UnionBank Credit Cards: Top 5 Credit Cards With Easy Approval This Month (And How They Compare to Other Options)
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.
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:
BDO’s credit cards are designed to offer long-term financial benefits and are perfect for:
When choosing a low-interest credit card with cashback benefits, here are the features to pay attention to:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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. |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
