Can I ask the bank to waive my credit card annual fee?
Last updated: 2026-07-11 · Educational content; not legal advice.
Short answer
You can request a waiver, but no law entitles you to one — an annual/membership fee is a validly charged fee as long as it was disclosed under RA 10870 §11, so waiving it is a discretionary courtesy by the issuer, not a right. What the law does guarantee is that the fee must have been disclosed to you in writing before it was imposed; an undisclosed annual fee is contestable. Make the waiver request in writing and keep any written approval as proof.
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Frequently asked
Do I have a legal right to a waiver?
No. A disclosed annual fee is a lawful charge under RA 10870 §11, so a waiver is a discretionary decision by the issuer. You can still ask, and many issuers waive on request or in exchange for keeping the card active.
What if I was never told about the annual fee?
An annual fee that was never disclosed to you in writing is contestable under RA 10870 §11. Ask the issuer for the written disclosure; if none exists, dispute the charge and escalate to the BSP if unresolved.
Should I just cancel instead?
If the fee is not waived and the card no longer serves you, cancelling is an option — but settle the balance first and get written confirmation. See /answer/how-do-i-cancel-a-credit-card-in-the-philippines.
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