Is It Necessary to Pay Monthly on a BDO Credit Card or Can You Pay It All in Advance?
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Is It Necessary to Pay Monthly on a BDO Credit Card or Can You Pay It All in Advance?
Getting your first credit card can feel exciting — and a little confusing. Many Filipinos, especially first-time cardholders, wonder: “Do I really need to pay every month, or can I just pay everything in one go?”
If you have a BDO credit card, understanding how payments work is crucial. Whether you’re planning to pay in full, settle early, or stick to minimum payments, the way you manage your payments can affect your credit score, interest charges, and even your future loan approvals.
Let’s make this simple and clear — here’s how your BDO credit card payment system really works and how to use it smartly.
Understanding How Credit Card Billing Works
When you use your BDO credit card, every swipe or online purchase adds to your total outstanding balance. At the end of your billing cycle (usually every 30 days), BDO sends you a Statement of Account showing:
Total amount due
Minimum amount due
Payment due date
Previous balance and new transactions
Any interest or fees
You then have three options for payment:
Pay the minimum amount (usually 5% of your balance or ₱500, whichever is higher)
Pay the full balance (to avoid interest)
Pay any amount between minimum and full
So yes — you can choose to pay monthly, but you can also pay everything in advance if you prefer.
Can You Pay All at Once in Advance?
Yes, you absolutely can. If you want to settle your credit card bill before the due date or even before the billing statement arrives, BDO allows it.
Here’s how it works:
Any payment you make early will be credited to your account balance, reducing your outstanding amount.
If you pay your balance in full before the due date, you’ll avoid all finance charges.
Paying in advance also helps you free up your credit limit faster — meaning you can use your card again without waiting for the statement.
Example: Let’s say you spent ₱10,000 on October 10. Your billing date is October 25, and your due date is November 15. If you pay ₱10,000 anytime before November 15, you won’t pay a single centavo in interest.
When Paying Monthly Is Better
Paying the full amount every month is the best way to stay debt-free. But sometimes, paying monthly in portions can be practical — especially for big purchases.
Here’s when monthly payments make sense:
Situation
Why Monthly Payment Helps
You used installment options
BDO spreads the total into fixed monthly payments (e.g., 0% for 3 or 6 months)
You need cash flexibility
Paying only part of your balance leaves more cash for emergencies
You’re building credit history
Regular on-time payments show good financial behavior
Just remember: interest starts adding up if you don’t pay the full amount by the due date.
What Happens If You Only Pay the Minimum?
Paying only the minimum amount due might seem convenient, but it can be risky in the long run.
For example:
Balance
Minimum Due (5%)
Remaining Balance
Interest Next Month (approx. 3%)
₱10,000
₱500
₱9,500
₱285
₱20,000
₱1,000
₱19,000
₱570
You’ll notice that the remaining balance keeps earning interest, so even small debts can take months to clear if you only pay the minimum.
Paying in Advance vs. Paying Monthly — Which Is Better?
Payment Style
Pros
Cons
Pay in Advance (Full Payment)
No interest, free credit limit, improves credit score
Requires bigger upfront cash
Pay Monthly (Minimum/Partial)
Easier on your budget, keeps cash flow flexible
May incur interest, longer repayment period
Tip: If you can afford it, always pay in full or pay early. This not only saves you money but also helps you maintain a high credit score — something banks look at when you apply for higher limits or new loans.
Why Paying Early Can Be a Smart Move
Many first-time credit card users think payments are only due on the due date — but paying early offers several hidden benefits:
No more stress on due dates – You’re always ahead of schedule.
Better credit utilization ratio – BDO reports lower usage to credit bureaus.
Faster credit limit restoration – Your available balance refreshes quickly.
Avoids missed payment fees – Even if you forget the due date, you’re already safe.
In short: Paying early keeps your account healthy, your credit strong, and your mind peaceful.
Using the Credit Card Cost Calculator
If you’re not sure whether to pay in full or monthly, you can easily check the difference using the Credit Card Cost Calculator.
This free tool helps you:
Estimate interest costs if you pay partially
See how much faster you can finish payments by adding extra each month
Understand the true cost of carrying a balance
Try adjusting the payment amount and watch how your total interest changes — it’s an eye-opener, especially for first-time cardholders.
Common Mistakes First-Time Cardholders Make
Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Paying late — Results in ₱850 or more in late fees plus interest.
Paying only the minimum — Keeps you in debt longer.
Maxing out the card — Affects your credit score.
Ignoring your statement — You might miss unnoticed charges.
Using credit for wants, not needs — Leads to unnecessary debt.
By understanding how your BDO credit card works, you can avoid these and make the card truly work for you.
How to Make BDO Credit Card Payments (Quick Guide)
You can pay your BDO credit card anytime through the following:
Method
How to Pay
BDO Online Banking / App
Log in → Pay Bills → Credit Cards → Choose your card
BDO Branches
Over-the-counter payment using your card number
BDO Pay App
Fast QR-based payments for convenience
Auto-Debit Arrangement
Automatically deducts full or minimum payment from your BDO account
Third-Party Payment Centers
Bayad Center, SM Bills Payment, etc. (may take 2–3 days to post)
TL;DR (Quick Summary)
You don’t need to wait for monthly billing — you can pay anytime, even in advance.
Paying in full or early = no interest, better credit score, and peace of mind.
Paying monthly is fine if it’s a 0% installment or part of your budgeting plan.
1. Can I pay my BDO credit card before the billing date? Yes! Early payments are allowed and even encouraged. They’ll reduce your balance and prevent interest from adding up.
2. What happens if I pay more than my current balance? The extra amount stays as a credit balance, which BDO applies automatically to your next transactions.
3. Will I still get points or cashback if I pay early? Yes. Rewards are based on spending, not on when you pay. Paying early won’t affect your rewards.
4. What if I miss my payment due date? BDO will charge a late payment fee and interest on the total balance. Always pay before the due date.
5. How can I avoid interest completely? Simple — pay your total balance on or before the due date every month. No revolving balance, no interest.
Final Tip: Whether you’re new to credit cards or already have one, remember — the key to financial freedom is control. Use your card wisely, pay early when you can, and check your true costs using the Credit Card Cost Calculator.
With discipline, your BDO credit card can be a powerful financial tool — not a burden.
