After hearing numerous horror stories from friends about their credit card experiences, I’ve been reluctant to get a second card, fearing I might become the next scam victim. However, the new Black Credit Card from Maya seems to be the safest option available. It boasts a range of features, an intuitive app interface for complete spending control, and a points system perfect for travel enthusiasts.
Maya has been rolling out the application for the Black Credit Card in waves, so it’s possible that you still might not be able to apply for one. You’ll typically see it at cards section of the Maya app, right below the Lander’s Cashback Everywhere Credit card. The entire application process is done via the app–you don’t have to go to a physical location for this card.
Once you apply, you will be approved in a few days, and your card will be delivered in 5-10 days. Once you’re approved, you can check where your card is via the app.
Maya promises no annual fees for the card as long as you use it once a month, which is great for users who balk at the idea of paying to use their credit card.
When I received the card, I was impressed by how striking it looked compared to my other cards. The black and silver color scheme offered a refined, elegant vibe, unlike the standard designs from other banks. I’m not someone with a high-end credit card, but Maya’s card, arriving in its sleek black envelope, made me feel uniquely distinguished.
One thing that I immediately noticed is that aside from my name and the card number on the back (which is used to activate it from the app) there isn’t any other identifying information on it. There’s no expiration date, no card number, or CVV. This means unscrupulous individuals can’t get your card information by simply looking at it.
All of that information is located in the Maya app. When you open your phone to the card section, you’ll see your current balance, credit limit, when your payment is due as well as your card number that you can copy (once you provide a screen unlock or biometric unlock) to shopping websites. The CVV expires, with the app generating a new one every time you open the screen to get it, which means even if people did get your card number and all the other details, they’ll still run into verification issues when they try to buy something with your card.
If that wasn’t enough, you can also temporarily freeze your card when you’re not using it, or when you think you’ve misplaced it. It’s a better option than just outright blocking your card when you think you’ve lost it and suddenly find it buried in your things a day or two later, which saves you the hassle of re-ordering a new one (ask me how I know).
You can control every single facet of your card and how it can be used. Want it to be able to be used overseas when you’re travelling but don’t want it to be able to do online transactions? Done. Want to reverse instead? Sure. Want to do everything else EXCEPT doing chip payments? That’s a weird request but sure. The only thing this card can’t do is swipe payments, but that’s mostly a thing of the past anyway. You can also put transaction limits on all of the above. The long and short of it is that you’re in control on how the card is used, which is fantastic.
These features make the Maya Black Credit Card one of the most secure cards you can get, sporting elite-level features without requiring “mayaman na Tito” spending.
Aside from all of those security features, Maya is also introducing Maya Miles. You can convert these miles to be used with your Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles account, or use them to pay for shopping or dining at partner merchants. Maya is also working on converting Maya miles to actual airline miles right from the app, and you can soon redeem exclusive rewards from the in-app catalog.
You also get free lounge access as well (at least any lounge that accepts DragonPass payment). We used this on our recent trip to Taiwan on the return leg. We scored access to the Oriental Lounge by simply showing the QR code in the lounge section.
Regarding the interest rate, a 3% monthly interest rate is charged against the unpaid total amount due after the payment due date.
I’m very impressed with this card so far, and right now it’s what I’ve been using to pay for stuff here in Taiwan. I haven’t run into any troubles so far, and if this continues, I may completely shift to this card as my primary card moving forward.
