Which banks issue American Express credit cards in the Philippines

In the Philippines, American Express has a distinct presence. Unlike Visa or Mastercard, which partner with multiple financial institutions, the American Express brand follows a model of exclusivity.

For cardholders and applicants, this exclusivity means clarity: only one bank is responsible for issuing AmEx credit cards in the country.

That bank is BDO Unibank, Inc., also known as Banco de Oro. Through an exclusive partnership with American Express, BDO has become the single gateway for all AmEx products in the Philippines.

🌐 The Exclusive Issuer: BDO Unibank

BDO is not just one of the largest banks in the country—it is the sole issuer of American Express credit cards in the Philippines.

This partnership has been in place since December 2007, when BDO took over the American Express card business from American Express International, Inc. (AEII) and American Express Savings Bank, Inc.

From that moment, every American Express card in the Philippines—whether entry-level, mid-tier, or premium—has carried the combined branding of AmEx and BDO.

The relationship is highlighted in official AmEx FAQs, where the company states:

“American Express has partnered with BDO to issue American Express Cards in the Philippines.”

📜 Historical Background

The transition in 2007 was more than a business deal. It represented a shift in how American Express would operate in the Philippine market. By handing issuance rights to BDO, AmEx ensured that its global standards of service and benefits could be localized effectively.

BDO inherited not only the existing card portfolio but also the responsibility to expand it. Since then, the bank has introduced new AmEx products, adapted global features for Filipino customers, and built an infrastructure that supports both personal and corporate clients.

This history matters because it explains why American Express in the Philippines looks different from other brands. Instead of multiple issuers with different standards, one institution manages the entire ecosystem.

💳 Range of Cards Issued by BDO

BDO issues the full spectrum of American Express credit cards available in the country. Each caters to a different type of user:

• Blue from American Express® – accessible entry-level option.
• American Express® Cashback Credit Card – focused on automatic cashback rewards.
• American Express® Explorer™ Credit Card – designed for travelers with bonus points and insurance.
• American Express® Platinum Credit Card – premium benefits, concierge services, and lounge access.
• American Express® Gold Card – flexibility, insurance, and discounts.
• The Platinum Card® – charge card with global recognition and elite privileges.
• BDO American Express Virtual Card – secure online purchases linked to a main account.

This variety demonstrates BDO’s role not only as issuer but also as developer of products tailored to local needs while aligned with global standards.

🏦 Why Exclusivity Matters

Exclusivity brings both advantages and challenges. On one hand, having a single issuer ensures consistency.

Benefits, rewards, and requirements are centralized, making the process easier to understand. For example:

• Applicants know they must meet BDO’s credit standards.
• Cardholders receive service through BDO’s contact centers.
• Rewards programs are unified under BDO’s systems.

On the other hand, exclusivity means fewer options when it comes to choosing issuers. Unlike Visa or Mastercard, where customers can compare across banks, American Express applicants in the Philippines must work within the framework set by BDO.

Still, the consistency and control that come with exclusivity are part of what makes American Express attractive. It is a brand built on reliability, and this partnership reinforces that promise.

🔑 Confirmation from Multiple Sources

Several sources reinforce BDO’s role as the sole issuer of AmEx cards in the Philippines:

• American Express FAQs – confirm the exclusive partnership with BDO.
• BDO’s official site – lists all American Express products available locally.
• News reports (Reuters, 2007) – detail the transfer of the AmEx business to BDO.
• Community insights – cardholders and expats confirm that only BDO issues AmEx in the country.

When repetition occurs across official, media, and user sources, clarity emerges. The answer remains consistent: BDO is the exclusive issuer.

📊 Summary of Issuer Information

To make it simple, the issuer structure can be summarized as:

• Sole Bank Issuer: BDO Unibank (Banco de Oro)
• Year of Partnership: 2007 (exclusive rights began)
• Products Offered: Blue, Cashback, Explorer, Platinum Credit, Gold, The Platinum Card, Virtual Card
• Scope: Personal cards, corporate cards, and virtual cards
• Support: Centralized through BDO hotlines and customer service

One bank, one partnership, one system.

🎯 Final Insights

In the Philippines, there is no confusion about which bank issues American Express credit cards. The answer is BDO, and it has been that way since 2007. The partnership ensures that American Express maintains its global reputation while adapting to the local market.

Three key points define this relationship: exclusivity, consistency, and trust. Exclusivity ensures clarity about the issuer.

Consistency guarantees standardized benefits across products. Trust comes from knowing that one of the country’s largest banks supports one of the world’s most respected brands.

For applicants, this means the path is straightforward. For cardholders, it means benefits are consistent. And for the market, it means American Express maintains its place as a symbol of prestige, reliability, and recognition.

❓ FAQ – Which Banks Issue American Express Credit Cards in the Philippines

Which bank issues AmEx cards in the Philippines?
BDO Unibank (Banco de Oro) is the sole issuer.

Since when has BDO been the issuer?
Since December 2007, after taking over AmEx operations in the Philippines.

Are there other banks that issue AmEx locally?
No, BDO is the only bank with exclusive rights.

Which AmEx cards are available through BDO?
Blue, Cashback, Explorer, Platinum, Gold, The Platinum Card, and Virtual Card.

Does BDO also issue corporate AmEx cards?
Yes, BDO handles both personal and corporate AmEx products.