Manila, Philippines, 12 January 2023 – BDO Unibank, Inc. and American Express have launched the American Express® Explorer™ Credit Card (“the Explorer Card”) in the Philippines for the aspiring and frequent travelers eager to explore the world again. Cardmembers earn American Express’ Membership Rewards® points, which never expire, and can be redeemed for air miles with a wide range of airlines including award-winning ones and for hotel loyalty points with thousands of hotel properties[1] – giving them greater flexibility and choice, and allowing them to travel for less.
Every P40 spent entitles Cardmembers to earn one Membership Rewards® point. Each point can then be redeemed for one air mile at six frequent flyer partners: Mabuhay Miles, KrisFlyer, Cathay Membership, Royal Orchid Plus, Enrich, and Delta SkyMiles. The points can also be converted into hotel loyalty points from Marriot Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, which both have thousands of properties worldwide including in the Philippines. In addition, the Explorer Card has one of the best rewards rates in the country and no conversion fee.
“We have seen substantial growth in travel-related spending among our American Express Cardmembers. In 2022, airline ticket purchase alone has increased exponentially versus the previous year,” says Rolando C. Tanchanco, BDO Senior Executive Vice President and Consumer Banking Group Head. “With the return of consumer confidence in travel, the American Express Explorer Credit Card is a timely addition to our extensive line-up of credit card products with our partner American Express.”
“After three years of the pandemic and with borders reopening, travel is back. Our American Express Explorer Credit Card launched in partnership with BDO, gives our Cardmembers in the Philippines, whether they are travelling solo, with family or with friends, the ability to earn rewards and travel for less, while doing what they are passionate about.’’ said Mr. Sanjiv Malhotra, Vice President and General Manager, Global Network Services, SouthEast Asia and South Pacific, American Express.
The Explorer Card was first introduced by American Express in Australia in 2016 and Hong Kong in 2021. Now, American Express with BDO are bringing the Explorer Card to the Philippines—a first in Southeast Asia. The new card forms part of the extensive range of BDO-issued American Express Cards.
Cardmembers can redeem their Membership Rewards points from a wide choice of local and international airlines and hotel loyalty programs.
Frequent Flyer Partners
- Mabuhay Miles (Philippine Airlines)
- KrisFlyer (Singapore Airlines)
- Cathay Membership (Cathay Pacific Airlines)
- Royal Orchid Plus (Thai Airways)
- Enrich (Malaysia Airlines)
- Delta SkyMiles (Delta Airlines)
Hotel Partners
- Marriot Bonvoy
- Hilton Honors
Other benefits include:
- Up to P10M Travel Accident and Inconvenience Coverage
- 2,000 Bonus Membership Rewards points upon reaching P600,000 spend per year
- Year-round deals, rebate or cashback, and instant savings from BDO partner merchants
- Complimentary Annual Fee for the 1st year (Principal and Supplementary)
- Waived Annual Fee upon reaching P450,000 spend per year
For more details or to apply for the American Express® Explorer™ Credit Card, visit www.americanexpress.com.ph or go to any BDO branch near you.
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ABOUT BDO UNIBANK, INC.
BDO is a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate and retail services such as traditional loan and deposit products, treasury, trust banking, investment banking, private banking, rural banking, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, cash cards, credit cards, and online and non-online brokerage services.
BDO has the country’s largest distribution network, with over 1,600 consolidated operating branches and more than 4,500 ATMs nationwide. It also has 16 international offices (including full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore) in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
The Bank also offers digital banking solutions to make banking easier, faster, and more secure for its clients.
In the credit card industry, BDO issues the most brands in the country, including corporate and co-branded cards.
The bank likewise dominates the merchant acquiring business in the Philippines with BDO Point-of-Sale terminals being the only ones capable of accepting seven (7) credit card brands and all locally-issued ATM/Debit cards. Services offered to merchants include Online/Digital Solutions and other payment wallets to provide convenience and alternative payment channel options.
BDO is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas with contact number (+632) 8708-7087 and with email address consumeraffairs@bsp.gov.ph, and webchat at www.bsp.gov.ph. Deposits are insured by PDIC up to P500,000 per depositor
For concerns, please visit any BDO branch nearest you, or contact us thru our 24/7 hotline (+632) 8631-8000 or email us via callcenter@bdo.com.ph.
Contact:
BDO Unibank Inc.
Liza M. Montajes
Consumer Banking Group – Marketing Services & Operations
Tel: (02) 8688-1288
Email: montajes.liza@bdo.com.ph
ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS
American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, instagram.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.
Contact:
American Express
Michele Batchelor
Director, Corporate Affairs and Communications, Southeast Asia
Tel: +65 6864 9050
Email: michele.s.batchelor@aexp.com
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[1] Terms and conditions apply – see www.americanexpress.com/ph/incentivo