The fastest way depends on where you're sending from
If you're sending money to a BDO Kabayan savings account from within the Philippines, you can transfer through BDO's online banking, mobile app, or ATM if you have a BDO account yourself. If you're sending from outside the Philippines—which is the most common reason people use Kabayan accounts—you'll go through an international money transfer service, a remittance center, or a bank-to-bank wire. The method you choose affects how long the money takes to arrive and what fees you'll pay.
BDO Kabayan accounts are designed specifically for overseas Filipinos, so the bank has built pathways for money to flow in from abroad. But those pathways vary depending on whether you're transferring from a bank account, a remittance service, or cash.
Key Takeaways
- Transfers from a foreign bank account to a BDO Kabayan account usually take 2 to 5 business days and require the account holder's full name, account number, and BDO's SWIFT code (BDOPHPH).
- International remittance services like Western Union, MoneyGram, and OFW-focused platforms often deliver money within 24 hours but charge higher fees than bank wires.
- BDO's own international transfer service, BDO Remit, lets you send money online if you have a BDO account in your home country, with rates that vary by destination.
- The account holder's name on the Kabayan account must match the name on the sending account or the transfer may be rejected or delayed.
- Always confirm the account number and routing details before sending; once money leaves your account, recovery is difficult if the details were wrong.
Transferring from a foreign bank account
If you have a bank account outside the Philippines, you can wire money directly to the BDO Kabayan account. You'll need to provide your bank with the recipient's full name, BDO account number, and BDO's SWIFT code, which is BDOPHPH. Some banks also ask for a branch code; BDO's main branch code for international transfers is 000, but confirm this with your sending bank because requirements vary.
The transfer typically takes 2 to 5 business days, depending on your bank's processing speed and any intermediate banks involved. Your bank will charge a wire fee—this ranges widely, from $15 to $50 or more depending on the institution. BDO may also charge a receiving fee on the Philippine end, usually between 100 and 300 Philippine pesos, which is deducted from the amount that arrives.
Before you send, ask your bank whether they charge a flat fee or a percentage of the amount transferred. Also confirm that they can send to the Philippines; some smaller banks or credit unions have restrictions on certain countries. Get a confirmation number from your bank and keep it—you'll need it if the money doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe.
Using international remittance services
Services like Western Union, MoneyGram, and OFW-focused platforms such as Remitly, Wise, and Palawan Express offer faster delivery than bank wires, often within 24 hours. You can send money online, over the phone, or in person at a physical location. The recipient picks up the money at a BDO branch or a partner outlet, or it can be deposited directly into the Kabayan account if you provide the account details.
These services charge a fee based on the amount you're sending—typically 2% to 5% of the transfer amount, though some offer lower rates for larger transfers or regular customers. The exchange rate they offer may also be less favorable than what you'd get at a bank. Compare rates across services before you send; the difference can be significant on larger amounts.
To send through a remittance service, you'll need the recipient's full name and either their phone number (for cash pickup) or their BDO Kabayan account number (for direct deposit). Direct deposit is usually faster and more secure than cash pickup because the money goes straight into the account rather than sitting at a counter.
Sending through BDO Remit if you have a BDO account abroad
If you have a BDO account in your home country—BDO has branches in the United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and other locations—you can use BDO Remit to send money online. Log into your BDO account, select the remittance option, and enter the recipient's Kabayan account details. The money usually arrives within 1 to 3 business days.
BDO Remit rates and fees vary by country and amount, so check your local BDO branch's website or call them for current pricing. Because you're staying within the BDO system, there are fewer intermediate steps, which can mean lower fees and faster processing than using an outside remittance service.
What information you need to provide
Regardless of which method you use, have this information ready before you start the transfer:
- Recipient's full name (exactly as it appears on the Kabayan account)
- BDO Kabayan account number
- BDO SWIFT code: BDOPHPH
- BDO branch code (usually 000 for international transfers, but confirm with your sending bank)
- Recipient's contact number (for some remittance services)
The name mismatch is the most common reason transfers get delayed or rejected. If the sender's name doesn't match the account holder's name exactly, the receiving bank may put the transfer on hold for verification. This can add days to the process. If you're sending on behalf of someone else, some services require a power of attorney or authorization letter.
What happens if the transfer goes wrong
If money doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the sending institution first—they can track the transfer using the confirmation number. If the transfer was sent to the wrong account number, recovery is difficult; the money may sit in a suspense account at BDO, and you'll need to file a formal claim with both your bank and BDO to retrieve it.
If the account holder's name doesn't match the sender's name, BDO may reject the transfer and send it back. This process can take 5 to 10 business days. To avoid this, always confirm the exact spelling of the recipient's name and make sure it matches their government-issued ID.
If you suspect fraud or an unauthorized transfer, report it to your bank immediately. Most banks have a window of 30 to 60 days to investigate and reverse a transfer, but the sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovery.
Comparing cost and speed across methods
| Method | Speed | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank wire | 2–5 business days | $15–$50 wire fee + 100–300 PHP receiving fee | Large amounts; lower percentage cost |
| Remittance service (online) | 1–24 hours | 2–5% of amount sent | Speed; smaller amounts; convenience |
| Remittance service (in-person) | 1–24 hours | 2–5% of amount sent | No online banking needed; cash pickup option |
| BDO Remit (if you have BDO account abroad) | 1–3 business days | Varies by country; typically lower than third-party services | Existing BDO customers; competitive rates |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to a Kabayan account if I don't have a bank account?
Yes. You can use a remittance service like Western Union or MoneyGram and send cash in person at a physical location. The money can be picked up by the account holder at a BDO branch or deposited directly into their Kabayan account if you provide the account number.
What's the difference between a BDO Kabayan account and a regular BDO savings account?
Kabayan accounts are designed for overseas Filipinos and have lower minimum balances and fees. They also come with easier access to international transfers and remittance services. A regular BDO account is for residents of the Philippines.
How do I know if the money arrived?
The account holder can check their BDO Kabayan account online, through the BDO mobile app, or by calling BDO customer service. You should also receive a confirmation number from your sending bank or remittance service; keep this in case you need to trace the transfer.
What if I sent money to the wrong account number?
Contact your sending bank or remittance service immediately with your confirmation number. If the account number doesn't exist or belongs to someone else, the transfer may be rejected and returned to you, but this can take 5 to 10 business days. If the account exists, recovery is much harder and may require a formal claim.
Are there limits on how much I can send?
Limits vary by sending country, your bank, and the remittance service. Some countries have regulatory caps on outbound remittances. Check with your bank or remittance service for their specific limits before you send.