re interested in Maya and want to get your own account or apply for the Black Card, please use my referral link or invite code. You get ₱50 when you sign up, and it helps me keep this site running. No extra cost to you at all.
My invite code: @chipcanonigo
Or use this link to create your Maya account now!
Maya is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. For help, visit support.maya.ph or call their hotline at (+632) 8845-7788. Domestic Toll-Free: 1-800-1084-57788
