Thinking about upgrading your BPI credit card? Many first-time cardholders in the Philippines start with a basic card, but as your spending habits grow, you may realize that a higher-tier card offers better rewards, perks, and flexibility.
For example, you might have started with a BPI Blue Mastercard, but now you want cashback on groceries, travel rewards, or a higher credit limit. Upgrading isn’t just about prestige—it’s about matching your card with your lifestyle.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the requirements, process, benefits, and common issues when upgrading your BPI credit card. Whether you’re new to credit cards or exploring your first upgrade, this article will keep things simple and practical.
What Is a Credit Card and Why Upgrade?
A credit card is like a short-term loan that lets you borrow money up to a certain limit and pay later. You use it for convenience, rewards, and emergencies.
Upgrading your card doesn’t mean applying for a brand-new one—it means moving to a higher-tier card with better features.
Why people upgrade:
Higher credit limit for bigger purchases
Better rewards points or cashback
Travel perks like airport lounge access
Exclusive promos and discounts
Requirements for BPI Credit Card Upgrade
Before you can upgrade, you need to meet BPI’s eligibility criteria.
General Requirements
Good credit standing – no late or missed payments
Sufficient card usage – active spending on your existing card
Minimum income requirement – depends on the new card type
At least 1 year of usage (recommended, but some users upgrade earlier if qualified)
Documents You May Need
Valid ID (Government-issued)
Latest Income Documents: Payslip, ITR, or COE
BPI Account Statement (if you have a deposit account)
How to Upgrade Your BPI Credit Card
Upgrading is easier than you think. Here are the common methods:
1. Request Through BPI Online or Mobile App
Log in to your BPI Online Banking or app.
Go to “Credit Cards”.
Select Upgrade / Card Services.
Fill out the form and submit.
2. Call BPI Hotline
Contact BPI’s 24/7 hotline: (02) 889-10000
Ask for a card upgrade request
A representative will guide you through requirements
Even if you’re eligible, you might face some challenges:
Issue
Why It Happens
Solution
Application Denied
Low usage or poor credit history
Use your card more often and pay on time
Missing Documents
Incomplete requirements
Prepare payslip/ITR/ID before applying
Not Enough Income
Target card has higher income requirement
Apply for a mid-tier card first
Processing Delays
Bank verification takes time
Follow up via hotline after 7–10 business days
Pro Tip: Check If You Can Afford the Upgrade
Before upgrading, it’s smart to know how much your annual fees, interest, and costs will be.
👉 Try the Credit Card Cost Calculator to estimate the real cost of maintaining a new credit card. This helps you decide if the upgrade is truly worth it.
TL;DR – Quick Summary
Upgrading your BPI credit card gives you more perks, higher credit limits, and better rewards.
Requirements include good payment history, sufficient income, and sometimes additional documents.
You can upgrade via BPI Online, hotline, or branch visit.
Use the Credit Card Cost Calculator to check if the upgrade fits your budget.
FAQs – Upgrading Your BPI Credit Card
1. How long does it take to upgrade a BPI credit card? Usually 7–10 banking days, depending on document submission.
2. Do I need a new application if I already have a BPI card? No, you just request an upgrade instead of applying from scratch.
3. Will my credit limit automatically increase when I upgrade? Yes, in most cases, but the increase depends on your income and credit history.
4. Do I need to pay a new annual fee immediately after upgrading? No, the new annual fee applies on your next billing cycle.
5. Can I downgrade later if the new card is too expensive? Yes, you can request a downgrade anytime.
