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BPI Credit Card Cash Advance: How It Works and Fees Explained

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BPI Credit Card Cash Advance: How It Works and Fees Explained

Imagine this: you’re in an emergency, and you suddenly need cash. You check your wallet—kulang ang pera. But you do have a BPI credit card. Did you know that aside from using it for shopping and bills, you can also withdraw actual cash from it? This feature is called a cash advance.

For first-time credit card users, it’s important to understand how a cash advance works, when to use it, and how much it actually costs. In this guide, we’ll break down BPI credit card cash advance, its fees, interest rates, and process—all in simple Filipino-English para mas madaling maintindihan.

What Is a Credit Card Cash Advance?

A cash advance lets you withdraw money from your credit card, just like using an ATM.

  • Example: If your credit card has a ₱50,000 credit limit, you may withdraw up to a portion of that (usually 30–50%) as cash.
  • Instead of paying with your card in stores, you get actual cash on hand.

Difference Between Purchases and Cash Advance

  • Regular purchases: You can enjoy up to 40–50 days of “grace period” before interest starts.
  • Cash advance: Interest is charged immediately from the day of withdrawal.

This is why cash advance should be treated as an emergency option, not a regular borrowing method.

How BPI Credit Card Cash Advance Works

Step 1: Find an ATM

Use any BPI ATM or BancNet ATM that accepts cash advances.

Step 2: Insert Your Credit Card

Enter your card and PIN (same as your cash advance PIN, not your purchase PIN).

Step 3: Choose “Cash Advance”

Select the cash advance option from the ATM menu.

Step 4: Withdraw Money

Input the amount you want to withdraw. Make sure it’s within your cash advance limit.

Step 5: Get Cash + Receipt

The machine will dispense the money and give you a transaction slip.

💡 Tip: If you don’t have a PIN yet, you need to request one from BPI before using the cash advance service.

Fees and Charges for BPI Cash Advance

Here’s where most first-time users get surprised—cash advances are not free.

1. Cash Advance Fee

  • ₱500 or 3% of the amount withdrawn (whichever is higher).

Example:

  • If you withdraw ₱5,000 → Fee is ₱500.
  • If you withdraw ₱30,000 → Fee is ₱900 (3%).

2. Finance Charge (Interest Rate)

  • Around 3%–3.5% per month, charged immediately from the transaction date until fully paid.

3. ATM Fee (if using non-BPI ATM)

  • Additional ₱10–₱20 per transaction.

Example of How Much It Costs

Let’s say you withdraw ₱10,000 using BPI Cash Advance.

  • Cash advance fee: ₱500 (flat)
  • Interest (3.5% monthly): ~₱350 for one month
  • Total cost after 30 days: ₱10,850

That means the ₱10,000 emergency cash already cost you ₱850 extra after just one month.

If you don’t pay it right away, the interest will keep growing.

👉 Use this Credit Card Cost Calculator to compute how much a cash advance will really cost if you only pay the minimum. It’s a helpful tool to avoid surprises.

Pros and Cons of BPI Cash Advance

âś… Benefits

  • Instant access to cash in emergencies
  • Can withdraw from thousands of ATMs nationwide
  • No need for additional documents or loan approval
  • Useful when cash-only expenses arise (e.g., palengke, emergency hospital bills)

❌ Downsides

  • High fees and interest compared to regular purchases
  • No grace period—interest starts right away
  • Limited withdrawal amount (not your full credit limit)
  • Can lead to debt trap if not repaid quickly

When to Use Cash Advance (and When to Avoid It)

Best Times to Use Cash Advance

  • Medical emergencies (immediate hospital bills)
  • Urgent family needs (tuition, emergency repairs)
  • When no other borrowing option is available

When to Avoid Cash Advance

  • For shopping or travel (better to swipe than withdraw)
  • For non-urgent expenses (delikado kasi mataas ang interest)
  • If you don’t have a repayment plan

Think of cash advance as your emergency exit door—only to be used when absolutely necessary.

Alternatives to Cash Advance

Instead of relying on cash advance, consider:

  1. Using BPI Installment Programs – convert purchases into 0% installment plans.
  2. BPI Personal Loan – lower interest compared to cash advance.
  3. Emergency Savings – mas safe and no fees.

How to Manage and Repay Cash Advance Properly

  1. Pay Immediately – don’t wait for the next billing cycle. Every day adds more interest.
  2. Pay More Than the Minimum – para mas mabilis matapos ang utang.
  3. Track Your Debt – use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to see how much interest grows.
  4. Avoid Multiple Withdrawals – each transaction has its own ₱500 fee.

TL;DR (Quick Summary)

  • A BPI credit card cash advance lets you withdraw cash from your card limit.
  • Fees: ₱500 or 3% fee + 3.5% monthly interest, charged immediately.
  • Best for emergencies only.
  • Always repay quickly to avoid ballooning interest.
  • Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to understand the real cost.

FAQs

1. How much can I withdraw with BPI cash advance?
Usually up to 30–50% of your credit limit, depending on your card.

2. Do I need a separate PIN for cash advance?
Yes, you must request a cash advance PIN from BPI before using an ATM.

3. Can I use international ATMs for BPI cash advance?
Yes, but extra fees and higher conversion rates may apply.

4. Does cash advance affect my credit score?
Yes. Late or missed payments will negatively impact your credit history.

5. Is it better to use cash advance or personal loan?
A personal loan is cheaper (lower interest rates). Use cash advance only for immediate emergencies.

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