Best BPI Credit Cards for Cashback vs. Rewards Points

When it comes to choosing your first credit card, one of the most common questions is: Should I go for cashback or rewards points?

Both options have their pros and cons. Cashback cards give you instant savings, while rewards cards let you earn points that you can convert to shopping, dining, or even travel perks. For first-time users in the Philippines, especially with BPI’s wide range of cards, understanding the difference can help you make a smarter financial decision.

What Is a Credit Card and Why Does It Matter?

A credit card is a payment tool that allows you to borrow money from the bank to pay for purchases. Instead of spending cash right away, you settle your balance monthly.

Here’s why it matters:

You build your credit history.
You gain access to installment plans and exclusive promos.
You can enjoy extra perks like rebates, rewards, or even travel benefits.

But the type of card you choose (cashback vs. rewards) will affect how much value you actually get.

BPI Credit Cards Overview

BPI offers different credit cards to fit your lifestyle. The two most popular categories are:

Cashback Cards – ideal if you want straightforward savings.
Rewards Cards – best if you enjoy shopping, dining, or travel perks.

Cashback vs. Rewards: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Cashback Credit Cards	Rewards Credit Cards
How You Earn	Percentage of spending returned as cash	Points earned per peso spent
Value	Instant savings	Can be redeemed for shopping, dining, travel
Best For	Everyday expenses, bills, groceries	Frequent spenders, lifestyle perks
Simplicity	Very easy to understand	Requires tracking of points
Example BPI Card	BPI Amore Cashback Card	BPI Rewards Card, BPI Edge

Best BPI Cashback Credit Cards

1. BPI Amore Cashback Card

4% cashback on supermarket and dining spend.
1% cashback on other local spend.
Annual fee: ₱2,000 (waived on 1st year).
Best for: Families and young professionals who spend often on groceries and dining.

👉 Why choose this? If your monthly gastos is mostly on food and groceries, this card gives you instant savings without tracking points.

Best BPI Rewards Points Credit Cards

1. BPI Edge Card

Earn 1 reward point for every ₱50 spend.
Low income requirement: ₱15,000/month.
Annual fee: ₱1,320 (waived on 1st year).
Best for: First-time users who want to start building credit history.

2. BPI Blue Mastercard (Classic Rewards Card)

Earn points for every ₱35 spend.
Redeem points for shopping vouchers, dining, and even airline miles.
Annual fee: ₱1,550 (waived on 1st year).
Best for: Frequent spenders who want flexibility in redeeming rewards.

👉 Why choose this? If you like to maximize perks, rewards cards let you save points for bigger redemptions like travel or shopping sprees.

Side-by-Side Comparison of BPI Cashback vs. Rewards Cards

Category	Cashback (BPI Amore Cashback)	Rewards (BPI Edge / BPI Blue)
Earning Style	Instant rebate (cash savings)	Points you can redeem later
Best Use Case	Everyday essentials (groceries, dining)	Shopping, lifestyle, travel
Simplicity	Simple, no tracking needed	Requires monitoring points
Annual Fee	Slightly higher	Lower for entry-level cards
Who Should Get It?	Budget-conscious, practical savers	Lifestyle-oriented, frequent spenders

How to Apply for a BPI Credit Card

Applying is easy and can be done online or at a BPI branch.

Basic Requirements

At least 21 years old.
Filipino resident with stable income.
Employed or self-employed with minimum monthly income depending on card type.

Documents Needed

Valid government-issued ID.
Proof of income (payslip, Certificate of Employment, or ITR).
Proof of billing address.

💡 Before applying, try the Credit Card Cost Calculator. It helps you estimate your monthly payments so you can manage your card responsibly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid as a First-Time Cardholder

Overspending just to earn rewards.
Forgetting to pay on time (leads to high interest).
Ignoring annual fees and hidden charges.
Choosing a card that doesn’t match your spending habits.

FAQs – BPI Cashback vs. Rewards

1. Which is better for beginners, cashback or rewards?

If you want simplicity, go for cashback. If you like perks, choose rewards.

2. Can I have both cashback and rewards cards?

Yes, many cardholders own both to maximize benefits.

3. Do rewards points expire?

Yes, usually after 3 years, so redeem them before expiry.

4. Can cashback be converted to points or vice versa?

No, they are separate systems.

5. What happens if I don’t pay my full balance monthly?

You’ll be charged interest, which can cancel out the value of your cashback or rewards.

TL;DR – Quick Summary

Cashback = instant savings (best for groceries, dining, bills).
Rewards = flexible perks (best for shopping, lifestyle, and travel).
BPI Amore Cashback Card is perfect for practical savers.
BPI Edge / Blue Mastercard is great for beginners and lifestyle users.
Always match the card to your spending habits for maximum value.

✅ Whether you choose cashback or rewards, remember: the best card is the one that fits your lifestyle. Start small, spend wisely, and use tools like the Credit Card Cost Calculator to stay in control of your finances.

Best BPI Credit Cards for Cashback vs. Rewards Points