What you need to bring to BDO to open a checking account
BDO requires two forms of identification and proof of address before you can open a checking account. One ID must be government-issued with a photo — a driver's license, passport, or national ID card. The second can be another government ID, a company ID, or a school ID. Proof of address means a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your name and current address, dated within the last three months.
You will also need to bring money to fund the account. BDO's minimum opening deposit varies by account type — some checking accounts require as little as 1,000 pesos, while others ask for 5,000 or more. Bring cash or a check; you can deposit either during the account opening process.
If you are opening an account for a business rather than personal use, bring your business registration documents, tax identification number, and proof that you are authorized to open the account on behalf of the business. A sole proprietor needs different paperwork than a corporation, so call your local BDO branch first to confirm what documents apply to your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government-issued photo ID, a second form of ID, and proof of address dated within three months to any BDO branch.
- Have your opening deposit ready — the minimum ranges from 1,000 to 5,000 pesos depending on the account type you choose.
- The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all documents with you.
- BDO offers checking accounts designed for different needs, such as salary accounts for employees and business accounts for self-employed people.
Steps to complete at the BDO branch
Walk into any BDO branch during business hours and tell the teller or customer service representative that you want to open a checking account. They will direct you to the right desk or give you a queue number. When it is your turn, hand over your identification and proof of address.
The bank officer will ask you to fill out an account opening form. This form collects your full name, date of birth, address, occupation, and contact information. You will also declare your source of income and estimated monthly deposits. Answer these questions honestly — the bank uses this information to comply with anti-money-laundering rules, not to judge you.
Once the form is complete, the officer will show you the account options available and explain the fees, minimum balance requirements, and features of each. Ask about any accounts designed for your situation — BDO has salary accounts for employees, business accounts for entrepreneurs, and student accounts for those still in school. Choose the one that fits your needs.
Sign the account agreement and any other documents the bank presents. The officer will then process your opening deposit and issue you a temporary debit card or arrange for one to be mailed to you. You will receive your account number and initial PIN on the spot or by SMS within a few hours.
How long it takes and what happens next
The account opening itself takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents ready. Your account becomes active immediately, and you can begin using it the same day through BDO's online banking platform or mobile app if you set up your login credentials before you leave the branch.
Your physical debit card may arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days, depending on your location. In the meantime, you can withdraw cash at any BDO ATM using your temporary card or by requesting a withdrawal slip at the teller window. You can also transfer money into your account from another bank or receive direct deposits from your employer.
BDO will send you a welcome package by mail that includes your debit card, PIN mailer, and account terms. Keep this information in a safe place. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact BDO customer service or visit your branch to request a replacement.
Documents to bring: a checklist
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary ID (government-issued, with photo) | Driver's license, passport, national ID, PRC license | Must be valid and not expired |
| Secondary ID | Another government ID, company ID, school ID, credit card | Does not need a photo |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill, lease, bank statement, insurance bill | Must show your name and current address, dated within 3 months |
| Opening Deposit | Cash or check | Amount depends on account type; typically 1,000 to 5,000 pesos |
| For Business Accounts | Business registration, tax ID, authorization letter | Requirements vary by business structure; call ahead |
Choosing the right BDO checking account for your needs
BDO offers several checking account types, each with different features and costs. A salary account is designed for employees who receive regular paychecks and often waives monthly fees if your employer deposits directly into the account. A regular checking account works for anyone and typically charges a monthly maintenance fee unless you maintain a minimum balance.
If you are self-employed or run a small business, a business checking account gives you separate accounting for business and personal money, which simplifies taxes. BDO also offers student accounts with lower fees and minimum balances for those still in school. Ask the bank officer which account type matches your situation — choosing the right one can save you money in fees over time.
Compare the monthly maintenance fee, minimum balance requirement, ATM withdrawal limits, and number of free transfers each account allows. Some accounts charge per transaction if you exceed a certain number of transfers per month, while others offer unlimited transfers. Write down the fees before you decide, so you can choose based on how you plan to use the account.
What to do if you cannot visit a branch in person
BDO offers online account opening for certain account types, though the process varies. Visit the BDO website and look for the online account opening option. You will need to upload photos of your ID and proof of address, and you may need to complete a video verification call with a BDO representative. The timeline for online account opening is longer than in-branch — typically 3 to 5 business days from submission to activation.
If online opening is not available for the account type you want, you can ask a trusted family member or friend to open the account on your behalf if you give them a signed authorization letter and copies of your documents. The person acting on your behalf will still need to bring their own ID and sign the account agreement. This option works best if you are abroad or unable to visit a branch for a short time.
Some BDO branches also offer mobile banking services where a representative can visit your workplace or home to help you open an account, though this service is not available everywhere. Call your nearest BDO branch to ask whether this option is available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a BDO checking account if I do not have a permanent address?
BDO requires proof of address, but it does not have to be a home address. You can use a workplace address, a relative's address, or even a business address if you have a recent utility bill or lease showing that location. The key is that the document must be dated within three months and show your name.
What if my ID is expired?
An expired government-issued ID is usually not accepted as your primary form of identification. Bring a valid ID instead. If your only ID is expired, you can renew it before opening the account, or ask BDO whether they will accept it along with additional documents like a passport or birth certificate.
Do I need a minimum balance to keep my account open?
It depends on the account type. Some BDO checking accounts have no minimum balance requirement, while others ask you to keep 1,000 to 5,000 pesos in the account at all times. If your balance falls below the minimum, BDO charges a monthly fee. Ask the bank officer about the minimum balance for the specific account you choose.
How do I set up online banking after I open my account?
The bank officer will help you register for BDO online banking before you leave the branch. You will create a username and password and receive a one-time PIN by SMS. Download the BDO mobile app or visit the BDO website to log in. You can then transfer money, pay bills, and check your balance from your phone or computer.
What happens if I lose my debit card before it arrives?
Contact BDO customer service or visit your branch immediately to report the lost card. They will cancel it and issue a replacement, which usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can still withdraw cash at the teller window or use your temporary card if you received one.