BDO: The Ultimate Guide to Low-Interest Credit Cards with Cashback for Filipinos

Managing credit card debt wisely is crucial to maintaining financial freedom. If you’re carrying a balance month after month, the high-interest rates charged by most credit cards can significantly increase the cost of your purchases.

Fortunately, BDO (Banco de Oro) offers low-interest credit cards that allow you to take control of your spending while also earning cashback rewards.

In this article, we will guide you through the benefits of choosing a low-interest credit card with cashback rewards from BDO, and how you can optimize these cards to reduce your financial burden and maximize savings.

Why Low-Interest Cards with Cashback from BDO Make Sense in the Philippines

Credit card debt can quickly spiral if not managed properly. The Philippine market is filled with cards that offer rewards or cashback, but the trick is choosing one that also helps you manage debt by offering low-interest rates.

Here’s why BDO’s low-interest credit cards with cashback stand out:

• Lower monthly interest payments: With lower APRs, you’ll pay less in interest and have more money to pay off your principal balance.
• Cashback rewards: Earn cash back on everyday purchases like groceries, utilities, and dining. This can be used to offset some of the interest costs or build savings.
• Global acceptance: BDO cards are accepted worldwide and offer convenience for both local and international spending.
• No hidden fees: Transparency is key, and BDO keeps fees to a minimum, ensuring that your spending doesn’t get weighed down by unexpected charges.

BDO’s credit cards are designed to offer long-term financial benefits and are perfect for:

• Those looking to reduce their monthly debt payments while earning cashback.
• Frequent travelers and international shoppers who prefer low foreign transaction fees.
• Cardholders consolidating debt and seeking a simpler, more manageable payment plan.

Key Features to Look For in BDO Credit Cards with Cashback and Low Interest

When choosing a low-interest credit card with cashback benefits, here are the features to pay attention to:

1. APR (Annual Percentage Rate)

APR is the most important factor for those who tend to carry a balance. A low APR means you’ll pay less in interest. BDO offers competitive APRs, with some cards offering rates as low as 12% to 15%. This is ideal if you typically carry a balance, as every percentage point difference can significantly reduce your overall interest payments.

• APR below 10%: Best for consistent balance carry.
• 10–15% APR: Competitive and strong value for most users.
• Above 15% APR: High-cost for long-term balance carry.

2. Interest-Free Days

To reduce interest costs, it’s important to take advantage of interest-free days. With BDO, if you pay your full statement balance on time, you can enjoy up to 55 interest-free days on new purchases.

Here’s how to maximize these days:

• Time your big purchases after your statement date.
• Pay your balance in full by the due date to enjoy the full grace period.

3. Annual Fees

Some credit cards come with high annual fees, but BDO aims to offer affordable cards. The annual fees for BDO’s cashback cards are relatively low, ranging from ₱1,500 to ₱2,500, and in some cases, the fee can be waived if you meet certain conditions. Always check how the interest savings will offset the cost of the annual fee.

4. Foreign Transaction Fees (FX Fees)

Foreign transaction fees can add up quickly, especially if you travel or shop internationally. BDO’s USD-linked credit cards have low or no FX fees, making them ideal for overseas purchases. This saves you from the typical 2%–3% fee that most cards charge for foreign transactions.

How We Rate BDO’s Low-Interest Credit Cards

We evaluate BDO’s low-interest credit cards based on their APR, cashback rewards, and overall cost-effectiveness:

Factor	Weight	Why It Matters
APR	60%	The primary factor when carrying a balance.
Interest-Free Days	15%	Maximizes interest savings on new purchases.
Annual Fees	10%	Impact on long-term cost savings.
Foreign Fees	15%	Helps reduce costs for international spending.

How to Choose the Right BDO Credit Card for Your Spending

If You Carry a Balance

Look for a card with a low APR and interest-free days to manage your balance effectively. Set up auto-pay for at least the statement balance to prevent interest charges and keep your credit score healthy.

If You Shop or Travel Abroad

BDO offers USD-linked cards that are perfect for international purchases. Pair your low-interest card with a no-FX-fee card to make your international spending more cost-effective.

If You’re Making Large Purchases

Consider a card that offers 0% introductory APR for a period, which will allow you to pay off large purchases over time without interest charges. Always make sure to pay off the balance before the revert APR kicks in.

Tips to Keep Your Credit Card Costs Low

• Avoid cash advances: They often incur high-interest rates and additional fees.
• Pay on time: Missing a payment will end your grace period, and interest will begin accumulating.
• Keep credit utilization under 30%: This helps maintain a healthy credit score.
• Use alerts and auto-pay: Set notifications for payment due dates to avoid missing payments.
• Monitor foreign transaction fees: If you travel often, a no-FX-fee card from BDO can save you money.

Example of Savings with BDO’s Low-Interest Credit Cards

Let’s say you carry a balance of ₱85,000 (about $1,700 USD) for 12 months. Here’s how different APRs can impact your savings:

Card Type	APR	Estimated Annual Interest	Savings (vs. 19.99%)
Typical Credit Card	19.99%	₱11,500	—
BDO Low-Interest Card	12.99%	₱7,400	₱4,100 saved
BDO Cashback Card	10.99%	₱6,600	₱4,900 saved

Switching from a 19.99% APR card to a 12.99% APR card could save ₱4,100 annually, and ₱4,900 with BDO’s low-interest card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What makes BDO’s credit cards different?
BDO’s low-interest credit cards come with cashback rewards, low annual fees, and minimal foreign transaction fees, making them great for local and international spending.

Q2: Are there credit cards with no foreign transaction fees in the Philippines?
Yes. BDO offers USD-linked cards with no FX fees, making them ideal for international purchases.

Q3: How can I make the most out of BDO’s credit card?
Maximize your interest-free days by paying the statement balance on time. Use your cashback rewards to offset the cost of purchases or save on interest.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best low-interest credit card with cashback from BDO gives you the power to manage debt more effectively and earn rewards on your purchases.

Whether you’re shopping locally or internationally, BDO’s credit cards offer low rates, flexible repayment terms, and great cashback options, all while keeping fees to a minimum.

By focusing on low APRs and earning cashback on everyday purchases, you can reduce your financial burden and make smarter spending decisions.