What a BDO credit card is and who offers it
BDO Unibank is a major Philippine bank that issues credit cards to customers who meet their requirements. If you live in the Philippines or have a Philippine bank account, you may see BDO credit card offers through their branches, website, or partner merchants. BDO cards work like most credit cards: you charge purchases, receive a monthly bill, and pay interest on any balance you don't pay in full.
BDO offers several card types — rewards cards that give cash back or points, travel cards with airline partnerships, and basic cards with lower annual fees. The card you can get depends on your income, credit history, and banking relationship with BDO. Unlike some banks, BDO does not publish exact income thresholds on their website, so the first step is usually speaking with a branch representative or calling their credit card hotline to learn what you may may have access to for.
Key Takeaways
- BDO credit cards come in multiple types — rewards, travel, and basic — and the one you can get depends on your income and credit history.
- You will need to provide proof of income (payslips, tax returns, or business documents) and sign an process form at a BDO branch or online.
- BDO charges an annual fee on most cards, ranging from around 500 to 2,500 Philippine pesos depending on the card type, though some are waived in the first year.
- Interest rates on unpaid balances are set by BDO and vary, but typically range from 18% to 24% per year, calculated daily on your outstanding balance.
- You can check your BDO credit card balance and pay your bill through their mobile app, online banking, or at any BDO branch.
How to get a BDO credit card
The process starts with visiting a BDO branch or going to their website. At a branch, you can ask a representative which cards match your income level and what documents you need to bring. Online, you can fill out a pre-process form that gives you a rough idea of whether you meet their basic requirements before you commit to a full process.
You will need to provide proof of income. If you are employed, bring recent payslips (usually the last two or three months) and a certificate of employment from your company. If you are self-employed or own a business, bring your latest income tax return (ITR) and business registration documents. BDO may also ask for a government-issued ID, proof of address (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security System (SSS) or GSIS number.
Once you submit your process and documents, BDO reviews your information and runs a credit check through the Credit Information Corporation (CIC), which is the Philippine equivalent of a credit bureau. This check looks at your payment history with other banks and lenders. The review typically takes 5 to 10 business days. BDO will contact you by phone or email to confirm approval and arrange card delivery, usually within two to three weeks after approval.
Annual fees and what they cover
Most BDO credit cards charge an annual fee, though the amount depends on the card type. Basic cards may cost 500 to 750 pesos per year, while rewards and travel cards often cost 1,500 to 2,500 pesos. Some cards waive the first-year fee if you meet a minimum spending requirement in that year — for example, spending 100,000 pesos within 12 months.
The annual fee is separate from interest charges. You pay it once a year whether you use the card or not. If you want to avoid the fee, you can close the card, but closing a card can affect your credit score slightly because it reduces your total available credit. If you have not used the card in a while, contact BDO to ask about downgrading to a no-fee card instead of closing it entirely.
Interest rates and how they work
When you receive your BDO credit card bill, you have a grace period — usually 20 to 25 days from the statement date — to pay without interest. If you pay the full balance within that window, you owe nothing extra. If you pay only part of the balance or miss the due date, BDO charges interest on the remaining balance.
The interest rate on BDO credit cards is not fixed and varies by cardholder and card type, but typically falls between 18% and 24% per year. This is called the annual percentage rate (APR). BDO calculates interest daily on your outstanding balance, meaning the longer you carry a balance, the more interest you pay. For example, if you owe 50,000 pesos at 20% APR and pay nothing for a month, you will owe roughly 833 pesos in interest alone.
You can reduce interest charges by paying more than the minimum payment each month. The minimum payment is usually 5% of your total balance, but paying only the minimum means you carry the balance longer and pay more interest overall. If you are struggling with a high balance, contact BDO to ask about a balance transfer (moving the debt to a lower-rate card) or a payment plan.
Rewards, points, and cash back programs
BDO's rewards cards earn points or cash back on purchases. The earning rate varies — some cards give 1 point per peso spent, others give 2 or more points on specific categories like dining or travel. You accumulate these points and can redeem them for merchandise, travel bookings, or cash back, depending on the card.
Rewards are only valuable if you pay your full balance each month. If you carry a balance and pay interest, the interest charges will almost always exceed the value of the rewards you earn. For example, if you earn 500 pesos in cash back but pay 2,000 pesos in interest, you are losing money overall. Use a rewards card only if you can pay in full each month.
How to manage your BDO credit card and avoid debt
BDO offers a mobile app and online banking portal where you can view your balance, recent transactions, and due date anytime. You can also set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the due date without you having to remember. This is one of the easiest ways to avoid late fees and interest charges.
To avoid overspending, treat your credit card like a debit card — only charge what you can afford to pay back in full when the bill arrives. Set a personal spending limit that is lower than your credit limit, and check your balance weekly rather than waiting for the statement. If you find yourself carrying a balance month to month, stop using the card until the balance is paid off.
If you miss a payment, contact BDO when ready. A late payment fee applies (usually 500 to 1,000 pesos), and your interest rate may increase. More importantly, late payments are reported to CIC and damage your credit score, making it harder to borrow money in the future. If you are having trouble making payments, ask BDO about a restructuring plan before you fall behind.
Comparing BDO cards to other Philippine banks
BDO is one of the largest card issuers in the Philippines, but other major banks like BPI, Metrobank, and Security Bank also offer credit cards. The differences usually come down to annual fees, interest rates, rewards rates, and the merchants or airlines they partner with. Before you explore to BDO, compare what other banks offer in the same card category.
If you already have a relationship with another bank (you have a savings account there, for example), that bank may offer you a card with a lower fee or faster approval because they already know your payment history. However, if you are new to banking or have a limited credit history, BDO's large size means they may have more flexible options than smaller banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I cannot pay my BDO credit card bill?
Contact BDO before your due date to explain your situation. They may offer a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months with reduced interest, or a balance transfer to a lower-rate card. If you miss the payment, a late fee applies and the missed payment is reported to CIC, which lowers your credit score. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to catch up.
Can I increase my BDO credit limit?
Yes. After you have had the card for a few months and made on-time payments, you can request a limit increase through the mobile app, online banking, or by calling BDO. They will review your payment history and income to decide whether to approve the increase. A higher limit can help if you need more borrowing room, but only use it if you can still pay in full each month.
How long does it take to get a BDO credit card after I explore?
The review process usually takes 5 to 10 business days, and the card is delivered within two to three weeks after approval. If you explore in person at a branch, you may get faster processing than explore online. You can use the card as soon as it arrives, but set up it first through the app or by calling the number on the back.
What is the difference between BDO credit cards and a BDO debit card?
A debit card draws money directly from your bank account, so you can only spend what you have. A credit card borrows money from BDO, which you pay back later with interest if you do not pay in full. Credit cards build your credit history (if you pay on time), but debit cards do not. Use a credit card only if you can manage the debt responsibly.
Can I close my BDO credit card without penalty?
You can close the card anytime, but closing it will slightly lower your credit score because it reduces your total available credit. If you want to stop using the card but keep the account open, you can straightforward not use it. If you want to close it, call BDO to confirm there is no remaining balance, then request closure in writing or through the app.