Credit Card BDO Review: Application, Requirements - How to Apply?

What is BDO?

BDO Unibank is a full-service universal bank based in the Philippines. It provides a complete range of financial products and services for individuals and businesses—deposits, loans, foreign exchange, trusts, brokering, and investments.

BDO also offers world-class remittance and payment services through its network of more than 1,500 branches and over 4,400 ATMs nationwide. The bank is recognized as the largest bank in the country in terms of assets.

BDO Credit Cards, how does it work?

BDO credit card allows you to borrow money to purchase goods or services. When you use your credit card to make a purchase, BDO loans you a set amount of money for a certain period of time, typically 30 days. You then have to pay it back plus interest.

Credit cards can be helpful tools if used responsibly. They can provide you with a way to build your credit history and improve your credit score, which can make it easier for you to get approved for loans in the future. Credit cards can also help you cover unexpected expenses or emergencies when you don't have enough cash on hand.

BDO credit card type

Before you apply for a credit card BDO, you must first know the different types of credit cards available. BDO issues three main types of credit cards based on the credit card applicant’s gross annual income. Under each main credit card type are sub-categories of cards based on brands, rewards, and purpose.

Basic credit card

This type of credit card is suitable for applicants with a gross annual income of PHP180,000. It has low credit limit and annual fee. Credit cards under Basic are the following:

• ShopMore Mastercard

• Standard Mastercard

• Visa Classic

• Bench Mastercard

• Blue from American Express

• Diners Club International

• JCB Lucky Cat

• BDO Installment Card

Premium credit card

This type of card is recommended for those earning a gross annual income of PHP420,000 or more. Cards in this category typically comes with privileges in the form of cashback, rebates, travel insurance, and AsiaMiles.

Credit cards under Premium are the following:

• Gold Mastercard

• Visa Gold

• American Express Gold Credit Card

• American Express Cashback

• Cathay Pacific American Express

• JCB Gold

• Gold UnionPay

Elite credit card

This type of card is for individuals who are earning a gross annual income of PHP1 million and above.  Credit cards in this category come with dining, shopping, and travel perks.

Credit cards under Elite are the following:

• Titanium Mastercard

• Platinum Mastercard

• Visa Platinum

• JCB Platinum

• American Express Platinum

• Cathay Pacific American Express Elite

• Diamond UnionPay

• Diners Club Premiere

Credit card BDO, how to apply?

So you can apply for a BDO credit card you will have to follow the next steps:

• Choose the BDO Credit Card you're interested.
• Gather the requirements to fulfill the application.
• File the application form for the BDO credit card.
• Wait for the credit card approval period from BDO.

Credit Card Requirements for BDO

• You must be 21-70 years old upon credit card BDO application.

• You must meet the minimum gross annual income requirement for the type of card you are applying for,

• You must be currently employed or have a profitable business operation, if self-employed.

• You must have a landline phone.

• Your residence or office address must be within the vicinity of a BDO branch.

• For employed applicants without an existing credit card, the following documents are required:

  • Photocopy of the latest BIR Form 2316
  • Original copy of Certificate of Employment and Income
  • Photocopy of the latest full month’s payslip

• For self-employed applicants:

  • Photocopy of Business Name Registration (DTI or SEC)
  • Photocopy of audited financial statements and ITR for the last 2 years

• For applicants with an existing credit card:

  • Photocopy of the latest credit card statement of account or charge slip
  • Photocopy of the front portion of the existing credit card
  • Valid photo ID with signature
  • Photocopy of latest BIR Form 2316

• BDO also has a secured credit card, which is guaranteed by your BDO deposit account.

• Accomplished Deed of Assignment

• Valid ID with signature and photo

Interest rate

The monthly effective interest rate for BDO credit cards is 2% across all credit card types. Additional charges apply for late payments and non-payments.

Can I do an online application?

Yes, you can do a credit card BDO online application by following the next steps:

• Just go to the Cards section of the BDO website.
• Choose the credit card brand you wish to apply for.
• Click the “Apply Now” button.
• The process is simple and takes only a few minutes to complete.
• You'll need to provide some basic information, including your name, address, phone, and required documents.
• Once you've submitted the application, it will be reviewed by BDO.
• If you're approved, you'll receive your credit card in the mail within a few days.

How to activate credit card BDO?

You have three options to activate your BDO credit card. First, you need to find your card number. This is a 16-digit number that is located on the front of your card. Once you have this number, you can proceed to activate your card.

• Option 1: Call the bank’s customer service hotline Have your card number ready and follow the instructions.

• Option 2: Visit BDO website and go to Credit Card Activation under the “Credit Cards” tab. Enter the One-Time Password (OTP) to verify your account. Proceed with the steps.

• Option 3: Activate your BDO credit card through SMS.

How much time does it take to receive a BDO credit card?

The standard processing time for BDO credit card is 7 business days after you have submitted your application along with the required documents. You can expect the delivery of your BDO credit card within that time frame.

BDO credit card limit and costs

The credit limit of your BDO credit card is based on your credit score and credit history as well as your income. The limit will vary across BDO credit card brands.

Membership fees also vary depending on the card type.

• BDO Titanium – PHP 3,500 per year

• BDO Platinum – PHP 4,500 per year

• Cathay Pacific American Express Elite – PHP 5,00 per year

• BDO Standard Mastercard – PHP 150 per month

• BDO Visa Classic – PHP 150 per month

• JCB Lucky Cat – PHP 150 per month

• Blue From American Express – PHP 150 per month

How to pay for BDO credit card installments?

You can pay for your purchases in installments simply by buying from participating stores and partners with installment promos. Another way is to call the BDO customer service and ask if your account is eligible for purchase conversion, wherein you can covert your big-ticket purchases to installments at a low rate of 0.88%.

What happens if I can’t pay?

If you fail to make a payment on the due date, BDO will charge you a late payment fee of PHP850 or the unpaid minimum payment due, whichever is lower.

If you fail to pay your BDO credit card, the bank may take legal action against you. The bank may also report your failure to pay to credit reporting agencies. This could damage your credit score and make it more difficult to obtain future credit.

BDO credit card benefits

BDO credit cards come with benefits, depending on the type of credit card you have. Here are some of the perks you’ll get to enjoy on top of the exclusive treats, special deals, and discounts.

• Free SM Advantage card

• Rebates and cashbacks

• EasyPay Installments on purchases

• AsiaMiles frequent flyer program

• Buy Now Pay Later promos

• Balance Transfers

VISA Credit Card vs MasterCard Credit Card

BDO Visa and BDO MasterCard are both widely accepted in many countries around the world. It all boils down to what benefits, rewards, and perks are attached to the BDO credit card. For example, if you travel a lot, you might want to get the credit card with AsiaMiles frequent flyer program.

BDO credit card Visa and BDO MasterCard have their pros and cons, so it ultimately comes down to what’s important to you.

BDO app

BDO has a mobile app, which is available for download on both Android and iOS devices. The app was designed with features that are tailored to meet the needs of Filipinos. Among these features are an easy-to-use interface, a fast and reliable transaction system, and secure banking.

The BDO mobile app also allows users to view their account and credit card balances, transactions history, as well as to transfer funds between BDO accounts and to other banks. In addition, users can pay bills and buy prepaid load through the app. And because security is always a top priority for BDO, the mobile app includes several layers of protection against fraud and theft.

BDO customer service

• Hotline: (+632) 8631-8000

• Email address: callcenter@bdo.com.ph

BDO credit card reviews

BDO credit card reviews can be a great way to determine if this type of credit card is right for you. The reviews for BDO credit cards are generally positive, attributing to the convenience and flexibility that comes with having a BDO credit card—and BDO offers several different types of cards for different purposes.

The perks that come with owning a credit card in BDO are plenty and cardholders enjoy the low interest rates, rewards programs, balance transfers, and installments.