Sharing here about American Express in the Philippines – How I got my First AMEX Credit Card. If you want to have this credit card, you should read this post.
I am so enjoying the lucrative treats and rewards BDO has been pampering me since well my savings account reached that humble figure…(thanks to my stocks investments).
First, that Prestige BDO Rewards card that came on mail last month. I remember I was wondering why I received that card. At first I thought it was one of those credit cards that come to you and all you have to do is swipe them even without activating and that all registration stuff.
Not until I read its thick luminous paper brochure, I realized it’s a family of SMAC (aka SM Advantage Card). This card can be activated just by SMS, the instructions are stuck on the card itself. Wow, talk about prestige.
Another mail from BDO I got recently while I was expecting it to be my bank statement was a lovely letter offering me the first transparent credit card in the Philippine market, none other than the Blue American Express.
Because I love the color Blue than Gold and Titanium or even the Black Card, I checked out the benefits and perks the Blue AMEX is offering me. Except from the huge privilege of having that gorgeous AMEX alone which you can use to shop, dine, check in grand hotels around the world, the Blue AMEX credit card benefits includes:
- First Year Free Card membership Fee (wow) and Easy on the pocket Monthly Fees thereafter (P 135 for Basic and P70 for your Supplementary card member)
- First Supplementary Account’s Card membership Fee is Free for Life, while succeeding Supplementaries shall be charged P 70 Monthly Fees. What about that?
- Spend based fee waiver (at P10,000 monthly)
- Low Introductory Finance Charge/APR and 3.25% every month thereafter
- Installment offers and balance transfers just like any other credit cards
- BDO/AMEX privileges like those usual 3,6,9,12,18 or 24 monthly installment schemes, BDO account tied to credit cards transactions, convert cash or straight transactions into installment
- Retail purchase insurance – from loss, theft, damage within 30 days from purchase for up to P50,000 per occurrence or P250,000 per year
- Easy access to ATM and BDO banking services because hey, AMEX is tied to BDO
How I got my first AMEX Blue credit card from BDO?
I simply received it one day, yeah it came to my mailbox with that bulk mail envelope. Seeing the AMEX logo, I knew right away it’s my lovey-dovey Blue transparent AMEX credit card. Yeah I never replied to their mail invitation. The card just arrived. I guess, BDO is expanding its AMEX clients and I’m just one of those lucky clients.
After knowing the awesome perks and privileges, now you want to have that transparent credit card too, you can go to your main BDO bank branch at SM and bring the letter if you received any together with your valid IDs, your BDO savings account passbook, your other credit cards, and latest ITR and fill out the application form.
By the way, everyone can also apply online by visiting American Express Philippines official website or simply visiting BDO. If you want, you can call their hotline too at 631-8000.
Blue American Express membership fee is by the way, P1,620 per year or P135 per month for the principal cardholder and P840 per year or P70 per month for supplementary cardholder. The first year is totally free. Yay!
UPDATE: I have been using Blue by American Express for 5 years now and I love it . AMEX is now accepted globally like VISA and Mastercard. Additionally, Blue Amex always waive my annual fee so I like using it so much. There is a required amount to reach for your annual fee to be waived.
Good day! just want to ask what bank is linked with AMEX logo so I can withdraw my money in the Philippines.
Hi, Richelle. It’s BDO
Hi. How much is the cc limit for amex blue card? Do you also know by chance if they allow digital nomads to apply for cards?
I have an existing card Amex Cathay Pacific Card too but it was issued overseas when I worked as OFW.
Hi Ms Fhel may I ask paano po ba ma increase yung credit limit via AMEX? Need po ba apply ulit for another credit card? Thanks po
Hi, Laarnie 🙂 If you have maintained a good credit standing, always paid on time, and have stayed as an AMEX user for a few years, then AMEX could increase your credit limit even if you did not make a request. In my experience, they always increase it when my card is renewed. You can also make a request to increase your credit limit after 6 months of being a client. You’ll get it if you have a good credibility score and if you have a decent bank account. God bless!
Hello, first card holder here. Just like you, napadalhan lang din ako ng amex credit card.. concern ko lang po is nagagamit po ba amex most merchants sa mall or online like lazada? Alam ko kasi most stores accepts visa and mastercard lang..
Hi, I also received an Blue AMEX Credit Card 3 days ago without applying. I tried to activate it thru SMS because they can’t process thru the website at the moment. I received autoreply but didn’t get notification if the card has been ACTIVATED. I think my card has been pre-activated so I don’t get reply but I fear I will incur charges without using the card because I sent an activation request. I also sent them my query thru BDO UNIBANK INC. website but I still have no feedback. The hotline is also hard to reach/connect with a CSR.
Just got my blue amex credit card from bdo yesterday. I tried to activate it via sms and online but it doesn’t work. Online says cannot process my request at the time and tells to activate via sms which i did got a text with reference number and said will call or text me in an hour which didn’t happen. Should i call bdo directly to activate the card?
Hi, to be sure, call BDO hotline and have that reference number with you so they know you activated the card.
Hi I just received my AMEX card today and it’s my 1st cc too that’s why I’m still hesitant to use it. What do you mean by “This AMEX gives zero percent installment options to buyers payable in 3,6 and 12 months.” How will I avail that? Example, I am to buy a gadget, will I tell the cashier that I’ll pay it on installment terms? Will I pay the SRP of the item or SRP+interest of the store then that amount will be the amount I will pay with my cc on installment? Thank u. Pls enlighten me.
Hi, 0% interest installment program are usually available to majority of shops. The cardholder has the option to buy in 3,6, or 12 monthly installment plan. Example if the SRP is 12,000 and you avail the 0% interest installment of 12 months, you will be paying 1K every month until you reached the 12th month. Just ask the shop if they offer 0% installment
Tanong lang po. plano ko sana mag open nitong AMEX BDO kasi yung employer ko sa US Pwede lang mgpadala sa AMEX din. Amex din kasi gamit ng company so the only way for me to get paid as per them is to open up an AMEX account. my question is pwede po ba mka receive ng remittance etong AMEX card ng BDO from an AMEX account from US. TIA
Hi, AMEX card from BDO is a credit card, hindi sya pwedi magreceive ng remittance
Hi po! I received my blue amex cc last month kahit di nmn po ako nag apply na kahit anong cc sa bdo but i decided to kept it. Tanong ko lng po, pwde ko bang papalitan ang cc ko from blue amex to bdo visa classic? di kac tumatanggap ang ibang store ng installment using amex cc.
Additional na tanong po. May app ba ang blue amex cc where u can see your transactions online?
Thank u po
hi may update po ba dito? if inallow kayo mag change to visa classic? Thank you.
Hi pano kung hindi na receive yung bdo Amex credit card thru LBC San kaya Pwede kunin
Call BDO hotline po. same nangyari sa akin. Pinaredelivery ko, just received the cc now. hehe
i just recieved my amex cards from U.S . They sent directly to me here in php using fedex. Including the platinum card with the other 3 kinds of amex card.
Thanks its easy to use .
Hi Im a newbie of the transparent AMEX credit card holder, I just wanna know po where can i swipe it? And also, why it doesnt have that mastercard or visa or megalink label? I really dont have any idea. Thanks for big help! ?
simply because it’s AMEX and not Visa or Mastercard
Hi Ms. Fehl,
I am also just waiting for my AMEX card from BDO, I was just surprised one day, whe n I checked the online card application status inquiry, I noticed that I was approved for a CC so I immediately contacted BDO about it. They confirmed that yes, I will be receiving the card in the mail 15 working days from Feb 01, 2017. I havent received it yet but I am a bit hesitant if I will activate it coz I never had any AmEx CC before. I got MC from BPI. Is it true that aside from AmEx CC, I will also receive a Visa card along with that? Thats based on the comments I read below.
Hi, update ko lang po, na-receive ko na ung BDO AmEx CC q, ung sakin ung CashCard na AmEx. Nabigla aq sa annual fee, 3000 pesos. Haha. Sana maka receive din ako ng Visa or MC. Any idea how to get one? Yung iba kasi automatic sula nka receive after nila mareceive ung AmEx nila. Thanks. ??
Talaga? Sigurado kang BDO AMEX CashCard iyan? (O Globe Telecom GCASH AMEX?).
Ang 3000 Pesos na AF na AMEX ay Gold at Cashback credit cards.
I am an AMEX User for more than 4 years now. AMEX is my primary card.
Is it acceptable in all establishments in the Philippines or just basically when AMEX logo? Im planning to apply kasi.
Yes, it is mostly acceptable in all shops accepting credit cards now
Hi, i am now waiting for my BLUE AMEX card. I wanna ask how much is the credit limit of that card?
Ask lang po, even if this is a stupid question. LOL. Saan po dito maglalagay ng signature? Parang wala eh natakot ako mag lagay dun sa itaas na parang grey na ginagamit sa pag swipe sa counter.. Just got mine this month and my first ever CC! 🙂 Thanks!
hi! saan ka po nag sign? same problem din aq. d aq sure if saan magsign. pls help. tia!
Hi Ms. Fehl,
Just received a Blue AMEX card yesterday a week after i received my Classic Visa.
Does it have a shared limit?
is it ideal maintaining those 2? if not, which is better to maintain?
sorry for too many questions , I’m a new credit card holder so i don’t know much of it yet.
but i really love the transparent card too!
Thanks!
Hi, I recommend choosing just one between AMEX and VISA. AMEX is great but I can’t use it to some bookings online. VISA is still better because it is accepted everywhere
Hi Ms. Fehl,
Thank you very much!
Question lang, nag apply ka ba sa classic visa? O automatic nlang dn dumating after nung AmEx? Hnhnty q pa kc ung sakin pero hoping ako na kahit sana may Visa kc prang bihira aq mkkta ng tumatanggap ng AmEx e. Thanks sa isasagot mo. ?
Hi Adrian,
Visa ang inapplyan ko.
yung AMEX ang automatic na dumating after ko mareceive yung VISA
Thanks Janine
i just received my bdo amex cashback (didn’t apply for it). not sure whether to activate it due to its low credit limit (BDO is notorious for it!) so really, i don’t know what the added value of owning one. in terms of merchants, can you name me popular shops where it is accepted? (apart from SM of course). thank you!
All major merchants except that of those inside Ayala Malls. Airlines here don’t currently accept AMEX
Just got my blue amex cc from bdo which is great! However, can’t use this for airline booking online etc airasia and cebupacific..
Too bad Lazada and other online doesn’t accept amex 🙁
Normally AMEX card are suitable for supporting The Highen Consumer ‘s target only. Due to the life ‘s style, spending levels, type of shops are different from normal card user. And the most important thing is, the rate EDC Machine fee is higher that other cr, generally amnt of 2.3% but Amex aprox. 3.5 %. So that ‘s why many merchants unaccepted it. I am the amex card holder too. 🙂
Thanks for the info!
I just called Bdo cust service and I was informed that I’ll be receiving a Shopmore mastercard as well..
hi! my husband also recieved this card although he did not apply for it
since its already there we decided to just keep it so that when we needed it we can use it btw we have other cards
after almost a year we decided to try and used this to purchase online.
after a month we recieved the BILL with annual fee of 3000?
SERIOUSLY???
FOR A SINGLE TRANSACTION OF NOT MORE THAN 10000 WE HAVE A WHOOPING 3000 ADDITIONAL ?
I DONT LIKE THIS CARD AND LATER FOR SURE WE ARE GOING TO CANCEL AND PAY ONLY THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF WHAT WE PURCHASE!!!
IM NOT TOTALLY HAPPY WITH IT
CONSUMERS BEWARE
Hi Fehl,
I just got my BDO Visa and Blue AMEX card today. These cards seems to be in a shared account, and I would like to cancel either the VISA or AMEX. I am not sure if they both will be closed if I do so, or if this can be done. I am wondering if you have any idea. I having hard time contacting BDO’s hotline.
I will surely appreciate your advise. Thank you.
Hi, BDO also sent me 3 VISA cards but I didn’t activate one coz I don’t need another card. No need to call BDO and cancel your card, just don’t activate it
Hi im using cc blue AMEX, can i use it to withdrawcash through ATM? Need PIN?
Thank you.
I applied for a basic visa credit card and recieve the AmEx Cashback card instead. Im not really sure if its a good card and havent activated it yet. it will be my first CC so im still thinking about it.
Blue AMEX is great, been using it for 4 years now
Hi, some online stores dont accept cards not issued in US. Can I use AMEX for this and will it be accepted?
I had no problem using AMEX on any international online transaction so far.
Good Day! Ms. Feil
What is the difference of BDO Gold CC and BDO AMEX? and what is the preferred CC to be used if I want to purchase on dollar currency between these two CC. I have both. Thanks! in advance for your reply.
And one more thing, can I replace my AMEX of this blue card?
BDO Gold credit card has more access because some airlines here in the Phil. don’t accept AMEX for booking. You can purchase in dollar or other currency using both (AMEX and BDO Gold CC)
Good Day Ms. Fhel.
Thank you for this blog.
The Amex blue will be my first CC since birth and just wondering, my office mates have one too but their Amex Blue has a chip (like sim card) and mine does not (clear with blue square sticker in the center)
What’s the difference?
Hi, JP. The New AMEX has now a security chip just like other credit cards. You can still use your old card though. If it will expire, it will be replaced with a new one with the chip on it. You can also request for a replacement card by calling BDO hotline if you want the new card
Hi po. Maam Fehl.
Same account lang po ang Bdo gold card at amex na silver?
Kapag wala po ba pondo yung bdo, hindi din ma isa swipe ang amex? Thank u po.
They are different. You can still swipe your Amex Card even if your BDO account has no funds. It’s not a debit card.
hi Ms. Fhel! I have an AMEX card issued abroad and I would like to get cash from it because my debit card was lost. Is there any way I can do quick cash in Manila, if so where can I do the transaction? Please advise ASAP. Thank you
Yes, one of the perks of AMEX is getting cash advance. Just check out how much is your Cash Advance Limit and withdraw at available ATM with AMEX logo on it.
I got mine today and happy to have the transparent one even havent rewards points it doesnt matter like just a wallet simple and the good thing is 130 monthly for fee.
Is there a list of establishments that accepts amex? I couldn’t find a list on the net. 🙁 please help!
Hi,
I applied for this AMEX Card a few months ago. Last week, a bank representative called to tell me they’re processing my application. A while ago, someone called me on my mobile phone and said she’s from the bank wanting to verify some info because I applied for a credit card. Is it safe that I gave her my birthday, mother’s full maiden name and company name? That’s all she asked. I mean, I wasn’t really suspicious since I did applied for AMEX, but right after the call I realized that it might not be safe to give those info. Any thoughts? Is this how they process credit card applications?
Hi! I had my Blue AMEX card a year now I used to have a Delta AMEX card but I’m paying $98 a yr. But when I switch to Blue AMEX card there is no annual fee and no fee monthly just the interest if you can’t pay the wlhole balance. I was wondering why it has a monthly fee over there to think I got the same card. I am saying this because I’d to add my daughter as my extension. Just asking.
Blue Amex has monthly fee of P135 (as of now). But for some clients they waive the annual fee especially those who always use their AMEX in spending lots 🙂
Hi Ms. fhel! I just want to inquire if you are familiar with this situation. A representative from BDO Main branch just called me offering the Blue AMEX with five year annual fee waiver. This is such a wonderful offer that’s why I immediately grabbed it. Have you heard similiar cases like mine? thank you.
Yes, and it’s a great offer if you don’t have a credit card yet. They usually offer annual fee waiver to those users who always use their CC and accumulate more than 6K every month. I’ve been using AMEX Blue for many years now and I love it.
Hi ms fhel! My bdo classic and amex cards are shared account. Ibig sabihin po ba isa lng babayaran kong annual fee or each card po ay magkahiwalay ang mga fees?
What do you mean by shared account?
Share po sila ng credit limit.
I have the same situation. They share the same credit limit but unfortunately have different membership fees, cut-off dates and due dates. You can, however, request for the membership fees to be waived, provided that you meet their requirements. Though, they no longer provide that info to clients. 😐
Hi! Would like to ask lang how much is the minimum amount you should maintain on your account before they can offer you a credit card? And how many months should you maintain it? Thanks!
Hi. You can actually get a credit card in the Philippines as long as you have stable job, income sources and you have good credibility records. Credit cards usually expire in 5 years. Depending on the type of card you were given. If you want a card, I can refer you to a banker who issue one. Just contact us.
Hi pls refer me 🙂 thanks
hi,miss fehl. i’m planning to apply for a blue card. may i know the details of your contact person?thanks!
hi ms.fehl pls refer me..tnx
Hi ms fhel, I was approved Sa BDO Classic Visa card , how ever gusto ko din mag avail ng Amex blue card pano po ba? Dapat b malaki savings mo Sa bdo? Bakit yung Iba dalawa natatanggap Na cc normal ba yun? Pag mag apply k b ng cc Sa BDO automatic b issue Han ka din Amex blue card?
Hi, yes it’s normal na makareceive ka ng credit cards from BDO kahit di ka nag apply. When you have good credit standing and you have 6 digit or more on your BDO savings or other BDO account, they will send you some credit cards. Few months ago, I received 3 different credit cards from BDO although di ko naman inactivate kasi di ko naman kelangan ng other cards and iniiwasan ko yung annual fee hehehe Anyway, with AMEX Blue, sila lang din ang nagsend sa aken. You can apply though if you want the AMEX blue. It’s a very pretty transparent card 🙂
Question : does BDO AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD have PIN codes whenever you purchase? and does it have a SMS alert notification?
Nope, it is a credit card, not a debit card. You just have to swipe it when you purchase a thing. But when you buy something online, of course you need to provide credit card details and your CVV number.
hi got my blue amex card almost a year ago and activated it just to test it out since it’s my first cc..almost near my one year free membership and i read that after the 1st year you’ll be billed monthly for 135 php?!…i know it’s not a lot but having a monthly fee especially that small i think is more prone to negligence because it’s gonna be a small balance on your account…so i’m thinking of cancelling this card on move on to other banks since they are offering me a cc with no annual fee and double the credit limit…
Hi, majority of credit cards are like that – free on the first year but annual fee will be charged after that. I personally like AMEX since 135 is lighter than paying the whole amount at once. I use cc every month because of subscriptions to some services so it’s ok for me paying 135 monthly. I guess it depends on every user’s preference. I’m sure your double credit limit card offer will charge you annual fee after a year too.
Hi, i am new using this blue american express cc. I’ve read that the monthly membership fee will be waived if i will spend 10k. I did spend more than that, however i was still charged. Thanks
You need to call their hotline to request for a waive otherwise they won’t waive it 🙂
Hi Ms Fehl,
IS Blue Amex international?
Yes
Hi fehl. I received an amex card along with bdo shop more last year 2013 pa. But i never used it since then because i dont shop a lot. Can i still use these cards now? Do i have to activate it or something. My first time to use cc so i have minimal idea about this.
You need to activate the card first before you use them. AMEX can be activated via mobile. The activation guide is attached on the pack. 🙂 Enjoy!
the amex card might look good until you go to use it ! if you already have a BDO gold credit card the Credit limit balance is split between the 2 cards ! wheres the logic in that ?
The logic is don’t use other BDO credit card if you’re already using AMEX. You can save annual fees 🙂 If you want higher credit limit, request it and it will be granted anyway as long as you’re record is good. 🙂 Merry Christmas!
hi guys,Im just wondering if how did my friends got their cc from bdo even if they didn’t apply for it.All they informed me is that they opened a savings account then after 3 months they received a cc on their mail.any response will be much appreciated.thanks!
btw,I think if you have a BLACK card it means you can buy three countries,is that right? haha!
It’s normal nowadays especially if your savings account has huge amount of money. Credit card companies need more good credibility clients.
Why i received amex credit card but i did not applied for this.
It’s normal nowadays. I also receive different credit cards from BDO even without applying for them. Just ignore and don’t activate them if you don’t want to use them anyway
I got my blue amex card yesterday and still in confusion if I will activate or not. Maybe, next month when I settle my remaining debts in Eastwest Bak card. i think this card is really cool. BDO gave me a higher credit limit. CC usage is more of having discipline of purchasing, 🙂 Just sharing!
Anyway, thank you for this post. 🙂
Congrats, AJ 🙂 AMEX Blue is great. Yes, I agree with you credit card usage is having discipline in purchasing. I should add, paying on time too. 🙂
Are you insinuating that you have a black card? Honey, do you even know what THE black card is?
No I never said that. I even mentioned in the comments what cards I used. Even if I had a black card, I’d never mention I have one hehehe
I do know what a black card is. I even published about it 4 years ago in another website.
Yes! You also have that one Blue transparent card! It looks like it is not a credit card at all. I’m enjoying and I have no problems in that card!
It seems no membership fee at all if you spend at least P10,000.00 monthly. It’s great!
Thanks for the info Ms. Fehl. Can you please tell me, if your still using The Blue AE card & your not having any problems with it. Based on your experience, is it a good card? Because, I’m still thinking whether to use mine or not. Thanks again & GOD BLESS..
Yes actually, it’s the only credit card I use now since my Metrobank Visa has expired already. Blue AMEX is so cool plus I get lots of benefits in SM hehe and freebies monthly. Never encountered a problem with it.
I love my blu-AMEX, it’s just that options of purchasing online is so limited. I can’t use it to purchase tickets from domestic airlines.
Its because AMEX is new in the country. But for sure as time goes by, dadami rin ang mga stores na maa-acommodate ng AMEX especially “Blue” Card.
I agree. What I love more about AMEX is that they always call me whenever I have an online international 🙂 It is so secured. I love American Express 🙂
Does American Express Card holders in our country (Philippines) are given travel insurance abroad (Emergency medical expenses; Personal accident isurance; Repatriation and medical evacuation expenses)?
The Blue Amex doesn’t specifically include that among its benefits but the other AMEX cards in the Philippines like the classic green, gold, platinum and the cards after them includes travel insurance, personal accident insurance, medical and the like. As you upgrade your card, your benefits become more amazing like that of free entry for yourself and a guest to the MIASCOR Lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 with your Platinum card 🙂
American Express… wow… and a clear card. This is so stylish and so cool… this is a great article. Your website is so cool and so informative. This is as good as your amazing hubs, Fehl. Better…. 🙂
Cathy Nerujen
I confess I grabbed the card because I loved its transparency LOL I love unique stuff and this one is so gorgeous. The first time I used it, the cashier lady was wondering what it was. It doesn’t look like a credit card at all. Reminds me of those clear stylish calling cards from executives…
BDO is wise. They know how to pamper their clients and treat them with style. This AMEX gives zero percent installment options to buyers payable in 3,6 and 12 months. Wise move to shoppers who like it.
Oh thank you, Cathy. Happy to see the my favorite poet in the world here. Mwah!
Hi Ms. Fehl,
May i know po the certain anount needed to waive the annual fee?
May nakita kasi ako need to have 15k mo. cost para ma waive, pero ung limit ng card is 10k lang 😮
Hi, for Blue Amex, spend based fee waiver is P15,000 per month
What does Spend based fee waiver mean? or how does this work?
Maybe spend the initial 10k then immediately pay that amount and spend another 5k…15k in total.