With oil price hikes hitting the Philippines, many people are asking the same question: how to save during inflation when the prices of fuel, food, and daily essentials are going up. 

A Security Bank credit card can be a valuable asset in this environment, providing a disciplined way to offset the impact of inflation through intentional spending and exclusive benefits. 

Turn everyday spending into future savings

While cash loses value over time, your rewards points are a built-in discount on future costs. By using your credit card for daily essentials—like groceries, fuel, and utility bills—you’re essentially earning “rebates” on every peso spent. 

Accumulate these non-expiring points while prices are high to create a “budget buffer” you can tap into later for cash rebates or eGCs. Credit cards like the Security Bank Platinum and World Mastercard accelerate your savings by earning up to triple points for every PHP20 spent. 

You can also redeem rewards from our 100+ partner merchants across shopping, dining, travel, and more. Here’s a quick look at what your BetterBanking rewards points can get you: 

*For Platinum Mastercard Users. **For World Mastercard users

Pro-tip: You can also lower your bill instantly using Pay with Rewards. Enabling this will apply your rewards points as an automatic discount on your next swipe. For example, 1,667 points will give you PHP100 off. Once active, your points will be applied to your purchases until they’re used up or fall below the minimum redemption balance.

Avail promos that come with your credit card

In addition to earning rewards points, your Security Bank credit card also gives you exclusive access to over 100 promos to help you offset the rising costs of goods.

Here are some of the promos you can avail: 

Check out our full list of promos and be updated on our latest credit card promos.  

Leverage 0% installment plans for big-ticket essentials

In an inflationary environment, installment can be useful—but only when used strategically. 

Security Bank’s credit card ecosystem also promotes installment options like 0% ChargeLight, and Charge Now, Pay Later.

Smart use case: 

• Large planned essential purchase (e.g., appliance replacement, medical expense, work laptop)
• Opt for 0% installment whenever possible, or even better delay your payments 2 months after purchase with Charge Now, Pay Later.
• Preserve cash flow while inflation is squeezing your monthly budget 

Take inspiration from what financially savvy people are doing

In Philippine online communities, people dealing with rising prices are leaning toward cutting invisible expenses, simplifying groceries, and replacing expensive “treat” spending with cheaper home-based alternatives. 

Look at online forums, groups, and communities where people discuss hidden savings like cutting junk food from grocery carts and switching to cheaper staples.

That lines up with the best credit card inflation strategy: 

Use your card primarily for: 

• groceries
• fuel
• utilities
• planned essentials

This is the real answer to how to save during inflation: use your card more deliberately. 

Final Take: Use Your Security Bank Mastercard as a Shield

A Security Bank Mastercard Credit Card can help during an Oil Price Hike and broader Inflation, but only if you treat it like a rebate engine for unavoidable expenses.

Your anti-inflation playbook:

• Maximize cashback on gas, groceries, and utilities
• Watch for Security Bank fuel and grocery promos
• Refill before weekly fuel increases
• Use installment for true necessities
• Pay in full every month
• Redirect rewards and cashback straight into Savings

In an economy where even the slightest oil shocks can push transport, food, and household costs higher, the goal is simple: make every peso you spend work harder.