Filipinos have a deep-rooted love for shopping, whether it’s a weekend trip to the mall, a late-night online haul, or a supermarket stock-up during payday. Hunting for the best deals has become second nature to many—promos like flash sales and “buy one, take one” offers are all part of the thrill. With so many discounts available year-round, it’s no surprise that savvy shoppers always look for ways to get the most out of their spending.
Despite this, many Filipinos overlook certain perks that could make shopping even more rewarding. Sometimes it’s due to a lack of awareness, and sometimes it’s because stores don’t actively promote them. These hidden benefits, however, can lead to better service or extra savings that aren’t immediately obvious. Take advantage of these lesser-known shopping perks and you can transform a regular purchase into a smarter, more cost-effective experience.
At Maya, we want nothing more than to help you get the best bang for your buck with every purchase you make. With that in mind, let’s explore some secret shopping perks that you’ll definitely want to leverage for your next spree.
Exclusive Bank Credit/Debit Card Promos
Not all discounts come from the store itself—sometimes, your payment method is the key to unlocking hidden savings. Many banks and financial institutions offer exclusive deals when you use their credit or debit cards for purchases. These promos often include cashback rewards, boosted credit card rewards points, discounts at select partner merchants, and even interest-free installment plans.
One great example is the Maya Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, which is rapidly becoming known as the best rewards card in the Philippines. This unbeatable cashback credit card gets you up to 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining spend, and 1% from other eligible expenses.* What’s more, this card also doubles as your Landers membership card and thus grants you access to even more exclusive credit card discounts and other special offers from the superstore club. Don’t forget to check for ongoing promos before swiping your card just in case.
Senior Citizen and PWD Discounts
A 20% discount on food, medicine, and transportation is one of the best-known benefits for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). What most people don’t know, though, is that the reach of this discount often goes beyond these essentials. Some retailers extend their discounts to cover select clothing, gadgets, and even leisure activities, though they may not always advertise these perks.
For instance, certain restaurants and cinemas offer additional discounts for senior citizens, while some gadget stores apply markdowns to accessories or small appliances. If you or a family member qualifies for these benefits, it’s always a good idea to ask the cashier or customer service desk. You might be surprised at how much more you can save just by presenting a valid ID.
Loyalty and Rewards Programs
Many stores offer free membership programs, yet shoppers often miss out on the benefits simply because they forget to sign up or don’t maximize their points. These programs are designed to reward frequent customers with redeemable points, member-only discounts, or early access to sales.
Supermarkets, gas stations, and even drugstores often have loyalty programs that let you accumulate points over time. Depending on the establishment, you might be able to convert your points into cash rebates or use them to redeem free products. Certain programs also have partner merchants, meaning you can earn and use points across multiple stores. A quick sign-up could lead to long-term savings—something every smart shopper should take advantage of.
Birthday Perks and Freebies
Your birthday is the perfect time to treat yourself—and plenty of brands agree! Many restaurants and retail stores offer special birthday perks, ranging from free desserts and drinks to exclusive discounts or shopping vouchers. Some businesses require you to be a member of their loyalty program, while others will simply ask for a valid ID. Since birthday freebies aren’t always advertised, it’s worth checking your favorite brands’ apps or websites to see what special rewards they have in store for you.
Extended Warranties and Free Repairs
A product’s price tag isn’t the only thing that determines its long-term value—its durability matters just as much. Many shoppers assume that once a warranty expires, they’re on their own for repairs. In truth, some brands will quietly offer extended warranties or complimentary repair services beyond the standard coverage.
Certain appliance, gadget, and footwear brands provide free repairs for defects or premature wear and tear, even without an extended warranty purchase. Some companies also allow you to extend your warranty if you register the product online. Don’t hesitate to go back over the fine print or ask about repair policies before you make your purchase; doing so may just save you money down the line.
Shopping smart isn’t just about chasing big sales—it’s also about making the most of every hidden perk available to you. If you simply stay informed and ask the right questions, you can unlock special benefits that other shoppers overlook. Want even more ways to stretch the value of your purchases? Consider applying for the Maya Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card and enjoy a more rewarding shopping experience than ever before.
*Transactions that don’t qualify include: cash in, cash advance, quasi cash purchases, casinos and gambling, fuel, supermarket, pharmaceuticals, utilities, telco, and government. (Include this fine print at the bottom of the article)
