American Express credit card requirements Philippines

American Express credit cards, issued exclusively by BDO Unibank in the Philippines, are known for rewards, travel privileges, and prestige.

Yet before these benefits can be unlocked, applicants must first meet specific requirements.

These requirements serve as the framework that ensures eligibility, financial responsibility, and compliance with local banking standards.

The process may seem detailed, but each step provides clarity. Age, income, nationality, documents, and proof of stability all contribute to a profile that banks can trust.

When understood in full, these requirements transform from obstacles into guidelines that make approval more attainable.

🧑‍💼 General Requirements

The foundation of eligibility begins with basic but essential factors.

Age requirements:

• Principal cardholder: 21 to 60 years old.
• Supplementary cardholder: at least 13 years old.

Nationality and residency:

• Filipino citizens are eligible.
• Foreign residents may also apply, provided they live in areas serviced by a BDO branch.

Employment or business activity:

• Applicants must be regularly employed.
• Self-employed applicants must have an active business operating for at least two years.

Contact details:

• At least one valid phone number is required, whether landline or mobile, postpaid or prepaid.

Each requirement reflects the balance between access and responsibility. Age confirms maturity, nationality ensures presence, and employment confirms stability.

💰 Income Requirements by Card Type

Different cards cater to different income levels. BDO aligns income requirements with the value and privileges of each card.

• Blue from American Express®: ₱15,000 minimum monthly income.
• Amex Cashback Credit Card: ₱33,000 minimum monthly income.
• Amex Explorer™ Credit Card: ₱66,000 minimum monthly income.
• Amex Platinum Credit Card: ₱93,000 minimum monthly income.

This tiered approach ensures that applicants choose cards aligned with their financial capacity. The entry-level Blue card is accessible, while the Platinum Credit Card requires higher income to match its premium benefits.

📑 Required Documents for Application

Documents form the evidence that supports every application. They verify identity, income, and stability.

Identification

For Filipinos:

• One valid government-issued photo ID, presented front and back. Accepted IDs include the Philsys ID, passport, driver’s license, SSS ID, and others.

For foreign residents:

• Employment contract or embassy certification if an official.
• Additional valid documents, such as:
  • Valid work visa.
  • Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR/ICR/ACR-I).
  • Passport with a special visa (e.g., PEZA, EO226).

Proof of Income

For employed applicants:

• Mandatory: Income Tax Return (ITR) stamped by the BIR, or BIR Form 2316 signed by an authorized employer representative.
• Plus one of the following: recent payslip, Certificate of Employment, or credit card billing statement with at least one year of use.

For self-employed applicants:

• Mandatory: ITR stamped by the BIR, audited financial statements for at least two years, and DTI or SEC business registration.
• Optional: Bank statements covering the last three months.

Each document proves the capacity to manage credit. Income proof shows financial flow, while identification secures authenticity.

📊 Checklist by Applicant Profile

The requirements can be summarized in a simple checklist:

• Principal cardholder:
  • Age: 21–60 years.
  • Nationality: Filipino or resident foreigner.
  • Minimum monthly income: ₱15,000 (Blue) to ₱93,000 (Platinum).
  • Government-issued ID.
  • Proof of income (ITR, Form 2316, payslip, certificate).
  • Employment or business history (≥2 years).
  • At least one valid phone number.
• Supplementary cardholder:
  • Age: 13 years or older.
  • Government-issued ID (or school ID for students).
  • No income requirement.

The checklist simplifies the process. Instead of scattered details, it organizes requirements into actionable steps.

📞 Contact and Verification

Applicants may be contacted during the evaluation process. A working phone number—landline or mobile—ensures that BDO can verify employment, residency, or application details quickly.

Missing this requirement can lead to delays, making it as important as income or identification.

🔑 Why Requirements Matter

Requirements are not random barriers. They exist for three main reasons:

1. Eligibility: Ensuring that applicants meet age, income, and residency standards.
2. Security: Protecting both the bank and the applicant through verified documents.
3. Stability: Confirming that applicants have the financial capacity to manage credit responsibly.

Seen in this way, requirements act less like walls and more like gates—filters that allow responsible access to financial privileges.

🎯 Final Insights

Applying for an American Express credit card in the Philippines is structured, transparent, and achievable. With BDO as the exclusive issuer, the requirements are consistent across all products.

Applicants must prepare:

• The right documents.
• Proof of sufficient income.
• Evidence of stable employment or business.

Three principles define the process: preparation, verification, and approval. Preparation ensures documents are complete. Verification guarantees authenticity. Approval follows when everything aligns.

By meeting these requirements, cardholders gain entry into a system that delivers rewards, benefits, and global recognition.

The path may seem detailed, but every detail ensures that only qualified applicants access the privileges of American Express.

❓ FAQ – American Express Credit Card Requirements Philippines

What is the minimum age to apply?
21 years old for principal cardholders, 13 years old for supplementary cardholders.

Do foreigners qualify?
Yes, if they are residents in the Philippines and meet document requirements.

What is the minimum income?
From ₱15,000 (Blue) to ₱93,000 (Platinum), depending on the card.

What documents are needed?
Valid ID, proof of income, and proof of employment or business.

Is a phone number required?
Yes, at least one working landline or mobile number is mandatory.