The Smart Saver’s Guide to Surviving Rising Prices

At this point, checking prices before buying anything is already a must. One minute you’re grabbing your usual coffee, the next you’re doing mental math like, “Wait… has this always been this expensive?” Between rising gas prices, pricier groceries, and everything in between, it’s getting harder to pretend your budget hasn’t changed.

Now more than ever, it helps to be more intentional with how your money moves—because even small shifts can add up over time.

Here’s what that can look like:

Know your “default gastos”

Everyone has a baseline: your usual transport, food, subscriptions. The tricky part is these are also the ones that quietly go up. Taking a closer look at your weekly spend makes it easier to spot where your money is actually going, and where small adjustments can make a difference.

From there, it’s not just about cutting back, but spending smarter. Using tools that give something back like cashback or fuel discounts can help offset rising costs without needing to sacrifice as much. 

For example for fuel expenses, using your Maya Debit Card can get you 5% cashback1 with a minimum spend of ₱500, capped at ₱300, a small but practical way to ease rising gas costs. 

If you’re using the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, you can earn 1% cashback at Landers Caltex branches, plus up to 5% cashback at Landers Superstore, 2% on dining, and 1% on other transactions.

Even your regular purchases can stretch a little further. With the Maya Black Credit Card, your accumulated Maya Miles can unlock up to ₱1,500 worth of Pricelocq fuel vouchers in the app’s ‘Rewards’ catalogue, an easy way to turn routine spending into something more useful.

Because when it comes to rising prices, the goal isn’t just to spend less, it’s to make every peso go a little further.

If your money’s just sitting there, you’re losing a bit of it

With prices rising, idle money doesn’t stretch as far. That’s why more people are keeping their savings somewhere it can earn in the background, so even when you’re not actively saving more, your money is still doing something. With Maya, the country’s #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform, you can earn up to 15% interest p.a. on your savings, just by using Maya for your everyday purchases.

Have a “just in case” fund, even a small one

Unexpected gastos hit harder now. A slightly higher grocery bill or a sudden fuel hike can throw things off. Setting aside a small buffer gives you a bit of breathing room.

For short-term needs, having access to something like Maya Easy Credit2 can help you stay on track without dipping into your savings. It offers a revolving credit line of up to ₱50,000, payable in up to 30 days, helping bridge temporary cash flow gaps while giving you clear visibility into your repayment.

Use extra funds strategically

When you do have extra money, even small amounts, it helps to give it a clear purpose instead of letting it sit or disappear into everyday spending. Some are setting aside funds into goal-based savings, like Maya Personal Goals, where you can create up to five savings targets for things like emergencies, travel, or future plans. Each goal earns 4% interest per annum, with rates increasing the more you save, reaching up to 8% p.a. as you build your balance.

For those who prefer a more structured approach, options like Time Deposit Plus offer a way to lock in funds for a set period—whether 3, 6, or 12 months—earning up to 6% p.a. while keeping your savings untouched. With multiple accounts available, it’s a way to stay disciplined while steadily growing your money in the background.

Most of the time, it’s small tweaks like being more aware of your spending, letting your savings earn quietly in the background, and making smarter choices with everyday expenses, that make things feel more manageable.

At a time when everything feels like it’s getting more expensive, being a “smart saver” isn’t about doing less, it’s about being more aware of your finances. And with the right tools working quietly in the background, it becomes a lot easier to stay on track without overhauling your entire life.

To know more, visit maya.ph/MayaFuelCashback2026, maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.  For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788. 

Financial Independence Is the Real Power Move This Women’s Month and Maya Is Here to Help

 

Women’s Month this year opened with a clear message: women are done settling for less. Across social media, conversations about respect and accountability have been louder than ever.

But empowerment isn’t just about calling things out. For many, it’s also about making sure they never feel financially stuck in the first place. Because independence doesn’t only show up in conversations or personal choices. It shows up in everyday decisions, including how we manage our money.

As the country’s #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform in the Philippines, Maya is helping more Filipinos take control of their finances with tools that make saving, spending, and borrowing easier to manage.

If you’re thinking about strengthening your own financial independence, here are a few places to start:

Start by Building Your Own Safety Net

One of the most empowering things you can do for yourself financially is having a buffer.

Life happens: a medical bill, an urgent repair, or a sudden trip. And when those things come up, having savings means you don’t have to rely on anyone else or scramble for solutions.

With Maya Personal Goals, you can create up to five savings targets for things like emergencies, travel, or future plans. Each goal earns 4% interest per annum immediately, and every ₱20,000 added increases the rate, reaching up to 8% p.a. on deposits of up to ₱100,000.

If you prefer a more structured way to grow your savings, Time Deposit Plus allows you to lock in funds for 3, 6, or 12 months, earning up to 6% p.a. on deposits of up to ₱1 million per account. With up to five accounts available, that’s as much as ₱5 million growing through disciplined saving.

Spend for Yourself. Not for Expectations.

Another part of financial independence is deciding what your money should actually go toward.

Used responsibly, credit cards can make everyday spending work in your favor. The Maya Black Credit Card, for example, turns routine purchases into rewards. Cardholders earn instant Maya Miles on all transactions — from groceries and bills to flights, hotel bookings, dining, and more.

At Maya Black Preferred merchants, you can earn up to 10X Maya Miles, helping rewards build faster on select purchases. Those Miles can later be used to offset future travel and lifestyle expenses.

With no annual fees for life, Maya Black also comes with premium perks like complimentary quarterly global lounge access, making travels more comfortable without the typical annual costs associated with premium cards.

For those who prioritize everyday savings, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card offers a practical way to make the most of your spending. Cardholders can enjoy up to 5% cashback at Landers, 2% cashback on dining, and 1% cashback on other transactions, turning routine expenses into real savings.

Borrow When You Need To — But Borrow Smart

Independence doesn’t mean never seeking help. It means knowing your options.

For short-term needs, Maya Easy Credit¹ offers a revolving credit line of up to ₱50,000, payable up to 30 days, helping bridge temporary cash flow gaps while giving you clear visibility into repayment.

For big goals or unexpected expenses, Maya Personal Loan² provides up to ₱250,000 with flexible repayment terms of up to 24 months, making it easier to manage obligations without unpredictable balances.

Having a variety of borrowing options means you can stay in control of the situation, not the other way around.

Let Your Money Grow Alongside Your Goals

Financial independence rarely comes from one big move. More often, it’s built through small decisions like saving consistently, spending intentionally, and making sure your money is working for you.

Keeping funds in Maya Savings can earn up to 15% interest per annum, credited daily, helping balances grow steadily while remaining accessible when needed.

Women’s Month is often about celebrating progress. But it’s also a reminder of something important: Independence isn’t just social or cultural. It’s financial too. And increasingly, more Filipinas are making sure they have both.

To know more, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.

Your Dinner Plans This Love Month, Now With 20% Cashback When You Pay With Your Maya Credit Card

February usually means more dinner plans than usual. Some are dates. Some are catch-ups. Some are just excuses to go somewhere good. And if a solid night out for you means great food, good company, and a bill that doesn’t kill the vibe, this one’s for you.

This Love Month, Maya, the #1 digital bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform in the Philippines, is adding a little extra value to your nights out. Credit cardholders can enjoy 20% cashback on a minimum single receipt of ₱3,500 at participating restaurants, capped at ₱1,000, when you pay with your Maya Credit Card.

Whether it’s an intimate table for two, shared plates with friends, or finally checking out that restaurant you’ve been saving for months, the idea is simple: enjoy the night and get something back.

It works across the kinds of places people usually gravitate toward this season. Think dining at Antonio’s, Gallery by Chele, Toyo Eatery, or Hapag; intimate, chef-driven spots like Helm, Celera, or Den by Nikkei; and classic go-tos for a dressed-up night out such as Blackbird, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, Smith & Wollensky, Mamou Prime, or CRU Steakhouse.

And because good nights don’t always end when the plates are cleared, Maya is extending the same 20% cashback to Manila’s bar scene. This month, cardholders can enjoy cashback on a minimum single receipt of ₱2,500 at participating bars, capped at ₱600.

The bar list includes some of the city’s most familiar late-night fixtures, such as Blind Pig, After Hours, El Gato, Three Dots, and The Opal Bar—places where one drink is rarely the last.

On top of the cashback, cardholders continue to earn their usual rewards. Maya Black Credit Card users receive up to 10x Maya Miles, while Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card holders earn 2% cashback points on eligible transactions.

For the full list of participating restaurants and bars and complete promo details, visit maya.ph/curateddining.

Follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

Just tap and go when you link your Maya Credit Card to Google Pay!

Filipinos practically run their entire lives on their phones — checking group chats, booking rides, and juggling a dozen errands in between. But even with everything going digital, paying with your phone can still slow you down – especially with QR codes. Scanning with your phone, waiting for SMS confirmation, or having cashiers take screenshots and double-check a QR payment? Suddenly, your quick stop turns into a waiting game.

Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, is changing that. As one of the first banks in the country to enable Google Pay for credit cards, Maya is putting next-generation payments directly in your hands. Yup, Android users can now tap and go by simply adding their Maya Credit Card to Google Wallet. Even better? Tap to Pay via the Maya app is coming soon, making paying faster and easier than ever.

Why Tap to Pay Just Makes Sense 

Life moves fast—commuting, grabbing coffee, running errands between meetings. And through all of that, your phone is always in your hand. So, it only makes sense for paying to keep up. 

It’s no wonder most prefer tapping with their credit cards. It’s quick, convenient, and comes with rewards. But there’s an even faster way to pay: Tapping with your phone.  With Maya on Google Pay, your phone becomes your wallet. No digging through your bag, no fumbling for a card—just one motion and you’re done. Plus, you still get the rewards you love:

• Instant Maya Miles with your Maya Black Credit Card, and

• Cashback with your Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card.

An Easier & More Effortless Way to Pay

Paying with your Maya Credit Card on Google Pay is instant and incredibly smooth:

• Add your Maya Credit Card to the Google Wallet app

• Unlock your phone, open Google Wallet, and tap at any NFC-enabled terminal

• Pay anywhere Visa or Mastercard contactless is accepted globally

No extra steps. No friction. Just fast, secure, tap-and-go payments — whether you’re buying coffee, catching a ride, or checking out at your favorite stores.

Perks That Make Tapping Even Better

To celebrate this new way to pay, Maya and Visa are giving your PickUp Coffee run an upgrade. Tap to Pay with your Maya Credit Card via Google Pay and you get ₱50 off on your drink—yes, just for tapping. Your caffeine fix, now with tap-exclusive perks.

With this feature now available, you can finally ditch the unnecessary steps and go straight to the part that matters—tapping, earning, and getting on with your day. Paying shouldn’t slow your down, and now it won’t.

Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

Treat Yourself to 20% Off at the Most Raved-About Restaurants in the Philippines with Your Maya Credit Card

 With the first-ever Michelin Guide Philippines now officially announced, the spotlight is on the country’s growing dining scene — from chef-driven tasting menus to proudly local kitchens redefining Filipino flavors. And whether you're finally trying a restaurant you've kept on your “someday list” or returning to a comfort favorite, Maya makes every meal better. 

Maya Credit Card users can enjoy up to 20% cashback (capped at ₱1,000 per month) when they dine and pay with their Maya Black Credit Card or Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card at thousands of restaurants nationwide — including several featured in the newly released Michelin Guide Philippines, such as Helm, Asador Alfonso, Celera, Gallery by Chele, Hapag, Inato, Kasa Palma, Linamnam, Toyo Eatery, Bolero, Cabel, Cochi, Halong, Lampara, Los Tacos, Manam (The Triangle), Pilya’s Kitchen, Some Thai, Taqueria Franco, The Underbelly, Your Local, 12/10, Antonio’s, Automat, Blackbird, Carmelo’s Steakhouse, Cirkulo, Fresca Trattoria, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, Goxo, Locavore, Lore, Lusso, Mamacita, Metiz, Now Now, Old Manila, Pablo, People’s Palace, Ramen Ron, Sala, Seva, Socarrat, Super Uncle Claypot, Taupe, Terraza Martinez, Txanton, Uma Nota, and Yamazato. 

Note: Restaurant listings are based on the official MICHELIN Guide Philippines 2025 release. 

And the best part? This 20% dining cashback comes on top of your regular card rewards. 

✅Maya Black users still earn up to 10x Maya Miles at Maya Black Preferred Merchants 

✅ Landers Credit Card users still earn extra cashback on every purchase 

Apply for a Maya Credit Card and explore dining deals at https://www.maya.ph/dineanywhere. For more information, visit maya.ph and mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. 

Maya is not affiliated with or endorsed by the MICHELIN Guide. Restaurant information is based on publicly available listings from the MICHELIN Guide Philippines.  

Escape the Performative Money Trap and Start Making Moves That Matter with Maya

 We’ve all been there: swearing that this is the year we’ll finally save, spend smarter, and stop the endless cycle of “budol” buys. But somehow, the plan to get our finances together turns into another “next time” situation.

Truth is, most of us fall into performative money habits. We mean well, but our actions don’t always match our intentions. If you’re serious about leveling up your finances before the year ends, it’s time to trade old patterns for smarter habits that actually grow your money. Thankfully, Maya, the #1 Fintech Ecosystem and #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, makes it easier (and more rewarding) to do just that.

Here’s how to break free from the usual money traps: 

1.  Start saving with purpose (and peace of mind)

Let’s be honest, if you’re saving whatever’s left after bills and brunches, there usually isn’t much left to save. It’s time to make this your first move: start treating saving like your first bill of the month and not as an afterthought  With Maya Personal Goals, you can set up specific savings targets — whether it’s for a trip, a new gadget, or an emergency fund — and earn up to 8% interest per year as you go.

Here’s how it works:

• Create up to five Personal Goals inside the Maya app.

• Name each goal, set your due date and target amount.

• Fund it from your Maya Wallet, Maya Savings, or even another bank.

Once you’ve set your goals, all that’s left to do is watch your money grow. Each one earns 4% interest per year right away, and every ₱20,000 you add unlocks a higher rate—up to 8% per year for deposits up to ₱100,000. There are no lock-up periods or penalties, so you stay flexible while still growing your money.

2. Make every spend work harder for you

If you’re spending anyway, you might as well make it count. With Maya, every swipe does more for you boosting your Maya Savings interest up to 15% p.a. and unlocking even more rewards through Maya Credit Cards.

Got weekend plans? Use your Maya Credit Card and earn up to 20% cashback when you dine anywhere until December 31, 2025. Love grocery runs or bulk shopping? The Maya Landers Credit Card gives you 5% cashback at Landers every time you stock up.

And if you want to take it up a notch, the Maya Black Credit Card lets you earn Maya Miles for every purchase so your daily spending can literally take you places.

3. Take control of credit and use it to build your future

A lot of us were raised to think credit is bad. But when done right, credit is actually a powerful tool for growth.

If you’ve never had a credit card before, Maya Black Express is a great way to start. It gives you access to credit perks of Maya Black but with less pressure. You just make a one-time Express Deposit (starting at ₱12,500) that sets your spending limit and that deposit stays in your Maya Savings, earning 3.5% interest per year while you use your card.

Every purchase helps you build your credit score, bringing you closer to qualifying for the full Maya Black Credit Card and all its lifestyle-level perks in as fast as six months.

4. Start where you are and scale with Time Deposit Plus

You don’t need to wait for a pay raise to start managing your money better. But once you’re ready to take your savings to the next level, Maya Time Deposit Plus can help you grow more consistently.

You can lock in your money for 3, 6, or 12 months with rates as high as 6% p.a. on deposits of up to ₱1 million per Time Deposit Plus account, and with up to five accounts, that’s as much as ₱5 million in total interest-earning deposits.

The best part? You can keep adding funds anytime, even after reaching your target amount. It’s perfect for anyone who wants the structure of a time deposit, but the flexibility of modern saving.

We’ve all made money mistakes — what matters is learning how to move past them. Breaking from performative habits starts with one small, intentional change, and Maya makes that change rewarding, simple, and smart.

Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

The Pink Glitter Edition Maya Visa Card Just Dropped—Here’s Why Everyone’s Obsessed

ICYMI: Maya, the #1 Fintech Ecosystem and #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, just dropped its newest Pink Glitter Edition Maya Visa Card, and everyone is raving about it. This isn’t just another card in your wallet, it’s the card you’ll want to carry, use, and show off every single day.

All glitter. No filler. 

The Pink Glitter Edition Maya Visa Card delivers on all fronts: design, function, and benefits. Its matte glitter finish gives it a premium, polished look while ensuring it slides smoothly into ATMs and payment terminals for easy, worry-free transactions.

It’s the perfect mix of style and smarts: cool enough to match your everyday aesthetic, practical enough to keep your finances on track, and designed so that even the little things including your daily coffee run, a grocery haul, or weekend shopping spree, actually work for you.

And it’s not just about looks. This globally accepted debit card lets you pay, shop, and withdraw anywhere Visa is accepted, all while helping your money grow with up to 15% p.a. interest on Maya Savings.

Your Ticket to Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments

Using the Pink Glitter Maya Visa Card doesn’t just reward you financially, it could literally take you places. From October 1 to November 11, every swipe with this glittery card could take you straight to the BLACKPINK [DEADLINE] World Tour in Manila. Thanks to Visa and Maya, your everyday spending might just score you VIP fan packages or even daily ticket giveaways!  

The Pink Glitter Maya Visa Card isn’t your only way in. You can also use:

• The Maya Black Visa Credit Card —   a sleek, numberless card that gives you instant miles and global airport lounge access for no annual fees. Perfect for travelers and lifestyle enthusiasts.

• The Maya Visa Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card — your cashback card for everyday purchases. Earn 5% at Landers, 2% on dining, and 1% on everything else every time you swipe.

Here’s how to join:

1. Open the Maya app and go to the Tickets tab.

2. Tap “Join today’s giveaway” to start earning entries for the monthly and daily giveaways. 

3. Get and/or use your Maya Visa Landers Credit Card, Maya Black Visa Credit Card, or Maya Visa Debit Card to earn raffle entries

A minimum spend of ₱500 in a single transaction qualifies you for one daily entry.

With Maya, your everyday doesn’t have to stay ordinary. It’s your go-to that makes spending smarter, saving easier, and moments more rewarding, whether you’re chasing miles, cashback, or the concert of your dreams.

Stay updated by visiting maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

Treat Yourself: Get Up to 20% Cashback When You Dine at Thousands of Casual Dining Restaurants with Maya Credit Cards

Who says treating yourself has to cost more? For many of us, food is the ultimate comfort, whether it’s a favorite ramen bowl, a barkada samgyup night, or a cozy dinner catch-up. Now with your Maya Credit Card, those moments don’t just satisfy cravings — they reward you too. 

 

Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, makes every dining experience more rewarding. Get up to 20% cashback, with as much as ₱1,000 credited straight to your Maya Wallet every month, when you dine with your Maya Black or Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card. 

 

Unlike other cards that limit rewards to select partner restos, Maya gives you cashback at thousands of casual dining restaurants*. Wherever you eat — from comfort-food staples to new food adventures — you’re instantly rewarded just by paying with your Maya Credit Card. 

 

And here’s the best part: this dining cashback comes on top of the usual perks you already enjoy. Earn up to 10x Maya Miles with Maya Black or 2% cashback points with the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, all while enjoying this special dining treat. 

 

So go ahead — order that extra dish, split the bill with the barkada, or plan that long-overdue catch-up dinner. With Maya Credit Cards, every bite truly pays you back. 

 

To get your own Maya Credit Card and discover all the perks, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor. 

*See full list of merchants here.