UnionBank Replaces Citi Credit Cards: What Customers Need to Know

The UnionBank of the Philippines (UnionBank) has started the process of migrating Citi accounts to its system. This means credit card holders could expect their existing Citi cards to be replaced with UnionBank-branded cards. But it appears consumers are experiencing delays in the deliveries of their new credit cards. Some of them have taken to social media to complain about not receiving any replacement for up to a year now. UnionBank has just begun issuing the updated cards in June.

“We are sending the new UnionBank [credit cards] in batches until the end of 2024,” UnionBank said in an advisory.

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Nothing’s set in stone yet since UnionBank has just started sending out the new credit cards.

You may expect the waiting game to continue for a little longer. But there’s no need to follow up, as the deliveries are scheduled in batches, according to the Aboitiz family-controlled bank. The estimated date of arrival per batch is within two to four weeks. Customers will be notified via email and text message as soon as their credit cards—both principal and supplemental—are ready for shipping. 

“In case we encounter issues in the delivery, we will notify you on how you can get your new credit card,” said UnionBank.

For now, customers can still use their Citi-branded cards, as these remain valid until you receive and activate their replacements. Your old cards will then be automatically deactivated.

What to expect from the UnionBank credit cards

All Citi credit cards will be converted into equivalent UnionBank products. But you can expect your card number, billing cycle, as well as the annual fee and other charges you pay to stay the same. Customers will also continue having access to various features, including the PayEasy zero installment. 

If you have auto-debit arrangements with your Citi credit cards, you need not re-enroll them, unless your existing cards are expiring by June 2025.

As for your points, miles, and rebates, these will all remain intact, according to UnionBank. Users can redeem them through the bank’s website or mobile app.

Below is a rundown of the Citi credit cards and their equivalent UnionBank products and features:

1| Citi Prestige Card > UnionBank Reserve Card

• P30 spend = 1 non-expiring point
• 5x points on dining, shopping, and foreign currency spend
• 1 percent foreign transaction service fee
• Complimentary 4th night stay at any hotel worldwide (booked through the Global Concierge)
• Unlimited airport lounge access via Priority Pass
• Dedicated 24/7 customer service hotline and Global Concierge

2| Citi PremierMiles Card > UnionBank Miles+ Card

• P30 spend = 1 non-expiring mile
• Free flights
• Airport lounge access via DragonPass

3| Citi Rewards Card > UnionBank Rewards Card

• P30 spend = 1 non-expiring point
• 3x points for dining and shopping spend in the Philippines and abroad
• Points convertible to benefits (e.g cash credits, annual fee waivers, gadgets)

4| Citi Cash Back Card > UnionBank Cash Back Card

• Up to 6 percent rebate on grocery spend with savings of up to P15,000 per year
• Maximum of 2 percent rebate on Meralco bills payment (done via UnionBank PayBill or bills payment on UnionBank Online)
• 0.20 percent rebate on all other purchases

5| Citi Simplicity+ Card to UnionBank U Card

• No annual fees
• No over-limit fees
• No late payment fees
• 10 percent interest when the minimum payment is settled on or before the due date

6| Citi Platinum Card > UnionBank Platinum Card

• P30 = 1 non-expiring point
• 3x points on dining, shopping, and foreign currency spend
• Airport lounge access via DragonPass
• Points convertible to benefits (e.g cash credits, annual fee waivers, gadgets)

7| Citi Grab Card > UnionBank Grab Card

• 5x points on up to P10,000 spend on Grab
• 3x points on dining, online subscriptions, and entertainment
• Complimentary P2,000 Grab voucher annually when minimum spend of P120,000 is met within 12 months

8| Shell Citi Card > UnionBank Shell Power Card

• Up to 5 percent rebate on Shell fuel purchases (or savings of up to P4 per liter)
• Maximum of 5 percent rebate on all tollway load purchases, as well as auto repair services and accessories nationwide
• Free 24/7 emergency roadside assistance once a year

9| Mercury Drug Citi Card > UnionBank Mercury Drug Card

• 5x points on up to P320,000 spend in Mercury Drug
• 3x points on health, beauty, and wellness spend, including clinics, spas, gyms, salons, as well as all hospitals
• 1 point for every P200 spend anywhere
• 24/7 ambulance service worth P10,000 within Metro Manila once a year

UnionBank, among the largest publicly listed lenders in the country, completed its P72-billion takeover of United States-based Citi's Philippine assets in 2022. The acquisition—covering credit cards, unsecured lending, and investment operations—paved the way for the bank to become one of the “top three credit card issuers in terms of usage and spends.”

“We added a consumer portfolio that is well-run and very profitable,” UnionBank president and CEO Edwin Bautista said at the time. “This will provide us better margins and allow us to maintain our industry-leading return on equity moving forward.”

In March this year, the Aboitiz-led bank began its migration activities before kicking off the rollout of its new credit cards. UnionBank says these are part of its efforts to grow its retail banking footprint, as it announces its new president and CEO, Ana Marie Aboitiz Delgado, set to take the helm next year.