Once your bank accounts, cards, or apps are set up, it’s easy to leave them running quietly in the background. If nothing’s broken, there’s little reason to revisit your choices, right? Not necessarily. Older financial tools might still function well enough, but that doesn’t mean they’re meeting your needs as your lifestyle, income, and goals evolve.
The problem is that outdated financial products often come with hidden costs. Think of fees that add up quietly or rewards that don’t really reward. Too often, staying loyal to the same setup for too long can hold you back. And with smarter, more flexible options now available—often fully digital—it’s worth taking a second look.
At Maya, the top digital bank in the Philippines, we’re committed to providing consumers in the Philippines with no less than top-tier financial technology, as well as expert advice on how to use it. Let us walk you through five signs that your current financial tools may be due for an upgrade.
You’re Still Getting Charged for Basic Services
Monthly maintenance fees, excessive ATM charges, and exorbitant transaction fees might have been par for the course a decade ago, but they’re no longer a given. When your bank or card still charges you just for holding an account or using your money abroad, it’s worth asking what you're getting in return and whether it’s enough. Many financial platforms today have moved toward a more user-friendly model: lower fees, higher rewards, and more transparency. Some even offer fully fee-free services for everyday banking and payments. Check if you’re regularly paying for “features” that are available for free elsewhere; in that case, you’re essentially paying a premium for the past.
Your Credit Card Isn’t Working Hard Enough for You
Not all credit cards are created equal, and if yours doesn’t match your lifestyle or spending habits, it might be costing you more than it’s helping. Different cardholders may prioritize dining, travel, groceries, or everyday shopping; the right card should return real value to the spender, either through cashback, points, or perks that actually make a difference. It should also make redemption simple and transparent. The last thing you want is to be unsure about what your rewards are worth, or discover you’ve never even redeemed them. That’s a sure sign your current card might not be serving you well.
One of the best rewards credit cards around is the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, which gives you up to 5% cashback at Landers once you reach PHP 50,000 in total card spend for the month (across any category). You also get 2% on dining spends and 1% on other qualified transactions,* with every point valued at PHP 1. Better yet, you can use those points directly at checkout; no need to convert them into vouchers or navigate a complicated rewards system. And to make things easier for you, we offer a fully online credit card application right in the Maya app, so you can complete yours in just a few clicks and start using a digital copy of your card as soon as it’s approved.
You Aren’t Earning Enough Interest on Your Savings
Letting money sit in a savings account that earns less than 1% interest per year might feel safe, but it’s hardly strategic. In real terms, your money may be losing value due to inflation. Today’s best financial platforms offer high-yield savings options that don’t require lock-ins or large opening balances. These alternatives make it easier to grow your money passively, even if you're just setting aside a small portion of each paycheck. If your current bank doesn’t reward you for saving or makes the process too rigid to stick with, you might be missing out on compounding returns. Upgrading your savings product doesn’t have to mean changing how you save, just how well your savings work for you.
You’re Still Doing Everything Manually
Personal financial management shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. If you’re still tracking your expenses on spreadsheets or setting calendar reminders to pay bills, there’s a more efficient way. The best financial tools today come with built-in automation—automatic payment scheduling, real-time alerts, and digital statements—all accessible from your mobile device. And why even consider applying for credit cards that require you to fill out forms and fall in line manually when you can just complete a credit card online application in seconds? If your current tools are slowing you down or making things harder than they should be, that’s a clear sign they’re due for an upgrade.
You Can’t Manage Everything from Your Phone
Today’s world has gone fully digital, so needing to line up at a bank or wait on hold with customer service is more than just inconvenient; it’s outdated. These days, you should be able to handle tasks like applying for a credit card, blocking a lost card, or checking your transaction history through your phone. Mobile-first tools put real-time control back in your hands, reducing delays and stress when problems arise. Consider ditching a financial service provider that still relies on paper forms or clunky websites in favor of something more user-friendly. Your money shouldn’t be tied to business hours or branch locations; it should be accessible when you need it most.
Sticking with outdated financial tools can quietly cost you more than you realize. Is it seeming now that your current setup no longer supports how you live or spend? Then it’s time to explore smarter alternatives, like the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, which rewards you for making everyday purchases count. Don’t hesitate to apply through the Maya app today!
*Transactions that don’t qualify include: cash in, cash advance, quasi cash purchases, casinos and gambling, fuel, supermarket, pharmaceuticals, utilities, telco, and government.
