Unlocking World-Class Benefits: Your Comprehensive Guide to Getting an American Express Card in the Philippines
Hello there, future Cardmember! Are you ready to elevate your spending experience and unlock a world of exclusive privileges, rewards, and unparalleled service? Getting an American Express Card in the Philippines might seem like a prestigious endeavor, and it certainly comes with its perks. If you've been dreaming of those coveted Membership Rewards points, premium travel benefits, and the global recognition that comes with the American Express brand, you've come to the right place.
In the Philippines, American Express partners with BDO Unibank to issue and manage its credit cards. This means your application and card management will largely be handled by BDO. Let's embark on this journey together, step-by-step, to help you understand the process and increase your chances of getting approved for your very own American Express Card.
Step 1: Discover Which American Express Card is Right for YOU!
Before you dive into the application process, it's crucial to understand that American Express offers a variety of cards, each tailored to different lifestyles and spending habits. Think about what you value most in a credit card. Do you travel frequently? Are you a big spender on everyday essentials? Do you want cashback or loyalty points?
Take a moment to consider these questions:
What are your financial goals?
How much do you typically spend in a month?
What kind of rewards or benefits are most appealing to you (e.g., travel miles, cashback, dining discounts)?
Are you looking for a personal card or a corporate card for your business?
Sub-heading: Exploring Your American Express Options in the Philippines
In the Philippines, BDO Unibank offers several American Express cards, each with distinct features:
Blue from American Express®: Often considered an entry-level option, offering Membership Rewards points and typically with an easier-to-meet income requirement. It's a great starting point for building a relationship with American Express.
American Express® Cashback Credit Card: Ideal for those who prefer direct savings, offering cashback on both local and overseas purchases. No minimum spend and no rebate cap make this very appealing for everyday spending.
American Express® Explorer™ Credit Card: Geared towards travelers, offering accelerated earning of Membership Rewards points for travel-related expenses and travel benefits. If you're a frequent flyer, this might be your best bet.
American Express® Platinum Credit Card: A premium offering with a suite of high-end benefits, including lounge access, concierge services, and comprehensive travel insurance. This card usually has a higher income requirement and annual fee, but the perks can be substantial for high-net-worth individuals.
American Express® Platinum Card (Charge Card): Unlike credit cards, a charge card generally has no pre-set spending limit but requires you to pay the full balance each month. This option is for those seeking ultimate flexibility and premium benefits.
Visit the official American Express Philippines website (managed by BDO) to compare these cards side-by-side. Carefully read their features, benefits, fees, and, most importantly, the eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility – The Foundation of Your Application
Once you've zeroed in on the American Express Card that aligns with your needs, the next critical step is to confirm your eligibility. American Express cards are known for their somewhat stringent criteria, reflecting their premium positioning.
Sub-heading: Key Eligibility Criteria You Must Meet
While specific requirements can vary slightly depending on the card type, here are the general prerequisites for applying for an American Express Card in the Philippines:
Age Requirement: You must typically be between 21 to 60 years old for principal cardholders.
Residency: You must be a Filipino citizen or a foreigner who is a resident of the Philippines. For foreigners, additional documents like a valid VISA, work permit, or Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) will be required.
Income Requirement: This is often the most significant factor. The minimum gross monthly income varies considerably by card:
Blue from American Express®: Often around ₱15,000.
American Express® Cashback Credit Card: Typically around ₱33,000.
American Express® Explorer™ Credit Card: Around ₱66,000.
American Express® Platinum Credit Card: Can be significantly higher, often around ₱93,000.
Employment Status: You should be a regular employee or self-employed with a business operating for at least two (2) years.
Contact Information: You'll need at least one landline number (residence or work) or a postpaid/prepaid mobile number.
Address: Your residence or office address must be within an area where a BDO branch is located.
Credit History: While not always explicitly stated as a numerical score, having a good credit history is crucial. Banks assess your creditworthiness based on your payment behavior with previous loans or credit cards. A history of timely payments and responsible credit management will significantly boost your chances.
Don't apply if you know you don't meet the basic income requirements or have a poor credit history, as this could result in a hard inquiry on your credit report and a rejection.
Step 3: Gather Your Essential Documents – Be Prepared!
The application process for any credit card requires a set of documents to verify your identity, income, and residency. Having these ready beforehand will streamline your application.
Sub-heading: Documents for Filipino Citizens
Proof of Identification (valid photo-bearing ID, front and back):
Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) ID
Passport
Driver's License
SSS ID
PRC ID
UMID
PWD ID
TIN ID
Proof of Income (photocopy of any of the following):
For Employed Applicants:
Latest full-month's payslip/s
Original Certificate of Employment (COE) indicating status, service tenure, and compensation breakdown
Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) duly stamped as received by the BIR or BIR Form 2316 signed by your employer's authorized representative.
If you have existing credit cards, copies of your last two (2) months' statements of account from a card that is at least 1 year on books.
For Self-Employed Applicants:
Photocopy of latest Income Tax Return (ITR) duly stamped as received by the BIR and Audited Financial Statements (AFS) for at least two (2) years (MANDATORY).
Photocopy of registration of Business Name (MANDATORY): DTI Registration for Single Proprietorship or SEC Registration for Partnership / Corporation.
Last 3 months' bank statements (Optional, but highly recommended).
Sub-heading: Documents for Foreigners Residing in the Philippines
In addition to the standard income proofs (similar to employed/self-employed Filipinos), foreigners will need:
Copy of Employment Contract or Certificate of Employment.
Letter from Embassy (If Embassy official).
Any one of the following valid documents:
Valid VISA and work permit.
Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) or Immigrant Certificate of Registration (ICR)
or ACR-I. Valid passport with any of the following: Special Investors Resident VISA, Special Non-Immigrant VISA for PEZA investors
and employees, or VISA with specific validities.
Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and up-to-date. Incomplete or unclear submissions can delay your application significantly.
Step 4: Choose Your Application Method – Online or In-Person?
American Express (via BDO) offers convenient ways to apply for their cards.
Sub-heading: Applying Online (Recommended for Speed and Convenience)
This is generally the fastest and most straightforward method.
Visit the American Express Philippines website: Go to
www.americanexpress.com/en-ph/network/credit-cards/bdo/ Select your desired card: Click on the "Apply Now" button for the American Express Card you wish to apply for.
Fill out the online application form: You will be prompted to provide your personal details (name, date of birth, nationality), contact information (phone, current and previous addresses), and financial information (annual income, employment status, employer contact details, bank details).
Upload required documents: Many online applications allow you to upload scanned copies or clear photos of your necessary documents directly. Ensure they meet the specified format and size requirements.
Review and submit: Double-check all the information you've entered for accuracy. Any discrepancies can lead to delays or rejection. Once you're confident, submit your application.
Receive confirmation: You'll typically receive an immediate confirmation that your application has been received. You may also get an application reference number.
Sub-heading: Applying In-Person (Traditional Approach)
If you prefer a face-to-face interaction or need assistance with the application form, you can visit a BDO branch.
Visit a BDO Unibank branch: Head to your nearest BDO branch.
Request an American Express Card application form: Inform the bank personnel that you wish to apply for an American Express Card. They will provide you with the necessary forms.
Fill out the form: Carefully complete all sections of the application form. Don't hesitate to ask the bank staff for clarification if you encounter anything unclear.
Submit documents: Present your original documents and their photocopies to the bank representative. They will typically verify the originals against the photocopies.
Application processing: The bank will then process your application.
Step 5: Await Your Application Decision – Patience is a Virtue!
After submitting your application, the waiting game begins. The bank will review your information, verify your documents, and conduct a credit assessment.
Sub-heading: What to Expect During Processing
Verification Calls: You might receive calls from BDO representatives to verify information provided in your application, such as your employment details or contact numbers. Make sure your declared contact numbers are reachable.
Credit Bureau Checks: BDO will pull your credit report from credit bureaus in the Philippines (e.g., Credit Information Corporation or CIC) to assess your creditworthiness. This is where your good credit history truly shines.
Status Updates: BDO typically provides updates on your application status via SMS and/or email.
Processing Time: The processing time can vary. If your application is straightforward and all documents are complete, you might hear back within 15 business days. However, for more complex cases or if additional documents are required, it could take up to 90 days.
It's important to avoid applying for multiple credit cards simultaneously, as this can negatively impact your credit score.
Step 6: Card Delivery and Activation – The Final Steps!
If your application is successful, congratulations! The final steps involve receiving and activating your card.
Sub-heading: Receiving Your American Express Card
Once approved, you'll receive another notification (SMS/email) once your card has been released for delivery.
Your American Express Card will be delivered to your declared mailing address. Ensure someone is available to receive it, as it often requires a signature.
Sub-heading: Activating Your Card
Upon receiving your physical card, the most important next step is to activate it. This is crucial for security and to start using your card.
Activation instructions are usually included with your card package. This can typically be done via:
BDO Online Banking: Register for online services if you haven't already, and activate your card through the portal.
BDO Phone Banking/Customer Service Hotline: Call the BDO Customer Service Hotline for American Express Cards (+632) 8888-0000 (or the international toll-free number if you're outside Metro Manila: (IAC)+800-8-CALLBDO (2255-236)). Follow the prompts to activate your card.
Remember to sign the back of your card immediately upon receipt for security purposes.
Maximizing Your American Express Card Experience
Once you have your American Express Card, make sure to:
Understand Your Benefits: Familiarize yourself with all the perks, from Membership Rewards to travel insurance and purchase protection.
Manage Your Account Online: Utilize BDO's online banking platform to monitor your spending, view statements, and pay your bills.
Pay On Time: Always pay your bills on or before the due date to avoid interest charges and maintain a healthy credit score.
Explore Offers: American Express often has exclusive offers and promotions with various merchants. Keep an eye out for these to maximize your savings and rewards.
Getting an American Express Card in the Philippines is a rewarding experience that can open doors to a host of exclusive benefits. By following these steps and being prepared with the necessary information and documents, you'll significantly increase your chances of being approved and joining the prestigious community of American Express Cardmembers. Happy spending, responsibly, of course!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you further:
How to check my American Express card application status in the Philippines? You can usually check your application status by contacting the BDO Customer Service Hotline for American Express Cards at (+632) 8888-0000. Have your application reference number ready.
How to increase my credit limit on my American Express Card in the Philippines? Credit limit increases are typically initiated by the bank after a period of responsible card usage and payments. You can also proactively request a credit limit increase by contacting BDO and providing updated income documents.
How to pay my American Express credit card bill in the Philippines? You can pay your American Express card bill through various channels offered by BDO: BDO Branch Counters, BDO Online Banking, BDO Phone Banking (+632) 8888-0000, and SM Bills Payment Counters.
How to activate my American Express card in the Philippines? You can activate your card via BDO Online Banking or by calling the BDO Customer Service Hotline for American Express Cards at (+632) 8888-0000.
How to report a lost or stolen American Express card in the Philippines? Immediately contact the BDO Customer Service Hotline for American Express Cards at (+632) 8888-0000 to report a lost or stolen card. They will cancel your existing card and arrange for a replacement.
How to earn Membership Rewards points with my American Express card in the Philippines? You earn Membership Rewards points for every eligible peso spent on your American Express card. The earning rate varies by card type (e.g., 1 point for every PHP45 or PHP40 spent). Points can then be redeemed for various rewards.
How to dispute a charge on my American Express card in the Philippines? If you don't recognize a transaction or believe it's incorrect, first try to identify the merchant. If still unresolved, contact the BDO Customer Service Hotline for American Express Cards at (+632) 8888-0000 to initiate a dispute.
How to apply for a supplementary American Express card in the Philippines? You can usually apply for supplementary cards for eligible family members by contacting BDO or by filling out a supplementary card application form, often available online or at BDO branches.
How to convert my American Express purchases to installments in the Philippines? BDO offers "Purchase Convert" and "Buy Now, Pay Later" options. You can often convert recent single-receipt purchases above a certain amount into installment plans by calling the BDO Customer Service Hotline or through BDO's online services.
How to contact American Express customer service in the Philippines? For all American Express card inquiries and services in the Philippines, you should contact the BDO Customer Service Hotline for American Express Cards at (+632) 8888-0000.
