HAPPIDEZZ: What I Like about BDO Credit Cards (2021 Review)

Banco De Oro (BDO) is my main bank -- I have a savings account and two credit cards with them. BDO is also the first bank to send me a credit card -- one which I did not apply for. This the reason why I decided to write a review about their credit cards.

How I Got My BDO Credit Cards

I think if you have a savings account with BDO, the chances of them sending you a BDO credit card are higher. This was what happened with my Standard Master Card. The credit card just happened to come in the mail without me applying for it.

As for my Bench Mastercard, I applied for this inside a Bench store. It was offered to me by the cashier and I just filled out an application form, showed them my valid IDs, and then I waited for their approval. I don't remember receiving a text/email from them, but the credit card was just sent to my home address. I guess a huge factor in the approval of my application is the fact that I already have a savings account and an existing credit card with BDO.

For the application requirements, you may visit the BDO website to check:

BDO Standard Mastercard

BDO Bench Mastercard

What I like about BDO Credit Cards

BDO Mastercards are widely accepted/known in the Philippines. Also, most credit card terminals in malls are from BDO (especially in SM malls).
BDO credit cards always have promos and installment plans which you can pay in 3, 6, 12, 24, or even 36 months with 0% interest. They are also always partnered with various merchants, like appliance stores, clothing boutiques, electronic shops, etc.
One thing that I really like about BDO credit cards it their "buy now pay later" offer. Once you purchase something, you will be billed at a later time, which is usually on the third billing statement. This feature gives you a chance to settle your previous balances first and then prepare enough cash to pay for the new installment plan.
I also like that it's easier to pay my credit cards through online banking since my savings account is with BDO as well.
You can also use your BDO credit cards to auto charge your utilities, like for example, your electricity, water, and postpaid phone bills.
You also have different options to waive your annual fees with them.

One is through their minimum spend requirement. The bank will give you a spend requirement, depending on the tier of the card. The higher the tier, the higher the minimum spend requirement will be. For 2021, the minimum spend requirement for my Standard Mastercard is 6,000.
The second option is to auto-charge your utilities on your credit card. So the annual fee of my Bench Mastercard was waived because I charged my phone bill in this credit card.

The app is secure and has double factor authentication. When using the credit card to pay for your online purchases, an OTP will be required before you can proceed to checkout. Just a gentle reminder: Never give your OTP to other people!!
Customer service is also great. BDO agents are very helpful and professional. Super secure din yung phone lines nila because before you can proceed with your concern, madaming verifications ang pagdadaanan mo.

What I Don't Like

I've been using my Standard Master Card for over a decade, but I've never redeemed anything from thier rewards program. (Not a heavy user din kasi.)
I find that BDO is "kuripot" when it comes to increasing my credit limit. Imagine: I've had my first credit card with them for over a decade and yet my credit limit is still in the 5-digit mark.
I don't think they offer "No Annual Fee for Life" promos for new credit card holders.