I guess they really are an inconvenience store. The whole point of using contactless payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay is so you don’t have to carry a wallet around, yet the cashier still insisted on asking for a physical ID just to complete a basic transaction. Defeats the purpose of going cashless and digital. Has anyone else experienced this policy at other branches?
Hey everyone!
I’m currently 18 and looking to start building my credit history early. I tried applying for a Secured Credit Card (SCC) with EastWest (primarily because I wanted Garmin Pay support) and BPI, but both told me that their minimum age requirement is strictly 21 years old—even for a secured card with a holdout deposit.
Before anyone comments: please skip the advice about building an emergency fund, budgeting, or saving. I already have my EF and savings fully set up and managed, and I know how to use credit responsibly. My sole bottleneck right now is finding an entry-level bank/card that actually accepts 18-year-olds to get a CIC record started.
A few quick questions for those who managed to start early:
\- Which banks actually accept 18-year-olds for an SCC or entry-level card? (Security Bank, Metrobank, RCBC, AUB, etc.?)
\- Are there alternative avenues to start building a credit score at 18 in PH?
PS: I already have a ₱50k limit on SPayLater with a clean repayment history, but I know BNPL/micro-loans don't help much with TransUnion bank credit reports (and every checkout gets logged as an individual loan). That's why I'm specifically looking for a traditional bank/card issuer.
Hey everyone!
I’m currently 18 and looking to start building my credit history early. I tried applying for a Secured Credit Card (SCC) with EastWest (primarily because I wanted Garmin Pay support) and BPI, but both told me that their minimum age requirement is strictly 21 years old—even for a secured card with a holdout deposit.
Before anyone comments: please skip the advice about building an emergency fund, budgeting, or saving. I already have my EF and savings fully set up and managed, and I know how to use credit responsibly. My sole bottleneck right now is finding an entry-level bank/card that actually accepts 18-year-olds to get a CIC record started.
A few quick questions for those who managed to start early:
- Which banks actually accept 18-year-olds for an SCC or entry-level card? (Security Bank, Metrobank, RCBC, AUB, etc.?)
- Are there alternative avenues to start building a credit score at 18 in PH?
PS: I already have a ₱50k limit on SPayLater with a clean repayment history, but I know BNPL/micro-loans don't help much with TransUnion bank credit reports (and every checkout gets logged as an individual loan). That's why I'm specifically looking for a traditional bank/card issuer.
TL;DR: My physical National ID couldn't sync with the eGovPH app ("Connection with PSA system failed"). After getting ghosted by PhilSys, I formally filed a complaint with ARTA under R.A. 11032. ARTA issued a formal CART Indorsement, forcing PSA to investigate and fix my record. Today, my Digital ID finally appeared!
Hey everyone! Sharing this because I know so many people are struggling with eGovPH app errors or missing Digital IDs, and most people don't know that ARTA (Anti-Red Tape Authority) actually has teeth.
Here is the exact timeline of how I forced a backend database fix:
May 25: Emailed eGovPH support about the "Connection with PSA system failed" error. eGov replied saying the issue lies entirely on PSA's database backend.
May 27: Visited a PSA mobile drive, had my physical card validated as true/correct, and filled out an official PACD form.
June 5: PhilSys emailed asking if I updated demographic info. I replied "NO" immediately. Then... complete radio silence.
June 15: Tired of waiting past the 7-working-day limit under R.A. 11032, I filed a formal complaint directly to complaints@arta.gov.ph with my full email trail and ID evidence attached.
June 29: ARTA formally acknowledged my complaint and issued a CART Indorsement to PSA, legally binding them to act.
July 10: PSA’s Feedback and Grievance Division Division Chief (Atty. Bartolome) formally replied, admitting a backend processing error occurred with my TRN and that they escalated it to IT.
July 20: Checked my eGovPH app today—and my Digital ID is finally rendering perfectly!
Key Takeaways if you're stuck in government limbo:
Keep EVERY email, screenshot, and receipt.
Know your rights under R.A. 11032 (Ease of Doing Business Act). Government agencies have legally prescribed processing times.
Don't just CC ARTA on standard inquiries—file a formal complaint with complete details so they can issue a CART Indorsement.
Filing my first official legal/ARTA complaint was intimidating, but seeing the system actually work for the citizen felt amazing! Hope this blueprint helps anyone else facing bureaucratic delays.
Deleted earlier post as it contained identifiable information.