How to apply to BDO Unibank American Express Explorer Credit Card

The BDO Unibank American Express Explorer credit card marks an innovative partnership between BDO Unibank and American Express to deliver a credit card that combines strong bonus categories with premium travel perks.
This new co-branded card offers cardmembers generous points earnings on every day and travel purchases along with upscale benefits like airport lounge access. It provides exceptional value for jet-setting professionals, couples and families looking to maximize rewards.
Overall, the combination of strong bonus categories, travel perks, retail protection benefits, and global services make this an appealing card for savvy travellers looking to take their benefits and spending power to the next level.
Benefits
Key benefits of the BDO Unibank American Express Explorer credit card include:
- Earn 2x Membership Rewards® points on all travel and daily purchases.
- $100 Annual Travel Credit for purchases like airfare and hotels.
- Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®.
- No foreign transaction fees on international spending.
- Travel and purchase protections like trip delay insurance.
- Complimentary concierge services.
With versatile bonus categories and upscale benefits, this card allows busy travellers to rack up points quickly while enjoying exclusive privileges. The lounge access alone can make the annual fee worthwhile for frequent jetsetters.
Prerequisites
To qualify for this card, applicants should have good to excellent credit (670+ score) along with sufficient income to comfortably afford the $95 annual fee. The ideal customer has an established credit history and spends regularly on traveling, commuting, dining out and other bonus categories.
About BDO Unibank
BDO Unibank is the largest bank in the Philippines with over 1,400 branches nationwide and leadership across retail, corporate and investment banking. Originally founded in 1968 as a development bank, BDO has grown into a full-service universal bank offering a complete range of financial products.
Headquartered in Metro Manila, BDO has a strong presence across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The bank has been recognized as one of Asia’s best companies and prides itself on financial strength, profitability, governance, and innovation.
BDO aims to accelerate its digital transformation through new partnerships with fintechs, digital banking services and data-driven offerings. The BDO American Express Explorer exemplifies this focus on digital innovation paired with premium benefits.
As one of the most financially sound banks in the Philippines, BDO has a strong track record of growth, profitability, and financial discipline. It provides reliable banking services to millions of Filipinos seeking to save, invest, and fulfill financial goals. The longevity, scale, and diversification of BDO speaks to its stability as a trusted financial institution in the country.
Who is this card for?
The BDO American Express Explorer is ideal for travellers seeking strong bonus earnings and premium benefits. It appeals to jet-setting professionals, young families, small business owners and expatriates residing in the Philippines.
With no foreign transaction fees, the card provides excellent utility for ex-pats, digital nomads and those traveling or living abroad. And the ability to earn 2x points on everyday purchases makes it a versatile card for various spending needs. Overall, it’s a rewarding card for worldly customers who appreciate premium experiences.
Step by Step to Apply for the BDO American Express Explorer Card
Applying for the BDO American Express Explorer is quick and easy to do online via the BDO website. Just follow these steps:
- Go to the BDO credit cards page.
- Click “Apply Online” on the American Express Explorer Card section.
- Create an account or log-in to your existing BDO online banking account.
- Fill out the online application with your personal details and income information.
- Read and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Submit your application and required documents like ID photos.
- Wait for an email from BDO on your application status.
The whole process can be completed online in around 10-15 minutes. Make sure to have your documents scanned or snapped via mobile to upload.
APPLY TO BDO UNIBANK AMERICAN EXPRESS EXPLORER CREDIT CARD HERE
Positives and Negatives of the Card
The BDO American Express Explorer has several excellent benefits but also some downsides to consider:
Positives:
- Strong bonuses earn rates on travel and everyday spending.
- Lounge access is a huge perk for frequent travellers.
- No foreign transaction fees help maximize savings abroad.
- Premium benefits enhance trips and experiences.
- American Express benefits like purchase protection.
Negatives:
- High annual fee of $95.
- Needs substantial spend to maximize value.
- American Express still has limited acceptance in some countries.
- Must have pristine credit to qualify.
- Low introductory APR but jumps to 25.74% variable APR.
The outsized annual fee and APR may deter some customers, especially those who don’t travel frequently. But for jetsetters who can maximize the perks, the annual fee can quickly pay for itself through statement credits and lounge visits.
Overall, it’s an excellent premium card for big spenders but needs the right customer profile to extract full value. The positives outweigh the negatives for travellers seeking premium benefits, rewards, and service.
How to Unlock the BDO American Express Explorer Card
Once you receive your new BDO American Express Explorer credit card, you’ll need to activate it and set your PIN before use. Follow these steps:
- Call the toll-free BDO activation hotline at 1-800-10-100-800-8.
- Provide personal information like your name, birthdate, and mailing address for verification.
- Select a 4-digit PIN number you’ll use for ATM withdrawals and other transactions.
- The agent will then activate your card for immediate use.
You can also activate via BDO Online Banking by clicking on Credit Cards > Activate New Card. Set your PIN here as well.
Fees and Tariffs
Here are the main costs to be aware of with the BDO American Express Explorer Card:
- Annual Fee: $95
- Cash Advance Fee: 5% of the amount advanced (min $5)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- Late Payment Fee: Up to PHP 1,500
- Overlimit Fee: PHP 500
- Returned Check Fee: PHP 1,000
This card has a relatively high annual fee but no foreign transaction fees. Payments and balances should be carefully managed to avoid late fees or overlimit fees. The standard variable APR is 25.74%.
Customer Service Contacts
If you need assistance with your BDO American Express Explorer credit card , contact:
- 24/7 Customer Service Hotline: 02-8631-8000
- Email: [email protected]
- Website
- Downloadable on iOS and Android devices. Offers easy account management and support options.
You can contact BDO credit card customer service for questions on billing, payments, card activation, rewards redemption, and any other card-related queries. Customer service is available 24/7 by phone and email.