Credit Card BPI Review: Application, Promo, Requirements, How to Apply?

What is BPI?

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is one of the largest universal banks in the Philippines. It offers a wide array of products and services that cater to the financial needs of Filipinos. These include checking and savings accounts, loans, credit cards, insurance, foreign exchange, asset management, and investment products,

Established in 1851, BPI carries the distinction of being the first bank in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. To date, it has a network of more than 1176 branches and 3,000 ATMs all over the Philippines. BPI also has a presence in Hong Kong and Europe, providing remittance services to OFWs,

BPI Credit Cards, how does it work?

BPI credit cards give the cardholders a set amount of credit that can be used to purchase items or withdraw cash from an ATM. The credit limit is set by BPI and is based on the customer's income, credit history, and other factors.

When use make a purchase using a credit card, BPI pays the merchant for the purchase. The cardholder then pays BPI back over time, with interest.

Knowing how to use BPI credit card responsibly can help you build up a good credit history, which can help when applying for a loan in the future. BPI credit cards can also be helpful in emergencies, when you need to pay for unexpected expenses.

BPI credit card for beginners

A credit card can be a good financial tool for those just starting out, but it’s important to understand how they work before you sign up. Credit cards are not free money—they are BPI credit card loans that need to be repaid with interest.

BPI has different kinds of credit cards that cater to different clienteles. There are credit cards designed for big spenders and for first-time users.

Aside from the BPI Blue Mastercard, the Amore Cashback could be the best BPI credit card for beginners. It has all the perks and benefits of a basic credit card plus cashback features, as well as a Buy Now Pay Later 0% installment.

If you’re just starting out, it might be a good idea to limit yourself to one or two credit cards until you get used to using them responsibly.

Credit card in BPI, how to apply?

BPI offers several types of express credit cards that cater to the specific needs of its cardholders. Whether you are looking for a rewards card, a cashback card, or a card that gives you discounts on your shopping, BPI has the perfect card for you.

Credit Card BPI Requirements

To apply for a BPI credit card, you need to have the following credit card application BPI requirements:

• You must be a Filipino citizen or a Philippine resident, at least 21 years old upon application for credit card BPI.

• You must have a gross annual income of PHP180,000.

• A valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver's license, passport, UMID, SSS)

• For employed applicants: Proof of income (e.g., payslip, bank statement)

• For self-employed or business owners: business registration and latest Income Tax Return or latest audited financial statements.

• For foreign residents: Passport, work permit, alien certificate of registration, and embassy accreditation.

Once you have all the requirements ready, go to https://www.bpi.com.ph/creditcards to start the credit card BPI application process. Alternatively, you can go to any BPI branch and apply for a BPI credit card personally.

Interest rate

The interest rate for all BPI credit cards is 2% per month or 24% per annum. Additional fees may be charged on certain transactions. For instance, there’s a PHP200 transaction fee for cash advance and PHP500 or 3% on gaming in casinos or online betting.

You can check the BPI credit card loan calculator if you want to get an idea of how much is your monthly installments for your purchases.

How to activate credit card BPI?

Once you receive your BPI credit card in the mail, you must first activate it before you can use it. The fastest way to activate your card is via SMS.

• Step 1: Text BPIACT <space> last 10 digits of BPI Credit Card

• Step 2: Send to 225689.

The activation will be processed within 2 business days.

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

Once you have applied for a BPI credit card, you will need to wait for the bank's decision. If approved, a BPI credit card can be processed and delivered within 7 to 14 working days. The delivery time may vary depending on where you are located.

BPI credit card limit

Your BPI credit limit is the maximum amount of money you are allowed to use. This limit is set based on your credit history and current financial standing. If you reach your credit limit, you will not be able to use your credit card until you pay down some of your credit card balance.

Typically, banks give the minimum credit limit for first-time cardholders and increase it over time when requested.

Monthly and annual fees

BPI credit card types and their membership fees:

• BPI Visa Signature Card – PHP 5,500 per year

• BPI Amore Platinum Cashback Card –  PHP 5,500 per year

• PI Platinum Rewards Mastercard – PHP 4,000 per year

• BPI Gold Credit Card Mastercard – PHP 2,250 per year

• BPI Amore Cashback Card – PHP 2,050 per year

• BPI Credit Card Blue Mastercard – PHP 1,550 per year

• Petron-BPI Mastercard – PHP 1,550 per year

• BPI Edge Mastercard – PHP 110 per month

• BPI Family Credit Card – PHP 1,350 per year

• BPI Corporate Mastercard – PHP 1,700 per year

• BPI eCredit Card – FREE

How to pay for BPI credit card installments?

You can pay for your BPI credit card installments through BPI Online or BPI Mobile or by visiting a physical bank branch. You can also pay through authorized payment channels.

Here are the steps if you choose to pay online:

1. You must first enroll your BPI credit card on the BPI Online platform.

2. Log in to BPI Online and select “Other Services.”

3. Choose "Manage Recipients".

4. Click on "Add New Recipient".

5. Choose "Billers" from the list.

6. Select BPI credit card biller name.

7. Provide the Customer Number that you can find on your credit card statement. Click “Confirm.”

8. You will be prompted to input the one-time pin (OTP).

9. Click “Submit.”

After you have enrolled your credit card, follow these steps to pay for your credit card installments:

1. Using your BPI credit card login credentials, log in to BPI Online or your BPI Mobile app.

2. Go to “Payments/Load and choose “Pay Bills.”

3. Provide the necessary details and choose BPI Credit Card as the biller (the one you have previously enrolled).

4. Click “Confirm.”

5. You will receive an OTP on your mobile phone. Input the OTP and then hit the “Submit” button.

6. Keep a copy of the receipt as proof of payment.

You can also pay Citibank credit card via BPI mobile using the same process.

If you'd rather visit a physical BPI bank branch, just bring your customer number or BPI  credit card statement of account and fill out the digital form in the kiosks and get the queue stub. Wait for the teller to call your number.

You can also pay through any of the following BPI authorized payment channels:

1. Any Bayad Center branch

2. Cebuana Lhuillier branches

3. SM Payment Centers

4. ECPay  (via 7-Eleven stores)

What happens if I can’t pay?

If you are unable to make a payment on your credit card, the consequences can be severe. Your credit score will take a hit, and you may be subjected to late fees and interest charges. BPI may also take legal action against you to collect on the credit card dent.

In some cases, the company may even take money from your bank account or garnish your wages. It is important to contact your creditor as soon as possible if you are having trouble making even the BPI credit card minimum due. It's important to stay on top of your payments to avoid these fees and protect your credit score.

How to check for a balance inquiry?

You can do your BPI credit card balance inquiry through BPI Online. Log in to the site and enter your username and password. Select “Credit Cards” from the list and click on BPI. Once in the dashboard, you’ll see your transactions, including those that have been made in the past month. You can also view your available balance, which will tell you how much more credit you can use.

You’ll also be able to see a digital version of your statement of account by going to “Other Services” and then selecting “My Statements.” You can view it online or download it.

BPI credit card benefits

Your BPI card comes with benefits and perks through discounts, rewards points, air miles, installment promos, zero interest purchase, and many more, depending on the type of BPI credit card you own.

One of the most popular features is BPI credit card to cash, which is a cash loan against your credit limit. You get a low add-on interest rate of 0.99% for 36 months. You can convert 100% of your credit limit to cash and pay it off in monthly installments.

You can also top up your e-wallet through the BPI credit card to GCash feature. Simply link your GCash with your BPI credit card.

In terms of security, BPI credit card holders need not worry about the safety of their transactions as the bank implements measures to protect its clients from BPI credit card unauthorized transactions and charges. Cardholders can be confident that they have a secured credit card BPI, and that their personal and financial information are safe, with the use of the latest technology in data security. In addition, BPI has a 24/7 fraud monitoring system in place to quickly address any fraudulent activity, through SMS notifications and OTP.

Credit card BPI promo

Credit card BPI promo offers a variety of benefits for cardholders. One of the benefits is a 0% interest rate on installment purchases made with the card for the first 12 months. This can save cardholders a lot of money in interest payments. There are also big discounts when you dine at select restaurants, book at partner hotels,  and fly with seat sale promos.

Additionally, cardholders can earn rewards points on their purchases, which can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, or travel. Another benefit is the BPI credit card no annual fee for life promo for some cards. This saves cardholders money and allows them to use the credit card without having to worry about additional costs.

BPI customer service

• BPI Credit Card Hotline 24/7: ‎(+632) 889-10000

• BPI Credit Card Email address: BPI encourages cardholders to use their Contact Us page for inquiries and concerns about BPI credit cards.

BPI credit card reviews

BPI credit card reviews are generally positive, with cardholders satisfied with the products and services. One of the best things about using a BPI credit card is that you can enjoy zero or low interest rates on your installment purchases.

Additionally, many of the cards offered by BPI come with rewards programs that allow you to earn points for every peso you spend. This can be a terrific way to save money on your everyday purchases. Another benefit of using a BPI credit card is that you can get access to special deals and discounts at participating merchants.

Complaints about difficulty getting through customer service are common, but, overall, the services of BPI credit cards are satisfactory.