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.
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.
