For as long as I can remember, I’ve always practiced delayed gratification. Whether its buying a new handbag or eating a decadent dessert, I have this thing where I need to feel like I’ve earned it before taking the plunge. This is something my husband cannot seem to understand. He is always telling me, “if you want to do it, do it–why hold back?” He does make sense if you think about it, but there is just such a sense of fulfilment knowing you’ve earned something for being good.

Its a bit much, but I’ve learned to apply this system to most aspects in my life. Things like shopping, eating and travelling are huge rewards for me when I feel that I’ve been good. Of course, the word good is subjective, in my case its doing healthy things like, holding off on junk food and exercising more often. This helps keep me motivated, and in a way makes me appreciate my “reward” all the more (really, that cupcake tastes 10x better after working my butt off in yoga class the whole week).

Naturally, I appreciate brands and companies that practice the same ideology as I do. I mean, who doesn’t want to be rewarded for being a good customer or patron?  One such company is BDO. Its Rewards Card program is impressive, because it rewards its users for things they already do like doing bank transactions, making purchases and simply maintaining a minimum balance. I mean, these are pretty basic in terms of banking, and things we already do at other banks but don’t get rewarded for. In a lot of ways, BDO is a step ahead of the rest as it rewards its user for simply being good.

This is what I learned: for doing bank transactions like deposits, loans, online bill payments, debit card payment transactions, and making purchases (from SM / SM partner stores and retailers), you can earn points that allow you to shop for free at SM. Plus, BDO offers a multi-level program, which means the more points you earn, the higher the level you will be in! It starts off with the Emerald Rewards Card, which goes from 1 to 2,999 points; Sapphire, 3,000 to 5,999 points; and Diamond, which is from 6,000 points and above. So the more you participate in BDO Rewards, the faster you can qualify for a higher level and enjoy more perks and privileges.

Now, instead of shopping being my reward, it can also be my good deed as I can rack up points to be able to purchase more things! Also, spending a little more wont make me feel as guilty, as I know my purchases will eventually become points that I can use in the future. I think its a win-win situation!

No more feeling guilty about shopping! As I can now consider it as both a reward and a “good” deed.

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Scroll down to read more about BDO’s Rewards Program. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What are the requirements to join the program?

* BDO Credit Card (as principal cardholder and upon request)

* Auto or Home Loan linked to the qualified Savings or Checking Account (no required minimum balance)

* Trust Placement linked to a qualified Savings or Checking Account (no required minimum balance)

How will a member be assigned to a specific level when he qualifies to the program and how will he get upgraded?

At the start of membership, all members will be assigned to a tier determined by their total relationship with BDO (for example, savings, loans, and investments.

Will redeeming points affect the earning of points required to maintain or be upgraded to the next level?

No, redeeming of points will not affect the earning of points to reach the next level. Neither will it result to any downgrading of tier level.

Will BDO Rewards Card expire?

The Sapphire and Diamond cards expire after two (2) years–the expiry date is printed on the card. This provides for efficient management of program tier upgrading and downgrading and avoids abuse or misuse of perks and privileges.

The Emerald card does not have an expiry date and members may continue to use the card until he is upgraded to the next membership level.

Can both clients of a Joint Account get a card?

No, only the Primary Account holder will be issued a BDO Rewards Card.

Will all my savings accounts earn points?

Yes, as long as they are individual savings / checking accounts under your name.

What if the other client (the one that was not given a card in the joint account) has another BDO account, can he join the program?

Yes, provided that the client meets the membership requirements.

Is the BDO Rewards Card a credit card?

No. The BDO Rewards Card works like a cash card which stores the free shopping points earned by a BDO Rewards member from his/her qualified BDO products and transactions. Similar to SM Advantage , members can also earn points for their purchases at SM Department Store, SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, SM retail establishment and other BDO Rewards partners.

What is the value of a point? 

1 point is equal to P1.00.

Where can members redeem points?

Members may redeem their points to pay for purchases at any SM Department Store, SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarts, SM Appliances, SM Cinema, IMAX Theaters and SM retail establishments.

Is there a minimum amount required to redeem at SM?

Yes, members must redeem at least P20.00 per transaction.

What if a member lives in an area without an SM mall or any SM retail partner? Is there a redemption fee?

Individuals who are residing in areas where there are no SM Malls may have their points credited to their preferred personal current or savings account (CASA) maintained in their branch or account. A minimum of fifty (50) points or P50.00 may be redeemed.